FOR AGES 0 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
As with most things when you have a baby, buying the right bottles can be a bit of a minefield and get overwhelming.
Your baby might be exclusively on the bottle, or if you're breastfeeding you may just want the option of using a bottle in certain situations or so that others can feed them. We know those early days can be tiring (does anyone remember what a full night's sleep feels like?), so we want to make sure that your baby's bottles are the least of your worries.
Here we've done the research for you on the best bottles for newborns.
The Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature bottles are super popular and it's easy to see why. These cheap bottles for babies are a brilliant all-rounder: the teats have a breast-like texture so they're easy to switch from breastfeeding, they're easy to clean and the slow airflow reduces colic. They're available at a wide range of stockists thanks to their popularity - perfect for when you need to go up a teat or bottle size, or just fancy switching to another colour.
Philips Avent baby bottles have been going since 1984 - and it's easy to see why. They're a great all-rounder with various size teats and bottles, are easy to clean and work well with other products from the Avent range - like breast pumps and training cup tops for when they're older. Just make sure you fix the teat securely in place, as it may collapse otherwise (though our babies didn't mind much when this happened!).
Dr Brown's have a reputation for producing the best bottle for anti colic - and with good reason. The slightly odd-looking green vent system inside the bottle can be a bit fiddly (and when you're half asleep it's another piece to put together) but we can vouch that it does work for many parents. If you think your baby might have grown out of any risk of colic, you can also use the bottle without the vent. Individually, these bottles are on the pricier side (you can save by buying packs of four) - and be wary of them leaking, sometimes caused by the valve when warming them up.
We love this popular baby bottle from MAM because of its easy-to-sterilise design. After washing, the bottle breaks down into four pieces so you can easily set it up to sterilise in the microwave for three minutes. You can use a steriliser instead, but it's great if you want to skip that piece of equipment and save on kitchen counter space. The bottle - decorated with cute motifs on the side - is also vented at the base, which is thought to result in less air being swallowed (this means less colic and hopefully more sleep for you!).
Most bottles aim to imitate the breast and the Nuby Baby Bottles are no exception - except they actually guarantee that your baby will be able to use them. If your baby doesn't accept the bottle, you can return them for a refund within 24 weeks of buying them (check on the packaging for the latest guarantee details). That's great peace of mind if you're worried about making the switch - we reckon anything that keeps you calmer is worth a go.
If you're mainly using breast milk to feed your baby, Medela's bottles are the best option. They're easy to attach to their manual and electric pumps, and they're amazing for storing away a stash in the fridge or freezer. It's also worth checking what your chosen baby bottles come with, as some sets don't include teats or only have one.
This bottle may not be for everyone as it's by far the most expensive - but it has two main features you won't find elsewhere. Firstly it's so easy to clean that you don't need a bottle brush. Secondly - it's currently the only soft and squeezable bottle around, mimicking the full breastfeeding experience.
NUK bottles were already among the best bottles for breastfed babies - and now they've upped their game even further with this innovative addition. When you're up in the night with a baby that will only have warm milk and you have to make up formula with boiling water, you want to ensure it's cooled down sufficiently - and this colour-changing technology is perfect for the job. The display will go white if it's too hot, or blue if too cold.
The thought of using so much plastic during a child's early years can be horrifying for the more eco-conscious among us. These days, glass baby bottles are becoming popular - and this bottle by Lansinoh (you'll be familiar with them if you've ever used nipple cream) is a great ethical choice with a collapse-resistant teat, although it is definitely on the pricey side.
This striking breast-shape bottle may seem like a gimmick, but there is science behind it. Because of its shape and increased surface area, it cools quickly - reducing bacterial growth - and warms quickly to optimum temperatures that don't damage the breastmilk's nutrients. It's also easier for younger babies to grip, meaning they may self-feed earlier than most (here's hoping!).
While you are most likely occupying yourself with taking care of the baby, it's also very important to take care of yourself too! Read all about the best nipple creams in our guide for new mummies. Or if you have friends who are soon to be parents, we've got some suggestions of gifts for the baby shower.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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