How to Pick the Best Bottle Nipple for Your Baby
By Rebekah Scroggy, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Walking down the baby aisle at the store can feel like stepping into a sea of options—rows of bottles, all claiming to be the “best" for your baby. It’s no wonder parents feel overwhelmed. That’s why I sat down with Julie Matheny, SLP and IBCLC at LA Lactation, to get her expert insight on how to choose the right baby bottle nipple, especially with your baby’s oral development in mind.
Optimal vs Functional Feeding: What's the Difference?
One of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Julie was the distinction between optimal and functional feeding.
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Optimal feeding supports healthy oral development, encouraging proper tongue movement, jaw alignment, and even benefits future skills like swallowing and speech.
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Functional feeding means the baby is able to get milk effectively, even if the method isn’t ideal for long-term development.
In a perfect world, breastfeeding would always be possible and fully supported. But life isn’t always optimal—some parents return to work, some need to supplement, and some babies just need to bottle-feed. That’s where knowing how to choose the best baby bottle nipple becomes essential.
How to Know If Your Baby Is Struggling with a Bottle
Julie shared some key signs that your baby may not be feeding optimally from their bottle:
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Milk leaking from the corners of the mouth
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Coughing or gasping during feeds
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Clicking noises
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Pursed or “pinched” lips
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Sucking in cheeks (like drinking from a straw)
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Needing frequent breaks to slow down the flow
If you notice these, it’s a good idea to reassess your bottle nipple choice and work with an infant feeding specialist like an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) or SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) trained in infant feeding.
The 3 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bottle Nipple
1. Shape
Julie recommends the “triangle test”: a nipple with a gradual slope and no sharp changes from nipple to collar. This promotes a better latch and oral seal.
2. Flow
Nipple flow rate is supposed to mimic a breastfeeding parent’s milk flow, but unfortunately, there’s no standardization across brands. When in doubt, start with the slowest flow nipple and adjust as needed. You can check out this research study Julie mentioned for a comparison chart across brands.
3. Material
Most nipples are made of silicone or plastic. Consider your lifestyle—glass baby bottles and stainless-steel baby bottles are more sustainable and may reduce microplastic exposure. Julie noted that plastic can sometimes cause milk fat to cling to the bottle walls, which might affect feeding.
Looking for a high-quality option? Explore our Inner Chambers that can be used as baby bottles!
Don’t Be Fooled by Marketing
Bottles labeled as “breast-like nipple” or “close to nature” might sound reassuring, but Julie cautions against taking those claims at face value. There are no regulations around these terms—it’s purely marketing. The same goes for “slow flow” labels. Trust how your baby feeds over what the packaging promises.
Paced vs Reflexive Bottle Feeding
There’s a lot of buzz online about paced feeding, where caregivers tip the bottle down between sucks to help babies regulate their intake. Julie explained that this was originally designed for NICU babies under 38 weeks who were still learning how to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
For full-term babies, reflexive feeding is a more natural and developmentally appropriate method. It involves holding the bottle horizontally and allowing baby to control the feeding rhythm. Julie recommends aiming for a 20-minute feeding session, similar to breastfeeding, to avoid overfeeding and support healthy cues.
Debunking Bottle Myths
You may have heard that you need to wait two weeks to introduce a bottle or that mom has to leave the house or the baby will “smell” her and refuse the bottle. Julie assures parents that these are myths. If you’re feeding responsively, babies can go back and forth between breastfeeding and bottle feeding without confusion.
In fact, Julie suggests moms be the one to offer the bottle—your baby is most comfortable with you, and that familiarity can ease the transition. If you're planning to return to work around 3–4 months, start bottle practice before 8–10 weeks. After that, babies begin losing their sucking reflex and transition to chomping, which can complicate bottle feeding.
Dealing With Bottle Refusal
Bottle refusal can be one of the most frustrating challenges for parents. Julie’s been there—her own daughter refused bottles.
Her top advice? Connect with a feeding specialist like an SLP, OT, or IBCLC experienced in bottle refusal. But if that’s not an option, try offering milk in an open cup—even a shot glass works! It can be more effective (and less expensive) than buying every bottle on the market. If your baby is 4–6 months old, a straw cup may also be a good alternative.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a bottle nipple that supports your baby’s development can feel tricky—but with expert guidance like Julie’s, you can make an informed choice that works for your baby.
Want more helpful content like this? Follow our Chillin’ with Ceres Chill series on YouTube for interviews, tips, and support from real parents and experts.
Looking for a sustainable, flexible baby bottle system? Explore our Bloom Glass Baby Bottles and Ceres Chill Chillers — made with durable, non-toxic materials.
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