Feeding your baby is one of the most memorable moments for a parent. It’s an excellent way to get your fill of snuggles and gaze lovingly at your baby. But, just sometimes, you also need to get other things done. And how can you tackle that mile-long to-do list if one hand is always holding the baby and the other is always holding the bottle? That’s when you wish that your baby was a little more independent. The good news is that your baby will eventually start holding a bottle! For that, you need to get them the best bottles for babies to hold. The bottles are designed so that your growing baby can even hold and use them independently. After all, bottles will be one of the first things your toddler will learn to hold and handle.
If that wasn’t enough, holding bottles is an important milestone for your infant. That’s basically a sign that your tiny tot’s muscles and brain are developing. Plus, it leaves you hands-free for a while! To that end, here are the 11 best bottles for babies to hold.
Table of contents
- ezpz Mini Cup
- Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups
- Hydro Flask Kids Sippy Water Bottle
- Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottle
- Baby Mate Infant Feeders
- Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottles
- Comotomo Baby Bottle
- Kiinde Twist Squeeze Natural Baby Breast Milk Feeding Bottles
- Playtex Baby Ventaire Bottle
- NUK Smooth Flow Anti-Colic Bottles
- Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Infant Bottle
- Medela Breast Milk Collection Bottles
- Mam Easy Start Self Sterilising Anti-colic Bottle
- How To Choose The Best Bottles for Babies To Hold?
- When do babies begin holding their own bottles?
- How to Get Baby to Hold a Bottle?
- What are the signs that your baby is ready to hold the bottle?
ezpz Mini Cup
13
The ezpz Mini Cup is one of the best bottles for babies to hold. This cup is perfect if you want your tots to practice their motor skills and drink from a regular cup. This cup is a perfect fit for the adage “practice makes perfect,” as it allows babies to experience the drinking from a regular glass. That’s why it’s designed so that it’s easy for babies to hold and drink from. What’s more, it weighs just 2 oz. (0.05 liters) so you can start your infants off with it earlier on. Since it’s super-durable and lightweight, parents don’t have to worry about longevity and durability. Finally, the cup comes with a straw cap and a lid version, should you want it for your baby.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Super-durable.
- Perfect for practicing motor skills.
Cons
- Chances of spillage.
Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups
12
The Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups is one of the best bottles your infants can hold and has a liquid carrying capacity of just 10 oz (0.3 liters). These vibrant and wonderfully colorful stainless cups feature silicone sleeves, allowing your toddlers to easily hold them, no matter whether it’s cold or hot. Aside from being bright and fun-filled, they’re also easy to clean and durable. Moreover, they come in four cups, each with air-tight straw lids that make for excellent storage. So, they can even be used to store milk without worrying about spillage. Finally, the straws have a stopper with a slightly raised edge, thus preventing babies from pulling them out.
Pros
- Stopper.
- Air-tight straw lid.
- Comes in a set of four colors and designs.
Cons
- Expensive.
Hydro Flask Kids Sippy Water Bottle
11
The Hydro Flask Kids Sippy Water Bottle is one of the best bottles for babies to hold as it instills fine motor skills. This no-slip water bottles help babies develop such skills, which are a critical part of growing up. Besides keeping babies hydrated, the bottle helps them get a good grip. It comes in two sizes, of which the smaller size of 0.35 liters (12 oz.) is perfect for a toddler, making this one of the best bottles for toddlers. The stainless steel bottle also has double-walled vacuum insulation that keeps liquids cool for up to 24 hours. But, the silicone boot and the powder coat finish is the singularly ultimate feature, with the powder coat giving your baby an extra grip when holding the bottle.
Pros
- Keeps liquids cool for up to a day.
- The powder coat finish is perfect for a grip.
- The smaller size is perfect for toddlers.
Cons
- Only hand wash.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottle
10
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottle is also one of the best bottles for newborn babies. There’s a lot to like about this bottle. For one, it combines ease of use, affordability, and flexibility, making it one of the best bottle-feeding products. Secondly, the BPA-free bottle is ergonomically designed, making them easy for babies to hold later on. It also helps that these bottles are curved, which means your babies can begin holding them independently much before you think. Additionally, they have small rims, which means cleaning with brushes is easy and hassle-free. Besides coming in two sizes, they have a few parts for cleaning and maintenance.
Pros
- Anti-colic valve.
- Shock-resistant glass.
- Three-in-one design (cup, jar, bottle).
Cons
- Bottle measurements may diminish over time.
Baby Mate Infant Feeders
9
The Baby Mate Infant Feeders are not just one of the best bottles for babies to hold, but they’re also one of the best cereal bottles for babies. There’s a lot to like about this well-designed bottle, which is handy, easy to hold, and squeezable. This is thanks to the high-grade silicone build, which means it’s easy for your baby to begin gripping the bottle. Plus, the bottle is free of phthalates, BPA, and other chemicals that could potentially harm your baby. The cap is also made from food-grade polypropylene, doubling handily as a measuring cup. Moreover, the super-soft spoon, tight-sealing cover, and an easy-to-clean and maintain design are what makes this bottle so desirable.
Pros
- BPA free.
- Cap is made from food-grade polypropylene.
- Squeezable.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- The spoon is slightly flimsy.
Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottles
8
The Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottles is not just an excellent bottle for babies to hold, but it’s also one of the best glass bottles for babies. Firstly, the bottle comes in a set of three eight-oz. bottles and are made from high-quality borosilicate glass, making them heat-resistant. Secondly, the large, breast-like silicone nipples mimic breastfeeding and ensure a good latch for your kid. Since it’s a wide neck design, it’s easy for your baby to hold too. And thanks to the presence of just four parts, assembly and cleaning are hassle-free processes. Wrapping up the features is the anti-colic system that allows your baby to hold the bottle and feel more comfortable during feeding.
Pros
- Ergonomic, easy-to-hold design.
- Anti-colic system.
- The “petals” make the nipple softer, preventing it from collapsing.
Cons
- Some parents complained that the nipples leaked sometimes.
Comotomo Baby Bottle
7
The Comotomo Baby Bottle is not just one of the universally best bottles for babies to hold, but it’s also one of the best bottles for tongue-tied babies. The bottle features in two sizes, 5-ounce or 8-ounce, which means it’s great for growing babies who’re just learning to grip bottles. The wide mound and naturally shaped nipple help introduce these bottles to your babies without confusion. Besides featuring a silicone make, these bottles are BPA-free, microwave, and dishwasher-safe. So, babies enjoy gripping on to the super soft grip. Finally, the extra-wide base and dual vent nipple make the bottles easy to clean and prevent discomfort for babies.
Pros
- Easy to clean.
- Safe in microwave, boiling water, dishwashers, and sterilizers.
- Ultra-wide neck design
Cons
- Newborn nipples are not included with each size.
Kiinde Twist Squeeze Natural Baby Breast Milk Feeding Bottles
6
The well-designed Kiinde Twist Squeeze Natural Baby Breast Milk Feeding Bottles take the drop-in bottle approach to the next level. This rather useful kit comes with pump attachments allowing parents to pump right into the brand’s pouches. After that, you can directly stick them into the freezer when they’re full. From there, warming and snapping the milk into a bottle is a cakewalk. All you need to do is attach the nipple to the pouch’s mouth. Since the milk is stored in bags, these bottles don’t have to be washed so much, making them perfect for late-night feedings.
Pros
- Ideal for parents who freeze a lot of breast milk.
- Pump directly into the pouches.
- The nipple can be attached to the pouches.
Cons
- The setup is long and tricky.
Playtex Baby Ventaire Bottle
5
The Playtex Baby Ventaire Bottle is not just one of the best bottles for babies to hold, but it’s also one of the best bottles for babies with gas. This six oz bottle boasts a removable bottom that makes cleaning a breeze for parents and caregivers. What’s more, they’re top-rack dishwasher safe too. Going further, the set features three six-oz angled bottles that ensure that the milk flows to the nipple. So, your baby won’t ingest gas, with the wider nipple helping them latch properly. Thanks to the vented bottom and ergonomic design, your tots might even begin holding the bottle on their own.
Pros
- Angled design helps in vertical feeding.
- Comes in a set of three.
- Easy to clean thanks to twist bottom.
Cons
- The bottom rubber disk needs to be remembered to put on.
NUK Smooth Flow Anti-Colic Bottles
4
The NUK Smooth Flow Anti-Colic Bottles is yet another bottle that your little ones can hold. That’s because of their inward-shaped design, which makes them easy to hold for growing babies. But, there’s a lot more to these bottles than just the design. Firstly, the nipple flow is adjustable on its own, depending on your kid’s drinking speed. It might mean longer feeding times, but babies are less gassy. Plus, the in-built temperature monitor ensures that parents and caregivers can see the milk’s temperature. Furthermore, the asymmetrical shape mimics breastfeeding and also supports oral development.
Pros
- The temperature indicator on the side.
- Slow and consistent flow reduces gas.
- Well-designed for holding.
Cons
- Capacity is less for growing babies.
Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Infant Bottle
3
The Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Infant Bottle is one of the best bottles for babies to hold, made from stainless steel. This unique bottle starts as a bottle but also can be used as a snack container, a regular sports bottle, a straw bottle, or a sippy bottle. Secondly, it eliminates the risk of chemicals since it’s made from stainless steel. If that wasn’t enough, the bottle won’t break even if your baby drops it, and even then, the stainless steel is very lightweight. However, what makes it easy to hold is the tapered design with the included silicone sleeve that adds grip. A wide neck and included nipples with an anti-colic valve design wrap up the features of this bottle.
Pros
- The silicone grip makes it easy to hold.
- Bottle evolution system.
- Stainless steel is safe, eco-friendly, and easy to wash.
Cons
- Slightly larger for smaller babies.
Medela Breast Milk Collection Bottles
2
The Medela Breast Milk Collection Bottles are perfect for parents who’re exclusively pumping. These affordable collection bottles come in a six-pack and come physician-recommended. Besides being BPA-free, each bottle holds five oz. of liquid, complete with a screw-on lid to prevent spillage. Aside from the fact that they work with many brands of breast pumps, the bottles are also compatible with Medella collars and nipples and those of other brands. Thanks to their design, your tot might even start holding them on their own while feeding. Wrapping up the features is that they have millimeter markers, are dishwasher-safe, and are easy to clean.
Pros
- Come in many sizes.
- Affordable.
- The millimeter markers remain even after repeated washing.
Cons
- Slightly thin.
Mam Easy Start Self Sterilising Anti-colic Bottle
1
The Mam Easy Start Self Sterilising Anti-colic Bottle sits at the top of the list of best bottles for babies to hold. The anti-colic bottles help soothe kids who suffer from gas or acid reflux, thanks to the patented vented base that throws air out rather than ingest it. Moreover, the soft silicone nipples help babies take to the bottle very easily, ensuring that they begin to try holding it. What’s more, the bottle comes in two sizes, a five and a nine oz. one. This basically means that it’s perfect for your growing baby as they try and hold their feeding bottles independently.
Pros
- Multipack includes two pacifiers and four bottles in two sizes.
- Self-sterilizing.
- Cute designs.
Cons
- None, really.
How To Choose The Best Bottles for Babies To Hold?
Material
One of the most important factors regarding the best bottles for babies to hold is the material they’re made of. Baby bottles usually feature in either glass or plastic. Plastic bottles are easier for babies to hold as they’re malleable and lightweight. Plus, they cost less. Glass bottles, on the other hand, are heavier but are made from shatter and heat-resistant glass. While smaller babies might not be able to hold them, bigger toddlers can certainly hold glass bottles. What’s more, they’re free from chemicals and easy to clean, but expensive.
Nipple design
Usually, slow-flow nipples are preferred for breastfed babies since it mimics the natural breastfeeding experience and the flow of milk from the breast. While a wide-neck nipple base could be beneficial, most babies might have a hard time getting their small mouths around them. In that case, opt for a bottle with a narrow neck and a gradual sloping nipple.
Pump compatibility
Finally, look for bottles that your breast pump can directly connect to if you want to make your life easier, that is. So, parents don’t have to worry about transferring the milk from the bottle to the bag and back to the bottle.
When do babies begin holding their own bottles?
Most babies begin holding their own bottles after hitting the age of 6 months, but there are some that might take longer like 10 months. It all boils down to your kid’s fine motor skills.
How to Get Baby to Hold a Bottle?
There are many things you can do, such as bringing safe teethers and toys to their mouths, indulging in tummy time, and choosing the right feeding gear.
What are the signs that your baby is ready to hold the bottle?
If your baby can sit up for 10 minutes by themselves, grab a toy and gnaw on it, and reach for the bottle when you feed them, then there are chances that your baby is ready to hold the bottle.