Buying guide for best anti-colic bottles
We have good news and bad news for parents of colicky babies. The good news: colic usually disappears by the time your baby is four months old. The bad news: colic may last until your baby is four months old.
Colic is a mysterious condition relatively common in babies. The telltale sign of colic is repeated, regular periods of crying that don’t stop with comforting. Many pediatricians recommend that babies with these symptoms feed from anti-colic bottles that prevent them from swallowing air while they eat. Colicky babies often have gas, but it’s not clear whether that’s the cause or a side effect of inhaling air during extended crying jags. Either way, anti-colic bottles seem to help many.
But what are the characteristics of a good anti-colic bottle, and how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Learn more about which anti-colic bottle would ease your baby’s suffering — and yours.
Key considerations
Colic or something else?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to test for colic. Babies are declared “colicky” if they cry for more than three hours per day for more than three days per week for three weeks or more. Colicky babies are healthy in all other respects: they eat well and put on weight, they spit up occasionally but don’t vomit regularly, their stool is normal in consistency and regularity.
Babies may cry for reasons other than colic, of course. If your baby is not putting on weight, has a poor suck reflex, or vomits repeatedly, pay a visit to the pediatrician to get a clearer diagnosis.
Breast or bottle fed?
Bottle-fed babies will likely switch to an anti-colic bottle easily. Those who have been primarily breast-fed may resist. Colic doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding — you can pump and bottle feed before your baby’s fussy period to see if it makes a difference. If you primarily breastfeed your baby but want to try an anti-colic bottle, look for bottles with soft silicone nipples that closely mimic the human body.
Venting systems
All anti-colic bottles vent air, but different bottles achieve this goal differently. Since colic isn’t fully understood, it’s impossible to predict which system is best, but you have three main options.
Some bottles use a valve system in the nipple to channel air to the back of the bottle. These bottles tend to have fewer parts for cleaning and are relatively easy to reassemble.
Other designs place a venting tube system inside the bottle that pushes the air away from the nipple. Bottles with these systems function well but can be tedious to clean and reassemble.
Recently, some bottom-venting system designs have been introduced that vent air through the bottle’s bottom. This system is effective and easy to clean, but anti-colic bottles of this type can cause a mess if you don’t screw bottles together correctly.
Age
It’s important to keep your baby’s age in mind. Younger babies need slow-flow nipples to avoid gagging on liquid that’s delivered too fast. Likewise, older babies get frustrated with the slow pace of a nipple for newborns. Keep this in mind when purchasing, and if your colicky baby is young, make sure you can switch out nipples later.
Smaller 4-ounce bottles are designed with young babies in mind, while bottles holding 8 to 9 ounces are intended for older babies. But there’s nothing to stop you from saving money and putting 4 ounces of liquid in an 8-ounce bottle. The nipple flow is the key concern.
Materials
Anti-colic baby bottles are made from plastic or glass. Both materials have advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic bottles are more common and less expensive than glass. They’re lighter for packing in a diaper bag and won’t shatter if dropped. Some parents, however, are wary of the substances that may leach out into milk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned BPA in baby bottles in 2012, and most countries prohibit the substance. The safest anti-colic plastic bottles will not only be BPA free but will also be free from phthalates and PVC.
- Many plastic bottles are labeled as microwave and freezer safe. It’s safer to heat cold formula in a bottle warmer than a microwave, however, because microwaves can create dangerous hot spots. But bottles that will be steam sterilized in the microwave or washed and sanitized in a dishwasher must safely withstand temperatures of at least 275° F.
Some parents aren’t comfortable with heating plastic bottles, period, and prefer to use glass. Glass bottles are heavier and more prone to breaking. They’re also more expensive. To some, the peace of mind is worth the tradeoff.
When doing your homework, please also consider:
- If your baby has been diagnosed with reflux, look for bottles that address that concern along with colic.
- Some bottom-vent bottles may not fit in a bottle warmer, so choose a different system if you have a warmer you love.
- Not all bottles are dishwasher safe. Choose carefully if this feature is important to you.
For older babies, we appreciate bottles that come with handles, as this allows the baby to hold the bottle and feed at their pace.
When researching anti-colic bottles, we learn about the nipple flow of each bottle. Newborns need a bottle with a low-flow nipple to avoid gagging. Older babies benefit from a faster-flowing nipple.
A great feature we look for in anti-colic baby bottles is a heat sensor. The sensor changes color to let you know if the milk is too hot.
We place high value on soft silicone nipples, as these are closest to a mother’s real nipple. Babies who are primarily breastfed take to these best.
In our research process, BPA-free anti-colic plastic bottles that are free of phthalates and PVC garner our attention.
Although glass bottles are heavier and more prone to breakage than plastic bottles, we still research them because they are easier to heat, and many people consider them a safe alternative to plastic.
When shortlisting the best anti-colic baby bottles, we look for those with texturized nipples, which make it easier for babies to latch on.
We look for anti-colic bottles sold in kits with extra necessary items, such as a formula dispenser, bottle brush, pacifier, different sized nipples, or extra venting tubes.
Some anti-colic bottles come in unusual shapes to help relieve gas. However, this can make them difficult to clean. When examining these bottles, we note whether a specialized cleaning brush is included with purchase to help ensure all crevices are cleaned.
We appreciate anti-colic bottles with a valve system in the nipple that directs air to the back of the bottle. These bottles are the easiest to assemble and clean.
Features
Heat sensors
In old movies, Dad squeezed a drop of milk on his wrist to check its temperature. Now, a quick glance at some bottles can tell you if it’s ready. Many bottles have Goldilocks heat sensors that change color to tell you whether the liquid is too hot, too cold, or just right.
Bottle brushes
Some anti-colic bottles employ unusual shapes to channel gas and may be challenging to clean in the dishwasher or with a standard bottle brush. If your bottle is angled or shaped unconventionally, it should come with a specialized cleaning brush to keep it clean, safe, debris-free.
Colic usually disappears as mysteriously as it arrived at around four months of age.
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Hands-free feeding
Colicky babies are often slow eaters, and busy parents don’t always have hours to spare. Some bottle systems accommodate hands-free feeding, so both you and your baby get dinner. Be aware that hands-free systems often have age restrictions.
Other features to keep in mind include:
- Nipple shapes and textures vary — different babies have different preferences.
- Older babies may appreciate handles so they can grip the bottle.
- Caps are essential to keep the bottle clean when traveling.
Did you know?
Nursing moms whose babies suffer from colic can try removing cabbage, onions, dairy products, and caffeine from their diets.
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Accessories
Bottle brushes: BluBox 5-pack of bottle brushes
Hungry babies aren’t known for their patience, so you always need a clean supply of bottle brushes on hand. BluBox bottle brushes make washing bottles easy. This versatile brush set not only works for baby bottles but also handles sports cups and hummingbird feeders.
Bottle sterilizers: Wabi Baby Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer
Sterilizing your bottles before their first use is key to safety, and they will also need deep cleaning from time to time. This countertop electric sterilizer from Wabi Baby fully sterilizes up to eight bottles in less than 15 minutes. Sensors detect when the cycle is done and shut off automatically to keep you and baby safe.
Baby swings: Graco Abbington Gliding Baby Swing
Sometimes, your arms just need a break. For those moments, there’s Graco’s soothing system gliding swing. This unique swing mimics the soothing motion of your nursery glider. And no worries if baby drifts off to sleep — this versatile machine also doubles as a portable bassinet. It’s recommended for infants up to 30 inches tall.
Anti-colic bottle prices
Anti-colic bottles aren’t cheap, but it’s hard to put a price on your baby’s comfort and your peace of mind. You will find a variety of venting types in every price tier.
Inexpensive: You can find plastic anti-colic bottles for less than $5 per bottle. At this price, they will not have many extras, even when sold in multi-bottle packs.
Mid-price: The next tier of anti-colic bottles usually costs $7 to $8 per bottle. Bottles in this price range are also made of plastic, but they feature higher-quality silicone nipples that make the transition to bottle feeding easier for breastfed babies. Bottles at this price point may have special features like temperature sensors or options for convenient feeding.
Expensive: The most expensive anti-colic bottles typically cost between $11 and $14 per bottle. Bottles in this price range may be made of plastic or glass and come with natural-feeling silicone nipples. They should have special features to determine whether liquid is the proper temperature. Multi-packs will include many extras to simplify cleaning and other routines.
Did you know?
Roughly one in four babies suffers from colic.
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Tips
- Prep for a full day. Staying organized with a baby in the house is a challenge. Make things easier on yourself by preparing a full day’s supply of clean bottles every morning — rather than washing them one at a time as needed.
- Cover all the angles. If switching from breast to bottle feeding, mimic the real thing by slanting the bottle down toward baby at about a 45 degree angle.
- Plan ahead for night feeding. If you’re worried you won’t be alert enough to assemble baby’s anti-colic bottle correctly at 2 a.m., put it together before bedtime to compensate for late-night grogginess.
Other products we considered
Besides being adorable, these Comotomo baby bottles are worry-free, with both nipples and bodies made of food-grade silicone. Comotomo bottles simulate the breastfeeding experience in both look and feel. Dual air vents in the nipple help ward off colic through effective air circulation.
If you’re more comfortable with glass construction, consider this set of wide-neck bottles from Dr. Brown. A unique vent system aids in reducing colic and other digestive upsets. The venting portion of bottle can be removed after baby passes the colicky stage so you can keep using it for regular feedings.
FAQ
Q. Do I need to buy new bottles when my baby’s colic stops?
A. Not necessarily — especially if you have lingering concerns about gas or if you don’t have the budget to buy a slew of new bottles. You may tire of cleaning bottles with complex venting systems, however, so consider buying bottles initially that let you remove vents or swap out vented nipples after the colicky phase passes.
Q. What’s the best way to clean bottles?
A. After initially sterilizing them, you can wash bottles in the top rack of your dishwasher, as long as they’re dishwasher safe. Place nipples in a small basket. If you’re wary of the dishwasher, you can soak them in a basin of hot, soapy water and wash them by hand, scrubbing with a bottle brush. Look for special brushes that feature a nipple tip cleaning design to adequately wash that part of the bottle.
Q. Should I sterilize the bottles after each use?
A. It’s not necessary. Bottles need to be sterilized before their first use, since you can’t know where they’ve been and who has handled them before purchase. After that, a good washing should do the trick. You may wish to sterilize them again periodically, especially after your child has been sick. The Center for Disease Control says you can stop sterilizing when your baby is three months old because by that point, a baby’s immune system has developed sufficiently to offer protection against common germs. Many dishwashers include a sterilizing setting, and many baby brands sell microwave or countertop sterilizers. The easiest way, however, is to boil the bottles in a pot on the stovetop for five minutes.
