With so many anti-colic bottles in stores promising to solve all your baby’s tummy troubles, and new ones popping up each day, it can be hard to know what to choose. Not every anti-colic bottle will help every baby, and some are better than others.
After countless hours of research, listening to the experiences of many moms, and comparing all the top anti-colic bottles on the market, we’ve compiled this list of the seven best bottles for colic and gas. With one of these anti-colic bottles, we can hope your baby’s tummy troubles will soon be a distant memory.
- Unique internal venting system
- BPA-free
- Preserves nutrients in milk
- Simple, classic design
- Clinically tested
- Firm nipple prevents collapsing
- Flexible, natural feeling
- Handles are available for self-feeding
- True slow-flow nipple
- Nipple mimics breastfeeding
- Simple design
- Includes low flow nipples
- Soft and skin-like nipple
- Comfortable to hold
- Regulated flow
Product Reviews
Here are the top bottles that can help prevent colic.
Dr. Brown's Natural Anti-Colic Bottle
Best Internal Vent Bottle
The most notable feature of this Dr. Brown’s bottle is the internal venting system. Unlike other anti-colic bottles, the vent is not in the nipple, but in the nipple collar, which funnels the air through the vent and back out above the milk.
Not only does this reduce air bubbles within the milk, but it also prevents the oxidation of nutrients as well, which has been clinically shown to result in more vitamins C, A, and E being retained (1).
The other way the internal vent helps babies with colic is by eliminating the vacuum that’s created in other bottles. In this way, it more closely mimics natural breastfeeding — after all, there’s never a vacuum in the breast or any pressure that needs to be relieved.
This allows babies to feed at their own pace rather than at the pace dictated by the nipple they’re using.
Pros
- Unique internal venting system means no vacuum in the bottle.
- BPA free.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Preserves nutrients in milk.
Cons
- Others dislike the wide neck version.
- Some find it difficult to read the markings on the bottle.
Our Ratings
Philips Avent Anti-Colic Baby Bottles
Best Nipple Vent Bottle
When you’re a new mom, sometimes simple is best. These anti-colic Avent bottles consist of only four pieces (the bottle, the nipple, the ring, and the cap) that are all dishwasher-safe.
They’re also fully compatible with the rest of the Avent line, so if you have other classic bottles, nipples, or toddler cups, the parts will be interchangeable, and you may be able to use them for the full duration of your baby’s early feeding years. All bottles and nipples are BPA-free.
The main anti-gas feature is a unique vent in the nipple, which helps release air back into the top of the bottle and away from your baby. It’s one thing to hear about what a bottle is supposed to do, but another when it’s backed up by scientific evidence. These bottles were actually tested and shown to reduce infant nighttime fussiness by 60% over conventional bottles (2).
Pros
- Simple, classic design.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Firm nipple to prevent collapsing.
- Clinically tested.
Cons
- The lowest flow nipple has 2 holes, making it too fast for some babies.
- Some parents have complained of leakiness.
Our Ratings
Comotomo Baby Bottles
Best Anti-Colic Bottle for Breastfed Babies
These bottles are unique in that both the nipple and bottle are made of flexible silicone. Unlike traditional, rigid bottles, this allows a baby to continue to eat uninterrupted if the pressure of the vacuum is not released. Just as with a natural breast, the bottle can collapse if necessary.
An extra-wide neck makes it easy to clean, and the flexible shape lets you reach all parts of it without a bottle brush. But that’s not even necessary because you can just pop all parts in the dishwasher to get them clean.
The nipple contains dual anti-colic vents, allowing the air and pressure to be relieved gently back into the bottle instead of being swallowed by the baby and causing gas. These bottles are also available in green and pink, letting you choose your favorite color for your baby!
Pros
- All four pieces are dishwasher safe.
- Flexible, natural feeling.
- Compatible handles are available for self-feeding.
- True slow-flow nipple only has one hole.
Cons
- The flexible body may make it difficult for the baby to grasp.
- Difficult to see volume markers on the bottle.
Our Ratings
MAM Anti-Colic Bottles
Best Vented Base Bottle
This bottle has air vents at the bottom of the bottle, relieving pressure and keeping air bubbles out of your baby’s milk, reducing incidents of gas and colic. It contains a silicone nipple that is tasteless, colorless, and odorless. The nipple is soft and a little flattened, like a natural nipple.
For this reason, it could be a good choice for women who choose to both breast-feed and bottle-feed. It may help make it easier for a small baby to switch between the two and reduce nipple confusion.
The vents on the bottom do mean that this bottle has more parts to wash, but the manufacturers responded to this by designing it to self-sterilize in the microwave in three minutes, which means you don’t have to buy a separate microwave steamer.
Studies showed that 94% of babies accept the MAM bottle, and 80% of parents reported reduced colic using one.
Pros
- Self-sterilizing design, so you can sterilize in the microwave directly.
- Switch easily between bottle and breast.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- The additional pieces mean more to clean.
- Comes with medium-flow nipples, so you need to purchase slow-flow nipples separately.
Our Ratings
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles
Best Low Flow Bottle
This Tommee Tippee set comes standard with a low flow nipple, helping to keep your little one from feeding too fast and causing an upset tummy. In addition to the low flow speed, the Stage 1 nipples have a valve that allows the pressure to release.
It’s also designed with a wide base, allowing your baby to latch in the same way they would to the breast, reducing the chance of a shallow latch or swallowing air. The silicone tip flexes like the tip of a natural nipple to further mimic the natural breastfeeding experience.
Accurate volume markings on the side make it easy to see how much your baby is eating and prevent over-feeding, which may cause spit-up, belly pain, and gas. The wide-body shape makes cleaning easier and allows parents to be closer to their baby while feeding.
Pros
- The nipple valve allows for the release of air and pressure.
- Nipple flexes to mimic breastfeeding.
- Simple design with few pieces.
- Includes low flow nipples.
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe.
- The nipple may be too slow, causing more gas in the end.
Our Ratings
Playtex Ventaire Baby Bottle
Best Bottle for Upright Feeding
This Playtex bottle is angled in such a way that you can hold it comfortably while your baby sits upright.
Micro-channel vents funnel air up and away from the baby, where they escape from the base. You’ll keep symptoms of colic, gas, and indigestion at bay while not having to cramp up your hand trying to find a good position to feed in.
These bottles are BPA, phthalate, and PVC free, and they fit a range of nipple shapes. While milk flow is one thing, your baby might do better with a particular nipple shape to fit the contours of their mouth. A good latch forms a tight seal, so your baby won’t be gulping air.
These bottles come in 6 or 9-ounce sizes, with sturdy caps to keep the nipples clean and hygienic. The design also means that this bottle is ideal for babies who are transitioning from breastfeeding or switching between breast and bottle.
Pros
- The nipple is soft and skin-like to avoid nipple confusion.
- Comfortable to hold.
- Regulated flow, great for babies who choke or gag occasionally.
- Range of compatible nipples.
Cons
- It can’t be used easily in a baby bottle warmer.
- The screw-top is a bit fiddly and could lead to leaks if not correctly attached.
Our Ratings
Munchkin Latch Bottles and Transition Cup
Best for Weaning
Munchkin makes high-quality baby bottles with an anti-colic valve at the base to prevent gas. Parents love how much the nipple stretches and moves, giving your child a more natural feeding experience so they can latch well and feed properly.
If you decide to go with Latch bottles and your baby gets used to them, you can later upgrade to the transition cup without too much disruption. This cup has a detachable handle that’s easy to grab in little hands and comes with the same anti-colic mechanism at the base.
As your little one learns to drink from a cup and masters their own feeding technique, you can still be sure they’re not gulping or taking in any air that will come back to haunt them later. Some moms have found that the cup handles can also be used on other cups and bottles.
Pros
- The nipple is very flexible and forgiving.
- The ergonomic handle on the trainer cup is removable.
- The sturdy lid makes them very portable.
- Range of compatible nipples.
Cons
- The flow on the transition cup may be frustratingly slow for some babies and toddlers.
- The transition cup nipple may be too large for some children.
Our Ratings
Do Anti-Colic Bottles Work?
The primary culprit of infant gas is the baby swallowing air, causing it to become trapped in the digestive system (3). If the baby is not able to relieve the pressure through burping or passing gas, severe discomfort results, along with crying. Lots and lots of crying.
Since the main cause of gassiness is swallowed air, it makes sense to focus on the bottle you’re offering your baby. If a bottle is designed to reduce air consumption, it will minimize gas bubbles in baby’s belly, helping to reduce tummy troubles.
Colic is similar to gas, but it’s a more serious condition. While the exact cause remains unknown, the hallmark of colic is extreme crying and fussiness with no discernible medical reason (4).
What’s worse, screaming and crying will lead to colicky babies swallowing more air, so you could find yourself in a vicious cycle.
Finding the right bottle for your gassy or colicky baby may help improve symptoms by:
- Reducing air swallowed during feeding.
- Reducing gas bubbles in the belly.
- Slowing down food intake to prevent tummy upsets.
How to Choose an Anti-Colic Baby Bottle
These days, most baby bottles come with features specifically designed to help relieve gas and colic symptoms, and it’s good to have options because every baby is different!
Here are some of the key features that bottle manufacturers use to try to eliminate the air entering your baby’s digestive system:
The Nipple Flow
For gassy and colicky babies, slow flow is generally best. Just like when you eat quickly and your stomach gets distended, gassy, and uncomfortable, the same thing happens with babies.
On the other hand, if the baby is trying too hard to suck milk from the bottle, they may be consuming air instead. It can be tricky to find the sweet spot where the nipple flows fast enough to keep the baby from getting fussy and frustrated but slows down their food intake to the point it doesn’t upset their tummy.
Make sure the bottle you choose has plenty of nipple flow options — including a slow flow nipple — to help you find the right balance for your baby.
The Nipple Shape
Isn’t it funny how so many bottles advertise that their nipples are as close to breastfeeding as humanly possible, but they all have a slightly different shape?
That’s because everyone’s different, just like every baby is different. Some babies do well with a wide nipple; others prefer narrow. If you’re nursing as well as bottle feeding, pay attention to your child’s latch to see which shape might be closest to breastfeeding for them.
The nipple shape is important because, depending on your baby’s preference, one may cause them to consume more air than anotherother. Also, bottle nipples should be designed in a way that minimizes the possibility of air bubbles becoming trapped in the tip.
The Nipple Valve
When your baby sucks on a bottle, a vacuum is created and pressure builds. That pressure needs to be released for the flow of milk to continue. Many nipples have a built-in valve system that is designed to let air back out in a way that doesn’t create large bubbles in the milk that remain in the bottle.
The Bottle Shape
Bottles come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are straight, some are curved, and some are angled in the middle to help guide the flow of gas bubbles through the milk and back to the end of the bottle, keeping it away from the baby’s mouth.
When choosing the right bottle shape, you’ll need to consider your baby’s preferred feeding position.
Is your baby usually reclined while feeding? Then a traditional shape will probably work just fine for you.
Does your baby prefer to be held in a more upright, seated position for feeding? Then you might need to consider a bottle with more of a tilt to help direct the gas bubbles away from them more quickly.
Bottle Vents
Some bottles have a built-in valve that delivers the excess air directly back to the top of the bottle, without the need to travel through the milk and potentially cause even more bubbles to form. These can be great for the colicky baby, but be warned: the extra valve means that there’s more for you to clean.
Bottle Liners
Bottles with disposable liners can sometimes be a great option for a baby struggling with gas or colic. Because the liner is thin and flexible, it collapses on itself as the baby feeds and creates a vacuum in the bottle (5).
Unlike traditional bottles, this vacuum does not need to be released as it doesn’t disrupt the baby’s milk flow. This eliminates the need for air to flow back into the bottle, potentially creating gas bubbles and causing belly pain for baby.
The main drawback to this kind of bottle is that the liners are disposable, meaning that you will have the ongoing expense of purchasing new liners. It also might not be an attractive option for parents who prefer to be more eco-friendly and don’t like the idea of creating so much waste.
Tips for Reducing Colic While Bottlefeeding
Choosing a bottle is only part of the battle against gas and colic. Using it properly is the next step!
Here are some things you should be doing:
- Keep your baby’s head above their belly: Choose a feeding position in which your child is not completely reclined. Make sure that their head is elevated above their tummy so gas bubbles can escape.
- Choose the proper bottle angle for your bottle and nipple: Make sure that air is not getting trapped in your bottle or the nipple while you’re feeding. Tilt the bottle to let the air escape, if necessary.
- Make sure your baby’s mouth is latched properly: A baby’s mouth should be open wide and attached firmly toward the base of the nipple, not just the tip. If they’re just sucking on the tip, it’s harder to get a good strong latch, and this allows air into the mouth.
- Make sure you’re using the proper flow nipple: If your baby is sucking loudly and is very noisy when eating, it could be that they’re not getting milk fast enough to satisfy them. In this case, they need a higher flow nipple. However, if they’re coughing and spitting up milk, they may be getting too much too quickly, which can cause gas and tummy upsets. A slower flow nipple may help.
- Burp your baby regularly throughout feeding: Take a break to burp every few minutes (use a burp cloth to protect your clothes) instead of waiting until the feeding is finished. This helps alleviate gas buildup in your baby’s belly (6).
FAQs
What is the Best Bottle to Reduce Colic and Gas?
Colic and gas are one of the main sources of discomfort for babies creating crying, fussiness, and sleepless nights. The right bottle can help reduce the amount of air your baby ingests, so here are some of the best bottles to consider.
- Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Bottle: Has vent system to help reduce air intake.
- Philips Avent Anti-colic Bottle: The anti-colic valve that helps reduce air ingestion.
- Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles: Has a unique shape and nipple that are designed to mimic breastfeeding, which can help reduce gas and colic.
What Bottles Do Pediatricians Recommend?
Pediatricians usually recommend bottles with venting systems that reduce air ingestion, like the Dr. Brown’s Original Bottle and Philips Avent Anti-colic Bottle.
However, every baby is different, and what happens to work for one may not work for yours. It’s always a good idea to talk to your pediatrician for advice.
What Formula is Best for Gassy, Fussy Babies?
If your baby is experiencing colic or gas, consider switching to a formula that’s designed for easy digestion. Enfamil Gentlease is one great choice for this.
At What Month Does Colic Start in Babies?
Colic can typically start around 2-3 weeks of age and can last until they’re around 3-4 months old. But, every baby’s different, and some may experience colic for longer periods of time while others not at all.
What Does a Colic Cry Sound Like?
A colic cry is described as a high-pitched, piercing cry that sounds different from a normal cry which is lower. Just remember that crying is a normal part of baby’s communication, and not all crying is caused by colic.
How Do You Calm a Colicky Baby?
If your baby is experiencing colic, here are some things you can do to try and help calm them:
- Hold your baby: Sometimes, simply holding them and providing comfort can help calm them. Find a position that seems to soothe them a little and stick with it.
- Rock your baby: A gentle rocking can help soothe them and reduce crying.
- White noise: Creating white noise with a fan or white noise machine, can really help because it mimics the sounds they heard while in the womb.
- Swaddling: A simple swaddling can help them feel secure and calm.
- Change positions: Holding them upright or laying them on their tummy sometimes helps relieve gas and colic.
