Bottle Decisions: How to Choose the Best Baby Bottle for Your Newborn: Avent, Medela, and More Reviewed

Hey Dad. Welcome to one of the first big parenting decisions: choosing the best baby bottle for newborn feeding.

Walking into the baby aisle and seeing the wall of bottles is enough to make your head spin. There are different shapes, sizes, materials, and vent systems… it’s a lot. We’ve all been there, standing in the shop feeling completely overwhelmed. How can something so simple be so complicated?

The truth is, finding the best baby bottle for your newborn is less about finding the perfect bottle and more about finding the perfect bottle for your baby. And that can take a bit of trial and error.

So, let’s cut through the marketing fluff. We’ve used them all. Here’s our no-nonsense guide to help you make a solid choice.

What to Look for in a Baby Bottle for a Newborn

Before we get to brands, let’s talk about what actually matters for a brand-new baby.

1. Nipple Flow (This is the big one!) Newborns don’t guzzle. They need a slow, controlled feed. You MUST start with a “slow-flow” or “Level 1” nipple. This mimics the pace of breastfeeding, makes the baby work a little for the milk, and helps prevent them from choking or taking in too much, too fast.
2. Anti-Colic Features Colic is that awful, unexplained crying that can last for hours. It’s often linked to a baby swallowing air during feeds, leading to painful gas. Anti-colic bottles have special vents, valves, or internal straws designed to reduce the number of air bubbles in the milk. Trust us, it’s a feature you’ll be thankful for at 2 am.
3. Bottle Material (Glass vs. Plastic vs. Silicone)
   • Plastic (BPA-Free): This is the standard. They’re lightweight, won’t shatter, and are affordable. Just make sure they are explicitly labelled “BPA-Free.”
   • Glass: These are durable, last forever, and are easy to sterilise. The downside? They’re heavier and, yes, they can break (though most now come with silicone sleeves).
   • Silicone: These are the new ones on the block. The bottle itself is soft and squeezable, which some babies (and parents) love. They are super durable but can be a bit pricier.
4. Ease of Cleaning This is the practical part for us parents. A bottle with 7 different parts might be an anti-colic miracle, but you’ll be cursing its existence when you’re washing it for the fourth time that day. A simple, wide-neck bottle is often a godsend.

The Brand Showdown: Our Favourites Reviewed

Okay, let’s talk about the big names. We’ve tried pretty much all of them, and here’s our honest take.

Philips Avent Natural

This is a real crowd-pleaser and a great starting point. The “Natural” nipple is wide and soft, designed to feel more like the breast. This makes it a fantastic choice if you’re combination-feeding (both breast and bottle). It’s also simple, with only a few parts, making it a dream to clean.

• Best for: Combination feeding, ease of use.
• Find them here: Philips Avent Natural Bottles

Dr. Brown’s Options+ (Natural Flow)

If you have a colicky or gassy baby, this is the one most parents (us included) will point you to. The internal vent system is famous for a reason—it works. It channels air away from the milk brilliantly. The trade-off? That vent system means more bits to wash. It can be a faff, but many parents swear it’s worth it for a happier baby.

• Best for: Gassy or colicky babies, reflux.
• Find them here: Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Newborn Bottles

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature

Like the Avent, this bottle is all about that breast-like shape. The nipple is super wide and soft, with a flexible tip that moves and feels more natural. The bottle itself has a unique, curved shape that’s easy for us to hold. It also has a good anti-colic valve built right into the nipple.

• Best for: Breastfed babies, easy grip.
• Find them here: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles

Medela Calma

If you’re using a Medela breast pump, you’ll probably end up with these. They are very different. The milk only flows when the baby creates a vacuum, just like they do at the breast. This can be amazing for preventing “nipple confusion” and making the baby work for their food. However, some babies find it too much work and get frustrated.

• Best for: Exclusively breastfed babies taking an occasional bottle.
• Find them here: Medela Calma Bottles

Our Hard-Won Wisdom: Don’t Buy in Bulk!

Here’s our single most important tip: Do not go out and buy a 12-pack of one brand.

We’ve all made that mistake. You’ll spend £50 on a “starter set” only to find your baby hates them. Your baby is the boss here, and they will have a preference.

Buy a single bottle of two or three different brands. See which one your baby latches onto best. See which one you find easiest to clean and hold. Once you’ve found the winner, then you can buy the multipack.

Choosing a baby bottle for your newborn is just the first of many decisions. You’re doing the research, you’re trying to find the best—that already makes you a great dad.

You’ve got this.

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