Feeding your newborn is one of the first big decisions you’ll make as a parent - and choosing the right baby bottle plays a key role in making feeding time smooth and stress-free. Whether you're exclusively bottle-feeding, combo feeding or planning to pump breast milk, having the right bottle can make all the difference in your baby's comfort, digestion and feeding experience.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which bottle is best. From materials and nipple flow to anti-colic features, here's a simple guide to help you choose the perfect bottle for your baby.
1. Consider Bottle Material
Baby bottles typically come in three main materials: plastic, glass, and silicone.
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Plastic Bottles: Lightweight and shatterproof, plastic bottles are the most popular choice. Always choose BPA-free bottles to ensure safety
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Glass Bottles: Durable, easy to sterilise and free from chemicals, glass bottles are ideal for parents who want a more eco-friendly and long-lasting option. The downside? They’re heavier and can break if dropped
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Silicone Bottles: Soft, flexible and lightweight, silicone bottles are a newer option that’s safe and easy to hold. They’re also BPA-free and naturally resistant to bacteria
Tip: If you’re unsure, start with one of each type to see which you and your baby prefer.
2. Choose the Right Nipple Flow
The nipple flow rate refers to how quickly milk passes through the nipple. Newborns usually need a slow-flow nipple to help them feed at a manageable pace and avoid choking or overfeeding.
Nipples are typically labelled as:
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Slow Flow (Level 1): Ideal for newborns
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Medium Flow (Level 2): For babies around 3+ months
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Fast Flow (Level 3+): For older babies with stronger sucking reflexes
Every baby is different, so watch for cues. If your baby gets frustrated or gulps milk too quickly, it might be time to adjust the nipple flow.
3. Look for Anti-Colic Features
Many baby bottles are now designed with anti-colic technology, which reduces the amount of air your baby swallows. This can help prevent gas, spit-up, and fussiness - common issues for many newborns.
Look for:
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Vented Nipples that let air escape
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Internal Vent Systems (like in Suavinex Zero Zero range)
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Angled Designs that keep air away from the nipple
If your baby shows signs of colic or reflux, an anti-colic bottle can be a game changer.
4. Pay Attention to Bottle Shape and Size
The shape of the bottle can affect both feeding and cleaning:
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Standard Bottles: Easy to clean and compatible with most warmers and sterilisers
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Wide-Neck Bottles: Closer to the shape of a breast, making them ideal for breastfed babies and easier to clean
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Angled Bottles: Help keep air away from the nipple and reduce feeding issues
Size matters, too:
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Newborns typically need smaller bottles (120 - 150 ml)
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As your baby grows, you can switch to larger bottles (240 - 300 ml)
5. Think About Compatibility
If you’re breastfeeding and using a breast pump, consider bottles that are compatible with your pump. Many brands allow you to pump directly into the bottle, saving time and reducing mess.
Check if your bottle brand offers a full system - bottles, nipples, pump accessories and storage containers - for a seamless feeding experience.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Newborn feeding often happens around the clock, and you’ll be cleaning bottles multiple times a day. Look for bottles that:
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Have wide openings
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Are dishwasher safe
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Have fewer parts (to save time on cleaning and reassembly)
Some bottles have advanced vent systems that need thorough cleaning, so keep that in mind if convenience is a priority.
7. Trial and Error Is Normal
What works for one baby may not work for another. Some babies prefer soft, breast-like nipples, while others take to firmer ones. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to find the perfect bottle - it's all part of the learning curve.
8. Top Baby Bottle Brands to Explore
To get you started, here are a few trusted brands that parents love:
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Zero Zero – Famous for anti-colic vent system and mimics the natural breastfeeding experience
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Beaba – Glass 2 in 1 bottle
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Suavinex – Stylish, high-quality bottles from Europe
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Tommee Tippee – Breast-like shape to ease transitions between breast and bottle
Choosing the right baby bottle is a personal journey, but with a bit of research (and patience), you'll find the one that works best for you and your little one. Consider your baby’s age, feeding preferences, and any special needs like colic or reflux. Starting with a few options and observing your baby’s response can help guide you toward the perfect fit.
Explore our curated range of baby bottles and feeding accessories to support every step of your feeding journey - from newborn to toddlerhood
How to Choose the Right Baby Bottle for Your Newborn