10 best baby bottles for newborns & breastfed babies
Finding the right baby bottle can be trial and error but these fantastic options will speed up the process.
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Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, there’ll come a time where you’re going to need a good set of baby bottles on hand.
There are plenty of ideal features to look for: wide necks which make for easy cleaning, valves that aim to reduce colic and gassiness, soft and flexible teats that mimic the natural shape of a breast for easy latching, BPA free materials that keep bub safe from harmful chemicals and toxins … the list goes on and on. With all those requirements in mind, finding the perfect bottle might seem like quite the task – but don’t stress, because we’ve got it sorted.
We’ve rounded up some of the top-rated options on the market, from cult fave brands like Tommee Tippee and Philips Avent, all of which are perfect for storing breast milk, feeding with formula, or whatever else you might need.
TOP BABY BOTTLE PICKS
Tommee Tippee Essentials Starter Kit, $159 (was $269) at Baby Bunting
Why we love it: A complete set including a steriliser
What to consider: One customer found the steriliser left the bottles very wet
BPA Free: Yes | Anti Colic: Yes | Warranty: 12 months
What you need to know
If you’ve got no idea where to start and just want all the hard work done for you, look no further. The Tommee Tippee Essentials Starter Kit is exactly what it says: a set of all the must-have baby feeding bits you’ll need conveniently packaged in the one box. It includes eight BPA-free Closer to Nature Bottles with Slow Flow Teats, a soother dummy, a bottle cleaning brush, bottle and food warmer, milk powder dispenser, teat tongs and insulated bottle travel pouch – as well as an electric steam steriliser that kills 99.9 per cent of germs off up to six bottles in just five minutes. If you don’t want the whole set, you can just get a four-pack of the 260ml Closer To Nature bottles at Chemist Warehouse for $24.99.A reviewer said it’s a “great product easy to use and clean. All you need to sterilise baby bottles. There’s no need to spend so much money on sterilising machines, this is cheap and works perfectly well. I wish I had brought this before my last one”.
Philips Avent Natural Newborn Starter Set, $63.99 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Trusted brand that delivers a quality product
What to consider: One customer found it did not help with colic
BPA Free: Yes | Anti Colic: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
What you need to know
A simpler and cheaper set to get you started, the Philips Avent Natural Newborn Starter Set includes two 125ml feeding bottles with extra soft newborn teats, two 260ml feeding bottles with extra soft slow flow teats, a clear newborn soother, and a bottle and teat brush for easy cleaning. The “natural” shape of the bottle is specifically designed for breastfed babies who are trying to get the hang of bottle feeding. A reviewer wrote “The bottles are very easy to clean and wash … they are great for those who breastfeed as the bottles and teats are shaped like the breast and so causes little confusion. My son took to the bottles really well. Great quality from Philips! Very happy”.
Medela Breastmilk Storage Solution Set, $49 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Comes with handy tray, dated lids and storage bags
What to consider: One customer found the tray a little big for bottles
BPA Free: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes
What you need to know
Safely store and organise breast milk for the short or long term with the Medela Breast Milk Storage Solutions Set. It includes six bottles, six labelling lids, six 80ml containers with lids, 20 Pump & Save breast milk bags, and an organiser tray that makes it easy to keep in the fridge or freezer. The set works super well with a Medela Breast Pump (or the pump of your choice) so that you can avoid any milk going to waste and keep it for easy feeding at a later time.
Reviewers said “I’m 7 days post-partum and my milk supply is crazy so I already began collecting milk. This storage system is great and easy to use. It also helps my husband feel included in feeding time” and “These definitely make feeding easier. They are easy to use. I pumped right into them, then used the lid in the fridge. The lids are great with the day and time markers. The container that holds the bottles is great too because it is labelled as to which way to keep them organised”.
Chicco Natural Feeling Baby Starter Set, $34 at Big W
Why we love it: Angled teat with a 96 per cent acceptance rate
What to consider: Set only contains two bottles
BPA Free: Yes | Anti Colic: Yes | Age: Newborn+
What you need to know
Offering everything you need to meet the feeding needs of newborns, this set from Chicco offers all the brand’s best exclusive innovations. You’ll get two 150ml Natural Feeling bottles with angled 0 month and up teats, two 250ml Natural Feeling bottles with angled two month and up teats, one four month and up teat with adjustable flow, a Physio Soft 0 to six month soother, and a bottle cleaning brush. The bottles have a 96 per cent acceptance rate thanks to the angled teat which allows for a natural latch and suction, and the double anti-air valve that protects against colic and reflux.
Lansinoh NaturalWave, 2 bottles, $31.33 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: An ergonomic design that’s easy to handle
What to consider: Set only contains two bottles
BPA Free: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Anti Colic: Yes
What you need to know
If you’re just after something simple, these Lansinoh medium-flow bottles will do the trick. The patented NaturalWave Nipple enables baby to replicate natural feeding actions learned while breastfeeding, allowing for a seamless transition for breast to bottle. The Air Ventilation System reduces intake of gas to reduce the chance of colic or spit up, and the soft and flexible bottle is BPA and BPS free for peace of mind.
Dr Browns Options+ Wide Neck Newborn Feeding Set, $79.99 at Baby Bunting
Why we love it: It features a clinically proven anti colic valve
What to consider: One customer found teats turned cloudy after washing
BPA Free: Yes | Age: Newborn+ | Anti Colic: Yes
What you need to know
True to its name, the Dr Brown’s Options baby bottle range allows for versatile feeding options with and without the vent system. The vent system fully vents the bottle for vacuum-free feeding which is similar to breastfeeding – as baby feeds, air is channelled to the back of the bottle, which combined with the wide neck design can eliminate negative pressure and air bubbles to reduce colic. The bottles are BPA free and compatible with most breast pumps. A reviewer said switching to these bottles helped to “Love love love these bottles they are the only ones that don’t give my baby reflux or colic.”
Philips Avent Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Starter Set, $47.96 (down from $54.95) at Amazon Australia
Why we love it:
What to consider:
BPA Free: Yes | Anti Colic: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes
What you need to know
Another favourite from the Philips Avent range, the Anti-Colic set have a wide breast-shaped teat that promotes a natural latch on similar to the breast, making it easy to combine breast and bottle feeding. The anti-colic valve is designed to keep air away from bub’s tummy, to reduce colic and discomfort. The unique shape makes it easy to hold and grip (even for baby!) and the bottle is made from BPA-free material. The set includes two 125ml bottles, two 260ml bottles, a bottle and teat cleaning brush, and an orthodontic soother. A reviewer commented “Amazing quality, doesn’t leak and virtually indestructible if dropped or thrown in a tantrum. Great for all age – babies and toddlers – and long lasting quality you rarely have to replace”.
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Beaba Glass Bottle, $39.95 at The Stork Nest
Why we love it: Cute handles for bub to grab and hold
What to consider: A single bottle only
BPA Free: Yes | Material: Glass, silicone | Care: Hand wash recommended |
What you need to know
This 210ml bottle is 100 per cent water tight and comes with removable handles for easy grasping in the early stages. Being glass, it’s also hygienic, healthy and easy to clean. Available in pink, sage, grey and blue.
Boon Nursh Bottle 3-pack, $27.96 (down from $34.95) at Baby Bunting
Why we love it: Can be used later as a sippy cup when bub is ready
What to consider: Unclear whether bottles are dishwasher proof
BPA Free: Yes | Anti Colic: Yes| Microwave proof: Yes
What you need to know
Suitable for three months and up thanks to its medium flow, this three pack of bottles is ideal for feeding. The revolutionary air-free feeding design features a silicone pouch that collapses as bub drinks squeezing out the gas-inducing air that causes colic. There’s no straws, vents or valves, which makes cleaning and assembly a cinch, plus the silicone can be boiled, sterilised, microwaves or frozen without issue. You can find more Nursh bottles in different sizes and multi or singular packs at here. A reviewer said they’re “Well worth the purchase, a very good product that is a life saver. Bubs enjoys them so much and the best part is that she no longer gets awful tummy aches and pains from all the air. 10/10 recommend”.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING BABY BOTTLES
We took the following considerations into account when selecting the baby bottles for this list:
Material: Most bottles available in Australia are BPA free, but it’s always good to check.
Nipple: You want the nipple to be as soft and flexible as possible to make for easy latching and feeding. They all vary in shape but generally aim to mimic the breast, making the transition to bottle as smooth as possible.
Size: Baby bottles come in different sizes but this will depend on your baby’s needs
Features: Some bottles are aimed to help with colic, others offer handles to help grasping skills, some go in both microwave and dishwasher.
Care: When you’re a busy mum of a newborn, you want bottles that are easy to clean and will last the distance.
Mum’s the word: Often the best way to find the right bottle is by talking to other parents who have been there and done that.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MANY BOTTLES SHOULD I BUY FOR MY NEWBORN?
You’ll want around five to ten bottles in your arsenal so that you’ve always got a clean one ready at hand when bub wants a feed. Plus, buying in multi-packs usually allows you to save a few bucks, making them a great value option.
DO BOTTLES NEED TO BE STERILISED EVERY TIME?
Sterilising feeding products is particularly important in the first three months of your little one’s life, or if they were born prematurely or have a weakened immune system. You should always wash your bottles with hot soapy water after every use, then sterilise all the parts to make sure they’re totally germ and bacteria- free. You should continue sterilising at least up to about 12 months.
SHOULD I BUY ANTI-COLIC BOTTLES?
More Coverage
Anti colic bottles aren’t essential, but they’re particularly useful for babies who seem to be upset and gassy after feeding – and for babies without these issues, they certainly won’t hurt either!
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