Picking a Bottle To Feed Your Baby

Why You Should Include a Variety of Baby Bottles on Your Baby Registry
Expert Bottle-Feeding Tips from a Birth Doula and Lactation Counselor

As a birth doula and lactation support specialist serving families in Manchester, NH and beyond, one of the most common concerns I hear from new parents is around bottle feeding—especially when trying to balance breastfeeding and pumping. Choosing the right baby bottles can make a significant difference in your baby’s feeding experience, and that’s why I always recommend adding a variety of bottle types to your baby registry.

Here’s why it matters:

1. Every Baby Has Unique Feeding Preferences

Just like adults, babies have preferences! Some bottles mimic the breast more closely, while others work better for babies with oral challenges like tongue ties, lip ties, or coordination issues. Instead of committing to one brand, consider registering for a few individual bottles from different brands. Once you know what your baby prefers, you can invest in more.

Pro Tip: Start with one bottle from each brand—don’t buy full sets until you know what works!

2. Nipple Flow Rates Can Impact Breastfeeding Success

Bottle nipples come in different flow rates—slow, medium, and fast. If you’re breastfeeding or combo-feeding, slow-flow nipples are essential. They help mimic the natural flow of milk from the breast, reducing the chance of bottle preference. In most cases, babies don’t need to “graduate” to faster flow nipples, especially if they’re nursing well.

Lactation tip: Faster flow nipples can cause feeding challenges and even lead to early weaning if the breast can’t keep up.

3. Colic and Gas Are Often Bottle-Related

Many bottles claim to be “breast-like,” but not all live up to the hype. In my work as a certified lactation counselor, I’ve seen colic and gas symptoms disappear simply by switching bottles or correcting the baby’s latch. A poor seal on the bottle nipple allows air intake, which leads to tummy discomfort.

Top Bottles I Recommend for Breastfed Babies:
✅ Lansinoh, Nuk, Evenflo Balance Plus Wide, Pigeon, and Spectra

Bottles I Recommend Avoiding:
🚫 Tommee Tippee: Often associated with latch issues and colic
🚫 Dr. Brown’s Narrow: Difficult to latch properly; too many parts to clean
🚫 Emulait: The stiff, short nipple shape can hinder deep latching and confuse the baby during breast/bottle transitions

4. Ease of Cleaning Matters for Busy Parents

Some bottles have too many parts or hard-to-clean designs that become a hassle. As a postpartum doula, I help parents create feeding systems that work—and that includes choosing bottles that fit your lifestyle. Trying a few styles early on helps you find what’s practical for your routine.

5. Travel-Friendly Bottles Simplify Life on the Go

Whether you’re visiting friends, heading to appointments, or simply out for a walk, having a compact, leak-proof bottle option can make all the difference. Not all bottles are designed with portability in mind, so try a few that work well for your on-the-go needs.

6. Every Brand is Different—And That’s a Good Thing

From materials to nipple design, each brand offers something unique. Sampling bottles from a variety of brands can help you find the best match for your baby’s feeding needs—and your parenting preferences.

When to Seek Help from a Lactation Counselor

If your baby is fussy, gassy, or frequently struggles with bottles, don’t settle for the advice that “it’s just how babies are.” Many pediatricians aren’t trained specifically in infant feeding—and may recommend expensive formula changes or weaning altogether.

As a trained lactation specialist and birth doula, I help families troubleshoot these challenges with evidence-based strategies. Feeding your baby should feel empowering, not stressful.

Final Thoughts

Creating a thoughtful baby registry isn’t just about cute onesies and gadgets—it’s about building a support system for you and your baby. Including a variety of baby bottles helps you discover what works best for your little one while supporting your breastfeeding journey and avoiding unnecessary frustration.

Need support with bottle feeding, pumping, or latch challenges?
Contact me at From The Heart Doula for personalized lactation support and postpartum care in Manchester, NH and surrounding areas.