Baby bottles can be hard to choose from - after all, there are so many out there. While there's a lot to consider, there's also the price to take into consideration. Being a parent can be expensive at the best of times, so if you're looking for the best cheap baby bottles, our round-up from these trusted brands might save you a penny or two.
How much do baby bottles cost?
You can find baby bottles from around £5 to £40: depending on the type, technology, and extra features.
What different types of baby bottles are there?
There are several baby bottles to choose from on the market, which can make finding the right one for your infant feels like an overwhelming task. As well as our guide to the best baby bottle, we've put together a summary of what to look for when buying a bottle for your little one.
Materials: The first thing to consider is the material of the bottle. Would you prefer to go for a plastic baby bottle or a glass baby bottle? A silicone bottle or a stainless steel option? Each material has its pros and cons, so you'll want to do some research on which option is best for you.
Shape or type: Another thing to consider is the shape and type of the bottle. For instance, anti-colic bottles have angled tops to encourage slower feeding. These bottles can also include a special venting system to reduce the amount of air in the bottle. These bottles are best to reduce gas and the likelihood of a sore tummy for little one.
Features: There may be additional features that come with the baby bottle. Bottles for breast pumps affix easily to the breast pump, for example. Self-sterilising bottles mean there's no need to use a steriliser.
Size: You'll want to choose the correct size depending on your baby's age. Small bottles (150ml) or a half-full medium bottle (250ml) could be a good option. There are also larger bottles on the market (330ml).
Teat: Considering the teat of the bottle is also an important factor in buying a baby bottle. Bottles for breastfed babies have a special teat made to mimic a nipple so that your baby doesn't develop a preference for one or the other. As well as this, consider the material, size, flow and level of the teat.
Related: How to bottle feed a baby
The best cheap baby bottles UK 2022
Best value for money bottle
www.tesco.com
If you're looking for the cheapest baby bottle, this pack of two, medium-sized, slow flow teat bottles from Tesco are an amazingly affordable option to try with your little one.
Review: "Thought I'd try these Fred and Flo bottles before spending a small fortune on another brand and they work perfectly for my boy! Teats are the perfect size for him! We've had no mess and winding perfectly after. Definitely recommend at such an affordable price too."
Best bottle with a natural feel teat
With an anti-colic valve and slow flow teat to help reduce fast feeding and a sore tummy, this bottle has been designed to feel just like mum with its natural feeding teat.
Review: "Perfect size bottle for a newborn. Teats are not too hard and are a good size and shape. Easy to clean and put together. Would definitely recommend."
Best trainer bottle for older babies
www.johnlewis.com
If you're looking for a transition cup for older babies, this training cup with a fast-flowing teat helps babies get used to a sippy cup as they grow, encouraging them to grip the bottle with their own hands.
Review: "It's the first time trying this cup, my little girl is 5 months and has started to hold her bottles. It comes with a fast flow teat and a soft drinking teat to be used as a sippy cup once she has reached stage 2 of weaning. The cup itself is really cute and easy to dismantle and wash, all in all, a really good cup.
Best bottle for breast pump
Easy to attach to a breast pump, this bottle makes storing breast milk and bottle-feeding expressed milk much easier.
Review: "I used these every single day whilst pumping for my little boy. They can be used with the Medela Swing Pump as they fit the pump head. Brilliant product, easy to clean. Life saver."
Best bottle for latching
www.johnlewis.com
Designed for assisting with feeds: this bottle enables you to control the flow of the bottle and encourage latch by gently squeezing the bottom.
Review: "I used this bottle for formula feeding. I usually breastfeed feed, however, moving across to formula now. As with all bottles, it took a bit of time to get used to, however, my baby took it well. The soft bottle handles well, the teats have a decent flow. This bottle can be sterilised with steam, microwave or steriliser fluid which is great. The wide neck really helps with cleaning. Overall I would say a good product."
Best anti-colic bottle
Due to its natural feel, this bottle encourages a natural latch. With an anti-colic valve, it means less air and more milk for your baby. And less gas for baby, too! It's no wonder this bottle is so highly recommended.
Review: "I bought these bottles for my newborn baby boy, the bottles are perfect, easy to clean and hold. The teat is perfect for my newborn and the price is reasonable. I am extremely happy with the purchase and highly recommend."
Best self-sterilising bottle
Recommended by celebrity mums and regular mums alike, this self-sterilising bottle certainly saves the hassle. A medium flow teat and anti-colic valve provide the best feed for baby. See celebrity mum Lucy Mecklenburg demo the MAM Easy Start Self Sterilising Anti-Colic Baby Bottle on her Instagram.
Review: "MAM bottles are my favourite. The bottle can be dismantled into several pieces, which makes for easy cleaning. Each bottle can be self-sterilised, there's no need to faff around with another type of steriliser. Just rearrange the separate components of the bottle, fill the base with some water (use the lid for measurements), whack in the microwave for 3 minutes (more for more bottles), and hey presto! Overall, these are my go-to bottles."
Best heat sensing bottle
With built-in heat sensing technology, you'll know whether it's the right temperature for your baby due to the venting tube that turns pink when it's too hot. Plus, the anti-colic straw feature means that it provides comfort for the little one through feeds.
Review: "I really like these, worked a treat, no leaks. Ref other people having issues with leaks, I think they may not have ensured the white stick inner seal wasn't in place properly around the top of the bottle before putting the teat section on. Just a guess, but needed an extra push to ensure it was on properly."
Best bottle for softness
www.nanobebe.co.uk
Especially designed with softness in mind, this flexible baby bottle has a non-tipping base to reduce spills. It feels just like mum and is the only bottle with three vents to reduce any discomfort from wind.
Review: "My little girl loves her Nanobebe bottles and so does her mum! They’re soft, easy to grip, non-leaking and have helped loads with gas since we switched over. Also, love that they’re adaptable as she gets older too. Win-win! 10/10."
Here are some vital tips for baby bottle safety:
Related: How to sterilise your baby bottles
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All baby bottles should be replaced after one year of use.
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Replace the teats when baby is ready for the next size.
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Replace the teats if they get cracked, discoloured, or start to thin. Don't forget to check this regularly. However, it's worth mentioning that silicone teats are firmer while latex is softer, so these will have a different endurance.
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If possible, handwash a baby bottle with warm water and a baby-friendly detergent rather than wash them in the dishwasher.