6 Best bottles for breastfed babies

If you've successfully managed to breastfeed, it's often possible, and necessary, to combine it with bottle-feeding.

Whether it's for mum's sanity, or simply wanting to share night feeds with a partner, there are many reasons why mums who are exclusively breastfeeding turn to bottles and electric pumps.

Whether you're staying with breast milk or moving on to formula, the best bottles for breastfed babies will help ensure a much easier transition.

Many breastfed babies are ready for a bottle at four to six weeks, with some as early as two to three, and introducing bottles early on can help your baby get used to being fed by somebody else.

From anti-colic bottles to teats that mimic your breast, we've rounded up the best bottles for breastfed babies to make life that little bit easier.

Which bottles are best for breastfed babies?

If you are looking for a bottle while breast feeding your baby there are lots of options available.

Some options are designed to emulate breastfeeding through shape and suction for your little one. Others are designed to help you baby latch easily, with special anti colic systems.

Can you use any bottles with breast milk?

Breast milk is always a beneficial option for your baby, and many mums choose to pump milk alongside giving formula. While others choose to solely use formula.

There are many reasons why pumping and bottle-feeding may be the right option for you.

Many mums choose to if their newborn is in hospital and unable to be breastfed, while others may prefer this option if their baby has issues latching or you find breastfeeding extremely painful.

Some mums may worry about milk supply and choose to pump to help monitor this, it is also a helpful option for those who have multiple babies from one pregnancy.

Best bottles for breastfed babies

1. MAM Easy Start Self Sterilising Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Pack of 2

There's no need for a separate steriliser with this bottle that's perfect for breastfed babies, as it self-sterilises in three simple steps.

The size two medium-flow teats are for babies from two months upwards, and feature 'Skin Soft' technology to emulate mum's skin.

The bottles are also anti-colic and help to prevent your baby from swallowing too much air.

2. Chicco Natural Feeling Normal Flow Bottle with Inclined Teat

This bottle for breastfed babies is designed with a tilted teat that's always full of milk to offer a comfortable and natural feeding experience.

It's ideal for mixed breastfeeding as the breast-simulating nipple shape facilitates the alternation between breast and bottle.

It also has an anti-colic valve to reduce air intake. This bottle is suitable for a newborn, but it comes in larger sizes too, from two months, four months, and six months.

3. Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle

Designed specifically to eliminate nipple confusion, this bottle for breastfed babies is ideal thanks to its wide neck and natural, soft silicon nipple.

Your mini me will like to hold the soft, squeezable bottle, and the innovative vents help to prevent colic and leaks.

4. Lansinoh Glass Baby Bottle Eco-Friendly with NaturalWave Slow Flow Teat (160 ml)

Specifically designed to ease the transition for breastfed babies, this bottle is perfect for an expressed milk feed.

The NaturalWave nipple is made of extra-soft and flexible silicone and adapts to your baby's palette to encourage natural tongue movement.

The wide base and flexible teat also helps create a comfortable feeding experience, and it has been designed to help reduce the potential for colic.

Perfect if you're looking for an easy to switch from breast to bottle and back again.

5. Dr Brown's Options Wide Neck Bottle (150 ml)

This convertible bottle can be used with or without the vent system, enabling it to grow with the baby.

The teat venting helps create a paced, consistent milk flow, eliminating air bubbles and the chances of colic.

You can remove the vent when your baby's feeding becomes more developed. Comes with a small vent brush for cleaning, and all the parts can be put in the dishwasher.

6. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Clear Bottles, 150 ml, Pack of 3

This award-winning bottle boasts easy latch-on features with a top that emulates the breast's natural flex and movement.

The sensitive valve and the wide bottle neck encourages your baby’s intuitive feeding action.

Designed to be held in the most natural position during feeding, the compact shape of the bottle also allows the baby to be closer to you.

It also has an anti-colic valve to reduce excessive airflow, aiding your little one to ingest more milk and less air, which helps prevent the symptoms of colic. Suitable for newborns. If your baby is slightly older, try the 260ml size.