Introduce Bottle to Breastfed Baby Before or After Feeding

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

Making the transition from breast to bottle can be tricky for some babies so you'll want to make the move as smooth as possible. For most, purchasing a few single bottles makes the most sense until you find the one that works best for your baby and needs. Through trial and error, you and baby may have a preference for plastic or glass, or a slow-flow or wide-neck nipple.

To simplify your routine even further, you may choose to opt for a bottle that connects directly to breast pumps to reduce milk transferring. Finding a bottle that your little one likes, avoids nipple confusion, and doesn't deter them from nursing can be a lifesaver.

Here are the best bottles for breastfed babies.

Our Top Picks

Its narrow design offers a natural latching experience for babies while the glass material can withstand cold and hot temperatures.

Great for newborns and older babies alike, its wide mound and naturally shaped nipple prevents any confusion.

This affordable set of six provides you with BPA-free bottles that are not only easy to clean but also mimic Mom's breast.

If you're preparing for introducing formula, this option's flexible design helps your little one bounce between skin and bottle.

Ideal for latching, thanks to the gradual sloped nipple, the nipple also has a slow flow and a built-in venting system.

Besides mimicking the breast and keeping a good latch intact, this bottle is also designed to help babies with colic or reflux.

While their base isn't as wide as other picks, these BPA-free bottles feature two sizes and flow, tailored to your baby's age.

These bottles were made for babies with reflux in mind with their patented vented base that gets out air bubbles.

Pros

• Dishwasher (top rack) and sterilizer safe

• Can be used with or without anti-colic vent system

• Sturdy glass bottle

Cons

• Heavier than plastic bottle

• Multiple parts involved in the anti-colic vent system

Lactation consultants love this bottle for breastfeeding babies. It may seem counterintuitive since it has a narrow neck and is not shaped like a breast. However, contrary to popular belief, some lactation experts say that wide-neck bottles are actually harder for babies to latch onto since the bases are so wide. The more narrow design of this bottle and nipple by Dr. Brown's provides a natural latching experience for babies, making it easy to switch between bottle and breast.

The nipple is designed to provide a consistent, steady flow of milk similar to breastfeeding. At an affordable price, Dr. Brown's bottles come with an internal vent system that helps air escape reducing gas and discomfort for babies. As your baby becomes more established at feeding, the vent can be removed.

These bottles are made of borosilicate glass, which can withstand the freezer and boiling water. Moms also report they don't break if you drop them. Glass bottles are naturally free of BPA and easy to clean. These Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Options + Narrow Bottles are top-rack dishwasher safe.

Volume: 4, 5, 8, and 9 ounces | Materials: Glass bottle, silicone parts

What the Experts Say

"When buying a bottle for your breastfed baby, look for a bottle that has a gradual sloped nipple that allows for a wide mouthful of nipple-like Dr. Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck and Evenflo Balance+. Choosing a nipple that is appropriately sloped will help the baby get the nipple deeply into their mouth in an attempt to mimic their latch at the breast." -Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Consultant

Pros

• Ultra-wide neck design

• Safe in microwave, boiling water, dishwashers and sterilizers

• Easy to clean

Cons

• Wider size is harder to fit in traditional bottle shaped slots in diaper bags and bottle holders

• Limited color options (Pink and Green)

The Comotomo bottle can be purchased in either a 5-ounce or 8-ounce size so it's great for newborns and older babies alike. What makes them easy for those introducing the bottle is they have a wide mound with a naturally shaped nipple to prevent any confusion.

Besides being easy for your baby to latch onto, these are also made of silicone, which is BPA-free and can safely go in the dishwasher and microwave. The silicone also gives these a super soft grip that babies enjoy holding onto. The nipple on these has a dual vent which will help ease any discomfort and prevent burps. And best of all, these bottles have an extra-wide base so they are really easy to clean, which is a must for any tired household. These bottles are on the pricey side so just try a few at first before you commit to more.

Volume: 5 or 8 ounces | Materials: 100 percent silicone

What Our Editors Say

"I exclusively breastfed my son for his first three months, and then began supplementing with formula when I returned to work since my supply couldn't quite keep up with his appetite. We used these bottles and didn't have any nipple confusion. He nursed with ease in the morning and at night and took expressed milk and formula during the day with them without issue. The wide opening makes cleaning easy and I appreciated how few parts these bottles have." — Ashleigh Morley, Commerce Editorial Director

Pros

• Multi-pack includes six colorful bottles

• Measurement markings on the bottles

Cons

• No choice of color combinations

All your baby gear can add up quickly. If you aren't looking to spend a small fortune on baby bottles, you might want to try this festive pack from Tommee Tippee that adds a little color to your feeding routine. This set of six provides you with BPA-free bottles that are not only easy to clean with their wide base—they also mimic Mom's breast so you won't have to worry about nipple confusion. The bottles are also easy to hold on to so anyone feeding the baby can get comfortable.

Parents love the bright colors on them and say they make cleaning them a little more fun. They also commend the value and the easy-to-read numbers on the side which make the middle of the night feedings a lot easier.

Volume: 5, 9, and 11 ounces | Materials: BPA free bottle and soft silicone nipple

Pros

• Multiple sizes and bottle materials available

• Compatible with Avent and Spectra breast pumps

• Glass or polypropylene options

Cons

• Wider base may not fit in bottle holders or warmers

• Fewer size options with glass bottles

If you're planning on giving your baby more than a bottle here and there, you might want to add a set of bottles to your arsenal to prepare for being away from your baby or introducing formula. The Phillips Avent Natural bottles are a popular choice for parents because they are affordable, easy to clean, and many infants have no trouble transitioning between bottle and breast.

The nipple on these bottles is breast-shaped and extra flexible, helping your little one bounce between skin and bottle. Like most bottles on this list, they also have a wide base which helps promote a healthy latch and will help mom out. The anti-colic valve helps remove any unwanted gas from the feeding, which will help prevent a fussy baby.

This is a 4-ounce model but the line also comes in a 2, 9, or 11-ounce model, as well as two different glass bottles so you can choose whatever size or material works for your family.

Volume: 2, 4, 9, and 11 ounces in polypropylene bottles, 4 and 8 ounces in glass bottles | Materials: Polypropylene or glass bottles

What Experts Say

"I recommend purchasing smaller bottles that hold a maximum of 4 ounces of milk - most breastfed babies only need 2-4 ounces per feeding and 8-ounce bottles aren't needed." —Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Consultant

Pros

• Compatible with Evenflo Balance+ Wide Neck Pump Adapter (sold separately)

• Dishwasher safe (top rack)

Cons

• Not compatible with Spectra pump

The nipple on this bottle is the best for latching, according to lactation consultants. That's because it has a gradual sloped nipple that babies can get their whole mouths around, which mimics breastfeeding. The nipple also has a slow flow, which allows for a steady stream of milk, similar to what the baby gets at the breast. Evenflo bottles have a patented, built-in venting system that reduces gas but the one in this bottle only has one valve, which some parents report can leak.

The Evenflo Feeding Balance bottles come in six ounces, which is perfect for breastfed babies who typically consume no more than 3 to 5 ounces of milk per feeding. You can pump directly into these bottles and since they are glass, you can place them in the freezer and then defrost them without them shattering.

These are easy to clean by hand or place in the top rack of the dishwasher. They are naturally free of BPA and come in a pack of three.

Volume: 5 and 9 ounces | Materials: FDA approved food- grade silicone and polypropylene

Pros

• Pump adapter (sold separately) is compatible with many breast pumps, including Medela, Lansinoh, and Evenflo

• Dishwasher safe (top rack)

Cons

• Multiple parts to clean and assemble

• Limited volume options

Oh, that latch! If you are concerned that using a bottle will throw off your baby's latch, you might want to try this pick. The nipple on this is designed to stretch much like a real nipple, helping your baby latch correctly. Plus, once the baby puts pressure on the nipple, milk will come out, mimicking the breast. When using bottles with a breastfed baby you don't want the milk to come out too fast, otherwise, the baby will prefer the bottle for a faster feed; this is referred to as nipple confusion.

Besides mimicking the breast and keeping a good latch intact, this bottle is also designed to help babies with colic or reflux. A pumping adaptor can also be purchased so Mom can pump right into the bottle, saving on cleaning time.

Volume: 4 and 8 ounces | Materials: BPA-free bottle and silicone nipple

Pros

• Compatible with all Medela breast pumps

• Dishwasher safe

• Multipack

Cons

• Limited volume options

• Less flexible nipple than other bottles

Pumping can be a full-time job and the last thing most moms want to do after a long day is clean bottles and pump parts. For many who use a Medela pump, using the Medela bottles for feeding baby can help cut down on cleaning time and make pumping directly into a bottle more seamless.

These BPA-free bottles come in both a 5-ounce size that has a slow flow intended for newborns or an 8-ounce size with a medium flow nipple which can work for babies from 4 to 12 months old. All mom needs to do is pump into the bottle and put the nipple on and the baby is ready to be fed. These bottles have a very accurate line on them so mom will know how much she is pumping and feeding her kid.

These bottles don't have as wide of a base or as flexible of a nipple as some of the other picks on our list, but many parents say their children had no issue going from these bottles and back to the breast, so it all depends on your infant.

Volume: 5 or 8 ounces | Materials: BPA-free plastic

Pros

• Multipack includes four bottles (in two sizes) and two pacifiers

• Self-sterilizing in the microwave

Cons

• Multiple parts to clean

• Four bottles and two pacifiers may be too many for experimenting

Reflux is no joke. If your child is suffering from this, you'll try and do anything to help soothe them. These bottles were made for babies with reflux in mind with their patented vented base that gets out air bubbles so it doesn't get trapped in your baby's tummy. In one study by the company, 80 percent of the mothers tested said after using this bottle their baby had less colic, so it's worth a shot!

What's more, these are also made with breastfeeding moms in mind with a soft silicone nipple. The company says that 94 percent of babies took this nipple in studies.

This set is also a smart buy because it comes with two 5-ounce bottles and two 9-ounce bottles so you can use these from newborn up till your baby starts drinking out of a cup.

Volume: 5 and 9 ounces | Materials: BPS and BPA-free materials

Final Verdict

The Comotomo Natural-Feel Baby Bottle (view at Amazon) makes it easy for babies to latch and easy for parents to clean so it's a win-win for everyone. Dr. Brown's Glass Baby Bottles (view at Amazon) are the next best pick. Try their narrow neck bottle if your baby is having a hard time latching to the wide nipple bases.

What to Look for in a Bottle for Breastfed Babies

Nipple Design

A slow-flow nipple is best for breastfed babies because it best mimics the natural flow of milk from the breast. A wide-neck nipple base may work for some babies but most have a hard time getting their small mouths around them. If your baby is having trouble, opt for a narrow neck with a nipple that has a gradual slope so that your baby can get the nipple deeper into his or her mouth in the same way as breastfeeding.

Material

Baby bottles usually come in plastic or glass. The pros of plastic are that it's lightweight, making it easier for your baby to hold and easier for you to tote around in your diaper bag. Plus, they cost less. However, there are concerns about some of the compounds in plastic, such as bisphenol A (BPA). Look for BPA-free bottles if you opt for plastic.

Glass bottles are heavier but most are made from a stronger type of glass that is heat and shatter resistant. Glass bottles are easy to clean and are naturally free from harmful chemicals. They can also double as food storage containers and most can move seamlessly from freezer to boiling water. The downside is they cost more and they are heavy.

Pump Compatibility

If you want to make your life easier, look for a bottle that your breast pump can connect to so that you don't have to worry about transferring milk from bottle to bags and back to bottles. Many glass bottles on the market connect directly to breast pumps. After pumping, you can place glass bottles in the freezer, and then when you're ready to use them, it's easy to defrost them in the refrigerator or hot water.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which bottle nipple is best for breastfed babies?

  Look for a bottle nipple that has a gradual slope, isn't too wide, and has a slow flow. The slope and narrower base make it easy for babies to get as much of the nipple in their mouths as possible in order to mimic the same latch as breastfeeding.

  Wide base nipples may look more like a breast, but experts say that wide bases actually make it more difficult for babies to get their mouths around the nipple in the same way they do when breastfeeding. Breastfed babies do well with a slow-flow nipple, even as they get older. However, if you have a strong let-down, then your baby might do better with a medium or faster flow nipple.

• How do I introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby?

  Lactation consultants recommend waiting until 4-6 weeks of age to introduce a bottle to your breastfed baby if possible. "Nipple confusion is not really confusion but more so a preference," says Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, registered dietitian and lactation consultant.

  "'Nipple preference means that the baby becomes used to a very fast flow from a bottle nipple and starts to prefer the bottle due to the ease of obtaining the milk versus having to actively suckle at the breast to obtain milk. Paced feeding is recommended to avoid nipple preference and should be taught to all caregivers providing breastfed babies with bottle feeds," says Scott.

• How many ounces do I feed a breastfed baby?

  When babies are born, their tummies are only about the size of a cherry and can hold about 1-1.5 teaspoons of milk. Therefore, during the first month of life 1-3 ounces of milk per feeding is adequate. If you plan to continue breastfeeding, it's best to breastfeed as much as possible during this time and not introduce a bottle until 4-6 weeks.

  However, if you need to give a bottle, 1-3 ounces per feeding should be sufficient during the first month. The great thing about babies is that they are intuitive eaters, which means they will let you know if they are still hungry and want more. Likewise, they will stop when they are full. From one month old and beyond, 3-4 ounces of milk is recommended per feeding.

What Experts Say

"Most bottles labeled as 'breastfeeding friendly' have wide bases that are actually the least recommended for breastfed babies. You want to choose a nipple flow rate that is similar to mom's flow. Most breastfed babies do well staying on a slow-flow newborn nipple and do not need to be advanced to a faster flow nipple unless there is a very strong let-down and flow rate." -Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Consultant

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Rachel Sokol is a freelance journalist and an NYC-based mom.

Lainey Younkin, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian and toddler mom who breastfed both of her babies for more than one year. She contributed to some of the product copy, as well as "What to Look For." She interviewed her trusted colleague, Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, registered dietitian and certified lactation consultant, who specializes in feeding babies, for the most up-to-date, evidence-based feeding recommendations for babies who are breastfed and also taking bottles.

Cindy Scott, RD, CLC contributed to the FAQ section in this article.

Introduce Bottle to Breastfed Baby Before or After Feeding

Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-bottles-for-breastfed-babies-4174258

Share this post