It may occur to some parents that there isn’t much confusion when it comes to buying baby bottles. However, your choice can make a huge difference in terms of ease of cleaning, controlling your baby’s portion sizes and ensuring a smooth feeding process. So, before you dive into researching the best baby bottles, here are some things to consider before you purchase one:
Body Material
If you’re only familiar with plastic baby bottles, then you’ve got a lot to learn. There are many options out there when it comes to baby bottles most popular being glass, silicone and stainless steel. Each of them has their pros and cons in terms of portability, durability, and weight. That’s why it’s best to consider your conditions that can affect your baby’s feeding habits rather than buying through someone else’s recommendation.
Nipple Types
While the nipples on the bottle are mainly made of silicone, they come in two basic shapes, which are narrow and breast-like. It’s a common belief that babies find it harder to latch onto narrow nipples, but it’s highly unlikely for you to come across such a problem unless your baby has had medical complications while nursing in general. Even though your baby may not have a problem feeding on a smaller nipple, they mainly come on narrower bottles which are harder to clean. On the other hand, nipples with a shape similar to that of real breasts have a wider base and hence, a wider shaped bottle. Not only will you find such bottles easier to clean but your baby will latch onto this type of nipple without any problems at all.
Vents
Valves and vents are fairly effective when it comes to preventing your baby from ingesting air and reduce burping, colic, and gas as a result. Although this addition indicates that it’s of a higher quality, vents shouldn’t be the main consideration when buying a bottle unless your baby suffers from serious issues because of air ingestion.
1. Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Baby Bottles
These excellent baby bottles are made of plastic and have amazing features that make them a convenient solution to avoid colic and gas. This is because of the vent system that effectively reduces negative pressure, which develops in the bottle as a baby feeds. Moreover, the vent system also eliminates the production of air bubbles, which is what causes air ingestion. The fully vented bottle makes feeding on it similar to breastfeeding because of the positive pressure.
Other than that, you’re all set because this bottle is tried and tested to have reduced problems associated with air ingestion. The nipple is a standard narrow size, but the benefit is that it’s leak-proof unless shaken vigorously.
While these bottles are perfect for infants who are prone to air ingestion while feeding, the vent system is unnecessary for older babies, and you’ll have to clean it well to use it again because the Natural Flow bottles leak without it. It can also be troublesome for when you have to quickly prepare a bottle in the middle of the night and forgetting to put the vent system in place can result in a soaked crib, baby, and blanket. If that’s the case, you can opt for Dr. Brown’s Options bottles that work fine without the vent as well so you won’t be compromising on convenience or the anti-colic feature either.
Key Features
| Bottle Capacity | 2 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz |
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Nipple Type | Narrow, Silicone Type |
| Vented Bottle | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
- Vent system helps in reducing negative pressure the forms in the bottle as baby feeds
- Vents eliminate the formation of air bubbles
- No air ingestion means no gas or colic
- Vents are small and tight so difficult to clean properly
- Natural Flow Bottles leak if the vent is not fixed in place
- Assembly can take longer than bottles without vents
2. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles
Well-renowned baby product brand Tommee Tippee does not disappoint when it comes to baby bottles. They’ve made our list of best baby bottles with the ‘Closer to nature’ model, which are available in two sizes, 5 and 9 ounces. These bottles have a unique curvy shape, which makes them easier for babies to hold on to since they don’t start off by using their fingers right away. That’s not it because there’s more than one way to hold this bottle.
Aside from the usual cradling described above, they can be held with the usual grip or from the base, whichever your baby gets the hang of first. These bottles are wider from the top, which allows them to feature a nipple that is wider from the base as well, mimicking those of an actual breast. This makes it easier to feed infants that are having trouble feeding on a bottle. It does have a vent, but the placement of it doesn’t allow proper functioning since it’s likely to get covered by their lips or chin.
Key Features
| Bottle Capacity | 5 oz and 9 oz |
| Material | Lead-free Plastic |
| Nipple Type | Wide baser, Silicone Type |
| Vented Bottle | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| BPA Free | Yes |
- Nice curvy shape for proper grip
- Easy to clean
- Nipple can help feed babies that have a history of bottle-rejection
- Has a vent system
- It has a vent system, but It often gets covered by a check or shin that makes it difficult for venting to occur
3. Newborn Baby Bottles by Minbie 
These are a new feature on our list, and you may or may not recognize them. However, despite being a newcomer, these newborn baby bottles by Minbie have shown impressive results despite being slightly above the average price range. These are specially designed for newborns, but they can be good for fussy infants as well. They are made from BPA free plastic called polypropylene while their nipples are made of super soft silicone material.
A problem that’s fairly common among newborns is bottle rejection and nipple confusion which occurs when a mother switches between breastfeeding and using a bottle. So not only are these bottles BPA free with unique nipples, but they’ve also incorporated a special anti-colic vent system to help reduce chances of burping, gas and spit up. The small holes are at the base of the nipple, and they allow air to enter the bottle, effectively eliminating air bubbles and negative pressure.
Key Features
| Bottle Capacity | 7 oz |
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Nipple Type | Angled tip, Silicone Type |
| Vented Bottle | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| BPA Free | Yes |
- Unique contoured shape with tip to promote latching
- Bottles are BPA free material: polypropylene
- Nipples are made of soft silicone, and BPA free too
- Useful to prevent bottle rejection by babies
- The milk flow from the slow nipple is too fast for younger infants when compared to other baby bottles
- The unique shape comes at a price which means that the tipped nipple has to be kept inside the baby’s mouth while feeding and keep a close eye
- Babies would like this feature and will spin around the bottle
4. Flipsi Natural Silicone Baby Bottles 
The unique design of the Flipsi Natural Silicone Baby Bottles isn’t so new because a similar idea was implemented a while ago when Playtex bottles were commonly used with a disposable bag of milk. These were by far an ingenious creation because of their ability to prevent colic. It was due to their design that changed its shape according to the amount of milk in the bag without creating a negative pressure.
These Flipsi bottles implement a similar idea except the design is a little more convenient because it utilizes a silicone cup which holds the milk and it is then put into the bottle. The silicone cup falls over the top of the bottle so that when the nipple is screwed on, it not only seals the bottle but the silicone bag as well.
The nipple shape gives this bottle an edge over the rest because it has a wider base and narrow nipple that can help reduce the chances of nipple confusion or bottle rejection. The round shape is easier to hold for some infants, but the large diameter may make it difficult for some to do so. Although it’s a bottle worth considering, it’s important to note that it may not be the best choice for parents looking to save time because assembling the bottle itself takes some time.
Key Features
| Bottle Capacity | 7 oz |
| Material | Polypropylene and Silicone |
| Nipple Type | Wide base, Silicone Type |
| Vented Bottle | No |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| BPA free | Yes |
- Nipple cap forms good fit when screwed over silicone cup
- Silicone cup is conformant, so it shrinks with the amount of milk in it
- Design helps in preventing negative pressure that causes spit-up etc.
- No need for vents which means no leaks!
- Easily clean out the silicone cup, bottle and nipple without brush, in the dishwasher
- Wide nipple shape reduces chances of nipple confusion for fussy feeders
- BPA free and durable silicone and bottle
- Wider bottle is difficult to hold by infants
- Too many components make it difficult to assemble quickly or with only one hand
5. Ventaire Bottles by Playtex 
Playtex is a key player when it comes to making baby bottles because they’ve been making them for a long time. The Ventaire features an excellent design with an angled shape which means you no longer have to get a sore arm out of feeding your baby. The tilted top ensures that milk flows to the nipple without having to be held at an angle. Moreover, it allows you to feed your baby without requiring them to tilt their head all the way back and instead; they feed while remaining in a more upright position.
There is a valve present at the bottom to promote air-flow and keeps a negative pressure from forming within the bottle as your baby feeds. This reduces the chances air ingestion which results in burping and spit-up. However, the major drawback of the valve is that it leaks.
Key Features
| Bottle Capacity | 2-6 oz, 6 oz, and 9 oz |
| Material | Plastic |
| Nipple Type | Narrow, Raised base, Silicone Type |
| Vented Bottle | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| BPA free | Yes |
- Angled shape of bottle helps you feed baby easily without getting sore arms
- You can feed your baby in an upright position which is better for digestion
- Airflow valve helps in reducing the negative pressure build-up in the bottle while baby drinks
- All components are removable for easy cleaning, and it’s dishwasher safe
- Medium and fast flow nipple available separately
- Valve at the bottom of bottle causes leaking
6. Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottles 
This bottle is fairly new in the market, but it’s increasingly gaining popularity for its unique design and success with fussy babies.
The wide base of the nipple and soft silicone makes it so similar to the real thing that babies can’t tell the difference. Moms can then enjoy the benefit of being able to switch between the bottle and breastfeeding their baby.
Furthermore, the wider base means that you can clean it easily and they’ve added a tab to the nipple base which makes the bottle easier to open (for mom) and grip (for babies). You can get the right nipples according to your baby’s feeding habits or simply get a variable flow which automatically adapts to your baby after a couple of uses. There aren’t many drawbacks to this bottle except for the fact that they’re a little pricier and that they’re translucent which makes it hard to see how much milk is in it, especially at night.
Key Features
| Bottle Capacity | 5 oz and 8 oz (approx) |
| Material | Silicone |
| Nipple Type | Wide base, Silicone Type |
| Vented Bottle | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| BPA free | Yes |
- Wide base nipple imitates natural feel of breastfeeding which means no nipple confusion
- Vent system reduces air ingestion to avoid colic
- Squeezable silicone bottle for pressure effect
- Easy to clean design
- Free from harmful materials like BPA, PVC, and phthalate
- No Leakage or waste
- Wide range of nipple flow
- Easy latching mechanism to avoid bottle rejection
- Higher in the price range
- Translucent silicone makes it hard to see the number markings or how much milk is left in the bottle
7. Baby Bottles by Joovy BOOB 
Joovy BOOB’s bottles are widely used by mothers to feed their fussy infants, and the level of ingenuity in these bottles is amazing because they come in three materials: PP, PPSU, and glass. There are variations between the costs and features of each type but rest assured they all provide satisfactory performance.
The glass bottles are made with sturdy glass, and in case you’re worried about breaking, they also come with silicone sleeves that protect them from scratches, make it easier for baby to hold and absorb impact when they’re dropped. The PPSU variant is tinted grey and is made of plastic that isn’t badly affected by cracking, stains and odors. The PP version is similar to PPSU except it doesn’t hold off against discoloration and odors very well.
The nipples on this bottle are made of soft silicone which worked to prevent nipple confusion but not as well as other bottles with wider based nipples. These are easy to clean and sterilize so cleanup won’t be as time-consuming and you can just pop them in the dishwasher too. The only issue aside from the shape that moms experienced was that putting on the vent ring made the overall assembly process longer. It may not seem like a big deal, but it becomes difficult to get a bottle ready in the middle of the night when you’re stumbling in the dark, and many moms have to carry their crying baby in one hand too.
Key Features
| Material | PPSU | PP | Glass |
| Bottle Capacity | 5 oz and 9 oz | 5 oz and 9 oz | 5 oz and 8 oz |
| Nipple Type | Narrow, Silicone Type | Narrow, Silicone Type | Narrow, Silicone Type |
| Vented Bottle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BPA Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
- Great venting system reduces air ingestion to avoid problems with colic
- Soft silicone nipple helps in avoiding nipple confusion
- Easy to clean, sterilize and dishwasher safe
- Free from harmful compounds such as Phthalates, BPA, lead, PVC, and BPS
- Vents prevent buildup of negative pressure
- Curvy bottle shape may be difficult for babies to hold because of wider center
- Addition of venting ring makes assembly complicated and long which can be troublesome if you’re trying to save time
8. Philips AVENT Baby Bottles 
AVENT by Philips continues to come up with innovative solutions to keep up with emerging trends and needs. These bottles are a good recommendation since they’re affordable and meet the basic needs of a good bottle without costing too much.
The AVENT bottles have two main designs, the anti-colic bottle and the natural bottle which is also available in glass. Both of these bottles have anti-colic valves that prevent air ingestion which can lead to burping and spit-up. The natural bottles are a plus since they have a wide base nipple which feels more natural to the baby. This promotes easy latch-on and reduces the chances of nipple confusion which is beneficial for moms that tend to switch between the bottle and breastfeeding. You can buy the Natural bottles of a glass material as well because they can be recycled and they can last much longer if you keep a sleeve on them.
Key Features
| AVENT Type | Anti-Colic | Natural | Natural |
| Material | Polypropylene | Polypropylene | Glass |
| Bottle Capacity | 4 oz, 9 oz, and 11 oz | 2 oz, 4 oz, 9 oz, 11 oz | 4 oz, 8 oz |
| Nipple Type | Narrow, Silicone | Wide base, Silicone | Wide base, Silicone |
| Vented Bottle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BPA Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
- All types have Anti-colic Airflex valve in the nipple which helps in reducing air ingestion which leads to colic
- Natural bottles have a wider nipple base which reduces nipple confusion and promotes easy latch-on
- All baby bottles are ergonomically designed to be easy to clean; dishwasher and sterilizer safe
- BPA free, safe for your baby
- No silicone sleeve available with Natural glass baby bottles
9. Munchkin Latch baby Bottles
These baby bottles are an innovation in the infant category because of their design and all the factors which were taken into consideration when it was developed. The bottle is fairly simple, made of plastic and has an anti-colic valve present at the bottom of the bottle. This makes things less complicated since you don’t have to go through the chore of cleaning the valve like with Dr. Brown’s but that’s where the problem is.
The Latch comes with a special kind of brush that can be used with dish soap to clean it. Some moms had a problem with the nipple collapsing which was an uncalled for interruption of their baby’s feeding time and can be troublesome to pull back out.
Key Features
| Bottle Capacity | 4 oz and 8 oz (approx) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Nipple Type | Wide base, Silicone Type |
| Vented Bottle | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
| BPA free | Yes |
- Easy assembly because vent is fixed to the bottom of the bottle and not separate
- Anti-colic vent helps reduce air ingestion which causes gassiness and burping
- Wide base nipple for easy latch on and no nipple confusion
- Soft silicone nipple stretches, moves and pumps to replicate breastfeeding
- BPA free bottle
- Vent becomes perforated over time which leads to leakage
- Vent can’t be removed and may deteriorate if exposed to heat
- Difficult to clean
- Not dishwasher safe
10. Breeze Baby Bottles by Born Free
Unlike Dr. Brown’s Original bottles or the AVENT Bottles, these are a fairly new design in the baby bottle market. The baby bottles by Born Free incorporate a venting system that’s called ActiveFlow which helps reduce air ingestion by keeping bubbles out.
The Breeze baby bottles by Born Free are a new variation that is kicking the old design out of business. They've certainly improved with these bottles because unlike the previous design; there aren't various parts to clean like the vents which came with the old bottles. Born Free has tried to fight it out with Philips’ AVENT Baby Bottles by implementing a three-component design. That's a whopping one piece less to assemble, and it may not sound like a whole lot, but in the stressful period of parenthood, it makes all the difference.
The wider opening of the bottle was appreciated by parents because it made them easier to fill but the nipples don't bear well if not closed properly because they will leak. The only complains that parents have had with this bottle is that the nipple tends to collapse which can be a frustrating situation for a baby and parent both.
Key Features
| Material | Plastic |
| Bottle Capacity | 2 oz, 5 oz, 9 oz |
| Nipple Type | Wide base, Silicone type |
| Vented Bottle | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| BPA Free | Yes |
- Only two pieces for effortless assembly during any time of the day
- Anti-colic bottle features ActiveFlow Vent to reduce air ingestion which leads to burping and fussiness
- Only two pieces come in contact with the milk or formula; fewer pieces to clean and can be put in dishwasher
- Free from harmful compounds like lead and BPA
- If nipple isn’t screwed on properly, bottle will leak
- Nipple tends to collapse inwards while baby feeds and it’s difficult to pull it back out simultaneously
It is my opinion based on our research and my personal experience that Philip’s AVENT Baby Bottles occupy a special place in this rating. Although they were up against tough competition such as Dr. Brown’s, Comotomo and Tommee Tippee, The AVENT bottles by Philip’s beat them by a mere inch because of experience and performance.
While Dr. Brown’s bottles have been on the market for decades, they seem to be lacking in the nipple department by featuring one with a wider base that helps babies latch on easily. Runner-up Comotomo featured a squishy bottle and wide base nipple but lost because of the silicone bottle which was effective but made it difficult to see the amount of milk in the bottle. Although no price is too great to take care of your little one, a cost-effective and affordable option is always appreciated by parents and AVENT fill the quota.
A Little Help… (Best Baby Bottles article FAQ)
Here are a few answers to some common questions about how you can take care of your baby’s bottles.
How To Sterilize Baby Bottles?
Cleaning your baby's bottles is a crucial part of keeping him or healthy but using soap and water shouldn't be the final stage of the process. After cleaning the bottles, it's necessary to sterilize them to get rid of any bacteria that might be cling on to them. If you don’t have a sterilizer, you can simply boil them in a pot of water. This essentially means to bring the water to a high enough temperature so that the bacteria are eliminated. If you're prone to forgetting the bottles in the pan, then chemical sterilizers are a suitable alternative. These are available in tablets, and you can simply soak the bottles in them for a minimum time of thirty minutes. Make sure to throw away the disinfecting solution away after 24 hours and don't wash off the solution from the bottles because it exposes them to germs.
How Many Baby Bottles Do I Need?
While it’s completely up to you how many baby bottles you want to keep at your home, the number can differ if you’re habitual of visiting close friends and relatives. If you regularly visit your parents' house, then it may be a good idea to leave one at their house in case you forget to bring one. Aside from how regularly you visit your relatives, it depends on how busy your schedule is. If you have the time to regularly wash and sterilize baby bottles, then three will be enough. On the other hand, if you prefer to wash them once every day, then you may want to stack up.
How Often To Sterilize Baby Bottles?
Essentially, baby bottles should be washed and then sterilized after every time you feed your baby. There’s no exception to this rule and any less than that would mean putting your baby at risk of infections.
How Long Should I Boil Baby Bottles?
Keep the baby bottles in a saucepan and place it on a stove. Make sure that the bottles and nipples are completely submerged in water and press them down to remove any air bubbles. Bring the water to a boil and rapidly boil the bottles for five minutes before lowering the heat and then turning it off.
How To Keep Baby Bottles Warm on the Go?
There are food warmers that you can buy, and there are tricks to keep a baby bottle warm using DIY hacks as well. The Munchkin Travel Bottle Warmer is a long thermos that electronically keeps bottles warm by heating them while you're in the car. There's also a Tommee Tippee Bottle & Food Warmer that can be used later on to keep baby food warm as well. This one isn't electronically powered, but it used hot water to keep the bottles warm. A hack that you can try at home is to keep little bottles within insulated travel mugs that used to keep your coffee warm on the go and now, they'll do the same for your baby's bottles.
