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There are many choices we, as mothers, have to make before our babies are even here. Which diapers are best? (Check out my reviews in my baby registry must-haves post] for solid diaper choices.) Should I co-sleep or not? What are the risks and benefits of literally everything? One area that I did not research enough was which baby bottle to choose. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best baby bottles that I would recommend.
Choosing the Right Baby Bottle
Before I dive into specific recommendations, I want to emphasize that the best baby bottle for YOUR baby is the one they latch onto comfortably. However, there are a few important considerations when making your choice.
Glass Baby Bottles: The Safest Choice?
Glass baby bottles are my top choice for the best baby bottles for newborns. One major concern with plastic baby bottles is microplastic exposure. A study in Nature Foods found that bottle-fed babies consume 1.5 million particles of microplastics per year. The study also revealed that heating and even shaking baby bottles can release microplastics into the milk. Another study from the University of California, San Francisco highlighted that microplastics can negatively impact the reproductive, digestive, and respiratory systems and may increase the risk of colon and lung cancer.
While it’s impossible to completely avoid microplastic exposure, baby bottles are something we use daily, which increases a baby’s microplastic load. This is why I prefer glass baby bottles over plastic ones.
Sources:
Nature Food Study
Stanford Scope Blog on Microplastics
The Triangle Test: How to Pick a Baby Bottle That Supports Oral Development
This test, popularized by IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) on TikTok and other social media platforms, helps determine if a baby bottle promotes proper oral development and a seamless transition from bottle to breast.
How to Perform the Triangle Test:
- Take the nipple of the bottle.
- Place the index fingers of both hands on either side of the nipple.
- A bottle passes the test if there is no dead space between your fingers and the nipple.
Best Glass Baby Bottles That Pass the Triangle Test
1. Dr. Brown’s Glass Bottles (Best Overall)
Pros:
- Affordable compared to other high-quality options.
- Readily available at Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
- Straw attachment available for easy transition to straw cups.
Cons:
- Multiple pieces to clean due to anti-colic features (though my baby was fine without them).
- Potential leaking issues (I personally haven’t experienced this, but some parents report leaks).
2. Pigeon Glass Bottles
Pros:
- High-quality material that is durable and long-lasting.
- Designed for breastfed babies, making the transition easier.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options.
3. Evenflo Glass Bottles
Pros:
- Affordable option for glass bottles.
- Lightweight compared to other glass bottles, making them easy to handle.
Cons:
- Frequently out of stock, making them difficult to purchase. You may need to check Walmart or Target in the early morning hours to find them.
4. Lansinoh Glass Bottles
Pros:
- Affordable option for glass bottles.
- Wide-neck design makes cleaning and pouring easier.
Cons:
- Fast-flow nipples (even the size 1 nipple flows too quickly for some newborns).
Philips Avent Glass Baby Bottle: Does It Pass the Triangle Test?
The Philips Avent glass baby bottle is a popular and affordable choice that is widely available. However, its nipple does not pass the triangle test. If you’ve already purchased these bottles and want to improve their design, you can swap out the nipple with one of the following:
- Evenflo: Best option! The bottles may be hard to find, but their nipples fit Avent bottles perfectly.
- Lansinoh: Fits but is slightly loose. Convenient because these nipples are available at Walmart.
- Pigeon: Similar fit to Lansinoh but more expensive. Only worth it if you already own Pigeon plastic bottles.
Other Bottle Materials: Silicone & Stainless Steel
There are other bottle materials available, such as silicone and stainless steel. However, I was unable to find any options in these materials that pass the triangle test.
Comparison of the Best Baby Bottles: Price, Availability & Features
| Baby Bottle | Price Range | Readily Available? | Passes Triangle Test? | Notable Features |
| Dr. Brown’s Glass | $$ | Yes (Walmart, Target, Amazon) | Yes | Anti-colic system, straw attachment available |
| Pigeon Glass | $$$ | Limited (Specialty stores, Amazon) | Yes | Designed for breastfed babies, high-quality material |
| Evenflo Glass | $ | Hard to find (often out of stock) | Yes | Lightweight, affordable |
| Lansinoh Glass | $ | Yes (Walmart, Amazon) | Yes | Wide-neck design, fast flow nipples |
| Philips Avent Glass | $ | Yes (Walmart, Target, Amazon) | No | Can be modified with compatible nipples |
| Silicone & Stainless Steel Options | Varies | Limited | No | No options found that pass the triangle test |
Bottle-Feeding Tips (CDC Recommendations)
Bottle feeding isn’t just about choosing the right bottle—it’s also about feeding your baby in a way that supports healthy digestion and eating habits. When feeding a baby from a bottle, we want to mimic how they naturally feed at the breast. Pouring milk too quickly into a baby’s mouth can lead to overeating and excessive spit-up. The CDC provides important guidelines to help parents feed their babies safely and effectively.
The CDC recommends the following guidelines when bottle-feeding a baby:
Give your baby only breast milk or infant formula in a bottle.
Hold your baby close when you feed them a bottle.
Do not prop or leave the bottle in your baby’s mouth. This can increase your baby’s risk of choking, ear infections, and tooth decay. Your baby may also eat more than they need.
Do not force your baby to finish the bottle if your baby is showing signs of fullness. This can lead to your baby eating more than they need.
Signs of Fullness:
Closing their mouth.
Turning their head away from the breast or bottle.
Relaxing their hands.
Sources:
CDC: Bottle-Feeding Guidelines
CDC: Signs Your Child Is Hungry or Full
Conclusion
Finding the best baby bottle can feel overwhelming with so many options, but choosing one that supports oral development, reduces microplastic exposure, and works best for your baby is the key. If your baby struggles with a particular bottle, don’t be afraid to try another option—every baby is different!
I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision. Do you have a favorite baby bottle that worked wonders for your little one? Share your experience in the comments below!
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