Quick Answer
The right baby bottle depends on how you are feeding — breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combination feeding — and your baby's individual preferences. For breastfed babies, the most important factor is nipple shape: a breast-shaped nipple that mimics the natural latch reduces the risk of nipple confusion and makes the transition between breast and bottle smoother. For formula-fed babies, flow rate and anti-colic features are the priority.
What to Look for in a Baby Bottle
1. Nipple Shape
Nipple shape is the single most important factor for breastfed babies. A standard cylindrical bottle nipple requires a different mouth position and sucking action than the breast, which can cause confusion and lead some babies to reject the breast after bottle feeding.
A breast-shaped nipple — wide at the base, soft, and flexible — encourages the same wide latch and tongue movement as breastfeeding. This is the principle behind the Emulait bottle, which is designed with a nipple that closely mimics the shape and feel of the breast to support combination feeding without disrupting the breastfeeding relationship.
2. Nipple Flow Rate
Nipple flow rate controls how quickly milk flows from the bottle. Using the wrong flow rate is one of the most common bottle feeding mistakes:
- Slow flow (Stage 1): For newborns and young babies. Slow flow requires active sucking effort, which mirrors breastfeeding and reduces the risk of overfeeding and wind
- Medium flow (Stage 2): Typically introduced from around 3 to 4 months as your baby's sucking strength increases
- Fast flow (Stage 3+): For older babies who are feeding efficiently and becoming frustrated with slower flow rates
Always start with the slowest flow available and only move up when your baby shows signs of frustration — not based on age alone.
3. Anti-Colic Features
Some babies swallow excess air during bottle feeding, which can cause wind, discomfort, and colic-like symptoms. Anti-colic bottles use venting systems — valves, vents, or angled designs — to reduce the amount of air that enters the bottle during feeding. If your baby seems gassy or uncomfortable after feeds, an anti-colic design may help.
4. Material: Glass vs. Plastic
- Glass bottles: Durable, easy to clean, and free from plastics. Heavier than plastic and can break if dropped. A good choice for home use
- Plastic bottles: Lightweight and less likely to break. Look for BPA-free options. More practical for travel and on-the-go feeding
- Silicone bottles: Soft, lightweight, and durable. A good middle ground between glass and plastic
5. Size
- Small (120 to 150ml): Suitable for newborns, who feed in small volumes frequently. Easier to handle for small feeds
- Large (240 to 300ml): More practical as your baby grows and feed volumes increase. Many parents start with small bottles and move to large from around 2 to 3 months
6. Ease of Cleaning
Bottles with fewer parts and simpler designs are easier to clean thoroughly. Avoid bottles with multiple small components, valves, or narrow necks that are difficult to reach with a brush. Wide-neck bottles are generally easier to clean and fill.
For Breastfed Babies: The Most Important Consideration
If you are breastfeeding and want to introduce a bottle — whether for occasional feeds, returning to work, or combination feeding — nipple shape is everything. The goal is to find a bottle that feels as close to the breast as possible so your baby does not develop a preference for the bottle over the breast.
The Emulait Starter Kit is designed specifically for this transition. The breast-shaped nipple encourages the same wide latch and active sucking pattern as breastfeeding, making it one of the most natural introductions to bottle feeding for breastfed babies. The Starter Kit includes everything you need to get started.
How Many Bottles Do You Need?
- Breastfeeding with occasional bottles: 2 to 4 bottles is sufficient
- Combination feeding: 4 to 6 bottles
- Exclusively bottle feeding: 6 to 8 bottles, so you always have clean ones available between washes
Tips for Introducing a Bottle
- Introduce a bottle between 3 and 6 weeks if breastfeeding — early enough that your baby is still adaptable, but after breastfeeding is well established
- Have someone other than the breastfeeding parent offer the first bottles — babies can smell the breast and may refuse a bottle from the person who usually breastfeeds them
- Offer the bottle when your baby is calm and slightly hungry — not when they are very hungry or already crying
- Try paced bottle feeding — holding the bottle horizontally and allowing your baby to control the flow — to more closely mimic the pace and effort of breastfeeding
When It's Worth Checking In With Your Pediatrician or Lactation Consultant
Speak to a professional if:
- Your baby consistently refuses the bottle despite trying different shapes and approaches
- You are concerned about nipple confusion or a change in your baby's breastfeeding behaviour after introducing a bottle
- Your baby seems to be in discomfort or feeding poorly regardless of bottle type
Key Takeaway
For breastfed babies, nipple shape is the most important factor in choosing a bottle — look for a breast-shaped nipple that encourages the same latch and sucking action as the breast. For all babies, start with the slowest flow available and move up only when needed. Keep the design simple, the parts minimal, and the cleaning straightforward. And remember: every baby is different — what works for one may not work for another.
Parents Also Ask
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This article contains links to Emulait products. All other product recommendations are general in nature and are not sponsored or affiliated.