Bottle Feeding

Feeding little and often takes up a lot of your time when you have a newborn. If you're using bottles to feed your baby expressed breast milk or formula, the choices can sometimes be confusing.  

While there’s no evidence that a certain type of teat or bottle is better than any other, we’ve written this post to simplify things a little, and help you find the right type of bottle that works well for both you and your baby.  

Key things to look for in a baby bottle 

• Anti-colic features: Many newborns experience gas and colic, so bottles with built-in venting systems can help reduce air intake. 
• Teat shape: Look for bottle teats that mimic a breast in shape and movement to encourage a natural latch. Slow-flow teats are usually best for newborns and babies under 3 months, although this isn’t always the case as all babies are unique.  
• Easy cleaning: Bottles with wide necks are easier to clean. Dishwasher-safe components and self-sterilising functionality are also a plus and will help save you time and effort between feeds.  
• Bottle material: Options include plastic, glass, and silicone. Ensure any plastic bottles you use are BPA-free. 
• Durability and quality: If you notice that your baby’s bottle is damaged, scratched or cracked, it’s a good idea to replace it. Baby bottle teats need to be changed regularly, too. We recommend replacing your bottle teats every two months or at the first sign of any damage or weakness. 

Explaining Tommee Tippee baby bottles  

No two babies are the same, and neither are our self-sterilising bottles. They can both be used to feed expressed breast milk or formula, and are designed to provide anti-colic protection, but there are some key differences that set them apart.  

Our Natural Start® bottles support your nurturing instincts when introducing your baby to bottle feeding. They come in a range of materials, including soft, squishy silicone and medical-grade glass.  

If a baby needs extra anti-colic support, our Advanced Anti-Colic™ bottles are specially designed to ease the discomfort of colic, gas and reflux. 

What size bottles do I need for a newborn? 

When preparing for a newborn, it's helpful to understand what bottle sizes are most appropriate.  

Small baby bottles (4-5 oz/120-150 ml+) are ideal for newborns. In the early weeks, newborns have small stomachs and eat small amounts frequently. These smaller bottles are perfectly suited for those initial feeds. They help prevent waste, as you're not preparing large amounts of formula or breast milk that might go unused. 

As your baby grows, the amount they need per feed will increase, and when that happens, you’ll need bigger bottles (8-11 oz/260-340 ml+). Here are some important points to keep in mind when shopping for baby bottles.  

• Start small: It's generally recommended to start with smaller bottles. You can always increase the amount of milk in the bottle or switch to a larger bottle as your baby (and their appetite) grows.    
• Teat flow: Flow rate is as important as bottle size and teat shape when it comes to bottle acceptance. That's why Tommee Tippee bottle teats are available in a range of flow rates to support acceptance and switching between breast and bottle. Newborns and babies under 3 months usually require slow-flow teats to prevent them from drinking too quickly.  
• Individual needs: Every baby is different. Pay attention to your baby's feeding cues and adjust accordingly. If your baby is showing signs of discomfort, try a different flow rate. Signs it may be too fast: Gulping, coughing or gagging, refusing to feed, or excess milk dripping out of your baby's mouth. Or too slow: If your baby takes over 20 minutes to finish their feed, tugs at the teat, or falls asleep while feeding. 

By having a mixed collection of smaller and larger bottles, and teats in various flow rates, you'll be prepared to address your baby’s changing bottle feeding needs as they grow. 

Sources 

• What bottles and teats do you need for babies? | NCT 
• Bottle feeding advice - NHS