Introducing a bottle when you’re breastfeeding can feel like a gamble. Will your baby take it? Will they refuse it? Or will they suddenly prefer it over the breast? The secret to a smoother transition is all in the nipple. The right bottle nipple can make feeds feel more natural, help keep your baby’s latch consistent, and take the stress out of pumping or sharing feedings.
I’ve been there, staring at aisles of bottles wondering which one is the magic answer. Spoiler: there isn’t just one. Babies have opinions (big ones). But some bottle nipples do a better job at mimicking the breast, and those are the ones worth trying first.
What to Look for in a Bottle Nipple
When you’re choosing, here are the big things to pay attention to:
Slow flow: Too fast, and babies get frustrated at the breast. Slow is safer for breastfed babies.
Wide base: Encourages them to open their mouth wide, just like nursing.
Soft, flexible silicone: Lets babies use their tongue and jaw naturally.
Anti-colic vents: Help reduce gas and fussiness (because nobody needs a gassy baby on top of everything else).
Top Picks for Breastfed Babies
Philips Avent Natural Response Nipples
Designed to only release milk when baby actively drinks. Flexible and wide, so it feels a lot like nursing. (This is my personal favorite and use daily).
Philips Avent Natural Response Nipples, Extra Slow Flow
- Natural Response technology
- Wide base design
- Flexible spiral design
- Anti-colic valve
These nipples only release milk when your baby actively drinks, mimicking the natural breastfeeding rhythm. The wide, flexible design encourages a deep latch just like nursing.
Dr. Brown’s Wide-Neck Options+ Nipples
Paired with the classic Dr. Brown’s bottles, these give you their anti-colic vent system with a shape that’s closer to the breast.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Level 2 Wide-Neck Baby Bottle Silicone Nipple
- Wide-neck design
- Anti-colic vent system
- Soft silicone
- Multiple flow options
The wide-neck shape promotes a natural latch while Dr. Brown's famous vent system helps reduce gas and fussiness. Great for breastfed babies transitioning to bottles.
Comotomo Silicone Nipples
Extra soft silicone with a wide mound. These are often the “backup option” parents swear by when their baby rejects everything else.
Comotomo Silicone Replacement Nipple, Slow Flow
- Extra soft silicone
- Wide breast-like mound
- Dual anti-colic vents
- Easy to clean
Super soft and squishy with a wide base that mimics the breast. Many parents find success with these when other nipples don't work.
MAM Slow Flow Nipples
Textured so they don’t slip, plus vented at the base. A win for babies who struggle with gas.
MAM Bottle Nipples Extra Slow Flow Nipple
- SkinSoft textured surface
- Base venting system
- Slow flow design
- Fits all MAM bottles
The textured surface prevents slipping and feels natural to babies. The base venting system helps reduce colic and gas.
Evenflo Balance+ Nipples
Developed with lactation consultants, these slow-flow nipples encourage pacing and mimic breastfeeding rhythm.
Evenflo Balance Plus Wide Neck Nipples
- Developed with lactation consultants
- Slow-flow design
- Encourages pace feeding
- Wide-neck design
Created specifically to support breastfeeding mothers. The slow flow encourages pace feeding that mimics natural nursing rhythms.
Nanobébé Flexy Nipples
Breast-like feel with good flexibility, and their bottles are designed to warm milk evenly — a nice touch if you’re using pumped milk.
Nanobebe Flexy Silicone Bottles Nipples - Slow Flow
- Triple vented design
- Flexible breast-like shape
- Compatible with Flexy bottles
- Even milk warming
Designed to feel natural with a flexible, breast-like shape. The triple venting helps reduce gas. Pairs perfectly with Nanobébé's unique warming system.
The Triangle Test (The TikTok Trick Parents Swear By)
Before you buy another bottle set, try this with the nipples you already have:
- Hold the nipple at the base using your thumb, index, and middle finger — so your fingers form a triangle around it.
- Look at the slope of the nipple, from base to tip — it should angle gradually, not straight up and down.
- A smoother “triangle” slope usually means the nipple will encourage a deeper latch (closer to breastfeeding).
Does it guarantee your baby will love the bottle? Nope. But it’s a quick visual test that helps you see if your current stash might actually work before you spend more money.
Tips for Making the Switch Smoother
Start slow: Offer one bottle a day when your baby is calm, not starving.
Let someone else feed: Babies know when mom is in the room, and they’ll hold out for the real deal.
Use pace feeding: Hold the bottle horizontal, give breaks, let your baby set the rhythm.
Don’t buy a 6-pack right away: Test one or two nipples to see what your baby accepts.
The Bottom Line
The best bottle nipple for breastfed babies is the one your baby actually accepts, but starting with slow-flow, wide-base, flexible options gives you a head start. And before you panic-buy ten different brands, give the triangle test a try. Sometimes the right bottle is already sitting in your cabinet.
Best Bottle Nipples for Breastfed Babies
Philips Avent Natural Response Nipples, Extra Slow Flow
Natural Response technology mimics breastfeeding rhythm perfectly. My daily go-to.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Level 2 Wide-Neck Baby Bottle Silicone Nipple
Wide-neck design with famous anti-colic vent system reduces gas and fussiness.
Comotomo Silicone Replacement Nipple, Slow Flow
Extra soft silicone saves the day when baby rejects other nipples.
MAM Bottle Nipples Extra Slow Flow Nipple
Textured surface prevents slipping and base venting reduces colic.
Evenflo Balance Plus Wide Neck Nipples
Developed with lactation consultants to support breastfeeding mothers.
Nanobebe Flexy Silicone Bottles Nipples - Slow Flow
Flexible breast-like shape with bottles designed for even milk warming.