Welcome to the Honest Midwife Best in Feeding Awards 2024. Becoming a parent or growing your family further is an exciting time with lots to think about. How you feed your baby and what you may need to be feeding ready can seem a little daunting. That is why I am pleased to announced the Winners in this category in the hope that it may help you in your decision making.
When judging this category we looked at various element that need to be considered when choosing which bottle to buy for your baby. These elements included:
Combination or transition feeding compatibility
Size availability of the bottles
Teat size choice
Environment
Anti-colic solutions
How easy the bottle was to clean and assemble
Cost
When I had my babies there was hardly any choice when it came to which bottle to purchase so I can only imagine that it can feel a little overwhelming when trying to work out which bottle will be right for your baby. The reality is that parents that are faced with problems such as colic or reflux will rarely find that it was one thing that improved things.
Added to that you are not likely to know if your baby will or won’t suffer with these things at the time you are buying your initial set of bottles. As a midwife I am never 100% convinced at claims by any brand that colic can be dramatically reduced just by using a different bottle however, I would buy anti-colic bottles because, if my baby was suffering from colic, I know I would try anything! So, here are the bottles that would be my go to and were also loved by our testers!
🥇 Gold Winner: MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottle
The MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle is the Gold Award winner for 2024.
We were all really impressed with The MAM Easy Start Anti Colic bottles which have a patented ventilation system designed to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows. There were so many features of this bottle that it was a clear winner from both my point of view and our tester Sarah.
What’s Good:
- It is a well known fact that trapped air can make babies really uncomfortable so the holed ventilation system which reduces air intake really gives reassurance that any colic symptoms are not being added to by the bottle.
- The bottle has a wide opening which made cleaning of the inside really easy.
- One of our favourite features of this bottle is that the middle part can be changed as your baby grows. So you start off with the 130ml bottles and then increase the size to 160ml and finally to 260ml as your baby’s requirements change. Genius!
- The teat is designed to be soft - just like the nipple - making any transition from breast to bottle much easier. MAM report a 94% acceptance rate for babies learning how to feed from a teat. Well done MAM!
What’s Not So Good:
- Most newborn babies only take small feeds in the first few weeks and the measurements only start at 60ml so, although our tester Sarah’s baby was taking bigger feeds at the time of testing, she did comment that this would have been a frustration in the early weeks.
- Forget the fact I am a midwife, the only concern I have with bottles sterilised in the microwave is that, if you are like me, your microwave is unlikely to be the cleanest of places. I would recommend to anyone using this method of sterilising to give their microwave a wipe out a little more regularly than I do!
🥈 Silver Winner: Tommee Tippee Natural Start Glass Baby Bottle
I am delighted to award the Silver to Tommee Tippee's glass bottle. Not only is it much more environmentally friendly, but the accompanying teat is specially designed to replicate the natural flex, stretch, and movement of a mother’s breast, making it a favored option for breastfed babies transitioning to bottle feeding.
What’s Great:
- The soft, silicone nipple mimics the natural breastfeeding experience, making it easier for babies to switch between breast and bottle.
- Its wide neck design simplifies cleaning and filling, a feature parents find especially convenient.
- 100% leak-proof with the lid, even when turned upside down.
What’s Less Ideal:
- The glass material, though durable, makes the bottle heavier than plastic alternatives, which may be less convenient for travel.
- Despite its strength, glass is more likely to break if dropped, requiring more caution compared to plastic bottles.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Baby Bottle
Another bottle helping to reduce colic. The Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Bottle earns the Bronze Award for its vent system that is designed to reduce colic, spit-up, and gas. Dr Brown’s were one of the first brands to introduce anti-colic solutions and its tried-and-tested technology makes this bottle a favourite among parents whose babies struggle with feeding discomfort.
What’s Good:
- The 100% vacuum-free vent system aims to reduce colic, gas, and burping, making feeding more comfortable for babies. It’s a great choice for helping express or for formula-fed babies, who take in too much air during feeding.
- The wide neck makes it easier to clean and fill, adding convenience for parents.
- You can choose either glass or plastic bottle
- Dr Brown’s bottles used to be really expensive however, it is wonderful to see that these great bottles have now fallen pretty much in line with other brands.
What’s Not So Good:
- The internal vent system adds extra parts, making the bottle more complicated to clean and assemble.
- This bottle felt quite bulky compared to the others.
Sterilising your baby’s bottles, pacifiers, and other bits is key to keeping your baby safe from harmful bacteria. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide which steriliser is best for you. All mainstream baby feeding sterilisers will do the job so it really comes down to personal preference. When judging we took into consideration: ease of use, affordability, aesthetics and speed of cycle.
After reviewing customer feedback and conducting thorough tests, I’ve compiled the top winners in the Best Steriliser category for 2024!
🥇 Gold Winner: Tommee Tippee Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, Dryer, and Storage
Taking the Gold Award in 2024 is the Tommee Tippee Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser. This advanced steriliser uses UV light technology to kill 99.9% of harmful germs, eliminating the need for water or steam. Its 3-in-1 functionality means it not only sterilises but also dries and stores your baby’s bottles and accessories, making it one of the most convenient products on the market.
Elements we really liked:
- Our tester loved the UV light technology, which sterilises without the hassle of water or steam and reduces the risk of limescale build-up.
- The ability to sterilise, dry, and store bottles in one unit is a huge time-saver for busy parents.
- Products remain sterilised for 24 hours when left in unopened steriliser.
- UV technology ensures a safe, chemical-free sterilisation process, which many parents prefer.
- The steriliser is really quiet.
- It looks fab
What we would improve:
- As sterilisers go this one is on the higher price side.
- While it’s great for regular-sized bottles and accessories, if you were sterilising larger items such as a breast pump, space is limited
🥈 Silver Winner: Baby Brezza One Step Sterilizer & Dryer Advanced
The Baby Brezza One Step Sterilizer & Dryer Advanced takes home the Silver Award for 2024. This all-in-one steriliser and dryer uses steam to sterilise baby bottles and accessories and automatically dries them to ensure they are ready to use immediately.
What we really liked:
- We loved the combined sterilising and drying feature, which makes it easier to have bottles ready to go without having to manually dry them.
- The large capacity allows for up to 8 bottles at once, which is helpful for those with multiple children or those who pump frequently.
- Products remain sterilised for 24 hours when left in unopened steriliser.
- Our tester also praised its user-friendly controls and straightforward operation, particularly useful on those quick-paced days!
What we would improve:
- Since the unit uses steam, it’s prone to limescale build-up, meaning it requires frequent descaling to function properly. You may want to use distilled water to minimise this
- Requires a frequent filter change.
- The sterilisation and drying process takes longer than you would have hoped, especially when using the full cycle. However, there are shorter cycles on option.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Dr. Brown’s Steam Bottle Steriliser and Dryer
The Dr. Brown’s Steam Bottle Steriliser and Dryer earns the Bronze Award for 2024. This steriliser effectively kills bacteria using natural steam, and the built-in dryer ensures that your bottles and accessories are ready for immediate use. Many love its reliability and the added drying feature, which makes it more convenient than traditional steam sterilisers.
What we really liked:
- Our tester, Holly noted how quickly and thoroughly the unit sterilises using natural steam, providing peace of mind that all harmful germs are eliminated.
- The steriliser has a large capacity, fitting up to 6 bottles at once along with accessories like pacifiers and pump parts.
- Compared to other sterilisers with similar features, Dr. Brown’s is great value.
What we would improve:
- The unit is on the larger side, making it harder to store in smaller kitchens.
- While the drying feature is useful, the drying cycle could be quicker.
If you are breastfeeding and want to express but still be able to move around you will be looking for a reliable, hands-free, and discreet solution. We have come a long way in the past 20 years from when I sat using my squeaky manual breast pump and hating every minute! Wearable breast pumps have revolutionised the way we are able to manage our breastfeeding and offer convenience and freedom by allowing us to cut the tethers of a traditional pump.
Knowing how hard earned just one drop of expressed breastmilk can be, we asked our testers to put our entrants through their paces and chose testers that were exclusively pumping so that we knew the pumps were being used to the max. Maddy, Katie and Felicity are all new Mums that have chosen to exclusively pump.
It is important to note that whilst we have some amazing breast pumps on the market, a good understanding of the physiology of breast milk production is key to minimising any disruption to your milk supply when integrating expressing into your routine.
It is also worth saying that you can have the best breast pump in the world but if you are stressed or upset it is not unusual for you to get less milk from your pumping session. Don’t compare the milk you get from a breast pump to what your baby will be getting. Your baby should be winning the award for best breast pump as they are very likely to be taking much more that you get from your pump!
Anyway, with all that out of the way - here are our WINNERS of the Best Wearable Breast Pump 2024:
🥇 Gold Winner: Elvie Pump
The Elvie Pump takes home the Gold Award for 2024, known for its sleek, silent, and completely hands-free design. This smart breast pump fits discreetly inside your bra, allowing mums to pump on the go without the noise or bulk of traditional pumps. Its high-tech design connects to an app for real-time monitoring, making it incredibly user-friendly for tech-savvy mums.
What’s we liked:
- The Elvie Pump is virtually silent, allowing her to pump discreetly in public or at work.
- The app tracks pumping volume in real-time, monitors pump status, and allows you to control settings directly from your phone.
- Lightweight and fits seamlessly into a nursing bra, making it easy to pump hands-free anywhere.
- Offers long-lasting battery life, providing convenience for mums on the move.
What we would improve:
- The Elvie is a premium product and may be out of price range for parents
- On a couple of occasions our tester found that she lost milk because of leakage. However, she did note that this only happened if the position of the pump slipped. So, be careful!
- Though the app is helpful for tracking pump times it was often inaccurate on volume pumped.
🥈 Silver Winner: MAM Move Wearable Single Breast Pump
The MAM Move Wearable Breast Pump takes Silver. It offers mums a wearable, hands-free option without breaking the bank. The pump’s soft silicone breast shield ensures comfort while the pump provides strong suction for efficient milk extraction, making it a solid choice for everyday use.
What we liked:
- The soft silicone breast shield was reported to be really comfortable and remained in place, even during extended pumping sessions.
- Simple to assemble and clean, making it a convenient option for busy mums.
- While not completely silent, it operates quietly enough for discreet use.
What’s Not So Good:
- The battery life could be longer.
- Unlike the Elvie which is at a similar price point, the MAM currently doesn’t have the smart app connectivity which may be a drawback for our tech savvy parents that like more high tech integration.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Pippeta Compact LED Hands-Free Breast Pump
The Pippeta Compact LED Hands-Free Breast Pump earns the Bronze Award for its ultra-compact, lightweight design and LED display that makes monitoring pumping sessions easy. With a rechargeable battery and multiple suction levels, it offers hands-free pumping in a sleek and budget-friendly package.
What we liked:
- This pump is small with a lightweight design, which makes the Pippeta easy to wear and carry around.
- The LED display allows users to adjust suction levels and monitor the pumping session. Great for nighttime use.
- It offers a more affordable price compared to premium options.
- The battery lasts for several sessions before needing a recharge, making it practical for daily use.
What we would improve:
- While it offers multiple suction levels our test feedback shows that even when on the strongest setting, she still felt she could have benefited from a stronger level than was available.
- Once our tester's milk supply was fully established she was lucky enough to be able to express large quantities at each pump. Sadly the bottle capacity was not sufficient.
- Feedback from our community noted that some users didn’t feel that the fit of the pump was secure.
Choosing the right breast pump can impact a mother’s breastfeeding journey and should provide comfort, efficiency, and flexibility. After gathering extensive feedback from mums and thorough testing, we’re thrilled to announce the Best Electric Breast Pump winners for 2024.
🥇 Gold Winner: Lola & Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump
The Lola & Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump claims the Gold Award for 2024, thanks to its powerful suction, portability, and smart features. Designed with busy mums in mind, this wireless pump offers a range of customizable settings, helping mothers tailor their pumping experience for comfort and efficiency. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for moms on the go.
What’s Good:
- Completely cordless design, allowing mums to pump anytime, anywhere, without being tied to a power source.
- Our tester mums could find the perfect setting that mimics their baby’s natural feeding rhythm due to the multiple suction modes and levels,
- Provides up to 2 hours of pumping time on a single charge, perfect for busy days out.
- Many of our testers love how discreet and quiet this pump is, making it perfect for use in public or shared spaces.
- Our testers also liked that you could pump directly into their milk storage bags, which means every drop of milk has been stored away for later!
What’s Not So Good:
- Some users have noted that the Lola & Lykke is more expensive than other pumps on the market, making it less accessible for those on a budget.
- A few testers reported that it took some time to get used to the different settings and find the right suction level, but most found it very effective once adjusted.
🥈 Silver Winner: Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump
The Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump wins the Silver Award for its practicality, comfort, and value for money. Its ease of use and double pumping functionality allows mums to express milk from both breasts at once, saving valuable time.
What’s Good:
- Our testers loved the time-saving double pump feature, which helps express more milk in less time.
- The cups were gentle on the skin, providing a comfortable pumping experience.
- While not completely wireless, it’s small and light enough to carry in a bag for on-the-go pumping.
- Many testers highlighted its great value for money, especially given its double pump capability.
- They also appreciated the relatively quiet operation, making it less intrusive during pumping sessions.
What’s Not So Good:
- Some of our testers mentioned they would prefer a completely wireless option for more flexibility.
- A few mums noted that while it is portable, the battery life isn’t as long-lasting as others, meaning it may need more frequent charging.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Pippeta Wearable Hands-Free Breast Pump
The Pippeta Wearable Hands-Free Breast Pump takes the Bronze Award. As a wearable electric pump, it allows mums to go about their day while pumping.
What’s Good:
- Our mums loved that this pump fits directly into the bra, allowing for completely hands-free pumping. Ideal for multitasking!
- The small, lightweight design makes it easy to wear under clothing, and it operates quietly, so mums can pump wherever they need to.
- Its price compared to other options, makes it accessible to more mums.
- Provides several sessions of pumping on a single charge.
What’s Not So Good:
- Some of our testers mentioned that the milk collection capacity is lower than traditional pumps, meaning you may need to empty it more frequently during sessions.
- A few noted that while it’s convenient for hands-free use, the suction isn’t as powerful as some traditional electric pumps.
Whether you're dealing with leaks or just need extra nipple protection, finding the right breast pads can make all the difference. After collecting feedback from real mums and conducting rigorous testing, we proudly present the winners of the Best Breast Pads category for 2024.
🥇 Gold Winner: Magical Wool
Magical Wool takes the Gold Award for 2024, offering an ultra-soft and eco-friendly solution for nursing mums. Made from natural, unbleached wool, they provide warmth, absorbency, and comfort while allowing the skin to breathe. Ideal for preventing moisture buildup, it helps soothe sensitive nipples and reduce irritation, making them a favourite for many breastfeeding mothers.
What’s Good:
- The soft, natural wool provides a warm and breathable barrier, helping to prevent nipple soreness and infection and is soothing for sore, cracked nipples, offering relief to breastfeeding mums.
- Our tester said “These pads are excellent at absorbing leaks without feeling wet against the skin and it keeps you dry and comfortable.’”
- Being made from organic, unbleached wool, they are a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
What’s Not So Good:
- Wool breast pads require extra care, needing to be hand-washed and air-dried, which can be time-consuming for busy mums.
- The natural material and eco-friendly design come with a slightly higher price tag than others on the market.
🥈 Silver Winner: Pippeta Silver Nipple Shields
Taking the Silver Award, Pippeta Silver Nipple Shields offer a unique approach to nipple protection. These shields are designed to prevent irritation, soreness, and infection while providing protection from friction. They offer an alternative to traditional breast pads by soothing and healing cracked or sensitive nipples without the need for creams.
What’s Good:
- Thanks to the natural healing, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties of silver, they prevent sore cracked nipples and, if already present, aid healing.
- Our testers loved that these shields eliminate the need for ointments or creams, offering a natural healing solution.
- These shields are reusable and durable and will last throughout your breastfeeding journey.
- Many of our mums find the shields fit comfortably against the skin without causing further irritation.
What’s Not So Good:
- The cost is higher upfront compared to disposable breast pads, though the longevity of the product helps justify the price for some.
- While great for protection and healing, these shields don’t absorb leaks, so they may need to be used in conjunction with traditional breast pads for mums who experience heavy leaking.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Lansinoh Disposable Breast Pads
The Lansinoh Disposable Breast Pads earn the Bronze Award. These disposable pads are great for their ultra-absorbency, making them a popular choice for mums with heavy leaking. They’re thin and discreet under clothing, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable without the bulk.
What’s Good:
- These pads can hold a significant amount of milk, keeping mums dry even during heavy leaks.
- The soft lining provides a comfortable feel against the skin, preventing irritation and friction.
- Conveniently packaged, making them easy to take with you wherever you go.
What’s Not So Good:
- Being disposable, these pads contribute to waste, which some eco-conscious mums may find off-putting.
- Some mums report that the pads may shift around a bit, particularly during overnight use, which can cause leaks if not positioned properly.
Whether you're searching for baby bottles, breast pumps, or breastfeeding accessories, these award-winning products have proven their worth, helping parents feel confident in their choices for their baby's feeding journey.
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