Choosing the Right Bottle & Teat for Your Baby
A Practical Guide to Finding the Right Bottle Feeding Setup
We’ve been helping families for many years now, and a question we are always asked by new parents is “Which is the best baby bottle?” - and while we wish there was a one size fits all answer to this question, the reality is that there isn't one perfect bottle for every baby. The best baby bottle is the one that suits your bub's feeding style, comfort, and stage of development, while also fitting your family's routine and preferences.
Finding the right bottles and teats can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many options available, from anti colic bottles and wide neck designs to glass, silicone, and plastic bottles… it's natural to wonder which choice is best for your baby.
In this guide, we'll help you understand the different bottle and teat options so you can find a feeding setup that feels right for your baby and your family.
How to Choose the Best Baby Bottle
When comparing baby bottles, start by thinking about your baby's feeding needs rather than focusing on brands or features.
- Newborn? Look for slow flow teats and easy to clean bottles – you’ll likely be using up to 12 bottles a day in those very early stages!
- Breastfed or mixed feeding? Wide neck bottles and breast shaped teats can help support a natural latch.
- Experiencing wind or reflux? Anti-colic bottles will help reduce swallowed air.
- Need something practical for everyday use? Lightweight plastic bottles are often a great choice.
- Looking for a long term option? Glass bottles are durable and long lasting.
Choosing the Right Bottle Material
Different bottle materials offer different benefits, but there isn't a single right choice.
|
Bottle Type |
Best For |
Things to Know |
|
Plastic |
Everyday use |
Lightweight and practical |
|
Glass |
Durability |
Easy to clean but heavier |
|
Silicone |
Mixed feeding |
Soft and flexible |
💛 Dimples Tip: Something we often tell parents is not to overthink the bottle material too much. Most babies will adapt well to different bottle types, so it's often more about what works best for your family and feeding routine.
Bottle Shapes at a Glance
Standard Bottles - A simple, reliable option that works well for most babies.
Wide-Neck Bottles - Easier to fill and clean, and often preferred by families combining breast and bottle feeding.
Anti-Colic Bottles - Designed to reduce the amount of air swallowed during feeding.
💛 Something we get asked a lot at Dimples: "Are anti colic bottles really worth it?" For babies who experience wind, gas, or reflux, or even for as a preventative method – yes! We know many parents who have found they make feeding more comfortable and reduce post feed fussiness.
Explore our Infant and Toddler Formula range here
Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies & Mixed Feeding
Another common question we hear at Dimples is:
"What's the best bottle for a breastfed baby?"
While every baby is different, wide-neck bottles with soft silicone teats are often a great place to start. When introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby, look for:
- Wide teats that encourage a natural latch
- Slow flow teats that mimic breastfeeding
- Soft silicone teats with a familiar feel
- Bottles designed to support mixed feeding
Many parents also find paced bottle feeding helpful, as it encourages babies to feed at a rhythm that's closer to breastfeeding. You can learn more about paced bottle feeding here.
Shop bottles suitable for mixed feeding
Choosing the right teat flow can make feeding feel calmer and more comfortable for your baby.
For newborns and younger babies, a slow flow teat is usually the best place to start. This helps milk flow gently and steadily, giving your baby time to feed at their own pace.
As your baby grows and becomes more confident with bottle feeding, they may be ready for a medium or faster flow teat. Age guides can be helpful, but your baby's feeding cues are often the best sign.
The flow may be too fast if your baby is coughing, spluttering, gulping milk, leaking milk from their mouth, or becoming unsettled during feeds.
The flow may be too slow if your baby seems frustrated, takes a very long time to finish a bottle, or often falls asleep before finishing their feed.
💛 Another common questions we are asked: "When should I move up a teat size?" The answer is usually based on your baby's feeding cues rather than just their age alone.
Cleaning, Sterilising & Bottle Care
Keeping bottles and teats clean is a very important part of bottle feeding. Wash bottles and teats thoroughly, replace worn teats when needed, and sterilise bottles up until your baby is approximately 12 months old.
A few simple essentials can make life easier:
- Bottle sterilisers
- Bottle warmers
- Bottle brushes
- Drying racks
- Feeding bibs
Shop bottle cleaning and sterilising essentials here
Frequently Asked Questions about Bottle Feeding
What bottles are best for newborns?
Most newborns do well with bottles fitted with slow flow teats. Anti-colic designs can also be helpful for babies prone to wind or reflux.
What bottle is best for a breastfed baby?
Wide-neck bottles with soft silicone teats are often a great option for supporting mixed feeding and encouraging a natural latch.
Are anti-colic bottles worth it?
For babies who swallow excess air while feeding, anti-colic bottles may help reduce wind, gas, and feeding discomfort.
How do I know if teat flow is too fast?
Look for coughing, spluttering, milk leaking from the mouth, or your baby struggling to keep up with the flow.
Glass vs plastic baby bottles: which is better?
Both are excellent options. Plastic bottles are lightweight and practical, while glass bottles are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to staining.
Finding the Right Feeding Fit for Your Family
Every baby is different, and finding the best baby bottle often involves a little trial and error.
Trust your baby's cues, be kind to yourself, and remember that there's no single "right" choice. What matters most is finding a feeding setup that feels comfortable for both you and your baby.
💛 A final note from our team: We've helped hundreds of New Zealand families navigate bottle feeding over the years, and if there's one thing we've learned, it's that every feeding journey looks a little different. You're doing a great job.
Shop our full range of baby bottles, teats and feeding essentials
