If you have a baby who suffers from colic or acid reflux or dare we say both, you know it’s painful to watch. You know that your baby is uncomfortable which makes you turn to everything under the sun to make them feel better.
For many parents, it’s a case of trial and error to find the best methods and products to help ease the pain. Some parents have discovered that using a particular bottle can help with acid reflux.
We’re going to take a look at some of the best bottles for acid reflux and colic as well as why some babies suffer from these conditions.
In this article
- Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Choices
- What is Colic?
- What is Acid Reflux?
- What to Look for in the Best Baby Bottles for Colic and Acid Reflux
- 10 Best Baby Bottles for Colic and Acid Reflux
- 1. Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottle
- 2. Philips Avent Anti-colic Baby Bottle with AirFree vent Beginner Gift Set Blue
- 3. Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle
- 4. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Fiesta Baby Feeding Bottles
- 5. MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle
- 6. Playtex Baby VentAire Bottle
- 7. NUK Smooth Flow Anti-Colic Bottle
- 8. Evenflo Feeding Angled Premium Proflo Vented Plus Baby
- 9. Boon, NURSH Reusable Silicone Pouch Bottle
- 10. Joovy Boob PP Baby Bottle
- The Bottom Line
Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Choices
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top
Top | Dr. Brown's Baby Bottle, Options+ Anti-Colic Narrow Bottle, 8 Ounce (Pack of 4) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Philips Avent Anti-colic Baby Bottle with AirFree vent Beginner Gift Set Blue, SCD393/05 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle, Green, 5 Ounce | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
What is Colic?
There’s a crying baby and then there’s a colicky baby. If you have a colicky baby, you know the difference right away. If your baby is colicky, they cry for long amounts of time frequently for no apparent reason.
Many parents try all types of things to console their babies and nothing seems to work. Many times the non-stop crying happens at night when everyone is trying to fall asleep.
If your baby is suffering from colic they generally cry for three or more hours a day, three or more days a week, for three or more weeks.
The crying is usually characterized by:
- Intense crying that can sound like screaming
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Crying at the same time every day
- Extreme fussiness after crying diminishes
- Redding of the face or turning pale around the mouth
- Tensing of the arms, legs, or arching the back
While doctors haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact cause of colic, there are some things that can contribute to the problem. These include:
- Underdeveloped digestive system
- Food allergies
- Overfeeding or Underfeeding
- Acid reflux
Since babies can’t communicate exactly what’s wrong with them or why they’re crying, it’s a good idea to see your pediatrician to rule out any medical problems. You don’t want to assume colic if there’s something else going on.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), happens when food backs up from the baby’s stomach into the esophagus, and sometimes through the mouth and nose.
It’s not uncommon for babies to experience this and it usually subsides by the time the baby is 18 months old.
Some babies with GERD also have other feeding problems such as interrupted feedings or feedings that may take a long time every now and then.
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Your pediatrician can evaluate your baby and determine whether it is acid reflux or another condition.
If it is acid reflux, your pediatrician may recommend feeding position changes and to burp your baby throughout the feedings rather than waiting until the end.
Smaller, more frequent feedings may also be recommended along with keeping your baby upright for the first half-hour after they eat.
If your baby suffers from acid reflux, you may also want to pay closer attention to the bottle you’re using. Some bottles advertise that they are good for babies with reflux. This can help as you look for ways to help your baby and make him more comfortable.
What to Look for in the Best Baby Bottles for Colic and Acid Reflux
When shopping for the best bottles for reflux you always want to look for bottles that are air-free. If you can reduce the amount of air getting into the bottle, it can help with the acid and fussiness.
Some parents also look for bottles with angled shapes. This allows the milk or formula to flow easily and gently.
A vent system or positive pressure flow that mimics breastfeeding can also help with reflux and colic. These types of bottles can help to prevent air from passing through the nipple.
10 Best Baby Bottles for Colic and Acid Reflux
Now that we know what to look for in the best baby bottles for colic and acid reflux let’s check out the 10 best baby bottles for colic and reflux.
- Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottle
- Philips Avent Anti-colic Baby Bottle with AirFree vent Beginner Gift Set Blue
- Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle
- Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Fiesta Baby Feeding Bottles
- MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle
- Playtex Baby VentAire Bottle
- NUK Smooth Flow Anti-Colic Bottle
- Evenflo Feeding Angled Premium Proflo Vented Plus Baby
- Boon, NURSH Reusable Silicone Pouch Bottle
- Joovy Boob PP Baby Bottle
1. Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottle
When you’re talking about the best bottles for colic and acid reflux, Dr. Brown’s is usually a household name.
The brand is known for its anti-colic vent system that it advertises is proven to reduce colic as well as decrease spit-up, burping, and gassiness. The bottles are 100% vacuum free meaning that no air gets in which can lead to gas and fussiness.
If for some reason you don’t want to use the internal vent system, you can choose to take it out. But, many people buy these bottles for that feature.
Besides the vent system, Dr. Brown’s also has a flow rate that supports breastfeeding and helps to breastfeed babies latch on naturally.
These bottles fit on most breast pumps for convenience while pumping. They are also BPA-free, dishwasher, and sterilizer-safe. There are no real disadvantages to using this bottle that we could find.
Pros
- Has anti-colic vent system
- Flow rate to support breastfeeding
- Fit most breast pumps
- BPA-free
Cons
- None we could find!
2. Philips Avent Anti-colic Baby Bottle with AirFree vent Beginner Gift Set Blue
The Philips Avent bottles are also a good choice when you’re looking for the best bottles for acid reflux and colic. they also have a vent system that prevents babies from swallowing air and getting fussy.
The nipples stay full of milk and not air so your baby gets the constant flow they need. The valve in the nipple helps to prevent air from building up The air-free vent is just one piece so it’s easy to use.
Parents also like these bottles because they are easy to clean with a wide neck and few parts. The bottles we’re showing here are part of a gift set which is a great deal for the price.
You not only get four bottles, but also a cleaning brush, pacifiers, and other accessories. With these bottles, we couldn’t find any drawbacks except for comments from some users who said not all Avent nipples fit these bottles.
Pros
- Vent system to prevent colic and gas
- Easy to clean
- Few parts
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Check to see that the nipples you want to use fit the bottles
3. Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle
The Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle is another favorite due to its dual anti-colic vents. These prevent unwanted air to get in which can reduce colic.
They are also designed to most closely mimic breastfeeding to reduce the chance of your baby rejected the body.
These bottles also have a wide-neck design that allows for easy cleaning by hand without needed a brush. They are also dishwasher and sterilizer-safe. They can also be safely heated in boiling water.
Comotomo bottles are made of 100% safe hygienic medical-grade silicone. They are also designed to prevent annoying leaks. They are a little more expensive than other bottles but are made well so you may not mind spending a little extra.
Pros
- Dual anti-colic vents
- Made to closely mimic breastfeeding
- Wide-neck design
- Dishwasher and sterilizer-safe
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than other bottles
4. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Fiesta Baby Feeding Bottles
The Tommee Tippee bottles also feature an anti-colic valve that allows for venting and for less air to come in. This helps to reduce colic.
They also have a breast-like nipple shape that makes it easier for babies to latch on if they’re used to breastfeeding. The silicone matter also makes the nipple feel like skin which can help for bottle-feeding.
The bottles are designed for a comfortable hold. They can be held in three ways. You can cradle it in your hand, grip it as you would a traditional wide-neck bottle, or hold it from the base. They are also BPA and phthalate-free.
There are different nipples to grow with your baby. Each one gives an age-appropriate flow. Just keep track of which nipples you buy because the Closer to Nature nipples are only compatible with Closer to Nature bottles.
Pros
- Anti-colic valve
- Reasonably priced
- Silicone nipple to mimic breastfeeding
- Bottles designed for a comfortable hold
Cons
- Closer to Nature nipples are only compatible with Closer to Nature bottles
5. MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle
When you’re looking for the best bottles for colic and reflux these ones from MAM are also worth looking at.
They have a vented base design that releases the liquid slowly to help reduce colic and reflux symptoms. The nipples are elongated to help babies switch easier between the breast and bottle.
They are also BPA and BPS-free so you never have to worry about your baby coming in contact with harmful chemicals. They are easy to clean. Use a microwave to self-sterilize the bottles for 3 minutes.
Many parents like this because they don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning. These bottles cost a little more than some others, so it really comes down to personal preference.
Pros
- Easy to sterilize in microwave
- Vented base system to reduce colic and reflux symptoms
- BPA and BPS-free
Cons
- Cost slightly more
6. Playtex Baby VentAire Bottle
With its anti-colic design, Playtex Baby VentAire Bottles are also a favorite. They have an anti-colic vent at the bottom of the bottle that keeps the air at the back so as you baby drinks no air mixes in. This can help to reduce gas and digestion problems. burping, and spit-up.
It also has an ergonomic design that is angled to promote upright feedings. The nipple design is also meant to feel natural which is good for breastfed babies who may be transitioning to the bottle. Their nipple is wide-shaped and made from silicone.
Parents also like these bottles because they have few parts which make them easier to put together and to clean. They are also priced slightly lower than some other brands out there.
Because of the way these bottles are made, there is a chance they can leak from the bottle so be sure to check frequently.
Pros
- Air vent on the bottom of the bottle
- Easy to clean and put together
- Ergonomic design
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Make leak from the bottom
7. NUK Smooth Flow Anti-Colic Bottle
If you’re looking for an economical bottle that’s simple but can still help colicky babies, this one from NUK could be an option for you.
It comes with an anti-colic air vent and a smooth flow to help the baby control how much milk they’re getting at once. This can help to reduce the amount of air that gets in. The wide neck bottle is also easy to clean and is dishwasher safe.
One cool feature is that there is a SafeTemp Indication on the side of the bottle that lets you know when the milk gets too hot. This is useful because you never have to guess about whether the temperature is good for your baby.
Although the bottle is advertised as a smooth flow, some parents have complained that the milk still comes out too fast for their baby. This is something to keep an eye on if you choose this bottle.
Pros
- Anti-colic air vent
- SafeTemp Indication to determine milk temperature
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Milk may come out too fast
8. Evenflo Feeding Angled Premium Proflo Vented Plus Baby
Evenflo also has an option when you’re looking for the best bottles for acid reflux. These bottles have Evenflo’s patented Proflo Venting Technology. This is a one-piece system that works to keep any gas or air out of your baby’s tummy when he’s drinking.
It also has an angled shape to promote a semi-upright feeding position. It can also help to reduce acid reflux and gas which can lead to colic. The grips are soft and comfortable which also helps to make feeding time easier.
There are only three pieces so these bottles are easy to put together and clean. They are dishwasher safe as well. These bottles are BPA-free as well as free of polycarbonates, PVC, and phthalates. You can feel safe when your baby uses them.
Some people who have used these bottles say that the nipple and top can come off easily. So, just be careful if you notice this start to happen.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Venting system
- Angle-shaped bottle
Cons
- Top/nipple may come off easily
9. Boon, NURSH Reusable Silicone Pouch Bottle
These bottles are a little different in that have silicone pouches that collapse as your baby drinks. The goal of this is to cut down on the ingestion of air to cut down on colic and gas. These have no vents or valves like many of the other bottles on the market.
The Boon bottles are also designed to mimic a mom’s natural form and feeling as they are made for babies to easily latch on to.
The silicone pouches are reusable to produce less waste. They are easy-to-clean and dishwasher safe. They can be boiled, microwaved, and sterilized.
These bottles are more expensive than other brands and some parents may not like the idea of the silicone pouches. It comes down to personal preference with these bottles.
Pros
- Easy to latch
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- More expensive than other brands
- Silicone pouches may not be for everyone
10. Joovy Boob PP Baby Bottle
The Joovy Boob PP Baby Bottle rounds out our list of the best baby bottles for colic and acid reflux. It is made from PP (Polypropylene) which is very durable plastic. This could be one of the reasons why it’s more expensive than other brands.
This one has a vent tab made to fit perfectly into the bottle’s neck. This allows the milk to flow consistently to eliminate leaks.
The nipples are made to make it easy for babies to switch to the bottle from breastfeeding. This bottle is only one piece so it is easy to clean which many moms like.
Pros
- One piece
- Easy to clean
- Made of durable plastic
Cons
- Not ergonomically designed
- On the expensive side
- Nipple is long and may cause baby to gag
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the best baby bottles for colic and acid reflux, we chose Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottle because of its anti-colic vent system. Although many parents buy this bottle for this feature, it’s nice to know that you can take it out if you choose.
The flow rate that supports breastfeeding and helps to breastfeed babies latch on naturally is also a plus. They’re also easy to clean and BPA-free which moms love!
When it comes to finding the best bottles for colic and acid reflux it’s important to look for ones with a vent system and ones that are shaped to promote easier feeding.
Remember, it may take trying a few different bottles until you find the one that works best for your baby.
