In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

NUK Simply Natural Glass Review

A traditional glass bottle that performs well
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nuk simply natural glass baby bottle review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $9 List
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Manufacturer:   NUK
By Juliet Spurrier, MD, Abriah Wofford  ⋅  Jan 22, 2023
79
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 16
  • Leakage - 30% 9.0
  • Nipple - 25% 7.0
  • Ease of Cleaning - 20% 7.0
  • Eco-Health - 15% 8.0
  • Ease of Use - 10% 8.0

The Skinny

Gear up for feeding time with the NUK Simply Natural Glass, a traditional bottle that's made from extra-durable borosilicate glass. We especially like the attention given to the nipple on the NUK with a unique orthodontic shape and broad nipple base that may be the perfect combination for primarily breastfed babies who struggle with latching on artificial nipples. With clear and easy-to-read volume markings, a wide mouth opening, and a few parts to clean, the NUK is a favorite of parents and an excellent option in best baby bottles review. As a bonus, it has a below-average price tag and is one of the group's top performers.
REASONS TO BUY
Glass material
Clear volume markings
Easy to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Single vent in the nipple
No protective sleeve
Editor's Note: On January 11, 2023, we updated the NUK Simply Natural Glass gear review to include new sections designed to help your decision-making.

Compare to Similar Products

 
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Price Check Price at Amazon$10.00 List
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$8.00 List$6.50 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Glass material, clear volume markings, easy to useStable base, easy to clean, innovative anti-colic systemGlass, affordable, easy to useDurable, sturdy, non-plastic environment for milkLightweight, inexpensive, breast-like nipple
Cons Single vent in the nipple, no protective sleeveThin silicone, hard-to-read volume markings, stiff nippleHard-to-read volume markings, not as strong as borosilicate glass, narrow mouth, no sleeveCost, wide shape, nipple cap easily comes off, hard-to-read volume measurementsPlastic, slow-flow nipple too fast for some babies
Bottom Line A traditional glass bottle that performs wellA healthy alternative to plastic drop-in liners that's better for baby and the environmentA basic glass bottle that won't break the bankA sleek-looking baby bottle that provides a breast-like experience but lacks some functionalityAn inexpensive bottle that may be great for travel or daycare
Rating Categories NUK Simply Natural... Boon Nursh Evenflo Vented + Glass Nanobebe Flexy Lansinoh
Leakage (30%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Nipple (25%)
7.0
7.0
5.0
5.0
7.0
Ease of Cleaning (20%)
7.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
6.0
Eco-Health (15%)
8.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
2.0
Ease of Use (10%)
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
6.0
Specs NUK Simply Natural... Boon Nursh Evenflo Vented + Glass Nanobebe Flexy Lansinoh
Material Borosilicate Glass (BPA-free) Silicone, Plastic Tempered Glass Silicone (free of phthalate, BPA, lead, PVC) Polypropylene plastic (free of BPA, BPS)
Available Sizes 4, 8 oz 4, 8 oz 4, 8 oz 5, 9 oz 5, 8 oz
Weight 5.8 oz 3.2 oz 4.9 oz 3.6 oz 1.7 oz
Bottle Mouth Wide Wide Narrow Wide Medium
Nipple Pinch Test Soft Very Firm Medium Soft Medium
Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple Collapsible silicone pouch Vented nipple Triple-vented nipple Air ventilation system
Cleaning Method Top rack dishwasher safe Dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe Dishwasher safe Top rack dishwasher safe, handwashing recommended

Our Analysis and Test Results

NUK has been in the baby business for over 50 years and makes a wide variety of children's products for those with little ones running around. Their Simply Natural Glass bottle is a perfect combination of quality and affordability, earning it a place in our review.

Performance Comparison


nuk simply natural glass baby bottle review - the nuk has only three parts, all of which are easy to clean.
The NUK has only three parts, all of which are easy to clean.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Likes


The NUK's primary advantage is its borosilicate glass body. We prefer this type of glass because it's more durable and thermal shock resistant. Also, compared to other materials, like silicone and plastic, glass is more eco-healthy and won't stain or harbor any odors or tastes. The volume markings are white numbers painted on the outside of the bottle. We thought it would be difficult to read against the white milk background, but it was not a problem. There is enough contrast between the two whites to see the numbers easily.

The volume markings are a bit difficult to read when the bottle is...
The volume markings are a bit difficult to read when the bottle is empty.
The white markings show up better when the bottle is full of milk.
The white markings show up better when the bottle is full of milk.

The nipple on this bottle is another high point, with many features designed to give it a more breast-like feel. It has a wide nipple mound with softer-than-average silicone. The orthodontic shape is skinny in the middle before becoming bigger and slightly flattened at the top. For the nipple flow rate, you either get 3, 6, or 9 holes in the tip rather than one hole that gets larger or smaller, which can provide a more familiar feeding experience for babies alternating between breast and bottle.

The NUK's nipple is soft and flexible. The base is wide, and the...
The NUK's nipple is soft and flexible. The base is wide, and the nipple features multiple nipple holes and an extra-soft zone that adapts to the baby's mouth.
The single nipple vent is meant to be placed under baby's nose while...
The single nipple vent is meant to be placed under baby's nose while feeding.

With only one plastic part on the bottle, the contents have little to no contact with potentially leaching chemicals from plastic. The wide-mouth opening makes it easy to clean and transfer liquids, but you will still probably need a nipple brush and a baby bottle brush for the 8 oz version.

nuk simply natural glass baby bottle review - our little tester attained a natural and easy latch with the nuk...
Our little tester attained a natural and easy latch with the NUK bottle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Dislikes


The NUK's marketing and packaging do not clearly say (if at all) the type of glass the bottle contains, causing us to contact NUK. After some research, they confirmed that the bottle's body is borosilicate glass. While some parents may not understand the differences and benefits between glass types, others might seek this detail. We think parents have enough to worry about with caring for a newborn than to chase down this detail. Therefore, we would appreciate it if NUK made this information clear.

We were disappointed the bottle had no protective sleeve available. Since drops and bumps are inevitable, we think many parents would appreciate an extra layer of protection for a glass baby bottle. Glass is also heavier than silicone and plastic. We suggest monitoring your child while they drink from this bottle because its weight could pose a challenge, and older children could move around or become squirmy, increasing the chance of a drop.

According to the product's instructions, you should position the anti-colic air vent on the nipple under the baby's nose, and the multiple nipple holes will face upward. Therefore, you must take a moment and twist the bottle to the correct position for every feeding instead of just popping it in. If the nipple is positioned incorrectly, it may feel awkward for the baby, and the nipple vent has a higher chance of being blocked, causing nipple collapse or feeding frustration.

nuk simply natural glass baby bottle review - babies will probably not be able to hold the bottle independently...
Babies will probably not be able to hold the bottle independently until they are a little more grown-up.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the NUK Simply Natural Glass?


The NUK Simply Natural Glass is an excellent glass bottle with longevity if you carefully handle it throughout the feeding years. We appreciate its glass makeup, not just from a health standpoint but also environmentally, considering the production and recyclability of glass. Compared to the baby bottle competition, the NUK combines the right features to score high, surpassing other glass options. Those who are unsure about silicone may be motivated to select this bottle.

What Other Baby Bottles Should You Consider?


We understand that glass baby bottles are not for everyone or every situation. If you're concerned about sending a glass bottle to daycare or taking one on travel due to the material's heavier weight and its innate potential of breakage, other options in our lineup may be a better fit. The Comotomo is a top-notch silicone bottle that's lighter and more durable, and we like its soft and squeezable body that provides a more breast-like experience for babies. If you're concerned about losing a bottle, purchase a budget-friendly option, like the Evenflo Vented + Glass, which will save you some money.

Juliet Spurrier, MD, Abriah Wofford
 

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