Parents who have babies battling with spit up, acid reflux or colic can find it distressing when feeding time comes around. While breastfeeding is considered best for baby, finding the best bottles for reflux or for spit up will help your baby be more comfortable as, in my opinion, fed is best – and that’s the end of the story. After much deliberation, I picked Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottle as my top choice.
Bottle feeding your baby has many conveniences. But are they spitting up more than you’re comfortable with? Using the best bottle will help your baby to be more relaxed and content. It’ll also mean less laundry for you!
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – Dr Brown’s Baby Bottle Options+
- Best Value – Evenflo Feeding Angled Premium ProFlo Vented Baby Bottles
- Best for Easy Latching – Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Fiesta
- Best Anti-Colic Design – Playtex Baby VentAire Bottle
- Best for Affordability – MAM Easy Start
Connection between reflux and bottles
Spitting up and experiencing reflux is common in most babies after a good meal courtesy of the breast or bottle. But when it starts to happen too many times, you may want to consider moving them to the bottle, if you’re breastfeeding, or upgrading from your current bottle to the best bottle for reflux and spit ups. The market is full of bottles for feeding babies. I’m sure you were gifted plenty at your baby shower! But they could be the culprit for your feeding baby spitting up more than they should be. This buyer’s guide will narrow down your search and help you make the best pick for your baby’s feeding needs.
What is Reflux and Why Do Babies Get it?
But what exactly is reflux? And is spit up the same thing? When should you call the doctor? These are all questions I’ve heard parents ask when they’re concerned about their baby’s more-than-a-drool after a feed.
The first time your baby brings up after a meal can be frightening! Your first thought may be that they’re coming down with a tummy bug. Their uncomfortable squirming and crying before the release with a burp and smelly dribble down your shoulder can be alarming. It’s actually common in healthy babies to spit up after a feed. While not pleasant, half of all babies do it.
Spitting up is also known as infant reflux. It happens when the stomach’s contents come back up into the esophagus. The muscle between the esophagus and stomach keeps contents in the stomach. In growing babies, this muscle still needs to mature. Spitting up happens when the baby’s stomach is full and this muscle is not yet fully developed enough to keep down the food. Once this muscle is mature, reflux should stop or lessen. And, if it seems like your baby is bringing up all their food most times, it’s often not the case.
Should you take your baby to the doctor if it continues?
If it puts your mind at rest, certainly. Most times reflux doesn’t interfere with a baby’s growth. As long as he or she is gaining weight normally, then you’ve nothing to worry about. Most babies stop spitting up when they reach their one-year milestone, if not before. Vomiting is different from spitting up. If your baby is shooting out food, otherwise known as projectile vomiting, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Your baby could also be suffering from a more severe form of acid reflux known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux).
Another term parents will hear often is colic. Colic is not reflux but rather a discomfort in the stomach. It causes the baby to cry for long periods of time, often in three-hour stretches. Your baby seems to cramp up and is generally uncomfortable. Gripe water is often used to alleviate the gas but overstimulation could be another cause. Changing formulas may help and, of course, using the right bottle.
How the Type of Bottle You Use Helps with Reflux
Most times your baby will spit up when they’ve drunk too fast or greedily. If the breasts are overfull or your baby is swallowing too much air, they could end up having reflux. So how can a bottle help your feeding baby? With advancing technology in feeding bottles for babies, designers are discovering smart ways to help reduce your baby’s reflux.
This is where my research became fascinating! I had no idea of the features a bottle could have to simply ease a baby’s reflux! The type of bottle you’re using to feed your baby has an impact on whether they reflux or not. And how much and how often. These features include:
- A Built-in Vent System: This prevents air bubbles from forming in the milk and while the baby is drinking.
- Angled Design: This allows for positive airflow. A disposable bottle liner gives additional support to this design by limiting airflow further.
- Flow Consistency or Speed: The flow with which the milk moves at also helps the baby to control the amount of air being ingested.
How to Pick the Best Bottles for Spit Up, Colic and Reflux
Now you know help is possible for your baby whether it is spit up, acid reflux or colic. You’ve switched the formula. You’re making sure your baby keeps upright after a feed. Now, you’re on the hunt for the best bottle. If you’re a parent who goes through copious towels covered in reflux, it’s time to find the best bottle for your colicky or spitting up baby. Let’s look at the features of my top picks for this guide:
- Built-in Vent System: While all the products reviewed included this system, the Playtex Baby VentAire bottle’s unique bottom vent keeps the air at the back of the bottle as your baby drinks. The 1-piece venting system of the Evenflo Feeding Angled Premium ProFlo Vented Baby Bottles has been designed to keep air bubbles in the bottle and not in your baby’s tummy. Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottle gives you the option of using the internal vent system or not.
- Angled Shape: Both the Playtex Baby VentAire and the Evenflo’s make special mention of their bottle’s angled design. This allows your baby to sit semi-upright while feeding. The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Fiesta bottle has a comfortable hold design which could aid in better feeding.
- Flow Rate: Dr. Brown’s design ensures consistent flow while the Slow Flow Nipple of the Tommee Tippee bottle flexes for comfortable feeding. The Evenflo’s gives you an option of nipples for different flow rates – slow, medium, or fast. The same feature is offered with the MAM Easy Start, with flow rates ranging from slow to extra fast.
- Easy Latching: If you’re changing your baby from breast to bottle, some bottles make this transition easier. The Playtex Baby VentAire bottle’s wide-shaped nipple encourages proper latching. The breast-like nipple shape of the Tommee Tippee bottle makes it easier for your baby to move over to the bottle while the soft silicone nipple of Dr. Brown’s makes for natural latching. MAM Easy Start elongated nipple shape feels just like mom, so baby will switch easily.
- Easy Cleaning: The Evenflo’s bottle has 3 pieces which are easily disassembled for cleaning. They are also dishwasher safe. The MAM Easy Start bottle self-sterilizes in the microwave in 3 minutes while the Playtex Baby VentAire bottle has fewer parts making cleaning and reassembling quick and easy.
- Pricing: The MAM Easy Starter bottle came in as the cheapest and the Tommee Tippee’s bottle the most expensive option. Dr. Brown’s and the Evenflo’s were comparable in pricing while the Playtex Baby VentAire bottle came in as the second cheapest.
Best Overall – Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottle Options+ Anti-Colic Barrow Bottle
This product’s anti-colic vent system has been clinically proven to reduce spit-up, burping and gas. It can better preserve nutrients in breast milk and formulas which aids in better digestion. The specially engineered nipples allow for a consistent flow which helps the baby to relax while drinking. The anti-colic internal venting system not only prevents the ingestion of air bubbles. It eliminates the vacuum effect, reducing any chances of spit-up or acid reflux. It stops nipple collapse and can prevent fluid build-up in the ear. The consistent flow makes for natural feeding while the soft silicone nipple helps your baby latch easily
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents looking for options in venting systems use when feeding their baby.
Why You Should Consider It
This bottle allows you to choose whether to include a vent system or not when feeding your baby. We all know the vent system is designed to help with colic, spit-up, and acid reflux. But as your baby matures, the need for this vent may no longer be necessary. Instead of upsetting your baby by replacing it with a different bottle, all you have to do is remove the vent.
Product Information
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Item Weight: 13.6 oz.
- Color: Clear
- Number per pack: 4
- Materials: BPA free
- Material Type: Soft silicone nipple
- Nipple flow: Consistent
- Care instructions: Dishwasher and sterilizer safe
Pros
- Fits most breast pumps
- Easy to install vent and stopper
- Narrow shape allows for easy storage in bags
Cons
- Tends to leak easily
- Clear bottle cover comes off too easily (not great when carrying in bags)
- Vent system not easy to clean
Best for Value – Evenflo Feeding Angled Premium Proflo Vented Plus Baby Bottles
If you’re looking for both angled shape and a premium venting system at a good price, this product is your best pick. What’s more, it’s easy to clean with only 3 pieces to worry about. The angled shape promotes a semi-upright feeding position. Not only does this aid in preventing spit up and acid reflux but it keeps your baby comfortable while feeding. It also prevents earaches and gas-forming. It allows for easy holding with its soft, comfortable grips.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents on a tight budget without compromising their baby’s feeding needs.
Why You Should Consider It
As we’re focusing on spit up and reflux issues, the premium venting system of this bottle makes this the bottle to buy. It significantly reduces the potential of your baby suffering from colic and reflux by keeping the air bubbles in the bottle.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 5.75 x 7.25 x 7.25″
- Item Weight: Not specified
- Color: Teal/navy/gray
- Number per pack: 6
- Materials: BPA, polycarbonates, PVC, and phthalates- free
- Material Type: Soft silicone nipple
- Nipple flow: Slow, *medium, *fast (*sold separately)
- Care instructions: Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Compatible with most standard neck breast pumps
- Marked measurements in both milliliters and ounces
- No nipple collapses
Cons
- Shape not best for balance or storage
- Travel caps are difficult to remove
- Extras nipples not included
Best for Easy Latching – Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Fiesta Baby Feeding Bottles
This product is ideal for mothers changing from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. The bottle design is shaped like a breast. The breast-like nipple helps your baby to latch easily and naturally. The smooth silicone nipple replicates the feel of the skin. The 3-way easy hold feature allows for the baby to feed in a natural position and be close to Mom or Dad. The bottle can be held comfortably in the hand, gripped or held from the base. The accurate markings on the bottle allow for precise measurements.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for babies transitioning from breast to bottle feeding.
Why You Should Consider It
The bright colors of these bottles will make any baby gurgle in delight! The optimum venting anti-colic valve with a slow flow nipple allows for less air intake. This will minimize your baby’s discomfort. Replacement nipples can be used to change the flow while feeding on extra slow to variable flow.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 5.9 x 9.4 x 5.9″
- Item Weight: 1.04 lbs
- Color: Range of bright colors
- Number per pack: 6
- Materials: BPA and phthalates- free
- Material Type: Slow Flow Nipple flexes
- Nipple flow: Slow flow with natural latch (separate nipples sold for different flow types)
- Care instructions: Not dishwasher safe
Pros
- Easy to clean manually
- Well-priced
- Wide mouth for easy filling
Cons
- Measurement markings do rub off
- Nipples tend to collapse easily
- Can leak if not standing upright during storage
Best Anti-Colic Design – Playtex Baby VentAire Bottle
These bottles have been specifically designed to prevent colic by decreasing air ingestion. The anti-colic bottom vent keeps the air at the back of the bottle which means no air mixes with the milk. This design is also great for babies suffering from spit up and reflux issues. The wide shaped Naturalatch silicone nipple feels just like Mom! It encourages natural latching and allows you to switch easily between breast and bottle feeding. As the bottle is designed with fewer parts you can have fuss-free, easy cleaning and reassembling. This will make your life as a parent a whole lot easier too.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for colicky babies.
Why You Should Consider It
Besides the wonderful anti-colic design, the angled design is also a bonus feature of this product. Its ergonomic design promotes semi-upright feeding which not only helps with colic and reflux but prevents ear infections from happening.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 9.20 x 8.10 x 2.80″
- Item Weight: Not specified
- Color: Clear
- Number per pack: 3
- Materials: BPA and phthalates- free
- Material Type: Silicone
- Nipple flow: Sow, medium, fast (sold separately)
- Care instructions: Shatterproof and dishwasher safe
Pros
- Well-priced
- Made from polypropylene (safest plastic for food)
- Perfect flow for newborns
Cons
- Leaking problems reported
- Difficult to screw nipple on straight
- Plastic becomes cloudy from dishwasher use
Best for Affordability – MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle
This bottle’s anti-colic vented base design releases liquid slowly. This helps to reduce colic symptoms by up to 80% by eliminating bubbles. No more aggravating gas conditions causing colic. This product is good for babies suffering from acid reflux and spit-up. You can expect a natural and calm feeding experience with this bottle. Parents will love this easy to clean self-sterilizing bottle – pop it into the microwave for 3 minutes and the job is done! This bottle has been specifically designed for newborns to use bottles with ease.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents looking for colic and reflux relief for their babies without breaking the bank.
Why You Should Consider It
The elongated nipple shape of this bottle means newborns can switch easily between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. The pack includes 2 slow flow silicone nipples. Additional nipples can be purchased for medium, fast, and extra fast flow. They’re medically engineered using SkinSoft silicone material.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.6 x 2.9″
- Item Weight: 7.2 oz
- Color: White
- Number per pack: 2
- Materials: BPA and BPS free
- Material Type: SkinSoft Silicone
- Nipple flow: 2 x slow flow nipples included (other flows sold separately)
- Care instructions: Self-sterilizing, microwave, and dishwasher safe
Pros
- Minimal leaking problems
- Babies love the natural shape of the nipple
- No need for a separate baby sterilizer
Cons
- Not easily attachable to breast pumps
- 6 pieces make for extra assembling/disassembling
- Measurements difficult to read
FAQs
Why do I keep getting bubbles when feeding my baby with a bottle?
It’s important to make sure the silicone seal is firmly placed against the bottom of the bottle when assembling. It’s also important to make sure the bottle parts are cleaned thoroughly to avoid any blockages.
Here’s a separate article I wrote about how to get rid of bubbles in a baby bottle.
What are the advantages of using a y-cut nipple when bottle feeding?
If you want to switch your baby to thicker formulas, using a y-cut nipple will allow the flow to be smoother.
Conclusion
While I chose Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottle as one of the best bottles for reflux what would you choose out of the list of best bottles for spit up? With so many features included to ensure your baby is comfortable you can’t go wrong with any of these bottles.
Another point you might want to consider is using carobel to add to premade baby bottles.
Last update on 2024-10-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
