Are expensive baby bottles worth it?

These eye-catching bottles, such as the Adiri Natural Nurser, are a class unto themselves, characterized by their unique design. The Adiri, which incorporates the nipple and bottle into a single unit, is made from a soft plastic made without without BPA, looks and feels breast-like, and has a "petal" vent at the bottom of the bottle designed to reduce colic.

Most baby bottles and nipples are made to be "more like mom," but the Adiri Natural Nurser looks the part. The natural shape and feel also helps reduce "nipple confusion." The gist of it: Breast and bottle-feeding each require their own technique—milk flows easily from a bottle, so a baby need only suck with his lips rather than his whole mouth. Trying to switch back and forth from bottle to breast may cause a baby to balk at breast-feeding.

Pros: The nipple and bottle come as a unit, so there are fewer pieces to clean and keep track of. The 8-ounce bottle/nipple comes in three color-coded flow rates: white (stage 1, 0-3 months, slow flow), blue (stage 2, 3-6 months, medium flow), and orange (stage 3, 6+ months, fast flow).

Cons: At $12.99 per bottle ($24.99 for a 2-pack), stocking up on a premium baby bottle will cost you a bundle. And because babies have their own preferences, this bottle type may not work for you. Despite its design, your baby may still not be able to latch onto it or simply take to it.

Verdict: Price and bottle design won't necessarily mean much to your baby. To find the right bottle for your baby, try this strategy: If you're having a baby shower, register for a variety of starter kits, which have several bottles of various sizes and nipples in one set. If your baby keeps spitting out or battling with a bottle, or is especially fussy after eating, tweak your system; offer a slower or faster nipple. If that doesn't work, a premium bottle is an option, such as Adiri. But buy just one or two in the beginning until you're sure it's a hit.

See how to protect you baby from food borne illness and bottle nipple safety tips.