The NUK Simply Natural Glass bottle is a traditional bottle made from extra durable borosilicate glass. We especially like the attention given to the nipple on the NUK with a unique orthodontic shape and broad nipple base that may be the perfect combination for primarily breastfed babies who struggle with latching on artificial nipples. With clear and easy to read volume markings, a wide mouth opening, and few parts to clean, the NUK is a favorite of parents, and it's a winner in our big book of baby bottles.
NUK Simply Natural Glass Review
A good basic glass bottle that won't break the bank
Price:
$10.00 List
Pros: Glass material, Clear volume markings, Easy to use
Cons: Single vent in nipple, No protective sleeve
Manufacturer: NUK
Pros: Glass material, Clear volume markings, Easy to use
Cons: Single vent in nipple, No protective sleeve
Manufacturer: NUK
By Juliet Spurrier, MD, Abriah Wofford ⋅ Apr 8, 2019
The Skinny
Our Analysis and Test Results
A glass bottle provides a chemical-free feeding vessel for baby.
Performance Comparison
NUK has been in the baby business for over 50 years and makes a wide variety of children's products for those with little ones running around. Their Simply Natural Glass bottle is a perfect combination of quality and affordability, earning it a Best Value award in our review.
The NUK has only three parts in total, all of which are easy to clean.
Likes
The primary advantage of this bottle is that it is glass. The borosilicate glass makes the NUK extra durable and resistant to thermal shock. The volume markings are white numbers painted on the outside of the bottle that we thought would be difficult to read against the background of white milk but it turned out not to be a problem as there is enough contrast between the two whites to easily make out the numbers.
The nipple on this bottle is another high point with many features that are designed to give it a more breast-like feel. It has an extra wide nipple mound and is made with softer than average silicone. The orthodontic shape is skinny in the middle and larger and slightly flattened at the top. Depending on the flow rate of the nipple, you either get 3, 6, or 9 holes in the tip, rather than one hole that gets larger or smaller. All of this combined makes for a more familiar feeding experience for babies who are used to being breastfed.
With only one plastic part on the bottle, the contents have little to no contact with potentially leaching chemicals. The wide mouth opening makes it easy to clean and transfer liquids but you will still probably need a bottle brush for the 8 oz version and will need a nipple brush for either one.
A natural and easy latch was attained with the NUK nipple.
Dislikes
We were disappointed that there is no protective sleeve available for this bottle. Drops and bumps are inevitable, and we think many parents would appreciate an extra layer of protection for a glass bottle used near a baby.
We also don't like the one vent hole in the nipple, that is meant to be positioned directly under the baby's nose. This, in combination with the asymmetrical shape of the nipple, means that you must twist the bottle to the correct position for every feeding instead of just popping it in. If the nipple is positioned incorrectly, it may feel awkward for baby, and the nipple vent has a greater chance of being blocked, causing nipple collapse or feeding frustration.
Baby will probably not be able to hold the bottle on their own until they are a little more grown up.
Conclusion
Overall, we like the NUK Simply Natural Glass bottle, and think it could be a perfect solution for babies who are particular about their nipple shapes. Glass offers a healthy alternative for those who are trying to do what's best for baby and the environment, and the Nuk will let you do this while staying within budget. If you are willing to take extra care handling this bottle, it could be one that keeps mom and baby satisfied.
— Juliet Spurrier, MD, Abriah Wofford