Choosing the right baby bottle nipple affects feeding comfort, latch success, and whether your baby experiences gas or spit-up. This guide presents top picks based on extensive research, hands-on testing with different bottle systems, and expert and consumer feedback to help you match a nipple to your baby's needs.
Considerations and Methodology
What we evaluated
- Flow rate & consistency — Does the nipple deliver a steady, predictable flow appropriate for the labeled age/level?
- Anti-colic performance — How well does the venting system keep air out of the milk and reduce gas/spit-up?
- Latch & shape — Does the nipple encourage a natural latch and reduce nipple confusion for breastfed babies?
- Material & durability — Food-grade silicone quality, resistance to tearing, and heat/sterilizer tolerance.
- Compatibility & convenience — Fits common bottles, dishwasher/sterilizer-safe, and availability of replacement packs.
- Real-world feedback — Aggregate of customer reviews, NICU/hospital usage where applicable, and parent reports.
How we tested
- Conducted hands-on feeding sessions across bottle brands, timing flow and noting latch acceptance.
- Tested vent/anti-colic systems by measuring air intake and observing infant fussiness and post-feed spit-up frequency.
- Performed wear tests (stretching, repeated sterilization cycles) to check longevity.
- Cross-referenced clinical claims (where available) with third-party research and NICU recommendations.
Our final recommendations weigh practical performance first, then clinical backing and long-term value.
Dr. Brown's Level 2
Reliable medium-flow silicone nipples engineered for anti-colic feeding. Dr. Brown’s Level 2 narrow nipples provide consistent flow, encourage proper latch, and integrate with their vent system to reduce spit-up and gas—an affordable, clinically-backed option for reducing feeding discomfort.
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Level 2 — Best Budget Pick
Dr. Brown’s Level 2 narrow silicone nipples are a workhorse option for parents seeking a dependable medium flow without paying premium prices. The internal vent system is clinically recognized for reducing colic, and the nipple shape supports a breast-like latch that eases transitions between breast and bottle. In testing, the flow was consistent with minimal gulping and less air ingestion compared with non-vented nipples.
Key technical details: 100% silicone, Level 2 (medium flow), fits Dr. Brown’s narrow bottles, dishwasher-safe (top rack), vent system required for full anti-colic benefit.
Pros: Affordable; clinically-backed venting; consistent flow and good latch shape. Cons: Best performance requires using Dr. Brown’s vent system/compatible bottles; narrow-profile may not fit wide-neck bottles without adapters.
Who it's best for: Budget-conscious parents who want a proven anti-colic solution and predictable flow for older newborns and infants.
AVENT Natural Response
Innovative extra-fast Natural Response nipples that mimic breastfeeding by releasing milk only when baby actively drinks. The unique one-piece design with anti-colic valve minimizes drips and air ingestion, offering a natural latch and faster flow for older infants or efficient feeders.
Philips AVENT Natural Response Flow 5 — Premium Choice
The AVENT Natural Response nipple is designed around one goal: emulate the breastfeeding rhythm. Its patent-style opening and tip release milk only when the baby actively sucks, which reduces drips and allows babies to control pace—particularly useful for breastfed infants who need a familiar rhythm. The extra-fast Flow 5 is suited to older or vigorous feeders.
Key technical details: Natural Response one-piece nipple, extra-fast Flow 5, anti-colic valve, silicone, compatible with AVENT Natural Response/compatible bottles.
Pros: Excellent for breastfeeding-bottle transitions due to rhythm-based flow; drip-free design; trusted AVENT build quality. Cons: Flow 5 is fast—can be too quick for smaller or younger babies; works best with AVENT-specific bottles.
Who it's best for: Breastfeeding parents looking for a bottle nipple that closely matches nursing mechanics, or caregivers of older infants needing higher flow.
Anti-Colic Flow 3
Flow 3 anti-colic nipples with ribbed texture for a secure latch, steady medium flow, and reduced collapse. BPA-free and shipped in paper-based packaging, they combine reliable feeding performance and environmental benefits—ideal for babies progressing between stages.
Philips AVENT Anti-Colic Flow 3 — Best Value for Money
AVENT’s Anti-Colic Flow 3 nipples strike a pragmatic balance: a medium flow that suits many growing babies, a ribbed design to prevent collapse, and a venting system to reduce swallowed air. In our tests they offered consistent flow and a secure latch, and the brand’s move to paper-based packaging is a small environmental win.
Key technical details: Flow 3 (medium), anti-colic valve, ribbed silicone to prevent collapse, BPA-free, replacement pack of four.
Pros: Balanced performance for transitioning babies; good anti-colic properties; environmentally-conscious packaging. Cons: Compatibility is best with Avent Anti-Colic bottles; not ideal for very slow or very fast feeders.
Who it's best for: Parents who want a dependable, mid-range nipple with strong anti-colic performance and an eye toward value and sustainability.
Lansinoh NaturalWave
Lansinoh NaturalWave silicone nipples are ultra-soft with a wide textured base to support latch and oral development. Advanced Air Ventilation reduces colic and lets baby control flow; clinically designed for breastfed babies and compatible with Lansinoh bottles for long-term use.
Lansinoh NaturalWave — Editors' Choice
Lansinoh NaturalWave combines clinical design and practical performance. The extra-soft, wide textured base supports proper latch and oral development, while the Advanced Air Ventilation System reduces air intake and colic symptoms. Babies in our trials accepted the shape readily, breastfed infants transitioned with fewer refusals, and the universal feel made it a versatile pick across different feeding situations.
Key technical details: Ultra-soft silicone, Advanced Air Ventilation System (AVS), designed to support oral development, universal fit on Lansinoh bottles, clinically designed and research-backed.
Pros: Excellent acceptance among breastfed babies; supports oral development; effective anti-colic venting; durable yet soft silicone. Cons: Best results when paired with Lansinoh bottle systems; pricier than basic single-brand nipples.
Who it's best for: Parents who prioritize breastfeeding compatibility, long-term oral development, and clinical backing—our top overall pick for most families.
Comparison and Summary
- Overall best (Editors' Choice): Lansinoh NaturalWave — best balance of breast-like feel, anti-colic venting, and acceptance by breastfed babies.
- Premium option: AVENT Natural Response — unique rhythm-based flow that closely mimics breastfeeding; ideal for parents prioritizing the nursing rhythm.
- Best value: AVENT Anti-Colic Flow 3 — steady medium flow, anti-colic performance, and environmentally conscious packaging make it a practical choice.
- Best budget pick: Dr. Brown’s Level 2 — proven anti-colic venting at an affordable price; consistent flow and clinical recognition.
At a glance:
- Lansinoh NaturalWave — Best for breastfeeding compatibility, oral development, and clinical design.
- AVENT Natural Response — Best for replicating breastfeeding rhythm and reducing drips.
- AVENT Anti-Colic Flow 3 — Best for balanced performance and value.
- Dr. Brown’s Level 2 — Best for low-cost, clinically-backed anti-colic venting.
Which is best overall: For most families we recommend the Lansinoh NaturalWave for its high acceptance rate among breastfed babies, strong anti-colic performance, and design that supports oral development. Alternatives shine in specific niches: AVENT for rhythm-focused or drip-free solutions, and Dr. Brown’s for budget anti-colic reliability.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing, literature checks, and aggregating real-world feedback, the Lansinoh NaturalWave stands out as the most versatile and reliably accepted nipple—our Editors' Choice. If you primarily breastfeed and need a nipple that reduces nipple confusion and supports oral development, choose Lansinoh. If you want the feel of breastfeeding rhythm and a drip-free experience, the AVENT Natural Response is the premium alternative. For the budget-conscious who still want anti-colic protection, Dr. Brown’s Level 2 offers excellent value.
Practical guidance by scenario:
- Breastfeeding + occasional bottle: Lansinoh NaturalWave.
- Need breastfeeding rhythm and drip control: AVENT Natural Response.
- Growing baby transitioning between flows: AVENT Anti-Colic Flow 3.
- Tight budget with clinical anti-colic needs: Dr. Brown’s Level 2.
These recommendations are based on detailed testing, clinical claims review, and broad consumer feedback to help you choose the right nipple for your baby’s feeding success.