Nanobebe Bottles Review: The Must-Have for Breastfeeding Moms (An Honest Mom‘s Take)
Hey mama, let‘s be real – choosing the right baby bottle is HARD. With so many options out there claiming to "reduce colic" and "prevent nipple confusion", it‘s enough to make your head spin. Factor in a breastfed baby who wants nothing to do with a bottle, and you‘ve got a recipe for frustration (and a whole lot of wasted money on rejected bottles).
If you‘re breastfeeding and looking for a bottle that will make the transition easier on both you and your little one, allow me to introduce you to your new best friend: Nanobebe. Dubbed "the world‘s first baby bottle designed to preserve breastmilk nutrients", this innovative bottle has been a total game-changer for me and countless other breastfeeding moms.
In this super honest review, I‘ll give you the full scoop on what makes Nanobebe bottles so special, and why I think every breastfeeding mom needs them in her life. I‘ll also share some tips and tricks I‘ve learned along the way for introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby (because let‘s face it, it‘s not always smooth sailing). So grab a coffee (or a well-deserved glass of wine) and let‘s dive in!
First, A Little Background on Nanobebe
If you‘re not familiar with Nanobebe, here‘s the deal: The brand was founded in 2016 by two dads, Ayal Lanternari and Asaf Kehat, who wanted to create a better feeding experience for their own babies. As working dads who shared the responsibility of feeding, they were frustrated with how long it took to warm up bottles in the middle of the night, and worried about the effects of overheating breastmilk.
So they set out to create a bottle that would warm quickly and evenly while preserving breastmilk nutrients. The result was the Nanobebe Breastmilk Bottle, featuring a unique concave shape that spreads milk into a thin layer. This innovative design allows the bottle to warm 2x faster than standard bottles, without hot spots that can damage breastmilk immunological properties.
But Ayal and Asaf didn‘t stop there. They also wanted to create a bottle that would mimic the shape and feel of a mother‘s breast, to make the transition from breast to bottle as easy as possible for baby. So they designed a wide, soft nipple and an off-center nipple placement, just like a real breast. Genius, right?
Since launching, Nanobebe has expanded to include a range of breastfeeding-friendly products, from storage bags to bottle warmers to my personal fave – the Flexy Silicone Bottle that‘s both squishy AND cute (more on that later). The brand has won multiple awards and earned a cult following among breastfeeding moms.
Clearly, these guys know their stuff when it comes to breastfeeding and bottles. But does the Nanobebe bottle live up to the hype IRL? Let‘s find out.
Why Breastfeeding Moms Need Nanobebe in Their Lives
Before I really get into it, let‘s talk about why a bottle designed for breastfeeding even matters. I mean, a bottle is a bottle is a bottle, right? WRONG.
Here are some eye-opening stats about breastfeeding and bottles:
- According to the CDC, 84.1% of babies in the US start out breastfeeding. But by 6 months, only 58.3% are still breastfeeding at all.
- One study found that 40% of mothers who stopped breastfeeding earlier than they wanted cited nipple confusion as the reason.
- Another study showed that babies who used bottles with a "standard" nipple shape were more likely to have trouble transitioning back to the breast.
So while breastfeeding has tons of benefits for both mom and baby, the reality is that most moms will need to offer a bottle at some point – whether it‘s so they can return to work, share feeding responsibilities with a partner, or just get a freaking break every now and then (self-care is important too!).
And when that time comes, you want a bottle that won‘t sabotage your breastfeeding relationship or make the transition harder than it needs to be. Enter Nanobebe.
Here are just a few reasons why Nanobebe bottles are a breastfeeding mom‘s BFF:
1. The Real-Feel Nipple
The Nanobebe nipple is designed to feel just like the real thing, with a wide base and a soft, flexible tip that mimics the natural movement of a breast. The off-center placement also allows for a more natural, upright feeding position, which can help prevent ear infections and reduce reflux.
In my experience, this made a huge difference in getting my breastfed baby to accept a bottle. She latched on easily and seemed way more comfortable than with traditional bottles. No more frustrated crying (from either of us)!
2. Quick & Even Warming
There‘s nothing worse than a screaming, hangry baby while you wait for a bottle to warm up. With Nanobebe, you can go from fridge to baby in just 3 minutes, thanks to the concave shape that spreads milk into a thin layer.
But the real genius is in the even warming – no hot spots that can burn baby‘s mouth or destroy those precious breastmilk antibodies. As someone who spent way too much time worrying if I was overheating my pumped milk, this gave me so much peace of mind.
3. Less Gas & Fussiness
The Nanobebe nipple has a built-in anti-colic vent that prevents air from mixing with milk and causing gas and spit-up. The 360° venting and extra-soft nipple also allow baby to feed in a natural, wave-like motion without hard sucking.
I noticed a big difference in my daughter‘s digestion after switching to Nanobebe. She spit up way less and seemed so much more comfortable after feedings. Hallelujah!
4. Easy to Clean & Assemble
Real talk: washing bottles is the WORST. But Nanobebe makes it a little less painful with a wide neck design and only 4 parts to clean. They‘re also dishwasher safe and stack neatly for storage.
One less thing to dread in the bleary-eyed, sleep-deprived haze of new parenthood – I‘ll take it.
Putting Nanobebe to the Test
Ok, so now that I‘ve convinced you that Nanobebe is the GOAT of baby bottles (I‘m biased, but still), let‘s talk about how it actually performs in the real world.
I‘ve tried pretty much every Nanobebe product at this point, so I‘ll give you my honest thoughts on each one. But first, a handy little comparison chart to show how Nanobebe stacks up against some other popular bottle brands:
| Brand | Price (5oz bottle) | Warms Evenly | Shaped Like Breast | Anti-Colic | Silicone Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nanobebe | $22.99 (4 pack) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comotomo | $23.99 (2 pack) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Avent Natural | $21.99 (4 pack) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Dr. Brown‘s Options+ | $19.99 (4 pack) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature | $31.99 (6 pack) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
As you can see, Nanobebe ticks all the boxes for a breastfeeding-friendly bottle, and at a competitive price point too. But how does it actually perform? Here‘s the scoop:
Nanobebe Breastmilk Bottle
The OG Nanobebe bottle that started it all. I love the compact shape for stacking in the fridge (because let‘s be real, pumping moms are always short on storage space). The concave design is also great for warming up quickly and evenly. I was a little worried the shape would make it hard for my baby to hold, but the curved sides actually make it super easy for tiny hands to grip.
The only downside is that the measurements can be a bit hard to read when the bottle is full of milk. But overall, this bottle is a winner in my book.
Nanobebe Flexy Silicone Bottle
Ok, I know I said the Breastmilk Bottle was my fave, but the Flexy Silicone might have taken the top spot. This bottle has all the same great features as the original, but with an ultra-soft, skin-like feel that‘s both squishy and cute. The silicone material is also more durable and stain-resistant than plastic (because let‘s face it, those pumped milk stains are no joke).
I was worried the squishiness would make it hard for my baby to get a good latch, but she actually seemed to prefer the softer feel. And can we talk about how adorable the pastel colors are??
Nanobebe Transition Sippy Cup
When my baby hit the 4-month mark and started showing interest in holding her own bottle, I knew it was time to introduce a sippy cup. The Nanobebe Transition Cup has the same breast-like nipple as the bottles, but with handles for easy gripping. I love that it comes with both a fast and a medium flow nipple, so you can adjust as baby‘s skills progress.
The only thing I‘m not crazy about is the hard spout option – I prefer a soft silicone spout for safety. But the nipple works great for younger babies just starting to use a sippy.
What Other Moms are Saying
But don‘t just take my word for it – here‘s what other breastfeeding moms have to say about Nanobebe:
"I‘ve tried every bottle under the sun and this is the ONLY one my breastfed baby will take. The shape is perfect and she latches right away. It‘s a lifesaver when I need to be away from her!" – Maria, mom of 2
"I love how easy these are to clean and assemble. I don‘t dread bottle duty anymore. And the warming is so quick and even – no more scalded milk!" – Lisa, mom of twins
"The Flexy Silicone is the best thing ever. It‘s so soft and squishy, just like a real boob. My baby girl loves it and I love watching her little hands grip the sides. Too cute!" – Jen, first-time mom
Of course, no product is perfect, and there are a few complaints about Nanobebe bottles out there. The most common ones I‘ve seen are:
- The measurements on the Flexy Silicone can be hard to read, especially when heating
- The bottles can be tricky to clean if you don‘t have a bottle brush (the concave shape means you can‘t just shove a regular sponge in there)
- Some babies still prefer the feel of traditional bottles (every baby is different!)
But overall, the reviews for Nanobebe bottles are overwhelmingly positive, especially among breastfeeding moms. And in my experience, the pros far outweigh the cons.
The Bottom Line
So, is the Nanobebe bottle worth the hype (and the slightly higher price tag)? In my opinion, 100% yes. As a breastfeeding mom who struggled HARD with nipple confusion and bottle rejection, finding a bottle that my baby would actually take was a game-changer.
But more than that, I love that Nanobebe was created by dads who truly understand the challenges of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. Every detail of the design – from the breast-like shape to the quick warming to the easy cleaning – feels like it was made with real parents in mind.
Plus, the fact that it preserves breastmilk nutrients better than other bottles gives me so much peace of mind when I‘m away from my baby. I know she‘s getting the best possible nutrition, even when it‘s not straight from the source.
So if you‘re a breastfeeding mom looking for a bottle that will make your life a little easier (and let‘s be real, we could all use a little more ease in our lives), I highly recommend giving Nanobebe a try. And if you‘re still on the fence, Nanobebe offers a 30-day trial period, so you can test it out risk-free.
Just remember – every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. But in my experience, Nanobebe is the closest thing to a "sure thing" when it comes to bottles for breastfed babies.
Tips for Introducing a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby
Before I go, I want to leave you with a few tips for introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby. Trust me, I learned these the hard way so you don‘t have to!
-
Start early (but not too early): The sweet spot for introducing a bottle is usually around 4-6 weeks, when breastfeeding is well established but baby is still young enough to adapt. If you wait too long, baby may be more resistant to a foreign object in their mouth.
-
Have someone else do the feeding: Babies are smart – they know that mom = boob. So having dad or another caregiver offer the bottle can help avoid confusion. If you have to do it yourself, try wearing a piece of clothing that smells like your partner to trick baby‘s senses.
-
Mimic the breastfeeding experience: Try to recreate the same environment as breastfeeding – a quiet, dimly lit room with skin-to-skin contact. Hold baby in the same position as you would for nursing, and touch their lips with the bottle nipple to stimulate the rooting reflex.
-
Be patient: Some babies take to a bottle right away, while others need more time and practice. Don‘t force it if baby is resisting – try again later when they‘re in a better mood. And if one bottle doesn‘t work, don‘t be afraid to try a different brand or style.
-
Don‘t give up on breastfeeding: Introducing a bottle doesn‘t mean you have to stop breastfeeding altogether. In fact, many experts recommend continuing to offer the breast whenever you‘re together to maintain your milk supply and connection. Think of the bottle as a tool to give you flexibility, not a replacement for nursing.
Remember, mama – you‘re doing an amazing job. Breastfeeding is hard work, and introducing a bottle can feel like just another thing on the endless to-do list. But with a little patience and the right tools (like Nanobebe), you‘ll find a feeding routine that works for you and your baby.
And if all else fails, just remember – this too shall pass. Before you know it, your little one will be chugging from a sippy cup and throwing spaghetti on the floor. Cherish these bottle days while you can (and maybe invest in some good stain remover).
You‘ve got this, mama. And Nanobebe has got your back.
