The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using alternatives to plastic, like glass or stainless steel, as much as possible.

So the absolute GOLD standard for bottle feeding are glass bottles.

If you want to bottle feed your baby in the healthiest way possible and find the best glass bottle for breastfeeding, THIS is the article for you!

(this post may contain affiliate links)

Babies can be quite particular about their bottles (to say the least!). And breastfed babies even MORE SO. They need bottles that have a certain shape and bottle nipple in order to avoid nipple confusion.

We tested all the glass bottles on the market (there are a LOT!) and will share our 3 favorite glass bottles specifically for breastfed babies! 

There are many reasons to choose glass bottles over plastic:

Glass baby bottles:

• Warm up to 3x faster than plastic bottles

• Don’t absorb odors

• Are recyclable and environmentally friendly

• Easy to clean with bottle brush and gentle soap

• Are safer than plastic because they contain no harmful chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol A), BPS (bisphenol S), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and phthalates

• Allow the breast milk to not stick to the sides of the bottle as much

• Are stronger than standard glass and can withstand high heat

• Provide zero chance of harmful plastic chemicals seeping into breast milk from temperature changes

• Last forever and through multiple children (just change the nipples for each child)

• Give you the piece of mind that your baby isn’t ingesting microplastics

• Are durable and don’t discolor, scratch, or get foggy over time

• Are easily sanitized by boiling

• Some are adaptable to specific breast pumps

What to consider when buying glass bottles for breastfeeding

• Glass bottles are heavy.  Most young babies can’t hold glass bottles themselves.

• They’re less likely to break than regular glass, but they can still break. (however if you’re worried you can always add a protective sleeve.)

• Glass bottles are more expensive than plastic ones. If you’re looking to save money, glass bottles may not be for you.  Although they do last longer than plastic bottles so you’ll save money in the long run if you have multiple children.

• Most glass bottles can not freeze. Want to freeze your breast milk without plastic too?  You need THESE.

When should I introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby?

If breastfeeding is going well, try to introduce a bottle around 4 weeks postpartum. This is a time frame seen by most lactation experts as a golden window of opportunity for success. This way your baby will avoid nipple confusion and it won't interfere with breastfeeding.

Tips for using glass bottles for breastfed babies

• You want to use a nipple that gradually slopes outward.

• Always use slow flow nipples for breastfed babies.

• Whenever bottle feeding a breastfed baby, you need to do paced bottle feeding.

• Replace the glass bottle if it cracks or chips.

• Avoid putting glass bottles in the sink as they’re more likely to break around other dishes.

• If your baby refuses a bottle, there are many things you can try.

• Never microwave bottles, even glass ones.

• Glass bottles can be safely heated by standing in a bowl of warm water.

• Always sterilize glass bottles before their first use by boiling for 5 minutes.

The 3 Best glass bottles for breastfed babies

Bottle preference is individual to each baby. You may need to try a few to see what works best! BONUS TIP: Don’t buy a bunch of each brand until you know your baby accepts that bottle. Instead, buy one of each to test out.

#1
Dr. Brown’s Glass Baby Bottle

Best OVERALL

Dr. Brown’s Glass Bottles are designed especially for breastfeeding babies.

The breast-like nipple allows the slowest flow and does a fabulous job to prevent nipple confusion when combined with paced bottle feeding. 

The vent system stops excess air being ingested and moms rave that Dr. Brown’s bottles do the best job at reducing acid reflux and colic in their babies. (it’s actually clinically proven to do so).

Dr. Brown’s glass bottle perks:

• Glass is made out of pharmaceutical-grade borosilicate so it can withstand temperature changes and is shock resistant

• Comes in 5 or 9-ounce bottles

• BPA Free

• Eco-friendly and is made with 100% recyclable glass

• Fits most breast pumps

• Best slow-flow nipple

• Super durable — some moms report they dropped the bottle and it didn’t break

• Top-rack dishwasher safe

• Glass Dr. Brown’s bottles are easier to clean than the plastic version of Dr. Brown’s bottles

Things to consider about Dr. Brown’s Glass Baby Bottles:

Some reported that the bottles occasionally leak. But we found that if you completely unscrew the lid, take it off, and then screw it back on again it solves the problem.

Because of the valve system there are more parts to clean than other bottles. But with the valve, you’re able to prevent gas and colic.

#2
Evenflo Glass Balance Plus Bottles

Best for Moms Who Want To Save Money

• Evenflo Balance Glass Bottles are the most affordable breastfeeding glass bottle you can find!

• Comes with a naturally sloped nipple that has a slow flow

• Dishwasher safe (top rack only)

• Easy to clean (only 3 pieces)

• Fit onto a majority of breast pumps so you can pump directly into bottles

• BPA free

• The unique twist shape is easy to hold during feedings

• They are durable and many moms report they’ve dropped them and they didn’t crack.

Cons:

• Label is difficult to read if you don’t have good vision.

• Slow flow nipples come out a bit faster than Dr. Brown’s

• Doesn’t come with sleeves but these slim koozies are super cheap and fit them perfectly.

#3
Tommee Tippee Glass Bottles

Best for Moms WHO WANT AN ADAPTABLE DESIGN

The unique feature of Tommee Tippee Glass Bottles is that they not only are awesome for breastfed babies but they adapt as your child grows!  The bottles triple as a baby bottle, food jar, and open cup.

• BPA free

• Comes with an anti-colic valve

• Iconic curved shape is easy to hold

• Durable and doesn’t break easily

• Super easy to clean because of the wide neck base

• Affordable 

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a silicone sleeve.

• The nipple is a bit faster than Dr. Browns slow flow nipple.

Our 3 FAV Breastfeeding Products

🌛 1. This nursing bra is the absolute BEST for breastfeeding at night. It’s super comfortable and made of the softest material ever. You’ll want to wear it forever to sleep in, even after you’re done breastfeeding.

💪 2. Boost supply and tone up postpartum. Milk Dust is protein powder made just for breastfeeding moms. It nourishes and tones postpartum bodies (and contains milk boosting ingredients too!)  Get 10% off Milk Dust using the code MILKOLOGY at checkout

🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.