Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle Nipple, First Flow Nipple (Best overall Baby Bottle nipple)
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Your baby is likely to use a bottle one way or the other. Even when the baby is on a breastfeeding diet, sometimes, your breast may be too sore, or you find yourself at a place where it is difficult to breastfeed directly. For babies, who have been on a formula diet from the beginning, feeding on a bottle is nothing new. They are used to having an artificial nipple in their mouth.
The same goes for babies whose diet is supplemented by formula. However, babies who are just transitioning from feeding on the breast to bottles are likely to spot the difference. Therefore, it is important to get the right nipple for the baby to continue smooth feeding and prevent feeding problems. In other words, getting the right nipple is essential because some can make it sucking difficult; your baby may not like the material, etc.
This means you can experiment with different nipples, but you must note that in the end, it is your baby that will decide the nipple he or she is most comfortable with.
However, all nipples are not the same, some features differentiate them from each other.. Under these features fall the various baby bottle nipple types.
Material: Baby bottle nipples are usually found in two material forms, which are either Silicone or Latex. The silicone used in making baby bottle nipples are hygienic and is meant to pass a certain requirement. Silicone nipples are regarded as the safest baby bottle nipples. Latex, on the other hand, has been around for a longer time and can be found in most standard bottles. However, some babies are allergic to latex nipples.
Flow: there are three main types of baby bottle nipple flow. They are slow flow, medium flow, fast flow. Usage is dependent on the age of the baby. Slow flow nipples are meant for premature babies, newborns, and three months old babies. Medium flow nipples are designed for babies that fall in between three months and six months, while fast flow nipples are meant for babies above six months.
However, the flow rate may vary from brand to brand. Also, the feeding pattern of babies can make the transition from one flow to another longer.
The Ten Best Baby Bottle Nipples Are Reviewed Below
There are lots of baby bottle nipples on the market today. Some wear off very fast; some of them are not easy to clean, while others are just ideal and won’t cause your baby any problem. The best baby bottle nipples on the market are listed and discussed briefly below.
1
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle Nipple, First Flow Nipple (Best overall Baby Bottle nipple)
The Philips Avent natural nipple is one of the most popular and best baby bottle nipples for newborns, and it also has bottle nipples for one-month-old babies as well as older babies.
This nipple’s slow flow makes it the perfect suit for premature babies as well as newborns. The nipple is wide-shaped like the nipple on a natural breast and has the softness thanks to the special comfort petals as well as the flexible spiral-shaped tip present on it. The Philips Avent Natural baby bottle nipple is made of silicone, which happens to be very soft and durable. The nipple material is odorless and has no flavor, making it less likely that your baby will reject it.
This baby bottle nipple also reduces colic using an anti-colic airflex vent technology. It is compatible with all Philip Avent baby bottles, and it is also sterilizable, dishwasher-safe, not to mention BPA-free. This nipple does a good job of helping their babies feed better and healthily.
Key Features:
- It is soft
- Anti-colic airflex vent technology
- Silicone
- Dishwasher-safe
- Spiral tip and comfort petals
Specification:
- Brand: Philip Avent
- Product: Natural Baby Bottle Nipple
- Flow: Slow
- Age: Preemies and Newborns
- Compatibility: Philip Avent bottles
Pros
- It is very soft and feels like a natural breast
- Makes it easy to alternate between breast and bottle
- Prevents colic
- Designed to last long without collapsing
- Sterilizable and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- It may be too big for some babies.
2
Dr. Brown’s Original Nipple (Premium baby bottle nipple)
Dr. Brown’s is renowned for producing a wide range of baby products, from baby formula makers, bottles, bottle nipples, among others. The baby bottle nipples designed by this brand are one of the best in the world.
The nipples are designed for different babies at different stages of their growth. Level 1 is designed for newborns, while levels two, three, and four are designed for three, six, and nine month-plus babies.
The nipple is very soft and made of silicone; it is BPA-free and happens to be dishwasher safe. However, this baby bottle nipple is only compatible with Dr. Brown’s natural flow standard baby bottles. Meaning you have to get those bottles if you intend to use these nipples.
Generally, most parents are happy with using this baby nipple as it has a slow flow, preventing food spilling and colic.
Key Features:
- Silicone
- Dishwasher-safe
- Soft
Specification:
- Brand: Dr. Brown’s
- Product: Original nipple
- Flow: slow, medium, fast
- Age: preemies, newborns, to over one year
Pros
- It is soft
- It is easy to use
- BPA-free
- It is dishwasher -safe
- Easy to transition
Cons
- Only compatible with few bottles other than Dr. Brown’s
3
Medela Slow Flow Bottle Nipples With Wide Base
Medela is another popular baby bottle and nipple maker. They have a range of baby bottle nipples designed for babies of different ages. The Medela slow flow bottle nipples with a wide base are designed for babies that fall between 0 – 4 months. Medium flow nipples are also available. However, they are made for babies above three months.
The nipple is modeled to mimic breastfeeding and has a natural feel, which makes it easier for babies to feed without stress. It is made of silicone, which makes it more durable and better compared to latex made nipples.
It is easy to clean and is also dishwasher-safe. It can be boiled, micro-steamed, and sterilizable. However, the baby bottle nipple is only compatible with bottles with wide base collars because of its wide base. There are Medela bottles that fit that description. Therefore, if you are going to get the Medela slow flow bottle nipples, ensure you have a bottle with a wide base collar. Luckily, most Medela bottles are compatible with the nipple. It is also compatible with Similac, ready to use formula bottles.
Key Features:
- It is soft
- It is made of silicone
- Has a wide base
- BPA-free
Specification:
- Brand: Medela
- Product: Slow flow bottle nipples with a wide base
- Flow: slow and medium
- Age: 0 – 4 months
Pros
- It is very soft
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean and sterilize
- Has other flow options
- Easy to switch between breast and bottle
Cons
- The teat is not that durable
- Bottles must have a wide base collar
- It is not compatible with all Medela bottles
- Flow rate can shift
4
Comotomo Silicone Replacement Nipple
Comotomo offers one of the best replacement nipples on the market, and they are all made from hygienic silicone material. These baby bottle nipples are easy to use for babies thanks to their natural feel and softness. It is shaped like a real nipple and helps babies to transition from breast to bottle without confusion.
Comotomo has nipples of different flow rates. They have the slow flow, medium flow, fast flow, and variable flow nipples. Therefore, there is a nipple for different stages of growth of the baby.
These nipples are heat resistant, meaning that they can be boiled, microwaved, sterilized. They are easy to clean and are dishwasher-safe. The Comotomo nipple has dual anti-colic vents, which does a good job of reducing gassiness in babies. They are also BPA-free.
Key Features:
- Naturally-shaped teat
- Dual anti-colic vents
- Silicone
- Soft
- Heat resistant
Specification:
- Brand: Comotomo
- Product: Silicone replacement nipple
- Flow: slow, medium, fast & variable
- Age: 0 – 6 months plus
Pros
- It is soft
- It is easy to use
- It is easy to clean
- Prevents gas and colic
- The teat is durable
Cons
- It is not compatible with every bottle
- The flow rate can drop sometimes.
5
Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Nipple Replacement (Best Baby Bottle Nipple for gas and colic)
Tommee Tippee has the trust of many parents, and there are good reasons why this is so. They have a wide range of high-quality products for babies, and baby bottle nipples are one of them, and it doesn’t end there. They have different types of specialized nipples, of which the advanced anti-colic baby bottle nipple falls under.
This baby bottle nipple is one of the most advanced on the market. Apart from being designed to reduce colic in babies by eighty percent, it can also detect if the milk is too hot thanks to its heat-sensing strip present in the venting tube. The strip changes color to pink if the milk is too hot. This alert feature helps the baby to feed at an optimum temperature.
Infants are also going to love the nipple as a result of its resemblance to the natural nipple. It has a natural latch and makes the transition from breast to bottle seamless. They are made of silicone and are BPA-free. However, it is essential to note that they are only compatible with the Tommee Tippee advanced anti-colic bottles.
Key Features:
- Special anti-colic venting system
- Senses heat
- Soft
- Breast-like
- Silicone
Specification:
- Brand: Tommee Tippee
- Product: Advanced anti-colic baby bottle replacement nipple
- Flow: slow, medium and fast
- Age: 0 – 6 months plus
Pros
- It reduces colic
- Indicates when the food is too hot
- It is soft and easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It is only compatible with Tommee Tippee advanced anti-colic bottles
- The teat is prone to collapse
6
Enfamil Cross Cut Soft Nipples
Enfamil has a rich history with baby products, and the baby bottle nipple is one of them. The crosscut soft nipples are designed for older babies as the flow rate is faster compared to the standard Enfamil flow nipple.
One of the major advantages of this baby bottle nipple is the fact that it is compatible with most standard baby bottles. The materials used in making these nipples are relatively soft, latex-free, and has no BPA material. This makes it easy for babies to suck. Also, there are vents on the nipples, allowing for airflow while the baby is feeding.
These ready to use nipples are individually sealed and packed as a dozen. Therefore, they are good travel companions for mothers who have to worry about washing baby bottle nipples. Enfamil also has bottle nipples of different flow rates.
Key Features:
- Crosscut
- Soft
- Latex-free
Specification:
- Brand: Enfamil
- Product: crosscut soft nipples
- Flow: fast
- Age: 9-months plus
Pros
- It is soft and easy to use
- It is compatible with a wide range of baby bottles
- Comes in a pack of twelve
- It is latex and BPA free
Cons
- It can be a bit expensive
7
MAM Bottle Nipples
MAM bottle nipples are arguably one of the best baby nipples for newborns and older babies. They pay attention to detail and have spent ample time in researching and designing baby bottle nipples as well as bottles that babies won’t reject.
These baby bottle nipples are made from skinsoft silicone, making them feel like the natural nipple. They fit well in the mouth of babies due to their special symmetrical design.
The MAM bottle nipples are available to babies at different levels of growth. Newborn babies find this bottle comfortable thanks to the shape of the teat.
The nipples are compatible with all MAM bottles and other bottles, such as Philip Avent bottles.
This baby bottle is also easy to clean. It is dishwasher-safe, sterilizable, and can spend up to three minutes in the microwave. It is also BPA-free.
Key Features:
- Skinsoft silicone
- Dishwasher-safe
- Mimics the natural breast
Specification:
- Brand: MAM
- Product: Bottle Nipples
- Flow: slow, medium, fast
- Age: 0 – 6 months plus
Pros
- It is very soft
- Promotes natural latch
- Compatible with some bottles other than MAM
- Easy to clean
- Durable teat
Cons
- The flow is sometimes weaker than normal
8
NUK Simply Natural Slow Flow Bottle Nipples
NUK baby bottle nipples do a good job of making feeding easy for babies. From an extra-soft nipple to innovative nipple holes, your baby would have no problem transitioning with this baby bottle nipple.
It has an anti-colic air system that aids in reducing reflux, gas, and colic in babies. The nipple’s softness and flexibility make it easy for babies to latch and switch from breast to bottle.
The NUK simply natural slow flow bottle nipple is reportedly accepted by most babies. Meaning you are likely to get it right with this bottle nipple. It is made of silicone material and is also easy to clean. There are nipples of other flow rates from NUK.
Key Features:
- Soft
- Anti-colic
- Mimics the natural breast
- Silicone
- Multiple holes
Specification:
- Brand: NUK
- Product: Simply natural slow flow bottle nipples
- Flow: slow
- Age: 0 – 3 months
Pros
- It is soft and easy to use
- Continuous latch
- Easy to clean
- Anti-colic
Cons
- Flow can be too slow.
9
Lansinoh NaturalWave Bottle Nipples
Transitioning can be tough on some babies. Some may switch from breast to bottle easily, while others may not. Lansinoh help save parents and babies the stress of finding the perfect fit thanks to their NaturalWave bottle nipple, which is clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion in babies.
The nipples are designed to mimic the natural breast, making it one of the best baby bottle nipples for breastfed babies who refused bottle. They are made of silicone and have a matte surface that makes it easy for babies to latch.
It has a special air ventilation system that helps it in reducing colic in babies. The nipple is designed in such a way that makes it resistant to collapse.
The nipple is easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and is compatible with Lansinoh bottles as well as other bottles such as NUK. Lansinoh has slow, medium, and fast baby bottle nipples.
Key Features:
- Soft
- Silicone
- Anti-colic
- Air ventilation system
Specification:
- Brand: Lansinoh
- Product: NaturalWave bottle nipples
- Flow: Slow, medium and fast
- Age: 0 – 6 months plus
Pros
- It is soft
- Suitable for breastfed babies
- Easy to clean
- It reduces colic, gas, and reflux
- Compatible with different bottles
Cons
- Flow rate fluctuations
10
Playtex Baby Naturalatch Most like Mom Silicone Baby Bottle Nipples
This baby bottle nipple, like the name indicates, is designed to mimic the breast of mothers. It makes the nipple a good fit for breastfeeding babies.
The Playtex baby natural latch nipple makes it easy for babies to latch and suck with ease. It is soft and made of silicone. The materials used in making it is BPA-free. Apart from the Naturalatch nipple, Playtex has a range of nipples that meet the different demands of various babies. It is available in slow, medium, and fast flows. It is dishwasher-safe and can be boiled for about five minutes. The nipple can be used on all Playtex bottles.
Key Features:
- Mimics the natural nipples
- Soft
- Silicone
- Dishwasher-safe
Specification:
- Brand: Playtex
- Product: Naturalatch most like mom silicone baby bottle nipples
- Flow: slow, medium, and fast
- Age: 0 – 6 months plus
Pros
- The nipples are soft
- Easy to use and latch
- Easy to clean
- Does not collapse easily
Cons
Buying Guide Questions
There are some important questions that parents ask before buying a baby bottle nipple. Some don’t want to go through the stress of trying different nipples before getting the right one. So, it is important to get answers to most of these questions before making that purchase. The answers below should guide you in making a good decision.
What bottle nipples are best for newborns?
Generally, the best bottle nipples for newborns are the ones with a slow flow. Baby bottle nipple nipples that mimic the natural nipple and happen to be soft are ideal. Ensure that you inspect the nipple’s flow; if milk is dripping consistently from the nipple, it is not the best for your baby. So when searching for a baby bottle nipple, ensure you check for those with slow flow.
Are my nipples suitable for breastfeeding?
Women are unique, so are the nipples of various women. Some have large nipples, while others have slim and pointy nipples. Some women have flat nipples, while some have inverted nipples.
Women with large nipples usually find breastfeeding easy, as the baby can latch easily. However, it may be a problem for premature babies who have smaller mouths. Therefore, using a breast pump and a smaller baby bottle nipple should help. For women with pointy nipples, it is usually easy to breastfeed babies even preemies sometimes.
But, women with flat nipples or inverted nipples may find it difficult to breastfeed. However, this does not mean they cannot breastfeed at all. Inverted nipples tend to protrude during the period of pregnancy. Meaning you get to breastfeed your baby. However, you have to ensure your baby is latching on. The same goes for mothers with flat nipples; you can compress your areola using a C or V-hold , among other things. It is important to see your doctor on issues like this.
What is the best slow flow bottle for newborns?
Different brands produce good slow flow bottles for newborns. As a parent, you can check for the consistency of their flow rate. All you have to do is fill the bottle with milk, and turn it upside down. It should not drip more than twice; neither should it drip for long before stopping. With this, you can test if the bottle nipple is truly slow flow. More importantly, you can observe your baby. Brands such as Philip Avent, Dr. Brown’s, among others, produce good slow flow bottles for newborns.
Related: top Spectra breast pumps on the market reviewed in-depth
What bottle nipples are the best for breastfed babies?
Bottle nipples that mimic the breast are the best for breastfed babies because it helps to prevent confusion between the breast and the bottle. This makes switching easy.
How long can you use baby bottle nipples?
You can use your babu bottle nipples for a maximum of one to two months. Also, as your baby continues to grow, you have to change the nipple’s flow to allow for better feeding.
What size of bottle nipple should I use?
There are different sizes of baby bottle nipples, and they are closely related to the flow rate and the age of the baby. Size one has slower flow rates and is designed for babies between 0 to a maximum of six months. While size two to four are designed for older babies.
How often should you replace?
When the baby bottle nipple hole widens, or you notice a tear. Also, compared to bottles, nipples wear faster, making it ideal for changing them after two months. If the baby bottle turns yellow or shows any discoloration, it is an indication that it needs to be replaced or needs to be thoroughly cleaned and even sterilized.
Conclusion
It is important to get the right nipple for your baby. The amount of nutrition the baby will be getting at that point in time depends on it. Also, if you intend to continue to breastfeed your baby ensure, the baby bottle nipple you are using is not so different from the natural nipple. The nipple you should use for your baby should be easy to clean and sterilize as your baby’s health depends on it.