Most breastfed babies who are offered the right bottle from the right age (3–6 weeks) switch between breast and bottle without significant difficulty. The key is choosing a bottle that requires the baby to work for milk rather than one that floods them with fast flow.
Why bottle choice matters for breastfeeding
Teat flow rate — always start with slow/newborn flow. A fast-flowing teat requires less effort than the breast, which can create a preference. Teat shape — wide-base teats requiring a broad latch work better for most breastfed babies. Venting system — reduces air swallowing.
Budget: MAM Anti-Colic Bottle — ~£8–10 each
MAM bottles have a wide, flat teat encouraging a broad latch and are specifically designed with breastfed babies in mind. The self-sterilising base allows microwave sterilising without a separate unit. Venting through the base effectively reduces colic symptoms. One of the most recommended bottles for breastfed babies in the UK.
Pros: Self-sterilising, wide flat teat, good anti-colic venting, affordable, widely available
Cons: More components than simpler bottles, base can leak if not assembled correctly
Best for: Breastfed babies being introduced to a bottle for the first time
Mid-range: Comotomo Baby Bottle — ~£15–18 each
A soft silicone bottle that compresses like breast tissue when squeezed — intended to replicate the feel of the breast more closely than rigid alternatives. The wide neck and broad teat require a good open latch. Many parents who’ve struggled with other bottles find Comotomo successful.
Pros: Soft silicone mimics breast feel, wide base, dual-venting, durable, easy to clean
Cons: More expensive per bottle, silicone discolours over time
Best for: Babies who have refused other bottles
Premium: Minbie Teat — ~£12–15 for teats
Teats designed specifically for breastfed babies, sold separately to fit standard bottle necks. Requires the baby to use the same tongue and jaw motion as breastfeeding. Developed in consultation with lactation consultants. Slower than most ‘slow flow’ teats — generally a feature for breastfed babies.
Pros: Designed for breastfeeding compatibility, requires active suckling, fits standard bottles
Cons: Requires more effort — some babies refuse initially, less widely stocked
Best for: Families experiencing genuine nipple confusion or committed to long-term combination feeding
How to introduce a bottle successfully
Start the bottle introduction at 3–6 weeks — after breastfeeding is established but before 8 weeks when bottle refusal becomes more common. Have someone other than the breastfeeding parent offer the first bottles; the nursing parent’s scent and proximity trigger nursing expectation. Use the slowest available teat flow (0m+/newborn) regardless of the baby’s age. If bottle refusal persists: try different positions (semi-reclined rather than cradled), different temperatures, different times of day. Most nursery workers have reliable techniques for breastfed babies who refuse at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby?
Between 3–6 weeks — after breastfeeding is established but before the bottle refusal that becomes more likely after 8 weeks.
My breastfed baby refuses all bottles — what do I do?
Try different bottle brands, temperatures, positions, times of day, and a cup or soft spoon as an alternative. Persistence over 1–2 weeks is usually required.
Does paced feeding really matter?
Yes — especially for breastfed babies. Paced feeding (bottle held horizontal, baby controls pace, pauses offered every 20–30ml) more closely mimics breast feeding effort. Fast horizontal-tilt bottle feeding with continuous milk flow teaches the baby that feeding is effortless — and makes the breast feel unrewarding by comparison. Paced feeding is the single most impactful technique for maintaining breastfeeding alongside bottle use.
Related Reading
- When should I introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby?
- Breastfeeding in the first week: latch, supply and sanity tips
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We research products independently and are never paid to recommend specific items.
Found this helpful? Sign up to the LylyMama newsletter for honest, researched guides on everything you need in pregnancy and early parenthood.
MAM teats are orthodontically shaped and flat, requiring a wide latch similar to the breast. The self-sterilising base (add water, microwave 3 minutes) eliminates the need for a separate steriliser for the first 6 months — a genuine space and cost saving. The anti-colic base valve is effective and the system is widely recommended by NCT breastfeeding counsellors.
The soft squeezable silicone body is the Comotomo’s key differentiator — it responds to the baby’s jaw compression during feeding similarly to breast tissue. Wide base requires a broad open latch. Particularly recommended for babies who have already shown bottle refusal — the tactile experience is different enough to get acceptance from resistant babies.
The Minbie teat design uses a textured surface and specific valve to create a feeding action requiring more jaw and tongue engagement than most teats. Available separately and compatible with most standard bottles. Niche but with a strong track record for babies struggling specifically with the breast-to-bottle transition.
