Choosing Baby Bottles and Nipples

Overview

You have choices for the types of bottles and nipples you use to feed your baby. Here is some information to help.

Bottles

Small, 4 fl oz (120 mL) bottles are a good size for newborns. As your baby starts to take more formula during a feeding, you will likely want to have bigger 8 fl oz (240 mL) bottles on hand.

Nipples

General guidelines for buying bottle nipples:

• Buy more nipples than bottles. With repeated use, nipples tend to crack and leak.
• The nipple hole should allow liquid to drip slowly. To test the nipple drip, hold the bottle upside down without shaking it. Milk should drip about 1 drop a second.
• Bottle nipples come in a variety of shapes. You may need to try a few different types of nipples until you find one that works best for your baby.

Credits for Choosing Baby Bottles and Nipples

Current as of: August 3, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
John Pope MD - Pediatrics
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine

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