Best Bottle for a Breastfed Baby?

My baby is exclusively breastfed, but I’d like her to take a bottle so that my partner and I can go out once in while.  What bottle would be best for my otherwise breastfed baby? – Jayne M., Chicago

No bottle or nipple is the equivalent of mother’s breast.  There is no research to support any of the bottles recently developed to approximate the breastfeeding experience.  However, some nipples seem to be more effective for breastfeeding babies.  

While there is conflicting information among lactation consultants on the best bottle teat or nipple, recent research suggests considering the following:

• Diane West, IBCLC, suggests that teats with wide bases and round, symmetrical nipples seem to be preferable.
• Breastfed babies are used to a nipple that rests at the back of the soft palate.  A longer nipple can help simulate that feel for babies. 
• Silicone is preferable to latex- to avoid latex allergies. 
• All lactation specialists seem to agree the nipple must be a slow flow.

According to West, Marasco & Maranta (www.lowmilksupply.org), there are several nipple products on the US market that meet all of these criteria:

• Gerber ComfortLatch 
• Evenflo Ultra and Elite
• Playtex NaturaLatch

Of course, some lactation specialists suggest simple trial and error, stating that the best nipple/bottle is the one the infant will take.  Only you and your baby know what will work well for your family.