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All about baby bottles and nipples

For some babies, finding the right baby bottle is more trial and error than choice. Your baby will decide what they like best. We’ll help you understand the many shapes and sizes, and you can help your little one choose by trying more than one style of baby bottle and nipple.

Baby bottle nipples: sizes, shapes, styles, and materials differ by design

Bottle nipple sizes

Size 1 nipples have a small hole, for newborn babies and those that don’t need faster flow—usually from birth to age 3 months
Size 2, 3, and 4 nipples have progressively larger holes for faster and are great for older babies
Special nipples for preemies also are available

Baby bottle nipple shapes

Standard nipples are tall and dome-shaped, while other nipple types mimic the shape of your breast
Orthodontic nipples are shaped to fit the inside of your baby's mouth—wide at the tip and base, and narrow in the middle

Baby bottle nipple materials

Latex

Softer
May wear out more quickly

Silicone

Sturdier
Can last up to a year

When selecting a baby bottle, explore shape, material, and size

Baby bottle shapes: standard or curved

Standard baby bottles (straight with no angle or curve) have been successfully used for years
Curved baby bottles, and those with liners, are designed to reduce the swallowing of air and cut down on gas and fussiness
Baby bottles with disposable liners are easy to clean, but the liner refills can be costly

Materials: plastic or glass baby bottles?

Glass baby bottles are sturdy but heavy and can shatter if dropped. Plastic baby bottles are lightweight and shatterproof, and many are BPA-free.

Baby bottle sizes: small for now, larger for later

Smaller bottles (4 fl oz or less) are nice when your baby is small. But as your baby grows, you’ll replace them with larger ones. Hint: When choosing a bigger bottle, make sure it will fit into your current diaper bag.