Baby Bottles: Finding the Best for Your Newborn

Article By
Stu
Published On
05 Mar, 2025
Read Time
4 minutes

If you’re bottle feeding with expressed breast milk or formula, there are many types of baby bottle to choose from.  

We’ve written this guide to help simplify things so you can find a bottle that fits your (and your baby's) needs. 

Baby bottles: What to look for? 

No single bottle or nipple is proven to be the best, and all feeding journeys are different, but there are a few key features to look for when shopping for bottles for your newborn.  

  • Bottle material: Options include plastic, glass, and silicone. Make sure 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 nipples need to be changed regularly, too. We recommend replacing your bottle nipples every two months or at the first sign of any damage or weakness.  
  • Anti-colic features: Many newborns experience gas and colic, so bottles with built-in venting systems can help reduce air intake. 
  • Nipple shape: Look for bottle nipples that mimic a breast in shape and movement to encourage a natural latch. Slow-flow nipples 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-sterilizing functionality are also a plus and will help save you time and effort between feeds. 

Tommee Tippee bottles, explained 

Because every baby has unique needs, we offer different bottle options. While both types are suitable for breast milk and formula, they each have key differences.  

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 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. 

The best bottles for breastfed newborns

Breast milk is the best natural nourishment for babies, and experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. But sometimes, bottle feeding becomes necessary, and choosing the right bottle is crucial – especially for breastfed babies – to minimise nipple confusion and ensure a smooth transition between breast, bottle and back. 

When exclusive breastfeeding isn’t possible, our Natural Start® bottle, with its soft, breast-like silicone nipple, can help support parents on their combination feeding journey, whether they’re combining direct breastfeeding with formula or expressed breast milk in a bottle.  

Made from soft medical-grade silicone with unique patented ripples, the nipple is designed to mimic the feel and motion of breastfeeding and can naturally elongate to the soft palate and flex during feeding. Its wide, breast-like shape encourages a natural latch and is specially designed to help reduce confusion and help parents switch between breast, bottle and back again.  

“Great product! Would highly recommend to newborn moms. My little one loves the bottles, and I love the fact you can sterilize them in the microwave. If anyone is looking for a bottle for their newborn, definitely go for these!” Sophie, UK 

Explore the Range

Natural Start® Bottles & Nipples

The best bottles for formula fed newborns

The process of preparing and mixing formula can sometimes cause air bubbles to form. So, when bottle feeding formula feeding, minimising air intake is important to help prevent feeding discomfort. 

Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic™ bottles are specially engineered to soothe. These bottles have a patented vented wand and silicone valve that draw air away from baby's stomach and help reduces air intake to combat the discomfort of colic, gas and reflux. For calmer, more comfortable feeds with less gas and less stress. 

“These bottles are life-changing. The baby no longer has issues with wind and has stopped dripping as much milk down his chin. I’ve had no issues with him latching on. Sterilising in the microwave is a game changer. Super easy to clean and sterilise. Would definitely recommend to family and friends.” Fay, UK 

Explore the Range

Advanced Anti-Colic™ Bottles & Nipples

What size bottles do newborns need? 

When getting ready for your newborn, knowing the right bottle sizes is key. 

  • Small bottles (4-5 oz/120-150 ml): These are perfect for newborns. In the early weeks, babies have small stomachs and eat small amounts often. These bottles prevent waste by avoiding large, unused portions of formula or breast milk. 
  • Larger bottles (8-11 oz/260-340 ml): As your baby grows and needs more per feeding, you'll need to move up to these larger bottles. 

Baby bottle shopping tips 

  • Start small: It's best to begin with smaller bottles. You can always increase the amount or switch to a larger bottle as your baby's appetite grows. 
  • Nipple flow: The flow rate of the nipple is just as important as the bottle size and nipple shape. Tommee Tippee offers various flow rates to support smooth transitions between breast and bottle. Newborns and babies under 3 months typically need slow-flow nipples. 
  • Individual needs: Every baby is different. Watch your baby's feeding cues and adjust the flow rate you’re using as needed.  
  • Too fast: Gulping, coughing, gagging, refusing to feed, or milk dripping from the mouth. 
  • Too slow: Feeds taking over 20 minutes, tugging at the nipple, or falling asleep during feeding. 

Having a mix of small and large bottles, and nipples with different flow rates, will help you meet your baby's changing feeding needs as they grow.