The Best Bottles According to Parents, Experts and Picky Babies

Just under 40 percent of Babylist parents named Dr. Brown’s as their favorite bottle in our best products survey—more than any other brand. And our gear editor Jen LaBracio is one of them. “I used Dr. Brown’s bottles daily for four years with my two boys, one of whom was a preemie with latching issues,” she says. “They were the only bottles that consistently worked for both of them.”

The brand’s claim to fame is their patented venting system. Designed to mimic breastfeeding, it limits your baby’s air intake while drinking, helping to reduce burping, gas, spit-up and even colic in some little ones.

Are they a magical solution for every fussy baby? Sadly, no. (But we’ll let you know as soon as we find one.) Still, enough parents tell us they see a noticeable difference when using Dr. Brown’s that we stand behind them. “My three-week-old has not thrown up once, spit up or had bad gas,” one mom noted in our survey. Dr. Brown’s bottles are “the only ones that worked for my baby for the first six months,” another said.

Lactation consultants also love Dr. Brown’s bottles because of their consistent flow. “As opposed to some other bottles, Dr. Brown’s uses a laser to create the hole in the nipple,” says IBCLC Spaeth. This differs from other nipples on the market that are made using a needle, she explains, which can lead to inconsistent flow rates. This precise, consistent cut is a big reason she thinks lots of babies take these bottles so well. One Babylist parent said in their review, “My daughter is very picky when it comes to her bottle. She doesn’t accept most of the nipples [but] we tried Dr. Brown’s and she was able to latch on from the first try.”

The two biggest negatives of these popular bottles are difficulty in cleaning and potential leaking. The first, unfortunately, is unavoidable; the bottle’s venting system has multiple parts, some of which are pretty tiny, and cleaning them does indeed take some time. The upside is that the Options+ system lets you remove the internal venting system as baby develops, leaving you with only a bottle, nipple and a collar to clean. 

The second issue? Leaks. ”We’ve been using these bottles for three months and they leak so bad. It’s so annoying. Baby is soaked in milk and we can’t tell how many ounces he’s actually eating,” one Babylist parent wrote in their review. The good news is that this can be solved by a few different methods depending on the reason for the leak. You can check the brand’s FAQ section for solutions, but our biggest learnings from extensive testing and years of use is to remember to always use the Travel Disc and keep the bottle upright when on the go. You should also loosen the collar just a bit before warming the bottle to reduce the pressure.

The last possible downside? These are completely made of plastic. So if you’re someone who wants to avoid plastics in your baby’s feeding gear, you may want to go with the glass version.

Additional Specs

• Available sizes: Plastic: 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz; Glass: 5 oz, 9 oz

• Material: Polypropylene or glass

Glass bottles have become much more popular in recent years due to some parents’ preference for plastic-free feeding tools. In fact, a little less than 50% of Babylist parents who responded to our survey said they prefer them over plastic, citing that glass bottles are free of the chemicals used in plastic bottles, durable and easy to clean. And when it comes to favorites, parents told us these bottles from Philips Avent top their list.

They have all of the components parents love about the brand’s plastic bottles—a wide, flexible nipple, an advanced anti-colic system and few parts to clean—but in glass. The glass is thermal-shock resistant, so it can transition between hot and cold without issue, and the twin-valve design reduces colic and discomfort by venting air into the bottle, not your little one’s stomach. They’re also ultra-durable. “Since they’re glass, I was able to save them from baby to baby…without concern of the plastic being too old,” one mom told us in our survey.

Of the glass bottle options we tested, these are definitely on the heavier side. And though they’re super durable, there’s always a risk of breakage if dropped (the silicone sleeve will help protect from this, though). A few Babylist parents also note in their reviews that these leak. “If you don't close the top just the right way, the bottles will leak out. Even when you think you have tightened the top enough, milk will still leak out,” one shared.

Additional Specs

• Available sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz

• Material: Glass

Since bottles are super subjective, and glass tends to be more expensive than plastic, the Bottle Box is a cost-effective way to try them out before committing. We think most parents-to-be should add one to their baby registry because it solves the all-too-common issue of registering for a whole set of bottles only to realize your baby won’t take them. “The Bottle Box allows you to try multiple brands/types of the product…[because] you’ll have no idea what your baby will like,” one Babylist parent wrote in our survey. The box features brands Dr. Brown’s, Philips Avent, Suavinex and BIBS.  

Another parent told us how happy they were that they decided to register for the box despite being unsure at first. “I had no idea these were going to come in handy when my youngest wouldn’t take the bottle,” she said.

The biggest downside to this try-it kit is that you won’t be able to customize your nipple sizes—all bottles come with level one slow-flow nipples. If you decide glass bottles actually are not for you, there is also a plastic bottle box version, too. 

If you’re planning to breastfeed your baby, you may still find yourself wanting to introduce a bottle for times when you’re away from your baby or just want someone else to help with feeds. When choosing a bottle for a breastfed baby, lactation experts recommend focusing on the shape of the nipple. “A tapered shape helps get more of the bottle into the baby’s mouth and promotes a deeper latch,” similar to what baby experiences on the breast, says Spaeth. She, along with other lactation experts we’ve spoken to, all recommend the Lansinoh bottle as a top pick for breastfed babies.

With over 50 years of research behind it, the Lansinoh bottle’s NaturalWave nipple is ergonomically designed to mimic a breast, allowing baby to use the same sucking motion so they’ll be able to transition easily between breast and bottle. 

Though there isn’t an elaborate anti-colic venting system, there is a small vent to reduce air intake and a vertical groove on the nipple to prevent collapse. And with only four pieces and no tiny parts, cleaning won’t take forever (a feature most tired parents appreciate).

These five-ounce bottles come with slow-flow nipples, which is perfect for younger babies. The larger eight-ounce size comes with medium-flow nipples, which many parents say are too fast for younger babies. Lansinoh also sells nipples separately (at places like Target and Walmart) if you find you need to experiment with different flow rates. They can also fit Pigeon nipples, our runner-up for switching between breast and bottle.

The biggest gripe parents have with these bottles is the potential for leaks. “It’s unfortunate how much these bottles leaked every time I gave it to my baby…It’s a little awkward when others are trying to give her a bottle with this and their hand is covered with breast milk,” one Babylist parent wrote in their review. 

Additional Specs

• Available sizes: 5 oz, 8 oz

• Material: Plastic

It was really hard to choose just one bottle for transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle feeding—each baby is different—but Pigeon is another great choice. Even if a bottle has all of the right characteristics according to lactation professionals, the baby is the ultimate judge. 

These bottles from Japanese brand Pigeon are a favorite among lactation consultants—and for good reason. Like the Lansinoh bottle, Pigeon’s nipple design passes what experts call the “triangle test,” which means the nipple has a wide base, gradual slope and soft tip. This shape encourages a deep latch and helps babies transition between breast and bottle more smoothly.

Another feature both bottles share is simplicity. Pigeon bottles have minimal parts, making them easier to clean and reassemble—something parents quickly find that they appreciate during those middle-of-the-night feeds.

But one key difference is that Pigeon offers their bottle in a glass version, which is why we thought it deserved a callout here. Many parents prefer glass for its durability, ease of cleaning and chemical-free peace of mind. (Lansinoh did offer a glass option in the past, but it’s become increasingly hard to find in stock.) 

The nipple itself comes in five different flow rates, so you’re sure to find something that works for your baby, though the size scale differs from most US brands. One parent struggling with bottle refusal shared in their review, “​​So far these have been the best bottles for my baby who absolutely refuses bottles. It’s a struggle even with these ones, but they are still by far the best so far. She has a posterior tongue tie and had a harder time with latching and would not take a pacifier whatsoever. If you’re struggling with bottle refusal it’s worth it to have these in the lineup.” It also has a latch line guide, which one parent said was “nice as a new mom to know she was getting a deep latch.” The wide-neck design also makes it super easy to clean, and they’re also dishwasher safe.

There are some downsides to these bottles. The first is the cost—they’re definitely not a budget-friendly option, costing around $15 a piece. They’re also currently only available on Amazon or the brand’s website. And while glass bottles are durable, they’re still glass, and a few parents mentioned they broke easily when dropped—though this isn’t typical (more on that below). You should regularly check any type of baby bottles for wear and tear, to ensure they’re safe for baby. If you’re not exclusively sticking to glass bottles, there’s also a plastic version.

Additional Specs

• Available sizes: 5.4, 8.1, 11.2 oz

• Material: Plastic, Glass

The most affordable bottles on our best-of list by far, these Evenflo Feeding Classic baby bottles are an incredible value, especially considering their features and the overwhelmingly positive reviews from parents. “Their price is icing on the cake. After five kids we have tried them all and we always come back to these,” one parent raved in their review. 

They check almost all of the boxes for what we like in a baby bottle. The narrow shape, light weight and twisted surface design make them easy and comfortable for baby to hold. The nipple shape is gently sloped—and similar in shape to Dr. Brown’s nipples—which can help encourage a deep latch. (Pro tip: Dr. Brown’s narrow nipples also fit this bottle.) They come in multiple colors, a nice-to-have if you’re using bottles with more than one child. And they’re also super easy to clean, with only three pieces. They also come in a glass version if you want to steer clear of plastic.

There are two things that aren’t so great. These bottles do lack a venting system, which may or may not be an issue, depending on your baby. Some parents mention it makes it hard for their baby to drink from them: “Because these bottles have no venting, the pressure builds up inside the bottle causing the milk to get stopped up.” And a common complaint is that the measurements can be tough to see. One parent attests, “The numbers are pretty much invisible, making it hard to measure.” 

Additional Specs

• Available sizes: 8 oz

• Material: Plastic

Boon’s Nursh bottles are our top silicone pick. Their colorways can’t be beat (so fun!), but more importantly, they’re straightforward to use and can help tiny tummies. These bottles tackle the concept of a venting system with a silicone pouch that collapses as baby drinks. This results in less air in baby’s tummy, which can help reduce gas, colic and overall fussiness. It also eliminates tiny parts to clean, a nice perk. And unlike some silicone options, these bottles have a sturdy base, preventing any tip-overs. Many parents choose them because they can be easier for baby to hold, feel more like a breast and are free of some of the chemicals plastic bottles contain. 

These bottles also get extra credit for their ability to transform into sippy cups with the easy addition of a straw conversion top, extending their useful life for years. “I originally bought the Boon Nursh bottles because I loved the look (don’t judge me!) and because they seemed really easy to clean (we are dishwasher parents),” Maddie, a Babylist team member, told me. “But I ended up loving them because of the way they transition from bottle to sippy to straw cup. We bought the straw cup attachments when our kid was ready to transition away from bottles, so we’ve been using our Nursh system for over two years now and they are still in great shape.”

Aspects of the Nursh that aren’t so great include their awkward fit in certain bottle warmers and that some parents say that if the baby breaks the latch on the bottle, air will flow back into the collapsible pouch—but that wasn’t the case in our testing. Another common complaint is that they leak. One parent said, "You have to be careful to fit it properly so that there are no leaks. The liquid comes out very easily through the hole and the flow is fast.” It’s also super hard to see the measurements on the side of the bottle (because they blend in with the silicone) if you want to know exactly how many ounces your baby finished. 

Additional Specs

• Available sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz

• Material: Silicone

The most innovative thing about Quark bottles—and likely the first thing you’ll notice—is the material. Made from an engineered plastic called Tritan, the material is lightweight, resists cracking and breaking and is extremely durable. It doesn’t leach harmful chemicals, even after repeated use and washing. While many modern baby bottles made of plastic are BPA-free and rigorously safety-tested, not all plastics offer the same long-term clarity and resistance to clouding or staining. Tritan stands out not just for its safety profile, but also for how glass-like it looks and feels. It’s crystal clear—if you looked but didn’t touch, you’d think it was glass. Even after months of use, our gear editor says they remained nice and clear.

The nipple is another exceptional feature—its gentle slope aligns with the nipple shape lactation experts recommend. It flexes like the real thing and has two texture zones to replicate the nipple and areola. It was also one of only two bottles that Rebekah—an IBCLC and mom of two—could get her newborn to take. “This baby has thrown me for a loop and refused all pacis from birth, so I was curious how bottles would go,” says. “I tried a bunch, and Quark and Dr. Brown’s with the preemie nipple were the only two she took well. She got a great latch.”

Like Boon Nursh, Quark bottles will last longer than your average baby bottle. Just pop off the nipple and add the straw top insert instead (the conversion set comes with this bundle) to use the bottle as a straw cup for years.

The biggest complaint about these bottles is that they’re not steam sterilizer safe. If you want to sterilize them, the brand recommends immersing them in boiling water for one to two minutes. And though they’re dishwasher safe, Quark also recommends handwashing for a longer lifespan. (The bottles have a super wide opening which makes this pretty easy.) And lastly, they’re expensive—the price breaks down to about $20 per bottle.

Additional Specs

• Available sizes: 5 oz, 8 oz

• Material: Tritan EX501