The Best Baby Bottle Review

Body material: Silicone and Plastic | Bottle mouth: Wide

The Comotomo impresses with its eco-friendly materials, breastlike nipple, and overall simplicity. The silicone body and nipple ensure baby's milk has minimal contact with plastic, while also giving a soft, breastlike surface to grab when feeding. The nipple is softer than average and has a vent on either side to help your baby swallow more milk and less air. Users report that the silicone is durable, and thanks to the wide neck design, it is easy to clean without a bottle brush. However, you'll likely want a small brush to make sure that the nipple valves are free of residue, to keep the milk flowing freely. With only three parts, it is simple to assemble and quick to clean.

We like the advantages of silicone for the body, but there are some downsides. The pliable material doesn't create much support, and because the base is smaller than the top, it has a tendency to fall over. Also, due to the squeezable nature, a small stream of milk can spray from the nipple when only a little pressure is applied (think inside a diaper bag or accidentally sat on). These are all relatively minor drawbacks which is why the Comotomo is one of our favorites and one we would use or recommend to a friend.

Read Review: Comotomo

Body material: Borosilicate Glass | Bottle mouth: Narrow

We are huge fans of the Lifefactory bottle. It is high-quality borosilicate glass, which is durable and thermal shock resistant, with the ability to go from freezer to warmer without breaking. The included silicone sleeve provides an added layer of protection and grip, and the available sippy caps make this one you can use into toddlerhood. The glass bottle lip seals with the silicone nipple, never giving liquids a chance to contact plastic. The valve system is super simple with ridges on the bottom of the nipple flange that allow air to pass through. You need to avoid screwing the nipple on too tightly, or it will prevent ventilation which can cause the nipple to collapse.

One of the downsides of glass is its heavy, which makes it difficult for baby to hold. This bottle also has a narrow opening, which is harder to fill and difficult to clean, even with a bottle brush. Also, the narrow neck means this nipple has the narrowest base in the bunch. While we prefer nipples with a wider base, because they are more breastlike, we haven't heard many baby latching complaints. The volume markings are raised dots on the silicone sleeve that are easy to read but can be hard to line up with contents in the bottle. We think that despite these minor issues, the Lifefactory bottle is a good longterm investment for the eco-minded who want a bottle that is multi-functional and longlasting.

Read Review: Lifefactory

Body material: Silicone | Bottle mouth: Wide

The innovative design of the Boon Nursh is a new twist on an old concept. While most baby bottles have a valve for airflow to prevent colic, the Nursh relies on its collapsable silicone liner to create a vacuum and an air-free system. This design is similar to a bottle with a plastic drop-in liner, but it uses an eco-friendly and health-conscious material. The silicone liner seals with the silicone nipple, keeping contents in a chemical-free environment and the liner has a plastic outer shell to hold that also makes the base more stable. The wide mouth makes liquid transfer easy and the silicone liner is removable and can flip inside out for easy cleaning; there are no small parts or tiny vent holes to worry about. The wide nipple base creates a more breastlike feeding experience for little ones and may make it easier to get a good latch.

The silicone liner is thin and pliable for easy sucking, but this makes it somewhat delicate. If handled roughly, it may tear easier than other silicone bottles. However, with normal use, this shouldn't be an issue. The hard plastic outer shell gives nearly 360° protection when the bottle is assembled and prevents liquid from being squeezed out by mistake. The nipple is stiffer, perhaps to prevent nipple collapse as the baby feeds. Although we like that the parts that touch baby's food are healthier, a good portion of this bottle is plastic, which isn't great. The volume markings are etched into the outer shell and match up with liner markings, but they can be challenging to read. Despite these considerations, we think the Boon Nursh is an excellent bottle. Silicone is a great alternative to plastic that is lighter and more durable than glass, and the unique non-venting system of the Nursh may be just right for your baby.

Read Review: Boon Nursh

Body material: Borosilicate Glass | Bottle mouth: Wide

The NUK Simply Natural Glass is a simple glass bottle with no extras that still gets the job done. It is a durable borosilicate glass that seals with the silicone nipple, ensuring food never has contact with plastic, making it eco-healthy. The nipple has a wide base that is slightly flattened at the tip for a more breastlike design that may be good for babies who struggle to latch on narrow or standard nipples.

Unfortunately, NUK doesn't offer a sleeve for the Natural Glass bottle, so it can be more prone to breaks. There is an anti-colic vent that must be positioned right under the nose when feeding and users report that if the vent is not positioned properly that it won't let air in and the nipple can collapse, but it is easily avoided with a twist of the bottle. Overall, if you are budget-minded, and want a quality bottle that will keep potential chemicals out of your baby's food, we think you'll like the NUK.

Read Review: NUK Simply Natural Glass

Body material: PP Plastic | Bottle mouth: Wide

The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature is a long time favorite for a number of reasons. The squat, contoured shape and its lighter weight make this bottle easy for small hands to hold. The wide mouth is easy to fill and clean, and with only three parts, there isn't much to keep track of or clean. The volume markings are dark and easy to read and we like that the nipple mound is wide and more breastlike. While we are not fans of plastic, it is durable and budget-friendly.

Although the wide mouth makes cleaning a bit easier, you'll need a bottle brush to clean this oddly shaped bottle. Also, the liquid can get stuck below the rim and require some feeding acrobatics to consume. Some users report that with heavy use the volume markings wear off, but the biggest downside is it is plastic. So, while there are many things to love, we hesitate to recommend it as an everyday option. However, the durability and lower price make it a great backup, travel companion, or daycare choice.

Read Review: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature

Body material: BPA-free Plastic | Bottle mouth: Wide

If you live on-the-go with a formula fed baby, then the PopYum may be the perfect bottle for you. This innovative plastic bottle stores pre-measured water and the formula powder without mixing them. This means you can have freshly mixed formula anywhere while eliminating the need to carry a separate container. The volume markings are clear white numbers on an orange background, that don't disappear when the bottle is full. The wide nipple mound provides a more breastlike feeding experience and the wide mouth opening makes filling the bottle a cinch. While it does have several parts to facilitate the separation of liquid and powder, the whole thing comes apart for easier cleaning. If you happen to lose one of the parts, the company has a good reputation for being helpful and often sending replacement parts for free.

We don't like the materials of this bottle, as it is mostly plastic. However, when used on-the-go, this is beneficial, as it will travel better and be more durable. Another downside is that it only holds 5 oz of mixed formula, but it is twice as large as the competition. This is inevitable as it needs twice the space to keep water and formula separate, but in the end, it will still take up more space in the diaper bag. Last, you must take special care to correctly assemble the bottle after filling the compartments. A failed seal can result in bottle contents mixing before your baby is ready to eat, which defeats the purpose. We like the PopYum and think it fills a specific niche in a way that some parents will find helpful enough to overlook its few flaws.

Read Review: PopYum

Body material: Tempered Glass | Bottle mouth: Narrow

The Evenflo Vented + Glass is a simple classic; no tricks or twists with this one. We appreciate the fact that it is made of glass and is still one of the least expensive bottles in this review. It is tempered glass that is treated to be more durable than regular glass but still may be more prone to cracking than borosilicate. With only three parts, it is easy to clean, but the narrow mouth opening requires a bottle brush. A single vent in the nipple allows air to pass and helps prevent colic, but it may require a special tiny brush to clean.

We like that this bottle is glass, but it is not the sturdiest type and Evenflo doesn't offer a protective sleeve, so it is likely to break sooner than other glass bottles in this review. The nipple mound is pretty small and may be challenging for breastfed babies. The volume measurements are clear raised markings on the glass that can be difficult to read, whether the bottle is full or empty. Although it may not be the top of the pack, we still believe that the Evenflo Vented + Glass bottle is a good option for those on a tight budget trying to maintain a health-conscious environment for baby. If you are willing to take extra care with your bottles, it could be a good choice.

Read Review: Evenflo Vented + Glass

Body material: BPA-free Plastic | Bottle mouth: Narrow

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original has long been touted as the ultimate solution for colicky babies. Their unique venting system ensures that air is properly funneled through the bottle without coming into contact with the milk, which prevents air bubbles that baby could swallow. It is also supposed to help prevent nutrient loss by avoiding oxidation that occurs when air bubbles pass directly through the milk. Many parents claim it works so well to reduce colic that it is worth all the extra time cleaning the parts. It is also very light, which makes it easier for a baby to hold on their own when the time comes. The volume markings are blue and easy to read.

We are not huge fans of plastic, and this bottle has a lot of it. With a total of 5 parts (not counting the nipple cover), all but the nipple are plastic. Not only are there lots of parts to clean, but there are so many small openings and crevices that Dr. Brown's sells a special cleaning kit to accommodate this. The directions say that all parts are dishwasher safe, but we strongly discourage throwing plastic in the dishwasher as it can degrade the plastic and increase the likelihood of chemicals leaching into the contents of the bottle. Some parents find relief for their gassy babies with this bottle, and it may be exactly what your baby needs, but if your little one isn't colicky, we think there are better options to try first.

Body material: Borosilicate Glass | Bottle mouth: Wide

Everything about the Boob bottle screams ease of use, and the Joovy Boob Diamond is an improved version of Joovy's original Boob bottle. This new version is made from borosilicate glass that is supposed to be 50% less breakable, earning the diamond status. Besides being more durable, it functions exactly the same as the older Boob. The volume markings are dark numbers printed on the glass that are easy to read. There is a total of four parts to clean, and the wide mouth makes it easy with no special tools needed (although a bottle brush may come in handy even if it's not necessary). The contoured shape is easier to hold and if you purchase the silicone sleeve you'll get a better grip and drops protection. The vent system on the bottle is a ring that fits around the rim of the bottle and allows a bit of air to pass through. It's not as simple as a vented nipple, but it is easy to clean and assemble. The nipple mound is not as wide as some, but we think it is wide enough to suit most baby's needs.

Even great bottles have some downsides. Many users report that the venting ring warps over time, especially if you put it in the dishwasher. It is possible to buy replacements, but wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to worry about it? Also, this bottle is the most expensive in our review, and with the additional purchase of the sleeve, it is nearly double the price of the average bottle, without double the features to show for it. It is comparable to the Lifefactory with a wider nipple mound and easier to read markings, but it functions much the same. We love this bottle, but couldn't bring ourselves to give it an award when there are other options that are almost as good for half the price. The one advantage is the breast like shape of the nipple, so if you find that your baby prefers this nipple over others, and your budget allows, we think you'll love the Boob Diamond.

Body material: Silicone and BPA-free Plastic | Bottle mouth: NA

The aLoo is a creative solution to a very frustrating problem: wasted breastmilk. Many times a baby will start a bottle and decide halfway through that they don't want to continue, leaving mom with a half-full bottle of breastmilk contaminated by bacteria from baby's backwash that must be dumped down the drain. The aLoo solves this problem by creating a barrier between the nipple and the body of the bottle, so very little breastmilk mixes with saliva. It keeps things separate but doesn't inhibit the flow of milk into the baby's mouth. It is compatible with 7 different bottle brands at the moment with more on the way.

This product is new and still in the works, so it has a few kinks to work out. The one we purchased fit with the Philips Avent Natural Glass bottle, and we find that if left on its side, it causes the bottle to leak from the rim. Many other users had similar troubles achieving a proper seal, or not fitting correctly in the nipple. Also, it is plastic, so if you are using a glass or silicone bottle to avoid plastic, using the aLoo will throw a wrench in. We love the idea of the aLoo and if it worked 100% of the time, we'd recommend it. However, at $15 a pop, it can double the price of your bottle, and in this stage of its development, it may cause more problems than it solves. From what it looks like, aLoo is working hard to improve the functionality, and we think this could be a must-have item in the future for breastmilk/bottle fed babies.

Buying Advice

There are so many baby bottles on the market, and it may be hard to tell the difference between them. You may be tempted to close your eyes, point your finger, and let fate decide. However, there are some specific qualities that we think can make your baby bottle days much easier… or harder, depending on your choice, so it's best to put some thought into what features are important to you before buying a bottle for your little one.

Ease of Use

Baby bottles are gear you'll be handling upwards of 7 times a day for the first few months with baby, so it is important that it is as simple and painless as possible. You should ask questions like how many pieces will I have to assemble and clean? How tricky is liquid transfer? Is it comfortable to hold? Our favorite bottles have very few parts and are fool-proof to assemble. Bottles such as the Boon Nursh with a wide neck opening will be much easier to mix formula or pour breastmilk into, reducing waste and eliminating the mess. While narrow neck options could result in the loss of liquid and a big mess.

A bottle with clear volume markings you can see in the dark may be important if you want to keep a close eye on how much your baby is eating. Is it comfortable to hold for extended periods of time? What about for baby? Glass bottles like the Lifefactory or the NUK Simply Natural Glass are heavy and harder for a baby to hold. Plastic and silicone options are generally lighter and easier for small hands to manage; the Comotomo is both lightweight and pliable for easy gripping.

Nipple Type

The nipple your baby will like best is hard to predict, so we recommend narrowing it down to just a few brands and purchasing one bottle from each to test. Almost all nipples are made from silicone, but each is shaped differently, and some are stiffer or softer. The NUK Simply Natural Glass has a flattened nipple tip and soft silicone that is meant to closely imitate the breast. Plus, there are some common features that babies tend to like. In general, the more breastlike the nipple, the more likely baby is to get a good latch. This means a wide base is usually best, and selecting the correct flow rate a must.

Leakage

The last thing you want to worry about is leakage. You want to be able to whip up a bottle, screw on the top, and soothe baby ASAP. None of the bottles we tested leaked when they were correctly assembled, but bottles with fewer parts, such as the Evenflo Vented + Glass or the Comotomo, are less likely to be assembled incorrectly, which can prevent leaks. We found that when used in conjunction with the aLoo, any bottle may leak if left on its side too long.

Anti-Colic Features

Every baby bottle in this review has some sort of anti-colic system. Most use a vented nipple, which allows a small amount of air to pass through a hole in the base of the nipple to prevent a vacuum. The Lifefactory has ridges on the base of the nipple that serve the same purpose.

Others have an additional piece that allows air in and out of the bottle. The Joovy Boob Diamond has a collar that fits around the rim of the bottle and leaves a bit of space without releasing milk. Dr. Brown's is perhaps the most complicated venting system with a multitude of parts that requires special tools to clean. However, parents of colicky babies often swear by this bottle. Lastly, as seen in the Boon Nursh, having no vent can also be an effective anti-colic system. This bottle has a silicone liner that seals tightly with the nipple and creates a vacuum, the liner then collapses as baby drinks to relieve the pressure without the need for added air.

Ease of Cleaning

Although all of the bottles we chose are "dishwasher safe" (as indicated by the manufacturer), we strongly recommend handwashing plastic parts to reduce leaching chemicals and to prolong usage. We love the Munchkin Bottle and Nipple Brush for handwashing. Even with a special brush, certain bottles will be easier to clean than others. A baby bottle with a narrow mouth opening will likely spray as you pull the brush out, a problem you won't encounter with wide neck options. The Boon Nursh has only two parts that need real scrubbing, both of which can be turned inside out and cleaned with a regular sponge.

Eco-Health

Eco-health is very important to us, and many bottles we chose are glass or silicone, both of which are generally considered safer than plastic.

There are three main types of plastic that are used in bottles: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethersulphone (PES), and Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU).

• PP plastic is the cheapest and least durable of the three. It quickly degrades in boiling water and can only withstand max temperatures up to 120° C. If you have a bottle made from this plastic it is recommended that you replace it every 6 months.

• PES is the middle of the road option. It will start to degrade when placed in boiling water and can handle temps up to 180° C making it more durable for daily use. It is also recommended that you change PES bottles every 6 months.

• PPSU is the highest performing of the three for durability and heat tolerance. It is frequently used in aerospace and medical devices. Thanks to its high melting point of 208° C, it can be repeatedly sterilized in boiling water. It is naturally BPA-free and does not absorb color or odor. PPSU bottles should be changed yearly.

If the manufacturer does not state the type of plastic used in the bottle, you can generally assume that it is PP. If you are interested in learning more, see our article Are Plastics Safe for Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups?

There are two types of glass used in the baby bottles in this review, tempered glass and borosilicate glass. Tempered glass is created by treating regular glass with a chemical or thermal process to increase durability. It is also more resistant to heat, but it is still not a good idea to go straight from freezer to bottle warmer with this type. Borosilicate glass has a different chemical makeup that makes it extremely durable and helps it endure great and sudden temperature changes without breaking. These bottles generally last a long time and can be trusted to withstand daily use.

Silicone is perhaps the best of both worlds. It is much healthier than plastic and more durable and lighter than glass. Silicone bottles use to be kind of a rarity, but there are many new options on the market. Silicone options included in this review are the Comotomo and the Boon Nursh.

Value

When purchasing a baby bottle, you should consider how much you plan to use it. Are you planning to exclusively bottle feed? Then you will want something that will stand the test of time, not break, and will work well day-to-day. If you are planning to breastfeed and occasionally supplement with formula, then you may opt for a less expensive bottle, as its functionality may be less important on a daily basis. Maybe you want something you can use beyond bottle feeding if so, the Lifefactory would be a good choice as you can buy sippy caps and flat covers for toddlers.

Another consideration is the cost of healthy choices. Is it worth saving a few bucks now, when it could potentially cause health issues down the road? We don't think so. Plastic bottles may not break as often as glass, but if you have to replace them every 6 months, it will add up and be more expensive than glass or silicone in the end.

Conclusion

Baby bottles are an essential piece of baby gear and one that you might be using multiple times a day for more than a year, so it's important to choose the right one for your baby. Important factors like leakage, ease of cleaning, and convenience are all things you should consider. This roundup includes the best of the best with an option for even the most discerning baby and parent and while we can't say what your baby will prefer, we feel confident there is something for everyone in our list.