Whether you're a mom who breastfeeds or formula feeds, at some point you probably plan on being away from your baby. With time away comes time to bottle-feed.
Picking a baby bottle may seem like an easy decision until you get to the store and realize there are hundreds to choose from. This can be overwhelming, especially for new moms.
And with the recent BPA-scare, it can make things even more of a challenge. The good news is, many brands are now switching to BPA-free materials and there are many glass baby bottles out there.
To make it easier for you to select the best option for your baby, we've researched and tested the best of the (BPA-free) best. We even went a step further and categorized them to help you find the best baby bottles for you.
We found five that stand out from the rest, and each one will make your baby very happy. Now, on to our list.
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A convenient and affordable product with disposable liners. Less washing time and the perfect option to take to daycare.
Difficult to tell how many ounces of formula and water you have. Bendable neck design can be hard to clean.
The Playtex line features a unique design. The idea behind the bent neck is that you do not need to squeeze all the air out, because the slant moves the milk down to the nipple. But we found that the silly little slant makes little difference. One thing we did love was the disposable liners which collapse to prevent air from getting inside your baby's tummy.
Although Playtex used to use latex nipples, they have recently switched over to a softer silicone. However, many reviewers stated that it took their baby some time to get used to the nipple since they're a bit thicker and not as soft as more expensive brands.
Some reviewers complained about the extra cost of the liners for this product. However, coming in at under $4 each, the cheap price is unbeatable.
What reviewers say:
A durable, simple product that is attractively priced.
Only full ounce measurements are marked, not half. Storage lids are sold separately.
The Tommee Tippee is our top recommendation for those looking for something simple, yet reliable for both parents and babies. Babies love them, and lucky for parents it comes at an affordable cost. It is made of BPA-free plastic that is extremely lightweight. They have an easy to hold shape with countoured sides which hold 9 ounces, despite their short size.
The slow flow nipple eliminates excessive air flow so your little one will ingest less air bubbles. The silicone is super soft and feels just like skin. This model is great for babies who are breastfed as the nipple feels close to a breast and is slightly shorter and wider than most nipples. They screw on tight, do not leak and wash easily. Everything is relatively easy to clean although you may feel the need for a bottle brush for some of the tinier nooks in the cap and the nipple itself.
Our favorite thing about the Tommee Tippee (besides the name) is the price. At $4 a piece, the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottle is a pretty cheap option on our list, and is perfect for parents who are on a budget.
What reviewers say:
The Medela Breastmilk Bottle is a convenient way to be able to pump and store breast milk in the same container. Simply switch between storage lids and nipples for quick and easy feedings.
Because the nipples are so soft, they tend to collapse due to the lack of venting system.
The Medela Breastfeeding Bottle Set is perfect for the busy mom who can't always be there to breastfeed her baby. They are also perfect for those who would rather feed from a bottle when on-the-go. These BPA-free products attach perfectly to the Medela or Ameda pump which is the biggest selling point. Moms can pump, store, and have breastmilk readily available whenever she isn't. It's fast and easy to screw the bottle to the pump, pump throughout the day, put the cap on, and place in the fridge. No transferring to multiple containers which means less to wash later. We found that pretty convenient. Another unique feature of this brand is the shape, which is much shorter and wider at the top than the traditional longer models making it easier for your little one to hold.
The nipples that come with this brand are interchangeable. Unfortunately, they only come with slow flow nipples. So you'll have to buy medium and fast flow nipples seperately. These nipples are extremely soft and thin - which reviewers loved. However, since there isn't a venting system, they tend to collapse from time to time.
This Medela Breastfeeding Bottle set is very reasonably priced at just under $12 for three, which is fairly cheap considering. However, various retailers we've seen have almost doubled the cost. Amazon has the best price on the three-pack we could find anywhere.
Why reviewers say:
A BPA-free glass model with a wide nipple promotes natural latch-on. Anti-colic valve makes feeding more comfortable for baby.
Glass can be heavy for babies to hold. No silicone sleeve availible for breakage protection.
The AVENT model is made of BPA-free borosilicate glass. This type of glass is much stronger and less likely to shatter compared to standard glass. However, the glass can be heavy for babies to hold and there is no silicone sleeve availible for protection. One thing we love about these glass products is that they can be safely placed in the freezer or can be heated in a milk warmer. Another plus, the milk is heated much quicker in glass versus plastic.
Newborns love the AVENT product because the shape of the nipple is very close to the shape of a real nipple. They feature a wide shape with a flatter base which promotes natural latch-on. We especially loved that there is no ring that classic bottles have or any extra parts for that matter. This make clean-up super easy. Many moms stated that since the nipple is vented it doesn't collapse or leak during feeding. The anti-colic valve of the nipple releases air back into the bottle rather than into your babies tummy.
Surprisingly, this brand is more affordable than most glass options we've seen. They're actually pretty cheap! At $6+ a piece, you'll have peace of mind knowning there are no chemicals leaking into your baby's milk. And you can't put a price tag on that.
What reviewers say:
A stylish, durable choice that's worth the splurge. Gives baby a mommy-like experience.
The frosted silicone makes it difficult to read the measurements. Lint and hair tend to stick to the silicone exterior. The bottom is narrow and made of soft silicone, so the bottle can tip over easily.
If you're baby prefers a more boob-like bottle, the Comotomo is the one for you. This product features a squishy, silicone body that gives your baby the natural "let down" experience they would have if they were breastfeeding. The Comotomo line is made of medical-grade silicone and is BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free. They are dishwasher safe and extra sturdy. Since the product is made of silicone, it's also much easier for little hands to hold. We're pretty sure you will fall in love with the wide-neck design for brushless, stress-free, cleaning bliss. That's right, say goodbye to those annoying bottle brushes. Another added benefit? It only has three parts: the nipple, fastening ring, and bottle. So it's quick to clean and assemble!
The nipple on the Comotomo is the softest and widest one we've come across so far - making it a replica of the real thing. It features dual anti-colic vents to ensure good air circulation in the bottle. This reduces unwanted colic, spit up, burping and gas.
The Comotomo is definitely not the most cheap option on the market. Moms agree that the "let down effect" and ease of cleaning make this natural product worth the splurge. For an 8 oz. bottle, you are going to spend around $13 and the replacement nipples cost $7 for a pack of 2.
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5 Best BPA Free Plastic and Glass Baby Bottles
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