Best baby bottle and food warmer


Best for Breast Milk, Travel, and More

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  • Best for breast milk: Munchkin Digital Bottle Warmer, Kiinde Twist Breastmilk Collection, Storage, and Feeding System Gift Set
  • Best warmer sterilizer combo: Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer
  • Best portable bottle warmer: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Travel Bottle Warmer
  • Best warmer and cooler combo: First Years Night Cravings Bottle Warmer & Cooler
  • Best universal warmer: Baby Brezza Safe + Smart Bottle Warmer, Philips Avent Fast Bottle Warmer
  • Best budget warmer: BabyX Bottle Warmer
  • Best looking on the countertop: Boon Orb Bottle Warmer
  • Best for speedy warming: Chicco Digital Bottle & baby Food Jar Warmer
  • Best compact bottle warmer: Baby’s Brew Portable Bottle Warmer Pro
  • Best for pouch warming: Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced Baby Bottle & Pouch Warmer

Even if you’re a breastfeeding mama, the time is inevitably going to come where your little one is going to need to eat and you won’t be available. That, of course, is when the ever-so-handy baby bottle comes in.

Now, warming milk before giving it to your babe in a bottle is a personal choice. If you’re breastfeeding, warm milk is what they’re used to, so they might be more keen to drink from a bottle if it’s familiar. If that’s the case, you have some options when it comes to warming.

While it seems like the easiest option, popping a bottle in the microwave is a no-no as it won’t evenly heat the milk and can create hot spots that might burn your baby’s mouth. Plus many experts believe that microwaves can destroy critical nutrients, especially in breast milk.

Some parents choose to warm milk that’s been stored in the refrigerator by placing the bottle in a bowl of hot water. It’s a tried and true method that’s been used for generations.

Others choose to get technical and go with a bottle warmer. The goal of a bottle warmer is to heat a bottle of milk or formula fairly quickly without the risk of creating hot spots. And many are designed with automatic shutoff features to prevent overheating the bottle.

It’s really up to you. Some parents swear by them for late-night feedings or when mom is away — others say a bowl of hot water and a thermometer work just fine.

And yes, it’s yet another item to add to your baby registry or shopping list. But if you decide a warmer is for you, they’re available in a wide range of prices (depending on brand, features, etc.), and we’ve picked a few that are worth investigating.

To make our selections, we considered a range of features — specifically safety, ease of use, whether it was best for breast milk versus formula (or both), whether it included accessories, the price, and bottle compatibility. We also read customer reviews from parents, both positive and negative.

Price guide

  • $ = under $30
  • $$ = $30–$50
  • $$$ = over $50

Best for breast milk

Munchkin Digital Bottle Warmer

Price: $$

Munchkin is a brand that any new parent will become instantly familiar with thanks to their useful sippy cups, plates, and utensils. Their digital bottle warmer works with a lift-out basket and a “safe steam warning” that helps ensure breastfeeding parents that nutrients won’t be destroyed during the heating process.

A lot of people really love this product and say that it’s been a staple in their household through multiple infants. But a handful of negative reviews claim that their warmer stopped working after a few uses or that the water chamber leaked.

Pros

  • This Munchkin warmer uses steam warming to ensure nutrients aren’t destroyed in breast milk.
  • The warmer has a simple control panel design with a backlit digital display.
  • It’s designed to fit most bottles and jars.

Cons

  • Water may occasionally overfill the internal chamber, which can overheat the milk.
  • The display panel may not be easy to use for late-night feedings.

Shop now at Munchkin

Kiinde Twist Breastmilk Collection, Storage, and Feeding System Gift Set

Price: $$$

Although pricey, breastfeeding parents will appreciate that this is a complete feeding system and warmer from Kiinde. If you’ve ever tried to transfer expressed milk to another container for freezing or storage, you know the heartbreak of spilling that liquid gold — especially if you’re struggling with production or the process in general.

This collection includes direct-pump storage bags so all you have to do is swap the top and they’re ready for the fridge or freezer.

Reviewers like that you can use nipples from different bottle brands just in case your baby is particular, and that you can warm and thaw straight from the freezer. But a few comment that it takes a while to warm up, and some say it malfunctioned after a while.

Pros

  • The Kiinde system minimizes the risk of spilling expressed breast milk.
  • Universal nipple compatibility for babies that are picky about their bottles.
  • It comes with a complete system — including pouches that you can pump directly into and freeze, caps, a bottle that the pouches attach to, and a heating system.

Cons

  • The warming function can take longer than other brands.
  • Some reviewers reported the warmer stopped working within a few months of purchase or first use.

Shop now at Amazon

Best warmer and sterilizer combo

Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer

Price: $$

Manually sterilizing bottles can be a chore — especially if you’re going with the old-school stovetop method.
This warmer from Dr. Brown’s is designed as a 2-in-1 solution with a simple interface that’s easy to use, according to a number of reviewers. It can only sterilize one bottle at a time, but it’s multi-functional in that the sterilizer feature can be used for pacifiers, too.

The warmer works with Dr. Brown bottles, but it’s also designed to offer a universal fit for most competitor brands and baby food jars, too. It features a simple interface with a digital screen.

However, some reviewers said it can be hard to pour water into the reservoir without spilling it. Plus, this warmer requires distilled water, so you can’t just rely on the tap.

Pros

  • The device is designed to work as a bottle warmer and sterilizer.
  • The warmer has a simple interface that’s easy to use, according to reviewers.
  • It can also be used to sterilize pacifiers and other small items.
  • The warmer automatically shuts off 60 seconds after the warming cycle completes.

Cons

  • Customers say it can be difficult to pour water into the reservoir without spilling it.
  • The warmer requires distilled water.

Shop now at Amazon

Best portable bottle warmer

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Travel Bottle Warmer

Price: $

This portable warmer from Tommee Tippee is an affordable solution for heating bottles on the go. It works by combining a thermal flask with a bottle holder. The flask can be filled with hot water in advance and keeps it hot for hours.

When you’re ready, pour the hot water from the flask into the bottle holder and insert your bottle. Parents will appreciate that this warmer fits Comotomo, Philips Avent, Tommy Tippee, MAM, and more standard-size bottles.

Most reviews on this portable warmer are very positive, saying it’s easy to clean and that it keeps water hot for a very long time. However, a few say they’ve experienced leakage, suggesting that the quality isn’t consistent.

Pros

  • The warmer has a travel-friendly design so you can feed your baby on the go.
  • The thermal flask keeps water hot for hours, allowing you to warm when needed.
  • Mostly universal bottle compatibility.

Cons

  • Thermos has a tendency to leak.
  • The design of the thermos lid makes it hard to tell if the bottle is properly closed.
  • You can’t control the temperature, as with many of the plug-in versions on this list.

Shop now at Amazon

Best warmer and cooler combo

First Years Night Cravings Bottle Warmer & Cooler

Price: $$

The First Years Night Cravings Bottle Warmer & Cooler is an affordable solution for warming and cooling bottles. It’s designed to hold two bottles at once and can warm breast milk, formula, and even baby food. It can also keep two bottles cool for up to 8 hours thanks to a re-freezable ice pack and insulated container.

It isn’t common to have a built-in cooler attached to a bottle warmer — but it can be a great feature. It can come in handy during those early newborn months when you need to keep either premixed formula or previously expressed breast milk cool, but nearby, for overnight feedings.

Keep in mind that breast milk can be stored at 77 degrees for just 4 hours, and formula only lasts at that temperature for 2 hours. The company doesn’t specify how cool the cooler gets, but it’s likely best to err on the side of caution and use it for less than 4 hours for breast milk and 2 for formula.

Despite the manufacturer’s claims that this warmer fits all sizes of bottles, reviewers warn that wider bottles are not a fit for this system (one mom even says Tommee Tippee bottles got so hot the milk burned her when testing on her wrist).

Pros

  • This device is multi-purpose, it serves as a bottle warmer and also has a cooler to store extra milk or formula.
  • The cooler can keep bottles cold for up to 8 hours.
  • The device is travel-friendly, with a compact design and handle.

Cons

  • Even though the company advertises this as a universal bottle fit, it may not be ideal for wider bottles.

Shop now at Amazon

Best universal warmer

Baby Brezza Safe + Smart Bottle Warmer

Price: $$$

While this is another splurge, Baby Brezza is a name parents trust because their products have a reputation for working efficiently and safely.

Their Smart Bottle Warmer is a universal fit option, making it a great option to consider regardless of what bottle and brand you regularly use.

The system is designed to work with breast milk, formula, and baby food jars. Toggle between “steady warm” for breast milk and “quick warm” for formula and food. And while it’s compact, it can also be used to thaw breast milk in storage bags.

You can also control the settings via Bluetooth by using their proprietary app, although reviewers say this is an unnecessary function.

Other critical reviews claim that the “quick warm” setting requires speedy action on mom or dad’s part, as leaving the bottle in too long makes the bottle too hot.

One mom points out that the lid feature can lead to steam burns if not careful, and another says they wish there was an extended-warm feature.

Pros

  • The warmer is designed to have a universal fit that’s compatible with various bottle sizes.
  • It has a dedicated breast milk setting to protect nutrients.
  • The compact design is ideal for people with smaller kitchens or limited counter space.

Cons

  • This is one of the more expensive bottle warmers on our list.
  • Inconsistent bottle heating times could prove frustrating for parents and hungry babies, alike.

Shop now at Amazon

Philips Avent Fast Bottle Warmer

Price: $$

This warmer from Philips Avent might look simple, but if you and your baby swear by wider bottles, you’ll like that the opening is more than large enough to accommodate wide bottles. It’s a great option for Comotomo bottles, if those are your go-to!

There’s a simple defrost setting to help thaw frozen milk or baby food, and parents short on space will appreciate its small footprint.

That being said, if you’re looking for bells and whistles, this isn’t your warmer. While most folks seem to know what they’re in for when purchasing this no-frills option, many reviewers complain that this product doesn’t have a temperature setting or automatic shutoff. Others say the results are inconsistent.

Pros

  • This warmer has an analog design that’s fairly user-friendly.
  • The larger opening can accommodate wider bottles.
  • Users can adjust the temperature based on bottle content and quantity, or use the defrost setting.

Cons

  • The warmer doesn’t have an automatic shut-off setting.
  • It may not warm consistently.

Shop now at Amazon

Best budget warmer

BabyX Bottle Warmer

Price: $

Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean low on features. But if you’re working with a strict budget (and don’t want to go the stovetop bottle warming route), the BabyX Fast Bottle Warmer is one of the most affordable options when most brands are double this price.

It quickly warms milk while also doubling as a sterilizer and pacifier sanitizer. Designed as a universal warmer, you can also use silicone, plastic, and glass bottles in this device.

Parents like the small size, and the auto-shutoff function. However, this machine lacks a defrost feature and a timer, and a few reviewers say they wish there was a night light and that the instructions were more detailed. With a price that’s less than $25, it’s hard to go wrong.

Pros

  • The budget-friendly price makes it a good choice for nearly anyone.
  • The device can also double as a sterilizer and pacifier sanitizer.
  • It has a universal design that works with glass, silicone, and/or plastic bottles.

Cons

  • It lacks a defrost function for parents who want to freeze breast milk.
  • The device doesn’t have a nightlight.

Shop now at Amazon

Best looking on the countertop

Boon Orb Bottle Warmer

Price: $

If you’re a fan of those adorable, grass-like bottle drying racks with flower and twig accessories, you might also like the sleek design of this bottle warmer.

While the Boon Orb can only heat one bottle at a time, it’s a great choice if you’re focused on design aesthetic and already have other Boon accessories.

The Boon warmer relies on steam heat to gently heat bottles and baby food jars. Plus it’s a portable option thanks to its small size. Parents like that this warmer works with a variety of bottles thanks to a removable insert that adjusts the chamber size.

A few parents complain that the timer doesn’t audibly notify you when the warmer is done, and some folks say that the water measurement system is confusing and difficult to use.

Pros

  • The Boon Orb uses steam heat to evenly heat bottles — preventing hot spots or overheating.
  • Its compact size makes it portable and travel-friendly.
  • The device includes a basket designed to hold baby food jars for warming.

Cons

  • It can only heat one bottle at a time.
  • The bottle warmer doesn’t have a sound or chime to notify you when heating is complete.

Shop now at Amazon

Best for speedy warming

Chicco Digital Bottle & Baby Food Jar Warmer

Price: $$

This option from Chicco lets you automatically customize the heat settings based on the volume and current temperature of your bottle or baby food.

With 12 different temperature settings, you know that you can quickly heat a bottle of room temperature formula or breast milk. With the right temperature setting, you can avoid overheating or destroying nutrients in breast milk.

It’s a compact warmer with an LCD that counts down the time remaining.

Parents like that you can select the current temperature of the bottle or food, and adjust the volume to get an accurate timer. That means you won’t spend forever with a crying baby as you wait and guess whether that bottle of milk is ready to go.

Negative reviews of this product say this warmer is too complicated. And one mom notes that this is best for parents who use the same size bottles every time, as the measurement system takes a while to get used to.

Pros

  • The device has 12 temperature settings for customized warming based on the formula or milk’s starting temperature and volume.
  • It comes with an insert that works with baby food jars.
  • The device is designed with a universal fit for most baby bottles.

Shop now at Amazon

Best Compact Bottle Warmer

Baby’s Brew Portable Bottle Warmer Pro

Price: $$$

This compact baby bottle warmer from Baby’s Brew is a splurge, to say the least. However, it’s ideal if you know you’re not going to be home or anywhere near an electricity source

While it’s only designed to accommodate one bottle at a time, you’ll get 8 to 12 hours of battery life on a full charge. The Portable Bottle Warmer Pro is ideal for both breast milk and formula feedings

This device is universal with most plastic, silicone, and wide neck bottles. The company also carries adapters if you find that it’s not a perfect fit with your bottle

While this is a good choice for warming breast milk, keep in mind that it’s not compatible with all ready-to-feed or premixed formulas, so you’ll have to check the specifications to make sure it works with yours. Still, you’ll get a leak proof design and quick operation that heats a bottle in 8 to 10 minutes.

Pros

  • A travel-friendly compact design that can go anywhere.
  • The device offers 8 to 12 hours of battery life on a full charge.
  • It’s compatible with most bottle designs, regardless of size and material.

Cons

  • It has a relatively long heating time — taking anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.
  • It’s not compatible with all ready-to-feed or premixed formula options.

Shop Now on Amazon

Best for Pouch Warming

Tommee Tippee 3 in 1 Advanced Baby Bottle & Pouch Warmer

Price: $$

Whether you’re warming expressed milk or you prefer bottle liners to minimize the risk of gas, not all bottle warmers are designed to be compatible with heating pouches

The Tommee Tippee 3 in 1 Advanced Baby Bottle & Pouch Warmer is an exception. It’s intended for heating breast milk pouches, but will also work with most plastic and glass bottles — as well as baby food jars

The device has an automatic timer that shuts off when the warming cycle is complete. Additionally, you can safely warm food and bottles within 4 minutes.

While it lacks a digital control panel, you’ll appreciate the simple push-button panel that allows you to adjust by bottle/pouch style, current temperature, and total liquid volume.

Pros

  • It’s specifically designed to warm pouches as well as bottles — but it’s also compatible with food jars.
  • The warmer is compatible with most bottles, regardless of material and size.
  • It has an auto shut-off and automatic timer function.

Cons

  • It lacks a digital control panel.
  • Finding the perfect setting may require a learning curve.

Shop Now on Amazon

ProductPriceBottle compatibilityAuto shut-offDigital control panelSterilizing feature
Munchkin Digital Bottle Warmer$$universalyesyesno
Kiinde Twist Universal Direct-Pump Feeding System and Warmer Gift Set$$$n/ayesnono
Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer$$universalyesyesyes
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Travel Baby Bottle Warmer$universaln/anono
The First Years Night Cravings Bottle Warmer & Cooler$universalyesnono
Baby Brezza Safe & Smart Electric Baby Bottle Warmer$$$universalyesyesno
Philips Avent Baby Bottle Warmer$$most bottlesnonoyes
BabyX Fast Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer$bottles less than 3 in. widenonoyes
Boon Orb Baby Bottle Warmer$$universalyesnono
Chicco Digital Bottle & Baby Food Jar Warmer$$universalyesyesno
Grownsy 6-in-1 Bottle & Baby Food Warmer$$universalyesyesyes
Baby’s Brew Portable Bottle Warmer Pro$$$universal yesyesno
Tommee Tippee 3 in 1 Advanced Baby Bottle & Pouch Warmer$$universalyesnono

Whether you’re putting a bottle warmer on your baby registry or are shopping after your baby has arrived, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Bottle compatibility

The last thing you want is to find yourself fumbling to transfer milk or formula from one bottle to another because your preferred bottles don’t fit in the opening of your bottle warmer. This is especially true if your little one favors wider or uniquely shaped bottles like Comotomo, Tommy Tippee, or Medela.

Where possible, we’ve listed which options in our recommendations are universal or designed for wider bottles.

Breast milk vs. formula

Parents who rely on formula don’t have to be quite as concerned (beyond not overheating a bottle that might burn their baby) but if you’re breastfeeding, overheated milk can lose nutritional value.

Look for warmers designed with auto shut-off features or special breast milk slow-warming features that help ensure milk will never get too hot. Likewise, if you’re pumping and storing milk, a defrost function is essential so that in a pinch you or other caretakers can quickly thaw and warm a bottle.

Capacity

Do you want a warmer that can heat multiple bottles at once, or are you okay with a single-bottle capacity? There’s no right or wrong answer here. But if you’re caring for multiples, a larger capacity bottle warmer would be a good idea.

Accessories

While not a necessity, the right accessories can make a bottle warmer more intuitive and easier to use.

For example, a removable basket means you won’t accidentally stick your hands in hot water while retrieving a bottle. And a complete breast milk storage and warming system can be a lifesaver since pumping milk can be an adventure on its own.

Ease of use

Imagine yourself trying to use a bottle warmer with one hand in the middle of the night while you’re exhausted, half asleep, and holding a wailing child. If the device seems a tad complicated for your sleep-deprived mind to manage, keep looking.

Meanwhile, features like automatic shut-off, Bluetooth operation, and even a cooler feature can be a lifeline — especially in those early days.

Budget

Of course, you can’t forget the budget. In our guide, we’ve highlighted a range of options from budget-friendly (less than $30) to splurges (more than $50). But you’ll note that most of our options sit in the budget and moderate price ranges.

If you’re putting a bottle warmer on your registry, don’t feel guilty about asking for the splurge as long as it meets your needs.

The biggest risk in using a bottle warmer is overheating the milk — always test the temperature of the milk on your wrist before feeding to your baby. If you’ve acquired a bottle warmer from a friend and have any concerns, check the ConsumerProduct Safety Commission website for recalls.

It’s also wise to review the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for storing and thawing breast milk, and remember to never reheat breast milk more than once as it can destroy nutrients.

How to clean a bottle warmer?

After each use you should immediately pour out the water in the reservoir and wipe down any visible components to prevent rusting, or hard water build-up.

This regular maintenance doesn’t need to be a deep clean. However, you’ll want to periodically clean your bottle warmer to prevent bacteria, mold, hard water, and general dirt from building up — especially if you let water sit in the reservoir for prolonged periods.

During deeper cleans, start by filling the reservoir with hot soapy water and letting it sit to help loosen any dirt or debris. After, pour out the water and use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down or gently scrub the sides to remove any stubborn spots.

Alternatively, you can use a descaler — similar to what you’d use to clean a coffee maker — to remove any hard water buildup, like limescale or other mineral deposits.

You can opt for a pre-made descaling solution or DIY one with a 1-to-2 part ratio of white vinegar to water. For example, if you use 2 ounces of vinegar, you’ll need 4 ounces of water.

Pour the solution into the reservoir and turn the bottle warmer on. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and then turn it off. The solution should sit in the warmer until any mineral build-up is dissolved.

Then dispose of the mixture by dumping it down the drain. Wipe down the reservoir and if any scale remains, repeat the descaling process.

How to use a bottle warmer?

Not all bottle warmers operate in the same way, so it’s best to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your specific bottle warmer.

However, generally speaking, you’ll start by filling a reservoir with water and adjust the amount based on the size of the bottle you’re inserting.

You’ll likely need to change the temperature and timer settings based on what you’re heating (breast milk, formula, or baby food). Though some warmers are only compatible with one or two of those options, so make sure you consult the instructions beforehand.

Some bottle warmers have an automatic shut-off feature, which prevents liquids or foods from being overheated — but not all do.

If you own a warmer without an automatic shut-off feature, you’ll want to pay attention to the recommended time settings and remove the bottle or baby food jar once the warming time has elapsed.

How long can you keep milk in a bottle warmer?

Timing will depend on whether you’re heating breast milk or formula.

If you’re heating breast milk, most experts including the CDC and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) recommend that you use the breast milk within 2 hours of warming.

For formula feeding, guidelines are similar but not as specific. The CDC recommends that prepared infant formula be used within 2 hours of preparation and within 1 hour from when you begin feeding your baby.

They discourage reusing any leftover formula in your baby’s bottle from a previous feeding. The CDC doesn’t clarify if there’s a difference in formula that’s at room temperature as opposed to heated, so it’s a good idea to either use it shortly after, or dispose of warmed formula that’s been out for an extended period.

Even though you might not need a bottle warmer, it can make life a lot easier. This is especially true in the early days when you’re exhausted and not firing on all cylinders.

Think about whether you’re planning to breastfeed versus use formula (or a combination of both), and whether you want a warmer that can only heat one item at a time or a dual-capacity option.

Whichever you choose, be sure that it’s a bottle warmer that’s easy for you to use and safely warms your baby’s bottles without impacting nutritional value.

The 4 Best Bottle Warmers

Best Overall Bottle Warmer


Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced


$28 at Amazon

77

OVERALL
SCORE

  • Warming Efficiency 6.0

  • Ease Of Use 9.0

  • Health/Safety 8.0

  • Ease of Cleaning 6.0

Auto Shut Off: Yes | Water Bath/Steam: Water bath

REASONS TO BUY

Fits various bottles/pouches

Safe

Simple operation

REASONS TO AVOID

Average warming time

More difficult to clean

The Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced is a water bath warmer. We prefer water baths because we feel it is safer and more consistent than steam. The four-button interface is intuitive and straightforward and considers different variables, such as bottle type, milk temperature, and volume. The large inner chamber accommodates most wide-neck bottles, and the basket allows the lifting of shorter containers without risking burned fingers. It earned the highest overall score in our testing and is one we'd gladly use in our own homes.

The large size of the 3-in-1 Advanced may not be ideal for those who have a small kitchen or would like to use it outside the home. The warm time of the Tommee Tippee is not as fast as some others, but we gladly accept a longer wait if it means getting a more consistent milk temperature. Overall, we love this Tommee Tippee product and highly recommend it as your primary warmer.

Read more: Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced review

We used a narrow Lifefactory glass bottle in our test, but the Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 will accommodate a variety of sizes.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Innovative Bottle Warmer


Kiinde Kozii


$75 at Amazon

73

OVERALL
SCORE

  • Warming Efficiency 4. 0

  • Ease Of Use 8.0

  • Health/Safety 9.0

  • Ease of Cleaning 6.0

Auto Shut Off: Yes | Water Bath/Steam: Water Bath

REASONS TO BUY

Holds most containers

Safe

Easy to clean

REASONS TO AVOID

Slow heater

Slightly more expensive

The Kiinde Kozii is an innovative warmer that has an impressive performance to stand out from the crowd. With a top rank in our review, it quickly became a favorite at home, on the go, and at daycare. It has several notable qualities, including a user-friendly design. It accommodates all bottle shapes and materials, has a quick-start guide, a small footprint, an auto shut-off feature, and a retractable water reservoir. We like the Kozii because the SAFEHeat technology uses a warm, circulating water bath to heat bottle contents and reduce the risk of nutrient damage.

While not as speedy as steam heat technology nor as fast as many competitors, the Kozii may not be the best for everyone. Despite these minor flaws, we think it is well worth the wait to take utilize the other beneficial features. The ease of use, versatility, and safety performance make it a tester favorite.

Read more: Kiinde Kozii review

While the Kiinde warmer creates a bottle with consistent internal temperature every time, it does take longer than steam baths but it is similar to other water bath warmers.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Best Bang for the Buck


Chicco NaturalFit


Check price at Amazon

73

OVERALL
SCORE

  • Warming Efficiency 6.0

  • Ease Of Use 9.0

  • Health/Safety 7.0

  • Ease of Cleaning 5. 0

Auto Shut Off: Yes | Water Bath/Steam: Water Bath

REASONS TO BUY

Inexpensive

Safe

Consistent temperature

REASONS TO AVOID

Slow to heat

Harder to clean

The Chicco NaturalFit is a simple warmer with a budget-friendly price. It is a safe, reliable way to heat your baby's bottle without the bells and whistles that can make a product complicated or harder to use. This product is a water bath with a slow and consistent warmer. Its strengths are health and safety, and ease of use and cleaning. It is multifaceted, compatible with various dimensions and materials of top-ranked baby bottles, and has a small footprint and compact volume for convenient travel.

This warmer is somewhat slow and could leave your little one fussy while you wait for adequate warming. However, we believe the lower price and consistent warming temperature are significant and overshadow the downsides, making this wallet-friendly option excellent for most families.

Read more: Chicco NaturalFit review

The Digital has a faster warming time than the non-Digital version but the final product isn't as warm.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Best for Travel


Tommee Tippee Travel Warmer


$19 at Amazon

66

OVERALL
SCORE

  • Warming Efficiency 6.0

  • Ease Of Use 6.0

  • Health/Safety 7.0

  • Ease of Cleaning 9.0

Auto Shut Off: No | Water Bath/Steam: Water Bath

REASONS TO BUY

Portable

Fits most bottles

Affordable

REASONS TO AVOID

Slow heat time

Fewer safety features

The Tommee Tippee Travel Warmer is an innovative product made with on-the-go families in mind. The insulated flask stores warm water, and the extra-large beaker acts as a warming chamber that is big enough to hold most bottles, pouches, or baby food containers. To prep the warmer, all you need to do is boil water beforehand, and then all parts fit together in a self-contained unit that fits neatly in a diaper bag or stroller basket. A hot water bath brings milk to a temperature suitable for a baby without using an external warming source.

Unfortunately, the Travel Warmer's ultra-simplistic nature lacks safety features such as an auto-shutoff or end-of-cycle alarm. It also heats bottles slowly and somewhat inconsistently because there is no circulation. If you want movement in the water, you must swirl the beaker manually. Despite these drawbacks, if you are looking for a convenient way to warm up your baby's food while away from home, the Tommee Tippee Travel is a great potential contender.

Read more: Tommee Tippee Travel Warmer review

The simple setup of the Tommee Tippee Travel Warmer does not have as many safety features as some others.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Compare Products


The Chicco NaturalFit Digital customizes defrost and warming time based on a container's size and type.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Why You Should Trust Us

Having researched more than 35 warmers over time, we've tested more than 23 contenders side-by-side. We measure multiple factors such as warming temperatures, warming times, ease of use, and cleaning ease. Our extensive and detailed testing took place over several months and in various settings, including in-house at BabyGearLab, tester's homes, and daycares. Our test process includes more than 15 individual tests for temperature accuracy, temperature changes over time, and monitoring of how temperatures change over time to simulate what happens if parents forget to remove the bottle. We think the extensive heat monitoring tests are imperative to finding a safe and easy-to-use warmer. All warmers are not created equal, especially when it comes to ensuring that your precious breastmilk is not overheated. We focused on metrics such as health and safety, ease of use, warming efficiency, and ease of cleaning to find the best during our extensive testing. Our scores reveal the performance of each warmer and the differences between each.

At BabyGearLab, we provide readers with the world's most scientific reviews of baby gear. Leading our team since 2012 is founder Dr. Juliet Spurrier, a board-certified pediatrician and mother of two. Using her knowledge of all things baby and experience as a medical practitioner, Dr. Spurrier selects products with safety and efficacy in mind to develop the important metrics included in testing. Also contributing to this review is Senior Review Editor, Abriah Wofford, as well as Senior Review Editor and mother of two, Wendy Schmitz, both testing and reviewing baby gear at BabyGearLab since 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The Kiinde Kozii easily topped the rank with its user-friendly design.The Dr. Brown's Deluxe has a removable water reservoir that can hold water for 6-12 bottle warming cycles.

Analysis and Test Results

While it isn't an absolute necessity, some parents may find having a bottle warmer is a welcome addition to the baby gear arsenal. If you have multiple babies or are only bottle-feeding, a simple, convenient, and safe option for heating your baby's meals could be a big timesaver or a stress reducer. Think of it as an extra set of hands!

While all bottle warmers can heat bottle contents, not all perform well enough to consider buying.

Credit: Abriah Wofford



Value

When preparing for a baby, costs add up quickly. Luckily, if you need a warmer, most of them are reasonably inexpensive compared to other baby gear items. The award winners in this group range in price from $35 for the Chicco Natural Fit to $70 for the Kiinde Kozii. The top-ranked warmer, the Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced, is $43. If you aren't sure how often you will use one or even if you need one, but you want to have one on hand just in case, the Chicco is your best bet at a wallet-friendly $35. It is hard to go wrong with the Chicco. It earned a higher rank and has a faster heat time than others.

The Tommee Tippee Pump and Go Bottle and Pouch Warmer is a water bath warmer that works well with many bottles and storage pouches.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Health and Safety

Health and safety should be the top priorities when choosing a bottle warmer. When warming a bottle, you should not overheat or unevenly heat the contents. Doing so can cause hot spots or alter breast milk's nutritional or immunologic value. The best way to handle breastmilk, while upholding the nutrition, is to avoid exceeding a temperature of 104 F / 40 C. Ideally, milk stays at or below body temperature, 98.6 F / 37 C.

We quickly formed preferences for specific features during testing. We became partial to products with warm water bath technology over steam heat, mainly because they aren't as hot and have a reduced risk of a scalding injury to you and your baby. Bottles tend to come out of these warmers slightly cooler and more comfortable to handle. There is also a lower likelihood of overheating internal contents.

The Kiinde Kozii and the Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced earned satisfactory health and safety scores. Both products rank among the highest of any tested products, and both utilize a water bath warming method.

Overheating Breastmilk Results in Nutrient Loss

The ideal drinking temperature for a baby's bottle will match that of your body, 98.6F/37C or less. So it is essential to pay close attention to your warming process, especially regarding breastmilk. As a living substance, breastmilk includes an incredible array of beneficial nutrients, like enzymes and probiotics, immune factors (such as IgG and IgM antibodies and immunoglobulin A), complex growth factors, and hormones.

Overheating breastmilk can cause nutritional degradation. (X-axis in minutes, Y-axis in degrees Fahrenheit)

Credit: BabyGearLab

However, as temperatures rise over 104 F / 40 C, a degradation of nutritional and immunological benefits begins. In fact, scientific studies show that both temperature and duration at high temperature is very significant. Relatively little loss of nutritional value occurs until temperatures rise above 113 F / 45 C, but the higher the temperature, the faster the degradation rate. For example, after 10 minutes at 113 F / 45 C, a study showed a loss of only about 10% of key nutritional activated enzymes. But, if you raise the temperate higher to the temperature of hot tap water in many homes (too hot for breastmilk), just a minute at 131 F / 55 C resulted in the loss of half the activated enzymes.

Bottle contents should ideally be around body temperature. Breastmilk nutrients start to degrade at temperatures above 104F.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Basic Bottle Warming Test

We did a comparative, controlled heating test to differentiate warmers in health and safety. We determined which options were more likely to heat to recommended temperatures and successfully maintain breastmilk nutrients. We measured maximum temperatures at the manufacturer's recommended settings and fully cranked the maximum settings to account for the worst-case scenario if a user doesn't follow instructions. We also left the bottle in the warmer for up to 12 minutes to see how warm the milk gets if you forget to remove the bottle or can't get to it right away.

The chart above shows recorded temperatures every 30 seconds for a 12 minute period. Each warmer was tested using refrigerated milk and the manufacturer's recommended settings.

Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

At recommended settings, we found that the Kiinde Kozii, Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced, and the Chicco NaturalFit stayed below 104 degrees for the most time while still being warm enough for a baby. The Kiinde was also the fastest to reach proper warming temperatures without overheating out of these three options. The Kiinde Kozii has the lowest temperature at shut-off, and the Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced is closest to body temperature at shut-off.

The Munchkin Speed earned the lowest score for health and safety in our tests. This unit is a steam product that can cause burns if the steam makes contact with your skin. Also, if it is accidentally left in the warmer, the Munchkin Speed overheats the bottle after shut-off. It definitely heats quickly, reaching 97F in about 2 minutes. But if you are distracted by a dirty diaper or crying infant, the bottle can quickly overheat, reaching up to 137 degrees in 5 minutes and 147 degrees in 12 minutes. Both are alarming temperatures.

Overheating is Possible at Maximum Settings

In a second test, we set them to the maximum heating setting (not the manufacturer's recommended setting) to see if the warmer's misuse could result in overheating breastmilk.

We conducted a "worst-case scenario" test in which we set each bottle warmer at its maximum heat setting to see if they would overheat the milk.

Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

Once again, we were impressed with the Chicco Natural Fit, which consistently heats to safe temperatures that are neither scalding nor degrade breastmilk. Its performance in our basic test and the maximum settings test show consistency and less chance of error.

The Kiinde claims that they rely on a patent-pending SAFEHeat technology to prevent milk from overheating using a circulating warm water bath. However, we were able to get it to overheat in our maximum heating test. The Kiinde continued to warm at the highest setting, eventually reaching temperatures we consider to be too high. After 8:30 minutes, it crossed 104F. After 12 minutes, the milk temperature rose to 122F. We conclude that following Kiinde's recommended settings is crucial for best results.

The Munchkin Speed is the fastest and the most likely to overheat the bottle's contents. When used at maximum heating settings (not recommended), the steam heat warmer pushed temperatures up to a scalding 150 F. This is way too hot to warm anything baby will drink, which is a severe concern for us. Even though this test used settings outside of the manufacturer's recommendation, we suspect many parents could make this mistake for the sake of time or forget the bottle is in the warmer.

All bottle contents should be tested on your inner wrist after swirling and before giving to your baby. The inside of your wrist has thinner skin and is more sensitive to temperature than your hands.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Always Swirl
You should swirl a warmed bottle for about 30 seconds to remove potential hot spots. You MUST check the contents' warmth by putting a few drops on your inner wrist to ensure the temperature isn't too hot or too cold for your baby. The skin on your inner wrist is thin and sensitive to temperature. Milk warmed to body temperature will feel barely warm, not too warm, and definitely not hot.


The NaturalFit user interface has two options that focus on container type, bottle or food jar.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Ease of Use

If your baby is exclusively bottle feeding, you may find yourself using a warmer every 2 or 3 hours. Having a simple, easy-to-use warmer with clear instructions can make it easier for you and other caregivers who may help you. We based our ease of use results on factors such as assembly out of the box, clear and specific instructions, quick set-up for each use, versatility, compatibility, portability, and useful elements like a water reservoir, timer, and auto shut-off.

The top-scoring warmers in the ease of use metric include the Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced and the Chicco NatrualFit. Both are simple in terms of setup and use. They don't require much prep or maintenance, and the user interface is intuitive and helpful to most people.

Each warmer requires water in the reservoir to operate correctly. Water bath warmers need more water than steam, and steam typically requires a more precise amount of water.Filling an external reservoir is easier than trying to make precise measurements in tiny vials.
Water Reservoir

A warmer with an integrated or attached water reservoir, like those found in the Kiinde Kozii, Chicco NaturalFit, or Dr. Brown's Deluxe can save you time and effort. You don't need to add water with every use. Like the Boon Orb, Steam-based warmers require you to fill a small vial with a precise amount of water each time you use the unit. It's easy to spend almost as much time filling the vial as you do waiting for the bottle to warm, which can be tedious.

We love the warming guide on the back of the Brezza and we wish all manufacturers would follow suit with this quick reference method.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Setting Timer and Warming Charts

Most products include charts to help you set the timer for perfect warming. These charts can range from simplistic to frustrating. Many of the instructions give directions for different bottle sizes, materials, and temperatures. Having multiple directions can complicate matters, but it is essential to consider all the variables.

We found that some products need a bit of a fiddle factor to achieve the best results. Be aware that you will inevitably go through trial and error before you consistently reach the perfect setting for daily use. However, it shouldn't take more than a day or so of fiddling to get a working mojo going with your new warmer. We appreciate that the Kiinde Kozii timer setting displays minutes. The Chicco NaturalFit also has simple controls with a dial turned to either baby food or bottle warming. The Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced has a few more settings, but the snowflake and bottle icons make it simple to understand.

While the Orb has multiple parts to clean, the plastic parts are dishwasher safe and the chamber is easy to wipe.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

A few steam-based warmers like the Munchkin Speed and the Boon Orb include a lift-out "basket" to remove the bottle since it can become too hot to handle after a warming cycle.

Unlike much of the competition, the Tommee Tippee can easily heat breastmilk in storage pouches.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Compatibility and Versatility

If your baby like a certain bottle and you need a bottle warmer, you will need to ensure it is compatible with your bottle's width, height, and material. Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original baby bottles are narrow and tall and fit well in a Dr. Brown's Deluxe warmer. However, this unit can't accommodate a wide-mouth design like the Tommee Tippee glass feeding bottle or the Comotomo. A versatile bottle warmer can be helpful if you need to switch bottle types or plan to use breastmilk storage pouches.

The orb quickly heats bottles but it lacks an audible indicator that the cycle is over and it can easily overheat contents if you leave the bottle in the chamber after the end of the cycle.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

If you are using glass bottles, make sure the bottle warmer you choose is glass compatible. For example, Boon Orb is not compatible with glass as rapidly rising temperatures increase breakage risk.

If you are unsure what bottle your baby will prefer, go for a versatile warmer like the Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced, Kiinde Kozii, or Chicco NaturalFit. All three of these warmers are compatible with most bottle shapes, sizes, and materials, including breastmilk storage pouches.

Portability and Footprint

If you need to travel with a bottle warmer, have limited kitchen counter space, or want to fit your warmer inside a height-restricted area, then finding a compact warmer is essential. The Chicco NaturalFit has a small footprint and doesn't include small parts that could get lost, making it an excellent travel option. The Tommee Tippee Travel Warmer is explicitly made for an on-the-go scenario and does not require electricity. If you worry about height, shy away from the Baby Brezza Safe and Smart, Beaba BabyMilk, and the Dr. Brown's Deluxe, which are all taller than 10.5 inches. These warmers could struggle to fit under some upper cabinets.

The Munchkin works with a variety of bottle shapes, though taller bottles may not heat efficiently as much of the bottle will be outside the warming chamber.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Warming Efficiency

Warming efficiency is the ability to consistently heat a bottle's contents to a similar temperature at a similar rate each time. No cooling period or shorter wait time between heat cycles is beneficial, especially if you have multiples or are in a daycare setting.

The fastest warmers in our tests are the Dr. Brown's Deluxe and the Boon Orb. Not surprisingly, these particular warmers utilize steam heat technology, which helps them warm bottles quickly.

However, as mentioned earlier, steam heat has its drawbacks. For example, the Boon Orb's steam heat technology is incompatible with glass bottles due to breakage potential during rapid temperature changes. More importantly, steam warmers present a real risk of overheating milk if used at their maximum settings.

A removable basket is placed into the Dr. Brown's Deluxe bottle warmer for steam warming.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

With water bath warmers, the warming process takes significantly longer. The Kiinde Kozii was 80F at 5:30 minutes, and the Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced was almost 90F at 5:00 minutes. The Chicco NaturalFit took a little longer, with 80F at around 8:30 minutes. We think these longer times are worth the wait so that the bottle contents aren't too hot, and the risk of steam-related injury isn't a concern.

Thawing Breast Milk
We recommend thawing frozen breast milk overnight in the refrigerator before use. Thawing will shorten warming time, which means you'll be able to get that hungry baby drinking faster.


The Tommee Tippee warmer works with a variety of different bottle types and sizes and you can heat a second bottle immediately after the first.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Consecutive Warming Cycle Wait-Time

While some warmers allow you to run through two back-to-back cycles, others may have recommended wait times in between use. Immediately starting another warming cycle is helpful if two or more bottles are being heated one after another. It's also handy if the first cycle doesn't get the temperature high enough for the baby's liking, and you need to add more time. We found the longest wait time between use is around 30 minutes or when the warmer has thoroughly cooled. The Chicco NaturalFit is one of these, which is a deal-breaker for some families. The Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Advanced has no listed wait time, while the Kiinde Kozii has instructions to take 30 seconds off the subsequent bottle's warming time if the machine is still warm.

Given the hidden water reservoir, the Kiinde has some involved cleaning steps.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Ease of Cleaning

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential, but the frequency (every day vs. every use) depends on the unit. The external cleaning process typically involves a quick wipe with a dry cloth.

However, because warmers use water, mineral deposits can build up internally. These deposits mean you need to descale the units every few weeks, particularly in areas with hard water.

The descaling or demineralization process removes calcium and lime deposits that can build up on surfaces inside the warming chamber and the heating element after prolonged contact with water. Soaking the bottle warmer's internal surfaces in vinegar, usually explained in manufacturer instructions, will remove deposits. The Kiinde Kozii has special instructions to soak the unit with a mild 1:50 bleach/water solution every few weeks. Some products require overnight soaking, like the Chicco NaturalFit. This wait time could be a deal-breaker if you rely on your warmer for every feeding.

We also considered how difficult it is to get things very clean. Some products have hard-to-reach nooks and crannies—the Dr. Brown's Deluxe has a narrow and deep warming chamber and a poorly designed water reservoir that makes it impossible to get inside for scrubbing.

Daily cleaning of the Tommee is simple, but monthly cleaning requires a bit more effort.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

The units that scored well in this metric had fewer parts and accessories and easy-to-access water reservoirs. The Tommee Tippee Travel Warmer is simple to clean and does not require descaling at all. Another is the Boon Orb, while the rest of the units finished slightly lower with similar instructions and effort levels for good descaling. Our least favorite to clean and the one most likely to accumulate residue or mildew build-up even with regular cleaning is the Dr. Brown's Deluxe.

The Chicco NaturalFit bottle warmer includes a removable basket insert to help ease the placing and removing of containers.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Conclusion

Some might think that a bottle warmer is a "nice-to-have" instead of a "must-have" item in your baby's feeding gear. However, it can help create a simple and efficient feeding routine for formula or breast milk. The perks for many parents are worth the time and money to invest in a great warmer, especially for parents with multiple bottle users. To find the best bottle warmer for your needs, we put each product through extensive testing. We evaluate the safety, warming efficiency, and ease of use to gauge its functionality in the real world. We can confidently choose the top performers and make recommendations for every need and budget.

Which baby bottles are best for newborns

Baby bottles are an attribute that is absolutely impossible to do without - the reviews and comments of mothers only confirm this. Even when breastfeeding, babies drink water or juice, and it is most comfortable for them to do this just from a bottle for newborns. What can we say about babies who, under certain circumstances, were transferred to artificial feeding with various mixtures - they can’t do without a good and convenient baby bottle. And very often the ideal option is selected by trial and error. Mom has to buy and try more than one or even two bottles for newborns before there is one that the baby will like the most and from which he will eat with the greatest appetite.

Baby bottles - never too much

As a rule, there are several, 3 or 4 baby bottles on the shelf with accessories and baby things (Born Free, EveryDay Baby, Philips Avent, Dr. Brown, Chicco, Canpol Babies, etc.). For reasons of hygiene, sanitation and practicality, it is reasonable for each liquid (mixture, water, juice or compote) to define its own bottle for newborns. However, given the need for night feedings (they last a rather long period) and the obligatory sterilization after each meal by the baby, it is worth buying 2-3 baby bottles for milk formula to change them. They will come in handy on trips, travels and on long walks, since the container can be placed in a thermos bag.

Which bottles to buy for a newborn

A baby who has just been born drinks from 50 to 90 ml of milk per feeding. If in the first week of life it is 50-60 ml, then in a month it is already 90-100 ml. Therefore, at first it is better to buy small bottles for newborns - up to 150 ml. But every month milk consumption increases, the baby begins to drink more water, juice or compote - then baby bottles of 240 ml will be needed.

To understand which baby bottles are best for newborns, it is wise to purchase one first. An experienced pediatrician will also tell you which bottles to buy for a newborn, based on the individual needs of the baby, and the reviews of experienced mothers will not be superfluous.

Baby Bottle Rating

Baby bottles are presented in stores in an impressive variety. Regularly, according to reviews and reviews, TOPs of the best bottles for newborns are compiled. They consistently include such well-known and beloved brands, whose history goes back many decades - Nuk, Munchki, Tommee Tippee, BornFree, Nuk, Dr. Browns, Pigeon.
Now an active leader position is occupied by a novelty - glass bottles EveryDay Baby.


Each model has features and advantages: anatomical shape, anti-colic or ventilation system, etc. You will definitely not go wrong when ordering such bottles for newborns. They are recommended by leading pediatricians, neonatologists and therapists - the quality of products has been confirmed by many years of practice and millions of "fed" babies. If you are not sure which bottle brand is best for newborns, choose any of the ones listed.

How to choose a feeding bottle for your newborn

When visiting a store, the baby's parents literally "run up" - how many different in shape, color and type of bottles for a newborn are presented here from domestic and foreign manufacturers. And with all the visible quality and price range, the question arises: how to choose a bottle for feeding a newborn. Brands compete in their practicality, usefulness and convenience, stores hold special promotions and discount the best bottles for newborns.

Experienced moms, doctors and consultants identify some criteria by which to determine the level of production, plus reviews of the best bottles for newborns in the public domain:

  • Volume and size ml for newborns and ending with 240 ml for children closer to six months or a year.
  • Form – probably every mother has wondered which bottle to choose for a newborn, classic or curved anti-colic shape, narrow or wide. It is important that they are easy to wash, they fit easily in the hand and subsequently the baby could hold them himself. When swallowing, the baby should not swallow air, milk flows smoothly into the nipple.
  • Material - Plastic bottles are the most popular, the best baby bottles are those that do not contain BPA (already banned by Canada and France).
    By comparison, BornFree made baby bottles from polyethersulfone, the most environmentally friendly plastic that meets stringent European safety standards.
    A long-standing question on which there is no consensus is which baby bottles are better for feeding: glass or plastic. Glass is hygienic, well sterilized, but heavy, there is always a danger of breaking bottles for a newborn (especially if the child is older). But EveryDay Baby successfully solved these problems. Their bottles are lighter than most brands, and the silicone on the bottle prevents the glass from shattering into small pieces if you or your baby breaks it.
    Plastic is light and comfortable, but when boiled, it gradually deteriorates, microcracks may appear, so such bottles for newborns should be changed more often.
  • The design of - pleasant colors and interesting style - is not the last condition for buying a bottle for a newborn. Large manufacturers are trying to please mothers and their children with beautiful and aesthetic models of bright colors and entertaining shapes, with drawings and pictures;
  • Teat and cap . Silicone and latex nipples are the most commonly used. It is best to purchase each type to find the right option.

All of the above will help you choose the best bottles for feeding your newborn baby so that he is always full, cheerful and active.

Best Baby Bottles

I planned to exclusively breastfeed my baby for the first year, as advised by my doctor and lactation consultant. But I've heard nightmare stories of babies refusing to breastfeed after they've tried bottles, and I was worried because I definitely didn't want my baby to completely stop breastfeeding.
“Nipple confusion” at first seemed funny to me, until I thought how bad it would be if this happened to me and my baby. Now I know that I should have paid a little more attention to the bottle I used!
What are the best baby bottles? Is there anything you can use to stop this breast-bottle confusion from developing? Let's find out.

Contents

How to choose feeding bottles for newborns?

Buying baby bottles requires some thought. You can't just take any old bottle and call it good. And you don't want to risk cutting your baby off breastfeeding forever because they're learning some bad habits from a badly made nipple.
Put yourself in the position of a baby and consider the following when choosing the perfect feeding replacement so they don't turn up their noses the next time they are offered a real breast.

Feeling

You want the bottle to have a similar feel to your breast to help your baby avoid any confusion. This means avoiding oddly shaped or weighted bottles that require more motor control to operate than your child currently has. Look for soft, round, silicone models.

Teat

This is the most important thing. The nipple on the bottle should actually make your baby work to get milk, just like they would if they were breastfeeding. If you offer a pacifier that just pours milk into your mouth, no matter the latch or effort, they will prefer it every time. The nipples should also be shaped as close as possible to your own breast shape and be responsible for the same sucking movements. Look for accordion-style nipples that flex when your baby eats.

Flow rate

The flow rate is closely related to this. Please note that your own breasts are not exactly milk hoses! You'll need a thread that matches your own; not too fast or too slow.

Form

Babies may not yet have fully developed brains, but they still recognize people and things by their appearance. If you breastfeed them for the first few weeks and then switch to a round bottle that looks like breasts, they will understand and go for it. You can also consider a curved bottle to mimic the natural position of breastfeeding.

Ventilation

Vacuum is created when the baby suckles. This is good for your breasts as it keeps your milk flowing. But for bottles, air bubbles can form and create gas or colic for your baby. The vent holes allow this air to escape through the top, bottom or specially designed straw. Ventilation will go a long way to create a more natural flow of milk.

Price

Ideally, cost would not be the first consideration. Unfortunately, this is one of the top priorities for many moms who are more frugal. While you should definitely consider price, don't let it be the deciding factor. You can buy cheap bottles and regret it later. Or you may find out that they don't work for your child and end up buying more expensive and unnecessary ones.

Easy to clean

Some baby bottles, especially those with anti-colic properties, can have so many details that you feel like you're building a bomb. That's a lot of work for a man who probably didn't sleep for three straight hours last week. If you hate your bottles because they take too much effort to take apart and thoroughly clean, keep looking until you find one that needs less maintenance.

Material

Do you like plastic or silicone? Or do you prefer the allure of old-fashioned glass bottles? If you want something that is durable, free of harmful chemicals, and easier to clean, use glass. If you feel like the benefits of plastic bottles outweigh their potential health risks, then you'll find plenty of options too. Silicone aficionados will be happy to know that there are quality silicone bottles available as well.

Best plastic baby bottles

Comotomo Natural-Feel Baby Bottles

When you're busy, you don't have much time to fiddle with bottles. You want something that can be put together in no time, that does the job you need, and that's easy to clean up. When you're on vacation you want things to be easy to care for and your bottles are no exception.

Couldn't be easier than now. These bottles are so easy to assemble that you can stick your whole hand in this extra-wide bottle to clean it when you don't have access to a dishwasher.

They are as close to the breastfeeding experience as possible. The nipples are large and soft. Even the base of the bottle is flexible, so your baby can grab the bottle when he eats, just like he does with your breasts.

You can heat them in the microwave or put them in boiling water or in the dishwasher. If you have a bottle sterilizer, you can toss them in there as well. They won't warp or melt no matter which sterilization method you choose.

Both the nipple and base of the bottle are made entirely of silicone. And if you're worried about colic, they have dual anti-colic vents.

PLUS:

  • These bottles will withstand heat and compression
  • You don't even need a bottle brush to clean them, which is great for relaxing.
  • This will help you to avoid your child from refusing the bottle.

CONS

  • These bottles are quite expensive.
  • They may give off a plastic smell when heated.

NUK Simply Natural Bottles

One reason you can breastfeed is because it saves money. You don't want these savings to be eaten up when you buy bottles. Luckily, there are some great baby bottle options available.

This 250 gram breastfeeding bottle combines great performance at an affordable price.

The bottle has multiple nipple holes that give a more realistic feeling when your baby suckles. Depending on which nipple thread you choose, it can have up to nine tiny holes. Plus, the wide silicone nipple stretches with your baby's movement, which means it won't tear as often.

In order to prevent colic and gas, the bottle has an anti-colic system. Because the system is built into the bottle, you won't have to fiddle with trying to clean many difficult parts.

Bottles are stain resistant to keep them looking newer for longer. The ergonomic design makes this bottle comfortable for both you and your baby during feeding.

PROS:

  • Inexpensive option.
  • Built-in anti-colic system means they are easy to clean.
  • Milk comes out of multiple holes, just like a real breast, which helps ease the transition between bottle and breast.
  • The milk will not come out of the bottle until it forms a proper latch.

CONS:

  • The cap can be difficult to remove from the top.
  • Because of the tiny air hole at the top of the nipple, you must position the bottle correctly when feeding.

Mimijumi Baby Feeding Bottles


Despite the use of questionable chemicals, plastic bottles are durable, affordable and won't break if dropped. There are many plastic bottles that can mimic the feeling of breastfeeding, so you have a good chance of finding one that won't embarrass your baby.

Your baby will love the look of this bottle set. The large, flesh-colored nipple is remarkably breast-like and looks and feels like a real one. It looks so realistic that your child might do a double take when they see it.

Set comes with four bottles - two very large and two very small. These bottles have almost no parts to fiddle with, making them extremely easy to assemble. You don't even have to put a ring around the nipple to keep it on the base because the nipple is screwed directly onto the bottle.

Slow nipples and natural female nipples design help prevent baby's fussiness caused by colic. They are BPA free and the extra wide necks mean you can clean them up in seconds.

PROS:

  • Realistic nipple look and feel.
  • Easy to assemble and clean.
  • Helps fight colic.

CONS:

  • Expensive.
  • Nipples can be a little difficult to screw on properly and not leak while feeding

Lansinoh mOmma NaturalWave Baby Feeding Bottles


Come to think of it, kids can have personal preferences just like adults. A perfectly good bottle may become one child's favorite while another immediately rejects it. There are many variations in the shape and size of nipples, and your baby may simply enjoy drinking from one type more than another. If you have a picky child, consider a pacifier that is shorter or smaller.

These Lansinoh bottles consistently get good reviews, even from parents who have struggled to get their kids to switch brands. The shape is a little different from the usual, and sometimes that's all it takes for a child to accept it. The surface of this nipple is matte and thick, and the nipple itself tapers less sharply, so it doesn't feel as long in the mouth.

This natural wave design is designed to encourage the exact same sucking action that your baby would practice at your breast. These movements are necessary for the proper development of the oral cavity and good fixation.

Apart from the nipple, the rest of the bottle is made of durable plastic and has a wide, easy-to-clean mouth. Many moms have also found that this bottle fits a range of other branded nipples as well.

PROS:

  • A great choice even for picky babies.
  • Natural feel, shallow, matte nipple.
  • The pacifier is roll resistant so your baby can't roll it over and cause a mess.

CONS:

  • Teat may be too fast for very young children.
  • The flexibility of the teat means it can sometimes crack and leak.

Tommee Tippee Closer Nature Bottles

Tommee Tippee Bottles have a distinctive shape that fits really well in little hands. Breastfeeding experts have carefully designed the nipple to closely resemble a breast, with a wide base, flat profile and a long, natural nipple. This company claims to have over 90% of babies accept this pacifier within three tries.

There are various flow rates to choose from and a sophisticated anti-colic valve mechanism which means your baby won't suck in tons of air once the juice forms a successful latch.

The bottle body can be held in several different ways, which means you will find a comfortable grip no matter where you are. Choose from

three bottle sizes to match your child's appetite.

PROS:

  • Realistic pacifier that is easy to clip on.
  • Great for kids who have given up on other bottle styles.
  • High quality and non-toxic materials.

MINUS:

  • Measurements are sometimes erased.
  • Teats may need replacing more often than other brands, especially if your child is prone to chewing.

Dr. Brown's Wide Neck Bottle


Some brands make really short, stocky bottles with very wide necks. The reason for this is that the wider the neck, the wider the nipple and the more it resembles the width and depth of your breasts. Babies who are offered a teat with a wider, flatter base are less likely to get confused when it comes to breastfeeding.

This bottle is made from BPA-free molded plastic and is easy to hold for both you and your baby. The bottle offers a feeding experience that is as close as possible to that of breastfeeding.

The ventilation system consists of a straw valve that reduces colic, gas and burping. It can be removed to clean, or you can put everything in the dishwasher and bottle sterilizer. Bottles can be purchased in packs of 2 to 8 to suit your needs. The price is reasonable and 120ml and 240ml sizes are available.

If you have a baby who shows signs of nipple/breast confusion and who has colic after feeding this bottle will help you kill two birds with one stone.

PROS:

  • The ventilation system really removes every last bubble of air in the milk.
  • Dishwasher safe.
  • Quality material that holds up after repeated washes.

CONS:

  • Can be a bit difficult to clean the internal valve.
  • Some found that the bottles were leaking.
  • Several pieces to put together.

Best Glass Newborn Bottles

Munchkin Latch Newborn Bottles

Not being able to soothe a crying baby, no matter what you do, is hard on a mom. By the time your baby gets gas from sucking in too much air while feeding, it's too late. Babies will be fidgety for a while until this gas passes through them - and you'll feel just as miserable around them. . Finding an anti-colic bottle is your best bet to nip this problem in the bud.

This set offers a lot for a reasonable price. You will receive two 120ml bottles with slow flow nipples, two 240ml bottles with medium flow nipples, a newborn teat and valve brush, two pump adapters and four sealing discs. Pump adapters will allow you to connect them to many breast pumps.

They are a good choice for colic prevention because the nipple's extensibility helps stimulate proper latch. The correct latch can ensure that your baby takes in less air with each sip because the nipple will move with your baby's mouth. The anti-colic valve on the bottom also reduces any gas.

These feeding bottles are made of plastic and silicone so everything in this set can be cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher. The firm also won the 2015 American Baby award for the best bottle chosen by moms.

PROS:

  • Affordable with lots of extras included.
  • Anti-colic valve and snap-on nipple help reduce colic.

MINUS:

  • The anti-colic valve is difficult to clean, even with the supplied brush.
  • You have to make sure that everything is assembled perfectly, otherwise you will have a leaky bottle.

Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Feeding Bottles


Finding glass bottles that look and feel like real breasts is no easy task. Glass will not be as soft as plastic or silicone. Your best bet is to look for a breast-like pacifier that will help trick your baby into thinking they are enjoying it.

Philips Avent has many products designed to make breastfeeding a success for moms. It's just another tool to help in this particular battle.

These bottles come in three packs and can hold up to 120 ml each. What makes them really shine when it comes to bottle feeding is the realistic nipple. The nipples are made from soft silicone and are wider than many other nipples.

They have a built-in anti-colic system that requires no hassle to assemble and is easy and convenient to use.

Philips uses durable borosilicate glass to make them, which means your baby won't ingest any harmful chemicals like a plastic bottle would.

PROS:

  • The wide mouth makes them easy to clean or fill without spilling.
  • Any teat from the Avent brand will do.
  • Anti-colic function

CONS:

  • They are smaller and your baby will outgrow them in a few months.
  • They are not designed to withstand sudden temperature changes, such as when they are moved from the freezer to the bottle warmer.

Best Silicone Baby Bottles

Nanobebe Baby Feeding Bottles

Technology has come a long way since the clumsy bottles with disposable rubber nipples. If you're the type of mom who doesn't mind branching out and experimenting with something a little different, consider the new and frankly brilliant bottle designs on the market today.

The firm is really trying to break the mold with these "bottles." The mold is definitely the best on this list and consists of a hollow dome, a bit like an inverted bowl. The nipple is tilted on one side and either you or your baby hold on to the bottom edge while he is eating.

If you're concerned about preserving as many nutrients as possible in your pumped milk, the manufacturers of this bottle claim that the design optimizes heating and cooling so that vitamins and minerals are not lost along the way from breast to baby.

You can express milk directly into these bottles and because they are concave they fold up quite nicely. They are also anti-colic and will inhibit bacterial growth for added peace of mind.

PROS:

  • Milk cools down faster and heats up faster due to the way it is stored inside.
  • Helps with reflux and colic.
  • Tactile shape, comfortable for baby to hold

Playtex baby feeding bottles with disposable inserts


If there is one thing in the life of a new mother, it is washing dishes. If you feel like you're stuck in a bottle-washing carousel, you may be looking for a better solution, especially if you have more than one child or a very hungry child. Specially designed bottle liners can cut your homework in half and give you more free time to enjoy your baby.

These bottles from Playtex have a very clever disposable bag system: simply add the liner to the bottle and fill with milk as usual, then discard the liner once you're done.

Inlays are not only a good idea for reducing dishwashing costs, but also anti-colic. When your child drinks, the bag collapses along with the vacuum and no air can enter. The bottles are BPA-free and the liners are pre-sterilized and ready to go so you can start feeding as quickly as possible.

The bottle itself also has an innovative flex feature and the top can be rotated slightly so your baby can feel comfortable no matter which way they tilt the bottle.

PLUS:

  • Sterilized bags provide extra hygiene.
  • Generous flow of milk for big/hungry babies.
  • Easy enough to assemble, even with one hand.

Tips for Buying Baby Feeding Bottles

When you finally get an idea of ​​what type of bottle you want, you need to go through one more checklist to make sure you don't sabotage your own success by forgetting something important.

To make sure you don't make a big mistake, here are some tips to follow when buying your baby's first bottle.

  1. Don't buy in bulk : If you buy 20 bottles only to find your child hates them, you will be sorry. Instead, look for three potential candidates, buy one or two of them, and see what works best for your child before making a big investment.
  2. Consider getting the largest size: These cute little 120ml bottles are perfect for a newborn. But this newborn will grow fast and soon they will be ingesting 150 ml of milk instead of 120. Buy the biggest bottle when you have found a brand you like. You can always buy slow flow nipples until your child is ready for faster flow nipples.
  3. Consider your breast pump brand: compatibility is a great thing. If you buy bottles that are compatible with your breast pump, you will be able to pump milk directly into the bottles, saving you extra dishwashing. What mom doesn't love saving her time and energy?
  4. If this is your second baby, get new bottles: I know no one likes to spend extra money, but if you have a bunch of old bottles that you used years ago with your first baby, they may no longer fit, especially if they contain dangerous BPA.

When can I introduce bottles for my infant?

No one knows how well your baby will cope with the differences between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Some children easily switch between them even from an early age, while others get hooked and have difficulty getting used to the other. If you and your baby are happily breastfeeding, there is no need to add a bottle if you don't want to.

Wait a few weeks. If you do not introduce the bottles earlier than a few weeks before the age of one month, this may cause problems for your baby later.
But beyond that, your choice of when to introduce bottles (and which kind to use) will be up to you:

  • If you're always with your baby and don't mind community feeding, you can postpone bottle feeding.
  • If there is even a chance that you may be separated at some point, it is a good idea to get your child used to the bottle.
  • If you work and need to fill your baby with milk to leave him with a sitter, bottle training is a much higher priority.
  • If you have trouble feeding or have cracked nipples, you can start bottle feeding earlier just to ease the pain.
  • When in doubt, follow your child's lead. Do it slowly and do the introduction patiently and step by step.
  • When in doubt, we always recommend that you work with a lactation consultant to give you the best chance of success.

Tips for bottle feeding your baby

As a mom, you already know that nothing in the world can stop your baby's own pace when it comes to development.

Try these tips to get your child to take a new bottle.

  1. Start when your child is not hungry. Offer a bottle after regular feeding, at night, with a little milk.
  2. Choose a breast-like nipple and choose a slow flow, especially if your baby is small
  3. Have someone else do the first bottle feeding. The baby may not take the bottle if he feels his mother's presence or, worse, he can see your real breast only a few centimeters away
  4. Vary the time and place where you offer the bottle and try to seat the baby in different positions.
  5. Experiment with different milk temperatures.
  6. Many brands offer sets with different sizes of nipples. Try each one and see which one fits
  7. A neat trick is to put some of your own breast milk on the nipple.

What is tempo feeding and how can it help?

When you eat, do you sit down and absorb it all in one continuous flow without taking a breath? Or do you prefer to stop from time to time and appreciate your food or chat with your companion over dinner? Babies aren't all that different, and in fact natural breastfeeding follows a similar pattern, with pauses and slow, steady meals.

Tempo feeding is the way to offer milk to the baby that most closely resembles what he would receive during actual breastfeeding.
When your baby eats more slowly and has to work harder to get milk, he learns to manage his satiety. By pausing during feedings, your baby learns to accurately recognize fullness because his stomach doesn't fill up quickly before he can realize he's eaten enough.

Rhythmic feeding is thought to be less stressful for babies and may prevent bad eating habits that may predispose them to obesity later in life. Also, this may be a more obvious feeding style for those babies who still enjoy breastfeeding.

  • Seat your baby upright and offer the bottle horizontally. This regulates the flow of milk.
  • After about 30 seconds, tip the bottle or remove the teat to stop the flow.
  • If your baby looks like he is swallowing, tilt him forward so the milk flows back a little and encourage him to stop.
  • Make sure that your baby takes a natural pause on his own and wait for him to start feeding again.
  • Avoid overfeeding. If your baby looks sleepy, bored, or sucks more slowly, he may have eaten enough.
  • The right bottle and nipple make bottle feeding more natural

Tempo feeding for a child already used to a fast flow will simply upset him. Also avoid feeding too much if your baby is having a particularly hard time with gas and colic, as this can make things worse.


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