Best Baby Bottle
The Comotomo bottle impresses with its eco-friendly silicone, breastlike nipple, and overall simplicity. With only three parts, it offers uncomplicated assembly and the silicone body and nipple ensure that the formula/milk has minimal contact with plastic. The silicone also provides a soft, breastlike surface for babies to grasp when feeding. The nipple is softer than average and has a vent on either side to help your baby swallow less air with each swallow. This silicone is durable, and thanks to its wide-neck design, cleaning is simple even without a bottle brush. However, you'll likely want a small brush to ensure that the nipple valves are clear of residue to keep the milk flowing freely and prevent the growth of bacteria.
We like the advantages of silicone over plastic for the body, but there are some downsides. The pliable structure doesn't create a stiff structure in the bottle body, and because the bottle's base is much narrower than the top, it can tip over. Also, due to silicone's soft and squeezable nature, a small stream of milk may spray from the nipple when slight pressure is applied. All things considered, these are 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
We are huge fans of the Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottle. Constructed from durable borosilicate glass, this bottle is thermal shock resistant, meaning it can withstand extreme temperatures with less risk of breaking. Imagine a freezer-to-bottle warmer scenario, all in one step! The included stylish silicone sleeve provides a layer of protection and additional grip. This glass bottle seals with a silicone nipple, so contents avoid touching the plastic outer ring at any time. The valve system is super simple, with ridges on the nipple flange that allow air to pass through. With sippy caps available, little ones can use this bottle well into toddlerhood.
The downside of glass is the heavier bottle is more difficult for young babies to hold. The bottle's narrow mouth requires more precision when transferring or pouring liquids and can be troublesome to clean, even with a bottle brush. Also, screwing the nipple on too tightly will prevent ventilation and the nipple may collapse. The narrow neck on this bottle means the nipple base is narrow, too. While we prefer nipples with a broader base because they are more breastlike, we haven't heard many baby latching complaints. There are raised dots on the silicone sleeve to indicate volume measurements, which are easy to read but can be hard to line up with liquid in the bottle. Despite these minor issues, we believe the Lifefactory bottle is an excellent non-toxic product and a great long-term investment for the eco-minded.
Read Review: Lifefactory Glass Bottle
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature is an affordable plastic bottle that is a parent favorite for many reasons. The squat, contoured body shape in combination with its lighter weight makes this simple bottle easy for small hands to hold. The wide mouth is easy to fill and wash by hand, and with only three parts, there isn't much to keep track of, assemble, or clean. We appreciate that the volume markings on the side are dark and easy to read. The nipple mound is wide and mimics a breast's shape, making this a good option for babies who switch back and forth from breast to bottle feeding.
Even though the wide mouth makes cleaning more manageable, you'll need a bottle brush to clean the uniquely shaped base. Some users report that with heavy use, the volume markings wear off, but these markings are typically less critical as your baby ages. During testing, we noticed that some liquid could become stuck below the rim when trying to get the last drops, requiring some feeding acrobatics to free. Despite our preference for non-plastic choices, there are many things to love when it comes to this bottle. Most noteworthy is its durability and budget-friendly price, making this a great backup, travel companion, or daycare option. Tommee Tippee also offers a similar bottle in glass that works with the same nipples, if the plastic in this bottle gives you pause.
Read Review: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature
The Evenflo Vented + Glass is a simple classic; no tricks or twists with this product. We appreciate that it is glass and has an attractive price tag. The single vent in the nipple allows air to pass and helps prevent colic and with only three components, it is easy to clean. When cleaning, the narrow mouth opening requires a bottle brush, and a tiny brush can help clean the single vent.
We like that this bottle is glass, but it may not be the strongest. Although its tempered glass construction has been treated so it is more durable than average glass, it can still be more prone to cracking than borosilicate glass. Also, Evenflo doesn't offer a protective sleeve as a safeguard, a feature found on other glass contenders. Also, the nipple mound is small, which may pose a challenge for breastfed babies unfamiliar with a narrower latch. The volume measurements are clear raised markings on the glass that can be difficult to read, whether the bottle is full or empty. This bottle may not be at the top of the pack, but we believe that the Evenflo Vented + Glass bottle is a good option for those on a tight budget trying to create a healthier environment for their baby. If you are willing to be more careful with your bottles, it could be the right choice.
Read Review: Evenflo Vented + Glass
The innovative design of the Boon Nursh presents a new twist on an old concept. While most baby bottles have a valve for airflow to prevent colic, the Nursh relies on its collapsible silicone liner that shrinks as baby drinks, not allowing any air to enter the bottle. This design is similar to a plastic drop-in liner, but it uses eco-friendly and health-conscious material. The silicone liner seals with the silicone nipple, keeping liquid in a chemical-free environment. The liner drops into a plastic outer shell that acts as a base so the bottle can stand on its own. The bottle's wide neck makes liquid transfer effortless, and when it comes to cleaning, it is beyond easy. Not only is the silicone liner removable and can be flipped inside out for easier cleaning and drying, but there are also 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.
Although the silicone liner is thin and pliable for natural sucking, it can be somewhat delicate. If handled roughly, it may tear easier than other silicone bottles. However, with regular 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 the nipple from collapsing as the baby feeds. While we appreciate that the material that touches baby's food is healthier, this bottle still utilizes a fair amount of plastic, which isn't great environmentally speaking. 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 an attractive 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
The NUK Simply Natural Glass is a simple, straightforward glass bottle that gets the job done with no extra frills. This bottle, made of durable borosilicate glass, seals with the silicone nipple, ensuring that liquid never has contact with plastic, making this a great eco-healthy option. A unique feature of the nipple is that it has multiple holes, similar to a mother's breast, and the number of holes increases as the baby grows into faster flow rate stages. The nipple is also slightly flattened on one side, which is more ergonomic and better for dental development. The nipple mound here is wide, a design that can be good for babies who struggle with latching on narrow or standard nipples.
Unfortunately, NUK doesn't offer an outer sleeve for the Natural Glass bottle. So, it may be more prone to breakage with less protection. The volume measurements are marked in white and can be seen with white milk in the bottle, but we prefer darker markings for contrast. An anti-colic vent must be positioned right under the baby's nose when feeding, and users report that if the vent is not positioned correctly, it won't let air in, and the nipple can collapse. Luckily, you can quickly realign the vent with a twist of the bottle. Overall, if you seek a glass bottle that will keep potential chemicals out of your baby's food, we think this could be a good fit.
Read Review: NUK Simply Natural Glass
If you live an on-the-go lifestyle with a formula-fed baby, then the PopYum may be the perfect bottle for you. These innovative plastic bottle stores pre-measured water and formula powder in separate compartments. By squeezing two buttons, you can have a freshly mixed bottle anywhere, 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 helpful reputation and often sends replacement parts for free.
We don't like the materials of this bottle as it is mostly plastic. However, we realize that plastic is more durable and lighter than glass, which can be beneficial when used on the go or traveling. The bottle only holds 5 oz of mixed formula, but it is twice as large as the competition. 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 assemble the bottle correctly after filling the compartments. A failed seal can result in bottle contents mixing before your baby is ready to eat, defeating its 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
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original has long been praised 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, preventing air bubbles that the baby could swallow. It is also supposed to help prevent nutrient loss by avoiding oxidation when air bubbles pass directly through the milk. Many parents claim it works so well at reducing colic that it is worth all the extra time cleaning multiple parts. It is also very light, making it easier for older babies to hold 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. Also, with multiple parts to clean, plus small openings and crevices, Dr. Brown's sells a special cleaning kit to support this effort. The directions say that all parts are dishwasher safe. Still, we strongly discourage throwing plastic in the dishwasher as it can degrade the plastic and increase the likelihood of chemicals leaching into the bottle's contents. Some parents find relief for their gassy babies with this bottle, and it may be precisely what your baby needs, but if your little one isn't colicky, we think there are better (less convoluted) options to try first.
Everything about the Boob bottle is tailored to your 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, which can withstand temperature shock, and claims to be 50% less breakable; thus, earning the diamond status. Besides its increased durability, it functions the same as the older Boob bottle. The volume markings are dark numbers printed on the glass, which are easy to read. There is a total of four parts to clean, and the wide mouth makes the job easy without the need for special tools (although a bottle brush may come in handy, even if it's not necessary). The contoured shape is more comfortable to hold, and if you purchase the silicone sleeve, available in various colors, you'll get a better grip and added protection from potential breakage. The vent system is a ring that fits the bottle's rim, allowing a bit of air to pass through. This system is not as simple as a vented nipple, but it is easy to clean and assemble. The nipple mound is somewhere between a wide and narrow neck, but we think it is wide enough to suit most baby's needs.
Even great bottles can have downsides. For this bottle, liquids come into contact with the plastic vent and the venting ring can warp over time, especially if you utilize a dishwasher. Replacements are available, but wouldn't it be nice if you didn't need them? Also, this bottle is more expensive, and the silicone sleeve costs extra. Adding the sleeve nearly doubles the price of the average bottle, with no extra features to show for it. We love this bottle but it didn't earn an award as other options we tested were almost as good and cost half as much. 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, the Joovy Boob Diamond might be the one for your family.
Not Recommended: Simply Needs to Work Better
aLoo
Body material: Silicone and BPA-free Plastic | Bottle mouth: N/A
The aLoo is a creative solution to a frustrating problem: wasted breastmilk. Often a baby will begin a feed but decide halfway through they don't want to finish. Because bacteria can begin growing from the moment your baby's saliva enters the bottle, any leftover breastmilk needs to be discarded. The aLoo solves this problem by creating a barrier between the nipple and the body of the bottle. Thus, keeping breastmilk and saliva separate without inhibiting milk flow. The aLoo is compatible with 7 different bottle brands, with more on the way.
This product is new, so we experienced a few kinks during testing. We discovered that although the aLoo fit the Philips Avent Natural Glass bottle, the bottle's contents would leak if the bottle fell over. Other users expressed similar issues achieving a proper seal or the aLoo not fitting correctly in the nipple. Also, the aLoo is plastic, so if you are using a glass or silicone bottle to avoid plastic, the addition of the aLoo somewhat negates this effort. We are intrigued by the idea of the aLoo, and if it worked 100% of the time, we'd highly recommend it. However, at $15 a pop, it potentially doubles the price of your bottle. In this stage of development, it may create 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 useful item sometime in the future.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to baby bottles, the BabyGearLab Team is exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate. Overseeing this review is BabyGearLab founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier a board-certified pediatrician and mother of two. Relying on her experience as a mother, plus medical training and practice as a physician, Dr. Spurrier selects top products to put through extensive testing. Product testing took place in-house at BabyGearLab by Senior Review Editor, Abriah Wofford, a leading member of BabyGearLab's Review Team since 2015. Also contributing with hands-on, real-world testing is MaryAnn Wofford and her 7-month-old charge, Annie. MaryAnn is a mother to 6 children and has over ten years of professional nanny experience.
We purchased each product in this review for hands-on testing. To determine the best, each contender experienced extensive testing and a side-by-side comparison to evaluate critical metrics like leakage, ease of cleaning, eco-health, and more. Also influencing our final analysis and rank of products is feedback from infant testers and their caregivers about baby preference and ease of use.
Analysis and Test Results
With so many baby bottles to choose from, it may be hard to tell the difference between manufacturers' various features and claims to be the "best." Honestly, it may be tempting to close your eyes, point your finger, and let fate decide. However, we think some specific qualities can make your baby bottle days much easier or harder, depending on your choice. We suggest pre-determining how you plan to feed your baby and what features are important to you before investing in a bottle for your little one.
Value
When purchasing a baby bottle, you should consider how much you plan to use it. Are you planning to bottle-feed exclusively? If so, you will want a durable bottle that stands the test of time. Suppose you are planning to breastfeed and occasionally supplement your baby's diet with formula, then a bottle's functionality may be less important. Another consideration is the cost of healthier materials. Plastic bottles like the Tommee Tippee is a lightweight and economical bottle with a well-liked nipple with an easy to use and clean design. However, the lower price of plastic may not be as high of a priority to you as the value of using healthier materials like silicone. If so, we think the Comotmo is a great value that is easy to use and should last for the duration of your baby's bottle-feeding years making it a good value for longevity.
Ease of Use
If you're bottle-feeding, chances are you'll be handling baby bottles upwards of 7 times a day for the first few months. We suggest selecting a product that is painless and effortless to use. You should ask yourself questions like, how many pieces will I have to assemble and clean? How tricky is a 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. However, narrow neck options, like the Evenflo Vented + Glass, can result in liquid or mess loss.
If you want to monitor how much your baby is drinking, we suggest selecting a bottle with distinct volume markings. Also, ask yourself, is it comfortable to hold? What about for a baby? Glass bottles like the Lifefactory or the NUK Simply Natural Glass are heavier and more challenging for a baby to hold. But, plastic and silicone options are generally lighter and more comfortable for small hands to manage, and the Comotomo is both lightweight and pliable for easy gripping.
Nipple Type
It can be challenging to know which nipple type your baby will prefer. We recommend narrowing down the options to a few brands and purchasing one bottle from each to test for the first few weeks. Almost all nipples are silicone and vary in shape. Also, some are stiffer, whereas others are softer. However, there are a few common characteristics that babies typically like. In general, the more breastlike the nipple is, the more likely the baby is to get a good latch. A nipple with a wide base is usually best, and selecting the correct flow rate a must. The NUK Simply Natural Glass has a flattened nipple tip and soft silicone, which closely imitates the breast.
Leakage
The last thing you want to worry about is leakage. Plus, when hunger hits, you will want to whip up a bottle, screw on the top, and soothe your hungry baby ASAP. During testing, none of the bottles leaked when correctly assembled. In our opinion, bottles with fewer parts, such as the Evenflo Vented + Glass or the Comotomo, are less likely to be assembled incorrectly, which can prevent leaks. Our tests show 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 type of anti-colic system or claim. Most of the competition uses a vented nipple, which allows a small amount of air to pass through a hole in the nipple base to prevent a vacuum. The Lifefactory has ridges on the base of the nipple that serve the same purpose.
Others have an additional component that allows air in and out of the bottle. The Joovy Boob Diamond has a collar that fits around the bottle's rim and leaves a bit of space without releasing milk. Dr. Brown's is perhaps the most complicated anti-colic venting system using multiple parts that require 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 features a silicone liner that seals tightly with the nipple and creates a vacuum. As your baby drinks, the liner collapses to relieve the pressure without the need for added air.
Ease of Cleaning
All of the bottles in our roundup claim to be "dishwasher safe" by the manufacturer. However, as a general rule, we strongly recommend handwashing plastic parts to reduce the potential of leaching chemicals and to prolong a product's life. We recommend using a bottle brush for handwashing all things bottle or sippy-related. But, even with a special brush, some parts can be more challenging to clean than others. A baby bottle with a narrow mouth opening can spray as you pull the brush out, whereas wide-neck options are less likely to create such a messy spray. 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. Keeping this in mind, most of the bottles we tested are glass or silicone, which are considered safer for babies and the environment than plastic options.
There are three main types of plastic used in bottles: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethersulphone (PES), and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU).
- PP plastic is the cheapest and least durable of the three types. It can quickly degrade in boiling water and can only withstand max temperatures up to 120° C. If you have a bottle that uses 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. Experts recommend that you change PES bottles every 6 months as well.
- PPSU is the highest performing, most notably 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 replaced yearly.
If the manufacturer does not state the type of plastic used in the bottle, you can assume it is PP.
Related: Are Plastics Safe for Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups?
When it comes to glass, there are two types to consider: borosilicate glass and tempered glass. Borosilicate glass has an entirely different chemical makeup that is extremely durable and helps bottles endure significant and sudden temperature changes without breaking. These bottles generally last a long time and can be trusted to withstand daily use with ease. Tempered glass is created by treating regular glass with a chemical or thermal process to increase durability and lessen the likelihood of breakage from drops and bumps. It is more resistant to heat, but it is still not a good idea to go straight from the freezer to the bottle warmer with tempered.
Silicone is an excellent compromise among the various material options. It is much healthier than plastic, plus more durable and lighter than glass. Silicone bottles use to be kind of a rarity, but today, the market is bursting with new options. Silicone products in our lineup include the Comotomo and the Boon Nursh.
Conclusion
Your little one could potentially be using a baby bottle multiple times a day for over a year. This reality means selecting the right baby bottle that works for your baby and meets your needs is critical for successful feeding. It is important that you consider factors such as leaks, ease of cleaning, and convenience, in your decision-making process. Luckily, we've completed extensive testing to bring you the details you'll require to make an informed decision. While we can't say what features your specific baby may prefer, we feel confident there is something for every baby in our lineup.
— Juliet Spurrier, MD, Abriah Wofford, Molly Bradac