In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

The 4 Best Baby Bottles

We tested baby bottles from Comotomo, Lifefactory, Evenflo, and others to find the top performers
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Best Baby Bottle Review
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
By Juliet Spurrier, MD, Abriah Wofford, and Molly Bradac  ⋅  Apr 18, 2025

The Best Baby Bottles


Whether you plan to nurse or bottle feed, you'll likely need a baby bottle at some point in your feeding journey. Finding a baby bottle your baby will use successfully can make feeding your little one so much easier.

We've purchased over 32 bottles since 2013 for testing, including the 14 in this review. Each bottle is assessed for ease of assembly and usability, nipple shape, leakage, anti-colic features, ease of cleaning, material, and more to find the best for each goal and budget.

The best silicone bottle is the Comotomo. This non-plastic bottle is lightweight, easy for babies to grasp, and has a wider nipple that resembles a boob. It helps you avoid plastic without the weight or concerns of breaking involved with glass.

Our favorite glass baby bottle is the NUK Simply Natural Glass. This glass bottle has easy-to-view markings, a more breast-like nipple, and a reasonable price.

Feeding your baby is a full-time job, especially when they are younger. We've hands-on tested a range of feeding gear and can help guide you to what you need for mealtime. Our nursing gear list provides a one-stop look at all the best products that make the feeding process easier. We also suggest equipping your kitchen with a bottle brush and drying rack to help you get through the messy parts and back to holding your baby.

Editor's Note: We updated this baby bottle review on April 18, 2025, with the removal of a discontinued bottle.

Top 14 Baby Bottles

Displaying 1 - 14 (scroll right)
 
#11
baby bottle
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Baby Bottle
Editors' Choice Award
Best Glass Bottle
Top Pick Award
Best Collapsible Liner Baby Bottle
 Best Value Award
Best Bang for Your Baby Bottle Buck
         
Price $13.00 List
$8.60 each at Amazon
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$5.76 each at Amazon
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$8.00 each at Amazon
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$5.98 each at Amazon
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$17.70 each at Amazon
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Check Price at Amazon
$15.00 List
$14.98 each at Amazon
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$9.00 each at Amazon
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$2.50 each at Amazon
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$12.00 each at Amazon
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$6.13 each at Amazon
$22 List$18.00 List
$6.00 each at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Silicone body, breast-like nipple, lightweight, easy to cleanGlass material, clear volume markings, easy to useStable base, easy to clean, innovative anti-colic systemGlass, easy to cleanGlass, affordable, easy to useLightweight, durable, travel-friendlyLeak-free, few parts, unique flesh colorGlass, versatile, high-qualityDurable, sturdy, non-plastic environment for milkLightweight, inexpensive, breast-like nippleConvenient, durable, easy to useLightweight, durable, breast-like nippleRemovable base for easier cleaningEasy to read volume markings, vent system may prevent air bubbles
Cons Hard to read volume markings, narrow base, slow warm timeSingle vent in the nipple, no protective sleeveThin silicone, hard-to-read volume markings, stiff nippleHeavy, no sleeve, the nipple may not flow enoughHard-to-read volume markings, not as strong as borosilicate glass, narrow mouth, no sleevePlastic, glass technology lacks informationExpensive, hard, slow nippleNarrow neck opening, small nippleCost, wide shape, nipple cap easily comes off, hard-to-read volume measurementsPlastic, slow-flow nipple too fast for some babiesPlastic, several parts to clean, largePlastic, volume markings fade quicklyPlastic, multiple parts, volume markings start at 2 ozPlastic body, narrow nipple mound, time consuming to clean
Bottom Line A good durable bottle, with a breast-like feelA traditional glass bottle that performs wellA healthy alternative to plastic drop-in liners that's better for baby and the environmentA classic glass bottle option, but it's heavy and some babies struggle to drink from the nippleA basic glass bottle that won't break the bankA hybrid bottle that blends the best of glass and plastic, but we have unanswered questions about the glass technologyAn intriguing baby bottle, but expensive considering its average performanceA durable glass bottle that you can use from infancy to toddlerhoodA sleek-looking baby bottle that provides a breast-like experience but lacks some functionalityAn inexpensive bottle that may be great for travel or daycareA bottle that brings convenience to the formula-fed babies of the worldA lightweight and economical bottle that is easy to use and has a breast-like nippleA plastic bottle that didn't impress, and if you're tracking every ounce, this option may not be as helpfulMay help with colic, but has many parts to clean
Rating Categories Comotomo NUK Simply Natural... Boon Nursh Philips Avent Natur... Evenflo Vented + Glass Chicco Duo mimijumi Lifefactory Glass B... Nanobebe Flexy Lansinoh PopYum Tommee Tippee Close... MAM Easy Start Anti... Dr. Brown's Natural...
Leakage (30%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
4.0
5.0
7.0
Nipple (25%)
9.0
7.0
7.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
4.0
Ease of Cleaning (20%)
8.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
8.0
5.0
6.0
6.0
3.0
4.0
4.0
2.0
Eco-Health (15%)
7.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
3.0
3.0
9.0
7.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
3.0
2.0
Ease of Use (10%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
3.0
Specifications Comotomo NUK Simply Natural... Boon Nursh Philips Avent Natur... Evenflo Vented + Glass Chicco Duo mimijumi Lifefactory Glass B... Nanobebe Flexy Lansinoh PopYum Tommee Tippee Close... MAM Easy Start Anti... Dr. Brown's Natural...
Material Silicone Borosilicate Glass (BPA-free) Silicone, Plastic Borosilicate Glass, Silicone, Plastic (BPA-free) Tempered Glass Invinci-Glass, Plastic (free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates) Plastic (BPA-free) Borosilicate Glass Silicone (free of phthalate, BPA, lead, PVC) Polypropylene plastic (free of BPA, BPS) Silicone, Plastic Plastic Plastic (free of BPA, BPS, lead, PVC) Plastic (BPA-free)
Available Sizes 5, 8 oz 4, 8 oz 4, 8 oz 4, 8 oz 4, 8 oz 5, 9 oz 4, 8 oz 4, 9 oz 5, 9 oz 5, 8 oz 5, 9 oz 5, 9 oz 5, 9 oz 2, 4 oz
Weight 3.7 oz 5.8 oz 3.2 oz 6.4 oz 4.9 oz 1.9 oz 2.2 oz 6.3 oz 3.6 oz 1.7 oz 3.2 oz 1.6 oz 2.7 oz 1.9 oz
Bottle Mouth Wide Wide Wide Wide Narrow Medium Wide Narrow Wide Medium Wide Wide Medium Narrow
Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple Vented nipple Collapsible silicone pouch Vented nipple Vented nipple Valve vents Vented nipple Vented nipple Triple-vented nipple Air ventilation system Vented nipple Vented nipple Vented base Internal vent system
Nipple Pinch Test Very Soft Soft Very Firm Soft Medium Medium Firm Soft Soft Medium Medium Very Firm Medium Medium
Cleaning Method Top rack dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe Dishwasher safe Dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe Dishwasher safe Dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe, handwashing recommended Top rack dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe

Best Overall Baby Bottle


Comotomo


PROS
Silicone
Breast-like nipple
Easy clean-up
CONS
Tips easily
Slow warm time
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Sizes 5, 8 oz
Material Silicone
Weight 3.7 oz
Bottle Mouth Wide
Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple
The Comotomo bottle is an eco-friendly silicone, has a breast-like nipple, and a simple design. It offers uncomplicated assembly with only three parts; the silicone body and nipple ensure that the formula/milk has minimal contact with plastic. The silicone also provides a soft, breast-like surface for babies to grasp when feeding, with a vent on either side to help your baby swallow less air. This silicone is durable, and thanks to its wide-neck design, cleaning is a breeze, even without a baby 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. Our tester said, “I like the feel of the silicone and how it somewhat collapses to help avoid air getting trapped in the bottle.

We like the advantages of silicone over plastic, but there are some downsides. The pliable structure doesn't create a stiff bottle body. Because the bottle's base is much narrower than the top, in our experience, it can tip over. Our tester reports, “I had trouble getting the bottle to stay upright when I set it down.” The Boon Nursh is a similar silicone, but it is less prone to tipping in our tests. Also, silicone's soft and squeezable nature (something babies love) may spray a small stream of milk from the nipple when slight pressure is applied (just like mom). Despite these minor drawbacks, the Comotomo is one of our favorites, and we would use or recommend it to a friend.

Read more: Comotomo review

baby bottle - babies love the pliability of the silicone bottle body on the...
Babies love the pliability of the silicone bottle body on the Comotomo.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Glass Bottle


NUK Simply Natural Glass


PROS
Glass body
Breast-similar nipple
Visible volume markings
CONS
Asymmetrical nipple
No sleeve
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Sizes 4, 8 oz
Material Borosilicate Glass (BPA-free)
Weight 5.8 oz
Bottle Mouth Wide
Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple
The NUK Simply Natural Glass is a borosilicate glass bottle that is relatively durable, and the simple design makes it easy to use, fill, and clean. One tester said, “I've been looking for a basic glass bottle that wasn't too heavy, and this one seems durable.” One of its best aspects is the nipple. It's soft, has a unique flattened tip, and a wide nipple mound, which is more breast-like than traditional nipples. It could potentially be a good nipple for babies who regularly switch back and forth between bottle and breast.

Glass is more likely to break if it falls or is dropped, and the NUK does not offer a protective sleeve (even as an accessory). Our tester reports, “Regular accidental drops on carpet or in the crib didn't cause breakage, but I'd be worried about throwing or it falling on a harder surface like ceramic tile.” While we love the nipple, it requires a bit more attentiveness from the caregiver because you must correctly position the asymmetrical shape in the mouth to prevent awkward placement. The nipple vent must be placed directly under the baby's nose for the pressure release to work correctly. The Evenflo Vented + Glass is another glass option specifically designed to vent excess air for gassy or colicky babies. However, the Nuk is easy to work around these peculiarities with extra care, and our testers loved using the NUK Simply Natural.

Read more: NUK Simply Natural Glass review

baby bottle - the nuk simply glass's nipple is flexible with multiple holes and an...
The NUK Simply Glass's nipple is flexible with multiple holes and an extra soft component to adapt to the baby's mouth.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Bang for Your Baby Bottle Buck


Evenflo Vented + Glass


PROS
Healthier material
Affordable
No leaks
CONS
Difficult to read volume markings
Breakable
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Sizes 4, 8 oz
Material Tempered Glass
Weight 4.9 oz
Bottle Mouth Narrow
Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple
The Evenflo Vented + Glass bottles use tempered glass that is not as strong as borosilicate but still somewhat resistant to bumps and temperature changes. We love that Evenflo offers a bottle priced on par with budget plastic bottles while still being made with eco-friendly materials. We did not have any problems with this bottle leaking during testing, and the nipple is soft enough that most babies latch on without difficulty. Our main tester said, “I appreciate this bottle didn't leak in the diaper bag or my couch when it was forgotten on its side.” In our tests, this bottle was easy to assemble and clean with only three parts, although the small vent on the bottom of the nipple may require a tiny straw brush to clean appropriately.

While we love plastic alternatives, you must take extra care with glass bottles. Evenflo does not offer a protective sleeve, and tempered glass is one of the least durable materials we encountered during testing. Our tester says, “I really wish this was borosilicate glass so it was more durable.” The narrow nipple base is less breast-like, and breastfed babies may have more difficulty with this style. If a wider nipple mound works better for your little one, the NUK Simply Natural Glass has a wider mound and an adaptable nipple that might be easier for some babies to use. The narrow neck opening in the Evenflo also makes it a bit more challenging to clean and fill, and you will need to purchase a special bottle brush. However, compared to similarly priced bottles, it is hard to find one with this many perks. If you are on a tight budget but want a glass bottle for health or eco reasons, Evenflo is your best bet.

Read more: Evenflo Vented + Glass review

baby bottle - our tiny testers got a good latch on the evenflo even though the...
Our tiny testers got a good latch on the Evenflo even though the nipple mound is narrow.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Collapsible Liner Baby Bottle


Boon Nursh


PROS
Easy to clean
Healthy materials
Solid base
CONS
Hard to read volume markings
Stiff nipple
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Sizes 4, 8 oz
Material Silicone, Plastic
Weight 3.2 oz
Bottle Mouth Wide
Anti-Colic Feature Collapsible silicone pouch
The Boon Nursh has a unique ventless system that uses a silicone drop-in pouch that collapses as the baby drinks to reduce gas-producing bubbles that can upset babies' bellies. The wide neck opening makes filling during bottle-making easier, and the wide nipple mound is more breast-like. The silicone liner is flexible enough to be turned inside out and cleaned with a regular sponge, although we still recommend using a small brush to reach the inside of the nipple. One of the perks of having a solid plastic shell is that it creates an excellent level of stability that isn't typical of silicone bottles. Our tester remarks, “I had fewer incidents of instability setting the bottle down with this option over the Comotomo.

We appreciate a bottle that provides a boob-like experience for babies, and the hard plastic shell keeps babies from feeling the breast-like, squishy silicone body. Also, the nipple is a bit stiff, and our baby testers didn't seem to like it as much as others. However, we think this stiffness prevents nipple collapse, as the anti-colic method relies on a vacuum that prevents any air from entering the bottle. The Comotomo has a better nipple, in our opinion, though every baby is different. The volume markings on the Boon are on the plastic shell and correspond with stripes on the silicone liner. Even in a brightly lit room, the markings are difficult to distinguish, and even more difficult in a dim nursery. Our mom tester says, “I think the hard-to-read volume markings could be a deal breaker if you need to track your baby's consumption.” However, we loved using the Boon Nursh and think the collapsible liner may work for super burpy babies.

Read more: Boon Nursh review

baby bottle - the boon nursh was a baby favorite for gripping.
The Boon Nursh was a baby favorite for gripping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
84
Comotomo
Best Overall Baby Bottle
$13
Editors' Choice Award
79
NUK Simply Natural Glass
Best Glass Bottle
$30
Editors' Choice Award
73
Boon Nursh
Best Collapsible Liner Baby Bottle
$23
Top Pick Award
63
Philips Avent Natural Glass
$40
60
Evenflo Vented + Glass
Best Bang for Your Baby Bottle Buck
$18
Best Value Award
60
Chicco Duo
$20
59
mimijumi
$29
58
Lifefactory Glass Bottle
$15
58
Nanobebe Flexy
$36
57
Lansinoh
$20
57
PopYum
$36
48
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature
$8
46
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic
$22
41
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original
$18

baby bottle - our baby tester could almost hold onto the boon nursh independently.
Our baby tester could almost hold onto the Boon Nursh independently.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

How We Tested


We purchased each product in this review for hands-on testing. Our extensive testing took place in-house at BabyGearLab, which includes side-by-side comparisons to evaluate critical metrics like leakage, ease of cleaning, eco-health, and more to determine the best. Feedback from infant testers and their caregivers who participated in the testing process also influenced our final analysis and rank of products.

Baby bottles are tested across 5 performance metrics in our review.

  • Leakage (30% weighting of overall score)
  • Nipple (25% weighting)
  • Ease of Cleaning (20% weighting)
  • Eco-health (15% weighting)
  • Ease of Use (10% weighting)

The bottles each undergo real-world testing with tiny testers, and we combine that feedback with more than 9 in-house tests to influence scoring and awards. Tests include leak testing, including upside down in a diaper bag, nipple feel, pliability, flow, and latch-ability, as well as eco-health research, ease of cleaning, and ease of use.

baby bottle
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Why Trust GearLab


The BabyGearLab Team is exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about baby bottles. Overseeing this review is BabyGearLab founder Dr. Juliet Spurrier, a board-certified pediatrician and mother of two. Relying on her experience as a mother, medical training, and practice as a physician, Dr. Spurrier selects top products to put through extensive testing. Also contributing to our review with hands-on, real-world testing is MaryAnn Wofford, a mother to 6 children and has over ten years of professional nanny experience.

The four parts of the PopYum are all relatively easy to clean, but a...
The four parts of the PopYum are all relatively easy to clean, but a bottle brush is necessary for the oddly shaped nipple.
The formula gets scooped and stored in the nipple section of the...
The formula gets scooped and stored in the nipple section of the bottle.

Analysis and Test Results


With so many baby bottles to choose from, it may be dizzying to tell the difference. We tested ease of use, cleaning, leakage, and more to provide the details to help you determine what features are important to you before investing in a bottle.


What's the Best Value?


When purchasing a bottle for your baby, how often you plan to use it could impact your decision and how much you want to spend. Frequent use will necessitate a durable bottle that withstands regular cleaning, getting tossed about, and journeys away from home. Alternatively, if you plan to mainly breastfeed and occasionally supplement your baby's diet with formula, then a bottle's functionality or durability may be less critical. We think the Comotomo is a well-rounded option that offers excellent value. This silicone bottle has an easy-to-clean design, a breast-like nipple, and babies adored it during testing. With one of the lower prices per bottle, it is a good deal, especially for a non-plastic choice. The Evenflo Vented + Glass could be a great everyday bottle that is budget-friendly if you prefer glass or a different kind of nipple.

baby bottle - a leaky bottle is the last thing you want to worry about when...
A leaky bottle is the last thing you want to worry about when feeding a baby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Bottle Leakage


The last thing you want to worry about is leaking. Plus, once your baby's hunger strikes, you will want to whip up a bottle, screw on the top, and soothe your hungry baby ASAP.


None of the bottles leaked when correctly assembled during testing, so the key to our testing was which bottles could easily be incorrectly assembled. In our opinion, bottles with fewer parts, such as the Evenflo Vented + Glass or the Comotomo, are less likely to trip you up, resulting in fewer leaks.

Top performers in this metric are the Comotomo and Nuk Simply Natural. You are more likely to experience leaks from a poor latch than from these bottles.

baby bottle - baby bottle nipples come in all shapes and sizes.
Baby bottle nipples come in all shapes and sizes.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

Nipple Type


There isn't a single nipple type that works for all babies, and it can be challenging to know which one your baby will prefer. We recommend narrowing the options to a few brands and purchasing one bottle from each to test for a few weeks before investing in multiple bottles and nipples from one company.


Almost all nipples are silicone, but they vary in shape and pliability. Some are stiff and some are soft, some are narrow and some are more mound-shaped. There are a few common characteristics that babies typically like.

baby bottle - there are so many nipple types to choose from and not all of them...
There are so many nipple types to choose from and not all of them will satisfy every baby.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

In general, the more breast-like the nipple is, the more likely a baby will get a good latch. A nipple with a broad base is typically well-liked in our experience by the majority of babies. The NUK Simply Natural Glass has a flattened nipple tip and soft silicone, which closely imitates the breast.

baby bottle - investing in a high-quality bottle may be a good choice depending on...
Investing in a high-quality bottle may be a good choice depending on your lifestyle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford


Most manufacturers offer various flow rates, ranging from slow to fast. Selecting the right level for your child can depend on a few factors, such as the child's age and whether they're transitioning between breast and bottle. You will want to select a nipple flow rate with the same effort as breastfeeding to avoid your baby developing a preference for one or the other. You can locate the nipple's flow rate on the packaging or the nipple itself.

Check Bottle Nipples
Frequently check the nipple for discoloration, thinning, cracks, or breaks, and replace them if you notice signs of wear.


baby bottle - this photo shows the difference in neck openings, from comotomo's...
This photo shows the difference in neck openings, from Comotomo's wide neck to Lifefactory's narrow neck.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Anti-Colic Features


Swallowing air during feeds is one of the most common ways for babies to trap gas bubbles in their digestive tract, which can cause discomfort and fussiness. Every baby bottle in our lineup has an anti-colic system or claims to limit the amount of ingested air.

The single nipple vent is located on the bottom edge of the nipple...
The single nipple vent is located on the bottom edge of the nipple and fits just inside the upper rim of the bottle.
The nipple on the Comotomo has dual anti-colic vents.
The nipple on the Comotomo has dual anti-colic vents.
The nipple on the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature has a single...
The nipple on the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature has a single anti-colic vent.

The Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original has a more complex anti-colic vent system using multiple parts, and some parents of colicky babies often swear by this bottle. Other contenders use 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 Glass Bottle has ridges on the nipple's base that serve the same purpose. Others have additional components that allow air in and out of the bottle.

baby bottle - the squishy silicone drop in collapses as baby drinks from the boon...
The squishy silicone drop in collapses as baby drinks from the Boon Nursh.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Alternatively, as we witnessed in the Boon Nursh, having no vent can be an effective anti-colic strategy. 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.

baby bottle - we suggest handwashing all plastic bottles and parts, despite being...
We suggest handwashing all plastic bottles and parts, despite being dishwasher-safe.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Bottle Cleaning


All the bottles in our test group claim to be “dishwasher safe” by the manufacturer. However, we strongly recommend handwashing, especially for plastic parts, to reduce the potential for chemicals to leach and to prolong the product's life.


The Comotomo and mimijumi are the simplest bottles to clean and assemble in our test group. These bottles have fewer parts and wide neck openings that can be effectively cleaned without a bottle brush if needed. Our least favorite bottle to wash is the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original. Its anti-colic system has several parts with nooks and crannies, requiring a special brush to thoroughly clean smaller crevices. However, if this bubble-reducing bottle works for your little one, it may be worth the extra effort to avoid the discomfort that often leads to crying and spit-up.

We highly recommend using a top-ranking baby bottle brush for handwashing and even a special straw brush, which can help clean smaller bottles that are more challenging to clean. A baby bottle with a narrow mouth opening can spray as you pull the brush out, but wide-neck options are less likely to create a messy spray. The Boon Nursh has only two parts that need actual scrubbing. Both can be turned inside out and cleaned with a regular sponge.

baby bottle - the baby bottle competition uses various materials, such as glass...
The baby bottle competition uses various materials, such as glass, silicone, plastic, or a blend.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Material Eco-Health


Eco-health is very important to us, so most of the bottles we tested were glass or silicone, which are generally considered safer than plastic for babies and the environment.


Plastic baby bottles are widely available, and we understand why they remain popular. Plastic is more affordable, more durable, lightweight, and can be more convenient to use. However, given the potential risk of chemicals leaching and exposure to microplastics, it's not our preferred material for feeding. Therefore, plastic contenders tend to rank low in this metric, especially the PopYum. Not only is the entire bottle made of plastic, but it also has more pieces and plastic mass overall than other bottles.

baby bottle - the popyum, tommee tippee closer to nature, and dr. brown's natural...
The PopYum, Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature, and Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original are some of the plastic bottles we looked at.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Plastic Tips

Some evidence suggests that high temperatures and shaking from the bottle preparation process can potentially increase and release microplastics into a baby's bottle. Here are some tips when using plastic bottles:

  • Warm formula or breast milk in a glass or stainless steel container in a bowl of hot water (not in a microwave) and allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a plastic bottle.
  • Let a plastic bottle cool after sterilization, then rinse it a few times before adding liquid
  • Throw away plastic products that are scratched, cloudy, or damaged. While they might still work, they are potentially putting plastic into your baby's food.
  • For extra caution, consider replacing plastics every six months.

For more information, read Are Plastics Safe for Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups?

baby bottle - some glass options include the lifefactory, joovy boob diamond...
Some glass options include the Lifefactory, Joovy Boob Diamond, Evenflo Vented + Glass, and NUK Simply Natural Glass.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Baby bottles that use borosilicate glass rank higher than the competition. Borosilicate glass has an entirely different chemical makeup that is highly durable and helps bottles endure significant and sudden temperature changes without breaking. These bottles generally last a long time and can typically handle daily usage. The Lifefactory Glass Bottle scores highly. The way they use this type of glass creates an environment where liquid has little to no contact with plastic, and it comes with a silicone sleeve for added protection and grip for little hands. The NUK Simply Natural Glass is a close runner-up. While it doesn't offer a silicone sleeve, it uses borosilicate glass.

Comparatively, tempered glass, which is what the Evenflo Vented + Glass uses, 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 glass.

baby bottle - the comotomo and the boon nursh both have bodies made primarily from...
The Comotomo and the Boon Nursh both have bodies made primarily from silicone.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Silicone is an excellent compromise among the material options. It is much healthier than plastic, more durable, and lighter than glass. Silicone bottles used to be a rarity, but today, the market is bursting with them. Silicone products in our lineup include the Comotomo, Boon Nursh, and Nanobebe Flexy.

Interestingly, the Chicco Duo is a hybrid bottle, unlike any other contender in the lineup. The interior uses a very thin layer of glass called INVINCI-GLASS, which adheres to a plastic exterior. Essentially, it seems to combine the best of both worlds; your baby's milk touches the glass, and the plastic makes it durable and lightweight. Being a newer concept, we began researching this material but ended up empty-handed. Therefore, we had a few questions for Chicco: How do you know if the glass interior experiences breakage or damage? Here's what Chicco shared with us:

"Technology for the Duo bottles is proprietary. They are developed using an advanced patented technology that has been in use in medical and pharmaceutical products… The bottles are made in the USA and meet all state and federal regulatory requirements." — Chicco


Chicco did not share as much information as we would have hoped or what we think parents deserve. Their answer to our inquiries lacked the kind of details that would have increased our confidence in recommending this new technology. While we aren't saying anything is wrong with it or the hybrid bottle, we are hesitant, given the vagueness. In addition, we discovered evidence from other users of bottle rims melting during the sterilization process and concerns about potentially broken glass going undetected inside the bottle (reported by users online). Other products in the review use materials that we feel are more familiar and bring peace of mind regarding eco-health, without the remaining questions we had with the Chicco.

Nanoplastics
A recent University of Nebraska study on microwaving plastics showed that some plastics, when heated in the microwave, can release enormous numbers of plastic particles. In some cases, the levels can reach more than 2 billion nanoplastics and 4 million microplastics for every square centimeter of the container. While the health impact of these kinds of particles is still foggy, a recent article stated:
…the Nebraska team further found that three-quarters of cultured embryonic kidney cells had died after two days of being introduced to those same particles. A 2022 report from the World Health Organization recommended limiting exposure to such particles.

For these reasons, we prefer glass over plastic and recommend not microwaving plastic containers.

baby bottle - the buttons on either side of the popyum bottle can be squeezed with...
The buttons on either side of the PopYum bottle can be squeezed with one hand so you can still keep track of baby with the other.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


Newborns can eat as frequently as every 2 hours, and if you're bottle-feeding, chances are you'll be handling (and cleaning) baby bottles upwards of 8 times a day for the first few months. We suggest selecting a product that is effortless to use. Our favorite bottles have very few parts and are foolproof to assemble.


The Comotomo ties with the mimijumi and the NUK Simply Natural Glass for the easiest bottles to use. All three earned matching high scores. Bottles with a wide neck opening are much easier to mix formula or pour breastmilk into, reducing waste and eliminating the mess.

baby bottle - a nice wide mouth on the bottle can help make adding milk or formula...
A nice wide mouth on the bottle can help make adding milk or formula less messy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Those with narrow neck openings, like the Evenflo Vented + Glass and Lifefactory, can result in liquid loss or mess. The most complicated bottle in our testing is the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow, as it has many parts and pieces to assemble, disassemble, wash, and dry, taking more time than any other bottle.

The volume markings are a bit difficult to read when the bottle is...
The volume markings are a bit difficult to read when the bottle is empty.
The volume markings are on the silicone sleeve, rather than directly...
The volume markings are on the silicone sleeve, rather than directly on the glass, as is the case in most bottles.
There is not much contrast between the volume markings and the rest...
There is not much contrast between the volume markings and the rest of the bottle, so you must catch the light in order to read them.

If you want to monitor how much liquid your baby is consuming, we suggest selecting a bottle with distinct volume markings. The NUK Simply Natural has great volume markings that are easy to read. However, glass bottles like the NUK

or Lifefactory are heavier and more challenging for a younger baby to hold. Alternatively, plastic and silicone options are generally lighter and more comfortable for small hands to manage, and the Comotomo is lightweight and pliable for easy gripping.

baby bottle - the nanobebe bottle allows you to pump and feed your child using the...
The nanobebe bottle allows you to pump and feed your child using the same product.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Pumping?
If you're planning to pump to store milk or build a supply for your bottle-fed baby, we tested breast pumps to find the best options for every need and budget.

How to Pick the Best Baby Bottle


Babies can be particular and fussy when it comes to drinking from baby bottles. It can take some trial and error to find the bottle your baby uses without frustration or refusal. So, give yourself and your baby some grace by realizing that no matter how much you research or consider, the best option is often up to your little one and can require buying more than one type.

Materials


Perhaps one of the most important considerations, and the quickest way to narrow the options, is to choose what kind of materials you'd like to use. We aren't huge fans of plastic and are drawn to silicone and glass bottles. However, plastic is less expensive than glass or silicone, and glass can be heavy. Silicon seems to ride the line of budget-friendly, lightweight, and healthier than plastics.

Ease of Use and Cleaning


Because your bottles will be used frequently, they should be easy to assemble, use, and clean. Fewer parts are better; simplicity is key, in our opinion. However, if your little one is colicky, you might need a more convoluted bottle. No one wants to waste time with a complicated bottle, so finding a system you can stick with is key.

Buy One


We recommend buying a single version of one or two different models to see what your baby likes best before you buy a multi-pack or specific system. While the bottle you end up not using might be a waste of money, it will save you money, time, and frustration in the long run if your little one hates and refuses to feed (and they do this).

baby bottle - all the bottles brought something different to the table, but only a...
All the bottles brought something different to the table, but only a few came out on top.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Conclusion


Many babies use bottles multiple times a day for more than a year. Even breastfed babies often use bottles when their mom is away or sleeping. This reality means selecting a baby bottle that you and your baby are happy with is essential. It helps to consider parent-driven factors, such as leaks, clean up, and convenience, in your decision-making process. However, nipple type is equally important because not every nipple will work for every baby. While we can't say what features your specific baby may prefer, we feel confident that there is something for every baby in our lineup.

Juliet Spurrier, MD, Abriah Wofford, and Molly Bradac