Our pick for most familiesBirth to 12 months (change teat flow as baby grows)
Philips Avent Natural Response baby bottle
An easy-to-find bottle with slow-release teats, stocked by Big W, baby stores and online retailers.
Bottles & formula prep
Most babies take to a bottle with a slow-flow teat and a bit of patience; anti-colic vents and 'breast-like' teats vary by baby, so buy one or two before stocking up. Sterilise bottles and teats until about twelve months — boiling, steam (electric or microwave) and chemical solutions all work when done as directed. We don't recommend formula brands: talk to your child health nurse or GP. On formula prep machines, the WHO advises making powdered formula with water at 70 °C or above, and Which? reported in November 2026 that many prep machines tested in homes did not reach that, so always follow the instructions on your formula tin.
Things we don’t recommend, and why
- Bottle propping or self-feeding bottle holders. The ACCC warns these may increase the risk of choking and suffocation because babies can't control the flow. Source: ACCC Product Safety: Warning on baby bottle self-feeding devices and car seat head straps
- Formula prep machines you haven't checked. If you use one, test the hot water with a food thermometer; WHO guidance is water of at least 70 °C for powdered formula. Source: WHO: Safe preparation, storage and handling of powdered infant formula, Which?: Perfect Prep and formula bottle prep machines (Nov 2026)
Price bands for this category: $ < $30 · $$ $30–60 · $$$ $60–120 · $$$$ > $120. Prices change — check the retailer.