MFM Awards 2022 Winners - Breastfeeding and bottlefeeding products

See the winners in:

• Electric/Battery Breast Pump
• Wearable Electric/Battery Breast Pump
• Manual Breast Pump & Milk Collecting Product
• Breastfeeding Top/Cover
• Breast Pads
• Breastfeeding Product
• Baby Bottle
• Silicone Baby Bottle
• Bottlefeeding Accessory
• Steriliser

Key features we tested/judged — Ease of use, effectiveness, quality, comfort, noisiness, battery life, worth the money

Joint Gold – Lola & Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump, £135

A beautifully sleek pump that is genuinely made for mums, at a standard equal to the best on the market, only it’s wireless so better

Why it’s a winner: “Well-made and cleverly designed,” with the bonus of being “stylish looking”, this pump was applauded by our testers for its straightforward assembly (there are only 5 parts) and efficient but comfortable suction. They were also impressed by how quickly the battery on the portable pump charges via USB and how long the charge lasts (up to 2 hours). But most of all, our testers loved that it’s wire and tube-free – “I could hold this while I walked around, instead of being tethered to a wall socket or attached by a tube to a larger pump.”

In the words of parent tester Katie, who tested this with their 1 month old: “I wish I had this pump with my first baby as it’s powerful with great levels of suction, the silicone flange fits the breast nicely, and does a fantastic job without being too loud. In just a few minutes, I was able to express a decent amount of milk.”

Buy from: Lola&Lykke and Natural Baby Shower

Joint Gold – Ardo Alyssa Double Electric Breastpump, £229

This pump is a game-changer as it allowed me to increase my milk supply and produce extra milk for my newborn

Why it’s a winner: There are many reasons this medical-grade portable pump impressed our testers and judges. The standout feature is the Power Pumping programme with pre-set phases and pauses that mimic babies' natural cluster feeding to promote milk production. It “worked exactly as expected” for our tester and noticeably increased their supply at the start of their breastfeeding journey. Other benefits include a memory button that saves your session history and automatically reproduces it during your next session, which is “invaluable” when using the pump as a double “while holding both breast shields in place.”

In the words of parent tester Ruth, who tested this with their 6 month old: “This pump feels well-made and looks great. Putting the pump parts together is made clear in the instructions and once set up, it’s easy and quick to collect a good amount of milk.”

Buy from: Amazon and Ardo

Joint Silver – Minbie Hospital Grade Breast Pump, £179

Why it’s a winner: This hospital-grade pump has 8 stimulation and 12 expression modes, a real bonus meaning you can customise for your comfort, according to our breastfeeding expert Zeenath Uddin. They liked the Minbie’s quiet motor and “very useful integrated night light”, which has multiple settings so you can dim the lights if you’re using it in the dark. Tester Charlie, who tested it with their 2-month-old baby, noted that after putting it together once “it was pretty quick to assemble each time” and they pumped “about 100 – 120ml milk from each breast in fewer than 30 minutes.”

In the words of parent tester Amy, who tested this with their 4 month old: “The Minbie works efficiently and effectively and is very comfortable to use, plus I can express more in a quicker time than I could with my previous pump. After use, it comes apart quickly and is simple to clean and reassemble.”

Buy from: Minbie

Joint Silver – Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breastpump, £169.99

Why it’s a winner: With 5 massage and 9 express levels, this pump has got a decent range of settings and our testers found it highly effective. “I was able to express just under 4 oz from one side in 8 minutes – and it was more comfortable compared to my usual hands-free pump,” revealed tester Carly, mum of a 3-month-old baby. Our panel deemed the pump “really reasonably priced”, “durable” and can last “for a good 90 minutes on a relatively quick charge”. They also rated the fact it can be used as a single or double pump.

In the words of parent tester Kristina, who tested this with their 4 month old: “The flanges were really, really comfortable and the silicone cups made a massive difference as I didn’t feel like there was any friction on my nipple when in express mode.”

Buy from: Boots, Amazon and John Lewis

Bronze – Vital Baby NURTURE Flexcone Electric Breast Pump, £99.99

Why it’s a winner: This versatile pump won judge's approval with its effectiveness and portability. Parent Clara, who tested it with their 3-month-old baby, found the silicone funnel-shaped breast shield “created a better seal around the breast than other breast shields made from harder plastic,” making pumping more comfortable. Judges said “both the electric and manual pump options worked well”, with one saying it allowed their to “express a good amount in a short time”. The pump is designed to be portable and comes with a lid for the flange “which is great for keeping it clean when transporting it.” Overall, our testers found it a comfortable and efficient way of expressing that is worth paying for.

In the words of parent tester Ruth, who tested this with their 4 month old: “This pump is a revelation: it was so comfortable and simple to use - I could move easily between settings and speeds, adjusting the pump for what worked best at the time. Pumping is gentle but effective, making expressing quicker than ever; I can express enough for a feed in about 15 mins.”

Buy from: Amazon, Boots and John Lewis

Shortlisted: Ardo Calypso Double Plus | MAM 2in1 Single Breast Pump

Key features we tested/judged — Ease of assembly, effectiveness, comfort for parent, ease of use, quality, battery life, worth the money

Gold – Elvie Pump, £269

Incredibly small, convenient, comfortable, discreet and quiet – and gives a pumping mother freedom. Plus, it’s easy to clean and store

Why it’s a winner: This “innovative and groundbreaking” device revolutionised the breast pump market when it launched in 2018 and it’s still wowing our testers in 2022. As well as being wireless and tube-free, the pump is designed to fit inside your regular bra (bra adaptors are included), “making it easy to wear on the go.” It’s made up of just 5 parts, making it “so easy to put together” and the instructions are “really simple to follow.” Our testers thought it was “worth every penny” particularly for mums returning to work as it’s “highly portable” and “very discreet.”

In the words of parent tester Jenny, who tested this with their 6 month old: “The Elvie app is genius as you can use it to control the pump, and easily and discreetly change the intensity of the settings or the mode. I love that it estimates volume of milk pumped so far, so you don’t need to remove the pump to check, and that it has handy information guides on how to pump properly, allowing you to get the most out of each pumping session.”

Buy from: Elvie, Boots and John Lewis

Silver – Fraupow Wearable Pump, £69.99-£89.99

Why it’s a winner: Made from lightweight, durable, and BPA-free silicone materials, this powerhouse of a pump can deliver up to 7 breast pumping sessions on a single charge. Our judges loved the “superbly soft silicone breast shield” and one tester said it was “so comfortable, I wasn’t aware I was wearing it at times.” As well as its large capacity (180ml), Expert judge and midwife Alissa Pemberton was struck by how “easy to assemble, disassemble and clean” the pump is, while tester Alexandra, who tested it with their 2-month-old baby, confirmed “the set-up is straightforward; you don’t even need instructions”.

In the words of parent tester Casmine, who tested this with their 2 month old: “Sleek and good quality, this pump is small enough to pop into your handbag and use discreetly at work. It’s also great value for money, as it has the same great features as other discreet, portable pumps.”

Buy from: Fraupow

Bronze – Pippeta Wearable Hands-free Breast Pump, £59.99

Why it’s a winner: This hands-free pump comes in “two stylish, modern colours” (pink or grey), has two different sized flanges, and has two settings with 5 pumping levels controlled by “the simplicity of a few buttons and symbols.” One tester found it had “enough functionality to promote good milk flow, without being too complicated” – while tester Sophie, who tested it with their 1-month-old baby, found setting it up “very easy with minimal steps” and using it “comfortable to the point you would hardly notice you are using it.” This, reckons expert judge and midwife Alissa Pemberton, is helped by the “soft silicone breast shields in different sizes to ensure the right fit for mum’s nipples.”

In the words of parent tester Jodie, who tested this with their 1 month old: “Having compared this product against a more expensive hospital-grade version, I think this is brilliant value for money. It’s really user-friendly and very effective.”

Buy from: Pippeta

Key features we tested/judged — Ease of use, quality, effectiveness, comfort, worth the money

Gold – Tommee Tippee Made for Me Manual Breastpump, £32.99

Parents have been considered at all points of the design, and the comfort and ease of use are second to none

Why it’s a winner: This pump stood out for its compact handle ideal for smaller hands, with a “comfortable grip and smooth motion” helping to make lighter work of pumping manually using just one hand. Our testers praised the “durable” duck-bill valve and cushioned silicone breast shield, which “provides ultimate comfort even on tender breasts”. Judges also noted the handy size of the pump, with one tester says it's “small enough to use while feeding baby on the other side”. Testers found it “intuitive” to put together and overall deemed it great value.

In the words of parent tester Hannah, who tested this with their 1 month old: “The Made for Me Manual Breastpump makes pumping on the go easy as it’s small, lightweight and fits in a changing bag. I like how the regular Tommee Tippee bottles attach directly to the pump, as it saves me having to buy different bottles, attachments and storage bags.”

Buy from: Boots, John Lewis and Amazon

Joint Silver – Elvie Curve, £49.99

Why it’s a winner: Part pump, part milk collector, this “sleek, stylish” silicon pouch can be used in two ways – as a gentle pump to relieve a full breast, or to ‘catch’ milk let down from one breast while feeding from or pumping on the other. Our testers found it “soft and comfortable to wear inside a bra” and “simple to assemble and use.” Our panel loved that suction is created by a quick squeeze of the pouch towards the breast, with a valve to ease off or release pressure – allowing you to reposition mid-feed with just a press.

In the words of parent tester Amber, who tested this with their 1 month old: “The amount it caught was surprising; usually that would all be soaked up in a breast pad, going to waste, so it's made stocking up my freezer stash for back-ups or emergencies effortless."

Buy from: Elvie, Boots and John Lewis

Joint Silver – MAM Manual Breast Pump, £40

Why it’s a winner: According to tester Orun, mum of a one-month-old baby, this is a really great pump that’s “robust, with a big handle that makes it easy to use and provides a ‘deep’ pull so a lot of milk is extracted during each pump”. Other testers found that although the pump has more parts than some other pumps, any extra effort to clean it was easily outweighed by how efficient it is. It’s compatible with the much-lauded MAM Easy Start self-sterilising bottles, so is a good choice if you’re already using the bottles – or plan to.

In the words of parent tester Rebecca, who tested this with their 1 month old: “An excellent breast pump that’s noticeably quicker and more effective than other breast pumps I have used, both manual and electric. The silicon ‘cushion’ on the breast shield gives a much better seal meaning more powerful suction. I’ll be swapping to this pump from now on.”

Buy from: Boots and Asda

Bronze – Elvie Catch, £29.99

Why it’s a winner: Each of the soft, durable milk collection cups (sold in pairs) are made from just two parts – a smooth plastic cup to collect up to 30ml of breastmilk and a “light, flexible” silicone skirt to comfortably fit onto the skin around your nipple. Designed to be worn in your bra for up to three hours at a time, our testers found the Catch “very convenient, comfortable and discreet”.

In the words of parent tester Myriam, who tested this with their 3 month old: “Excellently effective – with this collector I get the same amount of milk as with a breast pump but in less time. I use it every time I breastfeed to ‘save’ the milk I’d otherwise lose.”

Buy from: Elvie, Boots and Amazon

Key features we tested/judged — Comfort, quality, ease of use, design, value for money

Gold – Natal Active Cosy Nursing/Maternity Hoodie, £50

The softest material, excellent quality and discreet zips make breastfeeding when out and about 100 times easier

Why it’s a winner: Judges and home testers all agreed this fleece-lined cotton hoodie's fabric is luxe, stretchy and soft making it “really snuggly and easy to pull on and off sore boobs.” Our testers found the longer length, designed to cover your bump and bum, “flattering” and the side openings “discreet”. It won extra points for longevity, with the openings cleverly positioned in the seams to look like part of the front pocket, meaning “you could feasibly wear this well beyond pregnancy.” To help avoid flashing too much flesh, the zips open from bottom to top, revealing a “good size gap with plenty of space to get a boob out.” The hoodie is available in two colours (light grey and navy) and sizes from XS to XXL and our tester found it comes up like new after each wash. Overall, judges and testers agreed the longevity of this hoodie makes it well worth the price.

In the words of parent tester Hannah, who tested this with their 8 month old: “This hoodie is so soft and comfortable and a great longer length, plus the cuffs have thumb holes to keep your hands warm. The zips are excellent and haven't decreased in quality and there has been no sagging or stretching of the material.”

Buy from: Natal Active

Silver – Stylish Mum Breastfeeding Hoodie and Baby Hoodie Set, £39.99 plus £24.99

Why it’s a winner: Deemed “snuggly, comfy and great quality” by our testers and judges, this top comes in 7 colours, a wide range of sizes (6-24) and has super-cute matching hoodies for children from newborn to age 4. The plush fabric is warm, soft and made from 95% cotton, and testers loved that “the folds of material to allow baby access for feeding are substantial, with no fiddly zips or buttons to worry about, making feeding straightforward.” Our tester Julie, mum of a 9-month-old baby, found the hoodie offered “the perfect amount of boob access” and the mini matching top “had lots of stretch so was easy to get on and looked comfortable.”

In the words of parent tester Scarlett, who tested this with their 6 month old: “This hoodie is fantastically well-designed and so easy to feed in, whilst keeping me warm, snug and looking stylish. It’s a 10 out of 10 for comfort, the quality feels great – and twinning with my little boy is so cute!”

Buy from: Stylish Mum

Joint Bronze – Aster and Mallow maternity poncho, £54

Why it’s a winner: Made from silky soft bamboo jersey, which has UV, antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties, this floaty poncho has gold stitching that elevates it to luxe level. It has both zip and popper fastenings to allow you to feed your baby in 3 different ways, including under the poncho, with the zip open and the side of the poncho open or fully open. Tester Marie, whose 4-month-old baby girl is starting to get distracted during breastfeeding, found the poncho “acted as blinkers” and kept their baby focused. The panel felt the price of this comfortable, lightweight and soft poncho reflects the “quality and versatility of the piece”.

In the words of parent tester Roxi, who tested this with their 7 month old: “For a mum who prefers to feed or pump discreetly, this all-weather, luxuriously soft and light fashionable poncho works in a number of ways to suit you and your baby’s feeding needs. It would make a great baby shower gift or a treat for a mum.”

Buy from: Aster & Mallow

Joint Bronze – Bshirt Organic Breastfeeding Strappy Vest in Black, £14.99

Why it’s a winner: Our testers were impressed by this top, saying it allows easy access to your breasts for feeding and gets bonus points for being made from organic cotton by a company that ethically sources materials and labour. They also rated the design: “It’s lovely to have a strappy option, rather than the thicker straps of most nursing vests,” noted one, while tester Sarah, mum of , reported the top “washed well with no bobbling, shrinkage or fading.” They felt the top “would definitely be worth having during warmer weather when you don’t want to wear more than one layer” but still want to feed discreetly.

In the words of parent tester Jessica, who tested this with their 5 month old: “This is a really fabulous breastfeeding essential that looks like a regular vest as the flap sits under the bust. It’s easy to pull up to feed and great not have to faff with clips. The holes are big enough and in the right places to get boobs through and the material is soft on baby and doesn’t fall over their face when feeding.

Buy from: The B Shirt

Shortlisted: Lotus Maternity Bamboo nursing nightie

Key features we tested/judged — Comfort, quality, effectiveness, value for money

Gold – Jubblies Nursing Pads, from £3.95 for a pair

Highly absorbent, super soft, lovely quality – I’ve never leaked through them and they’ve helped prevent sore nipples

Why it’s a winner: Our testers found these large pads very easy to insert, remove and wash, and loved how “incredibly soft” they felt against sensitive skin. Made from naturally moisture-wicking bamboo (40% more absorbent than cotton), the circular pads are backed with fabric in a variety of “pretty patterns”. One tester who “leaks a huge amount” was impressed by how the pads are “the perfect size” to fit inside their bra and give “good coverage”, tackling leaks, while another appreciated that the pads could be repurposed as reusable make-up remover pads once you no longer need to use them as breast pads.

In the words of parent tester Casmine, who tested this with their 2 month old: “These pads are so comfortable to wear, I forgot I was wearing them. I love that they can be washed and reused, making them more economical than disposable pads.”

Buy from: Jubblies

Silver – NUK High Performance Breast Pads, £3.99

Why it’s a winner: Testers rated these “comfortable and soft” pre-shaped disposable pads as a good option for travel, convenience or people with thrush (which can be hard to wash out of reusable pads). A decent level of thickness, due to an inner fleece layer that draws leaked breastmilk into the interior of the pad, keeps your nipple and surrounding skin dry and comfortable. Tester Monika, mum of a 3 month old, feels they’re definitely worth the money, saying “these mid-priced pads perform better than some of the more expensive ones I’ve tried”. And there’s no need to worry about slippage: the pads are kept firmly in place by 2 adhesive strips that stick to your bra; our testers were impressed by how well they stayed put.

In the words of parent tester Hannah, who tested this with their 1 month old: “These pads are the perfect size and shape, made of fantastic quality material that is soft yet durable and highly absorbent, and, as they’re much bigger than other pads, they’re ideal for bigger boobs and heavy leaks.”

Buy from: Amazon and NOTINO

Joint Bronze – Close Pop-in Reusable Breast Pads, £10.99 for 3 pairs

Why it’s a winner: The contoured shape of these washable pads impressed our panel, with testers reporting a more comfortable fit than traditional round-shaped pads. Other testers found the unique shape kept the pads in place inside their bra and commented that the pads “are very slim, so discreet under clothes” yet still effectively “prevent leakage” – thanks to the bamboo viscose core. Another bonus is the “very useful” mesh bag that comes in the set for washing the pads in “to keep them safe and prevent them getting stuck in the machine.”

In the words of parent tester Amy, who tested this with their 4 month old: “Soft, absorbent and discreet, these breast pads are a great alternative to disposables and their contoured shape means they fit around your breast, while the lining fabric effectively wicks away moisture from the skin.”

Buy from: JoJo Maman Bebe, Argos and Amazon

Joint Bronze – First Days Maternity Hydrogel Breast Pads, £8.95 for 10

Why it’s a winner: A convenient solution for a short-term problem, these “instantly soothing” disposable breast pads provide cooling relief for sore (but not cracked) nipples for up to 24 hours after opening. Each pair of pads is pre-soaked in non-toxic hydrogel, which doesn’t need to be washed off before feeding your baby, and packs can even be kept in the fridge for an extra-cooling effect. Our tester loved how cooling they were “even without being in the fridge” and highlighted “the fact you can truly use them for a 24-hour period means you can get the most out of each packet.”

In the words of parent tester Poppy, who tested this with their 2 month old: “These really helped to soothe and calm my sore nipples and made it bearable to wear clothes between feeds. They are very easy to use and remained comfortable and discreet no matter how many times I took them off and put them back on.”

Buy from: Amazon and First Days Maternity

Key features we tested/judged — Ease of use, quality & design, effectiveness, worth the money

Gold – My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm, £16.50

Easy to apply, provides relief to sore nipples and heals cracked nipples very well. A changing bag must-have and 100% worth the money!

Why it’s a winner: Made from only 3 ingredients – soothing medical grade lanolin, moisturising coconut oil and nourishing sweet almond oil – this serum glides onto skin and provides “relief to cracked nipples”. Our testers praised the pump dispenser, which can be used with one hand – “useful when you’ve got your arms full with a wriggly baby!” – and delivers “just the right amount of product”. The balm is entirely safe for babies from newborn and has excellent ‘slip’, so “a little goes a long way and one bottle will last for ages”, making it well worth the investment in our panel's opinion.

In the words of parent tester Carly, who tested this with their 3 month old: “This is really good quality and has a smooth texture; it isn’t sticky, thick or greasy like some other brands. Best of all, there’s no need to wipe it off before baby feeds, which is such a timesaver when breastfeeding a newborn every few hours.”

Buy from: Boots, Amazon and JoJo Maman Bebe

Silver – DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing pillow, £80

Why it’s a winner: “A beautiful and useful pillow that takes the stress out of prepping for breastfeeding,” according to tester Charlie, who tested it with their 2 month old, and found it “perfectly curves around” their body for feeding. Other testers described the pillow as “stunningly soft,” “fantastically supportive” and “really comfy for baby too”, and judges universally admired the “pretty designs” and “quality fabric”, details which mean this crescent-shaped pillow can also be used as a decorative cushion.

In the words of parent tester Stephanie, who tested this with their 4 month old: “A fantastic nursing wedge that really helps support my arm and my baby. It’s stylish with a choice of pretty patterns but also really useful and not your typical mum and baby product.”

Buy from: JoJo Maman Bebe, John Lewis and Boots

Bronze – Silverette Nursing Cup, £45

Why it’s a winner: Made entirely from sterling silver, a natural antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial metal proven to prevent soreness and infections, these “light and thin” cups offer a natural solution for cracked and damaged nipples. Our testers were impressed by the craftsmanship of these well made and “perfectly shaped” cups and liked that they are “reusable and hygienic so won’t affect baby in any way”. For tester Sarah, who tested it with their 1 month old, “they helped speed up healing” and “felt quite soothing”.

In the words of parent tester Jen, who tested this with their 2 month old: “Whilst they may be expensive, they are reusable, environmentally friendly and don’t require any additional purchases such as creams or lotions. I found the cups comfortable, easy to use and effective at protecting my nipples from friction, so worth the money.”

Buy from: Amazon

Shortlisted: MAM Nipple Shields

Key features we tested/judged — Effectiveness, ease of use, ease of cleaning, quality, value for money

Gold – MAM Easy Start Colours of Nature Starter Set, £16.99

These are amazing! My child hasn’t had any colic since using them and I love that it can self-sterilise in a microwave

Why it’s a winner: Our testers loved “the cute animal design” and “neutral tones” of this entry, calling the bottles and soother set “great quality” and “amazing value”. Included is an Easy Start Anti-Colic bottle in 130ml and 260ml sizes, and a MAM Start Soother in a choice of 3 pastel colours decorated with “simple but lovely” woodland animal illustrations. Our parent testers heaped praise on the bottles, highlighting their stand-out quality, sturdiness, ergonomic shape and ease of cleaning, plus unique self-sterilising base, which allows for sterilisation in just 3 minutes in a microwave. One tester found the vented base, which prevents air bubbles getting into the milk, effectively and immediately stopped their baby’s colic, while another noted that their baby took to the silky soft teat “without a problem”.

In the words of parent tester Meryam, who tested this with their 6 month old: “There are no fiddly parts to manage or clean at the top of the bottle, and the teat provided with the smaller bottle ensured the milk flow was appropriate for my baby.”

Buy from: Boots, Amazon and John Lewis

Silver – NUK First Choice+ with Temperature Control, £5.99 for 150ml bottle

Why it’s a winner: This popular feeding bottle comes in 2 sizes (a larger 300ml version is also available), with 2 types of teat (silicone and latex), multipacks and starter sets. It was an instant hit with our testers and judges, who praised its “clever design” and found it “sturdy” and “very easy to use.” The stand-out feature is the temperature gauge on the side of the bottle, which turns from blue to white when too-hot liquids are placed inside, returning to blue when the contents reach the ideal feeding temperature of 37°. Tester Vicki, who tested it with their 4 month old, found this element “super useful when away from home” as they use freshly boiled water to make up their baby’s feeds. They also found the bottle’s anti-colic features and nipple-shaped teat meant their son “seemed to take down less air” during his feed.

In the words of parent tester Nikki, who tested this with their 3 month old: “This very good quality bottle is quick and simple to put together, a pleasure to hold and the temperature gauge makes it so much easier to find the perfect temperature for baby’s bottle. I also found the teat was a well-accepted shape. It’s definitely worth the money.”

Buy from: Boots, Ocado and Amazon

Joint Bronze – Minbie Baby Bottle, £16.90

Why it’s a winner: Our testers were impressed by how well their babies took to the Minbie bottle. Parents really rated it as an “accompaniment to breastfeeding as there would be less nipple confusion” thanks to the teat, which has been designed to encourage baby’s instinctive breastfeeding latch and motion. Tester Ann-Marie, mum of a 1 month old, felt the bottle’s higher price point was justified by its “lovely-to-hold natural shape” and material – it’s made from high-performing PPSU, a type of plastic that “mimics the strength and durability of glass” and “feels more natural” than bottles she’s used previously.

In the words of parent tester Natalie, who tested this with their 6 month old: “Having only taken to one other bottle before, I was pleasantly surprised my baby took to the Minbie bottle and teat instantly, without fussing or pulling away. I found the bottle very easy to set up and wash, and think it’s a good size and looks stylish.”

Buy from: Minbie

Joint Bronze – Vital Baby NURTURE breast like feeding bottles, £9.49-£10.59 (2 pack)

Why it’s a winner: Our judges agreed unanimously that the “well thought out” silicone teat of this bottle is a great design – “it’s flat like a real nipple and the flexing movement looks and, I’d imagine, feels near to realistic,” said one. Tester Shannon, who tested it with their 4 month old, was impressed with the bottle overall, commenting “the lid screws on tight, the bottle can be put together quickly, which is perfect when you have a hungry baby, and it doesn’t leak.” Best of all, their baby accepted the bottle and teat well “even though this wasn’t his normal brand.”

In the words of parent tester Sydney, who tested this with their 5 month old: “The teats worked really well to reduce the amount of wind my son had after feeding. He wasn’t as agitated and brought up his wind straight away. If I was transitioning from breast to bottle, the bottles would definitely be worth the investment.”

Buy from: Boots, John Lewis and Amazon

Shortlisted: NUK Anti-Colic Professional

Key features we tested/judged — Effectiveness, ease of use, ease of cleaning, quality and design, value for money

Gold – Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle, £10.99

I really like the designs and colour options – a great shape for baby to hold

Why it’s a winner: This silicone bottle aims to make the transition from breast to bottle easier as it feels much softer and more flexible than standard bottles. It is small and compact but can still hold 270ml of milk and the base is designed to be stable so it won’t tip. Easy to wash and drop-proof, the Nanobebe Flexy feels nice to hold and the lid is simple to remove with one hand. Our judges loved the design, with one commenting: “The wide base is great for stability and the flexible feel is a super design element - lovely for baby and carer!”

In the words of parent tester Emily, who tested this with their 10 month old: “The style is great, looks really chic when you take it out the box. It’s easy to use and the silicone feels expensive. I feel this product is worth buying especially for breastfeeding mums/families as the feel would be more realistic for the baby.”

Buy from: Nanobebe, Amazon and John Lewis

Silver – Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Silicone Bottle, from £23.99

Why it’s a winner: The squeezable soft-touch silicone is designed to feel warm and comforting, just like mum’s skin, and the teat itself is shaped to mimic a breast. It is stain and odour-resistant and has an anti-colic valve – there is also an anti-static coating so the silicone won’t pick up dust particles. Our testers and judges loved how comfortable it was to hold and felt it was easy to take apart, assemble and use. Mum Mariah said: “The silicone feel is like no other bottle I’ve used or seen. Feels great and comfortable. The colour and design is very stylish and on trend.”

In the words of parent tester Chloe, who tested this with their 4 month old: “Absolutely loved this product and would definitely recommend to other parents. Top marks for the silicone design. The quality of the product is amazing. We absolutely love the new silicone style bottle, it just feels more gentle and comfortable when holding.”

Buy from: Boots, Amazon and John Lewis

Bronze – BORRN Ultra-wide Neck Silicone Feeding Bottle, £15.50-£17.50

Why it’s a winner: Made from only two components and an ultra-wide neck design, this bottle from BORRN is super easy to clean and as the silicone is 100% food grade, you can feel completely confident giving it to your little one. Our testers loved the way the bottle looked, praising the “Scandi colours” and “neutral design”, although it is a little bulkier than many bottles. Mum Chloee said: “The shape made it easy for my baby of 8 months to hold which was nice as he engaged more in the feed.”

In the words of parent tester Rebecca, who tested this with their 10 month old: “Overall, I found the product was a very sleek design that met all my needs. The bottle is well made and stylish and the silicone is a nice touch. It holds milk perfect, fits my prep machine and my steriliser and does everything it’s meant to do.”

Buy from: Kiddies Kingdom and BORRN

Key features we tested/judged — Effectiveness, ease of use, quality, value for money

Gold – Nuby RapidCool TM, £69.99

A great innovation – sleek and stylish, this product has really been created with parents in mind

Why it’s a winner: This clever bit of kit magically cools boiling water mixed with formula to baby-safe drinking temperature in just 2 minutes. Our testers dubbed the device “ingenious” and praised how “easy to use” both the flask and formula powder tub that comes in the set. Also included is a digital lid with an inbuilt thermometer that lights up green when the feed is ready to dispense. Impressively, there’s no battery, filters or ice involved, making it an “invaluable” addition to your bottle-feeding armoury, judges agreed.

In the words of parent tester Diane, who tested this with their 4 month old: “This product does exactly what it promises, quickly cooling boiling water and formula powder to the correct temperature for your baby to drink in a few minutes. The flask is one of the best I have seen and the formula tubs are great quality.”

Buy from: Nuby, Boots and Amazon

Silver – Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day & Night, £135

Why it’s a winner: Our home testers declared this bottle preparation machine a “really well made” bit of kit that “looks great out on the kitchen worktop.” It essentially takes the guesswork out of making up a baby bottle by filtering and boiling tap water, adding a 70°C ‘hot shot’ to formula before topping up with cooled boiled water. Voila, a bottle feed at body temperature in just 2 minutes. The digital display, gentle lights and interior downlights “really helped” preparing a bottle in the dark for night feeds, judges agreed.

In the words of parent tester Aviva, who tested this with their 2 month old: “It’s a fantastic product, stylish and good quality. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do, making a fresh baby bottle at the right temperature in only 2 minutes, rather like a coffee machine for babies! It’s worth the money.”

Buy from: Boots, Mamas & Papas and Amazon

Bronze – Nimble Milk Buster, £4

Why it’s a winner: This 100% plant-based cleaner safely breaks down milk fats and proteins on baby bottles, teats and breast pump attachments, leaving them free from residue and bad smells. Tester Sydney, who tried it out with their 5 month old's bottles, found it “worked really well on bottles being washed straight away or a couple of hours after use” and was “super easy to spray into bottles and teats.” Our judges praised the “good, strong spray which gives you plenty of product to complete the job,” noting that the instructions are “easy to follow to make the solution work most effectively.” It’s also good value and our tester believes it would last for 400 washes, making it great value.

In the words of parent tester Diane, who tested this with their 4 month old: “Much easier to use than washing up liquid, this product is really safe and goes a long way as you only need to use 2 sprays for each bottle clean. It works well, even on some of the more difficult parts of my anti-colic bottle.”

Buy from: Amazon and Ocado

Shortlisted: Sue and Samuel Burp Cloth | Babymoov NutriSmart Bottle Warmer (Home & Car) | Munchkin 37° Digital Bottle Warmer

Key features we tested/judged — Ease of use, value for money, quality, effectiveness, capacity, versatility

Gold – MAM 6-in-1 Electric Steriliser & Express Bottle Warmer, £90

All six different functions on this easy-to-use gadget work extremely well, making it exceptionally good value for money

Why it’s a winner: This multi-functional steriliser and bottle warmer scored top marks for functionality and flexibility. “I really like that you can use the steam steriliser in the microwave or from the mains, or even as a cold water steriliser,” reported editorial judge Jenny Yu. The panel were also impressed by the integrated bottle warmer, tucked away inside the main steriliser, making it easy to store and relatively compact. There are 4 different warming functions, including ‘express’ to heat formula milk in two-and-a-half minutes, gentle warming for breast milk and a defrost setting to thaw breast milk in just over 10 minutes. The ‘keep warm’ function ensures baby bottles stay at the perfect temperature for up to 45 minutes – perfect for when your baby has an unexpected nap.

In the words of parent tester Meryam, who tested this with their 6 month old: “This clever product saves me time. It’s not at all fiddly to use – I could set it up with one hand, while holding my baby in the other.”

Buy from: Boots, Amazon and John Lewis

Silver – Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser & Dryer, £129.99 - £139.99

Why it’s a winner: This “very sleek and stylish” steriliser uses ultraviolet light to kill virtually all bacteria, mould and viruses in just 7 minutes, with no need for water. The steriliser is energy efficient (UV sterilisation uses less energy than steam) and safer than steam (there’s no possibility of getting burnt) and has 4 functions, including a 29-minute drying and sterilising cycle and a “useful and time-saving” store mode that can keep items sterile for up to 3 days. Tester Chloe, mum of a 4 month old, liked that the “removable tray for smaller objects made good use of the internal space”. Our panel loved the fact it can hold and safely sterilise dummies, toys and even mobile phones and cosmetic brushes.

In the words of parent tester Colleen, who tested this with their 7 month old: “Exceptionally easy to use, aesthetically appealing and effective, this steriliser is amazing quality and works at the touch of a button. There’s even a handy countdown timer on the top, telling you how long is left.”

Buy from: JoJo Maman Bebe, Amazon and John Lewis

Bronze – Tommee Tippee Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, Dryer and Storage, £149.99

Why it’s a winner: This steriliser is large enough to hold 6 complete bottles and “dries and sterilised them well” according to parent tester Hazelann, who found it “incredibly easy to set up and use”. Using only ultraviolet light to kill viruses and 99.9% of bacteria, there’s no heat, steam or harsh chemicals, making it safer to use. It can have bottles, breast pump parts and teething rings dry in 30 minutes and sterilised in 35 minutes, and keep them that way for up to 24 hours in storage mode.

In the words of parent tester Tess, who tested this with their 6 month old: “A great piece of kit that does a reliable job of keeping baby bottles hygienic. A bonus is that it is so quiet, you wouldn't even know it was running!”

Buy from: Mamas & Papas, Boots and John Lewis

Shortlisted: Babymoov 3in1 Turbo Pure | Minbie Steriliser and Dryer

See all our MFM Award winners:

• Prams, pushchairs, lightweights and double buggies – 2022 winners
• Baby carriers, slings and wraps – 2022 winners
• Sleeping and nursery products – 2022 winners
• Family health, bathtime and skincare products – 2022 winners
• Nappies, changing and potty training products – 2022 winners
• Products for your pregnancy – 2022 winners
• Lifestyle, travel, fashion, books, toys and gifts – 2022 winners
• MadeForMums Special Awards – 2022 winners
• MadeForMums Editor’s Choice Awards – 2022 winners