The 6 Best Anti-Colic Bottles for a Fussy Baby
Is your little one crying uncontrollably for seemingly no reason? If you’ve run through the checklist of needs and baby’s been fed, burped, changed and cuddled, it could be colic. The root cause of colic isn’t exactly clear, but potential triggers include milk allergies, overfeeding, gas and even overstimulation. Whatever the case may be, a prolonged period of colic can leave parents (and baby) feeling distressed, upset and utterly overwhelmed.
The good news? If you suspect gas or reflux is playing a role in baby’s teary outbursts, anti-colic bottles may help ease the symptoms. They work by helping baby get the proper amount of milk or formula per feed and by decreasing the amount of air bubbles swallowed, explains Neela Sethi Young, MD, a pediatrician and lactation consultant. To help you through this difficult stage we’ve gathered the facts and selected the best anti-colic bottles to reduce gas and reflux in infants—including the Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle with AirFree Vent, our pick for the overall best.
We get it—parenting requires a lot of gear, especially when it comes to feeding baby. To help you pick out the best anti-colic bottles for your little one, we researched dozens of options from leading baby brands and online retailers, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. Here are the steps that we took to create this article:
- We enlisted the help of an independent product tester who cleaned, sterilized and filled a variety of bottles (and, of course, used them to feed her 2-month-old). She then evaluated each for ease of use, ease of cleaning, effectiveness, quality and value for money.
- We interviewed a pediatrician to understand essential features to look for as you shop, as well as advice on how to use an anti-colic bottle.
- We surveyed over 650 new and expectant parents in The Bump community for additional insight on the ins and outs of specific baby bottles that they’ve used. Plus, we asked what they do and don’t like about them.
- We considered several factors when sourcing baby bottles, such as capacity, material, number of parts, size range and nipple flow options, to name a few.
- We read user reviews to better understand how these bottles have worked for parents and their little ones, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best anti-colic bottle
- Mimics breastfeeding, according to The Bump community
- Ergonomic design
- Several nipple flow options available
- Easy to clean
- Vent isn’t compatible with other bottles
Designed to reduce feeding issues like colic, acid reflux and gas, the Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle comes in at the top of our list for several reasons. First, it’s equipped with an air-free vent that ensures the nipple is full of milk even when the bottle is held horizontally for upright feeding sessions. According to our survey, almost 20 percent of parents wanted an anti-colic bottle that would be easy to hold right, and our product tester, Christine C., told us that “the slight curve of the bottle and ergonomic shape made it extremely easy to hold and position correctly while feeding,” rating the bottle very highly for ease of use.
This bottle’s soft silicone nipple is available in different flow rates for babies of all ages. And when your child grows out of this stage, you can simply remove the vent and continue to use the bottle as normal. Christine also praised it for being straightforward to clean, saying, “the design allowed a bottle brush to thoroughly scrub its curved shape. I was concerned about cleaning the AirFree vent, however, it was surprisingly easy to clean compared to other anti-colic bottles.” This was one of the most important features in our survey, with almost half of parents telling us that ease of cleaning was a high priority when looking for an anti-colic bottle. All in all, it’s no surprise Philps Avent was favored by 19 percent of survey respondents from The Bump community and highlighted in our Best of The Bump roundup of the best baby bottles.
Capacity: 9 oz. | Material: Plastic | Number of parts: 5 | Dishwasher safe?: Yes
Our product tester says:
“I was really impressed with the design and how well my baby fed once he was latched. The milk flow was controlled and the AirFree vent seemed to have a lot to do with this, by keeping the nipple full of milk rather than air. The bottle had zero leaking while making up and feeding.”
Our community says:
"We tried many other options, and this was the only one our son was able to drink from without choking. He has reflux, and we tried everything on the market, with this being the best option for us. We now have over 10 of them!" – Sabrina*, mother of a 6-month-old
"I’ve been using these since my baby was born and she has had no colic issues. They’re easy to use, clean and it’s the perfect pace for bottle feeding since the base of the nipple is wider." – Catherine, mother of a 5-month-old
"We like these because they don’t leak and there are very few parts to clean." – Sara, mother of a 4-month-old
Best anti-colic bottle for flow control
- Easy latching, according to The Bump community
- Removable internal vent system
- Transitional design
- Our product tester reported some leakage
- Many parts to clean, according to The Bump community
Next up on our list is an anti-colic bottle that a whopping 55 percent of survey respondents from The Bump community use with their colicky little ones. In particular, parents who participated in our survey praised these Dr. Brown’s bottles for their effectiveness and how easy it was to control the flow speed. The trusted brand offers these bottles in two different sizes (4 oz. and 8 oz.), each of which comes with a soft silicone nipple for intuitive latching and a steady milk flow. “The nipple feels substantial and yet soft, and while it is a narrow nipple, my baby had no issues transitioning from breast to bottle,” Christine told us. She was also a big fan of the internal vent system that’s clinically proven to reduce gas-related colic. “I would definitely recommend these bottles, especially to a mom with a colicky or a reflux baby. The vent system is tried and true,” remarked Christine. Even better, you can remove the vent system altogether once your child’s tummy is a bit more mature. That way, you can ensure this bottle will be a mealtime staple for many months to come.
Capacity: 4 oz. | Material: Plastic | Number of parts: 6 | Dishwasher safe?: Yes
Our product tester says:
“At $6 per bottle, they’re average-priced and the nipple flow makes them worth the cost. What I also love about the bottle is that when your baby grows, you can remove the venting/anti-colic system and use the bottle without it, ensuring a longer time span of use.”
Our community says:
"This bottle has the best flow rate of all bottles I’ve tried. The anti-colic and anti-gas insert is very effective." – Leah, nursing mom
"The Dr. Brown’s bottles are easy and adaptable for newborns to older babies. I appreciate the anti-colic technology, bottle and nipple size ranges and easy assembly—especially when half asleep!" – Julie, mother of an 8-month-old
"My favorite thing about [these] bottles is that they help reduce gas and colic. All three of my babies latched easily with them." – Millie*, mother of a 1-month-old
Best silicone anti-colic bottle
- Ultra-soft, flexible silicone
- Easy-to-read measurements
- Wide design for easy cleaning
- May take longer to warm up
Almost a third of our survey respondents wanted an anti-colic bottle that mimics breastfeeding—and it’s hard to get much closer to the experience than this top-rated anti-colic bottle with a flexible, breast-like shape and feel. You and baby will appreciate the thoughtfully designed nipple, which is equipped with three anti-colic vents. Plus, you can count on it not to collapse as baby feeds, ensuring a secure latch—minus any post-meal gas or fussiness. While Christine tested the plastic model of this bottle (and you can read her full review in our Best of The Bump series), we received feedback on this silicone version from our survey respondents. In particular, Erica, the mother of a 3-month-old, was a big fan of this bottle and its flexible silicone design, telling us that the squeezable design allowed her little one to feed themselves (somewhat) independently at an early age. “[My infant] had a hard time transitioning from breast for daycare, and being able to squeeze the bottle to squirt milk into his mouth was crucial in helping get some milk into him until he figured out the latch,” she explained. One potential downside to consider: Silicone is naturally heat-resistant, therefore it may take longer for contents to warm up. As a workaround for this, Nanobébé recommends heating up breastmilk or formula before putting it in the bottle.
Capacity: 9 oz. | Material: Silicone | Number of parts: 4 | Dishwasher safe?: Yes
Our community says:
"Easy to clean and assemble. The bottle mimics the flow of breastfeeding well." – Haley, mother of a 1-month-old
Best ergonomic anti-colic bottle
- Angled design
- Vented base for even flow
- Prompts semi-upright feeding
- Only one size and nipple option
- Some report that the bottom leaks
Next up is an ergonomic anti-colic bottle that’s been created with baby and parent’s comfort in mind. The angled silhouette encourages semi-upright feeding, which can help reduce sore tummy symptoms after feeding sessions, as well as ear infections. As baby feeds, the anti-colic bottom vent will keep air at the base of this unique bottle, in turn reducing the chance of tummy discomfort. What’s more, the wide nipple shape is made with a raised texture to encourage your little one to latch naturally—a feature that’s also beneficial for breastfed babies transitioning to bottles.
Capacity: 6 oz. | Material: Silicone | Number of parts: 6 | Dishwasher safe?: Yes
Our community says:
"These really improved [my baby's] spit-up." – Christina, mother of a 2-month-old
Best anti-colic bottle for easy assembly
- Fewer parts than other options
- Built-in heat sensor
- Affordable price point
- Not 100% leakproof, according to some parents
The NUK Smooth Flow Pro is another great option for babies who experience colic—and for parents who don’t want to deal with tons of pieces to clean (aka 23 percent of our survey respondents). Each bottle contains an advanced venting system, specifically designed to reduce bubbles in milk so that baby swallows less air. The standout feature, however, has to be the simple, user-friendly design which is made up of just three parts. As a result, you can count on assembly and cleanup to be a piece of cake. The simple design also has a blue temperature indicator to alert you when milk is too hot—proving that the affordable price tag doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on top-notch features.
Capacity: 10 oz. | Material: Polypropylene, silicone | Number of parts: 3 | Dishwasher safe?: Yes
Best easy-latch anti-colic bottle
- Flexible nipples for intuitive latching
- Great for breastfed babies, according to The Bump community
- Built-in heat sensor
- Soft nipples are easily damaged by biting
Last but not least on our list of the best anti-colic bottles is this option from Tommee Tippee. Designed with the help of breastfeeding experts, the silicone nipple resembles the natural flex, stretch and movement of a breast for an intuitive latch. In fact, 58 percent of our survey respondents wanted an anti-colic bottle that was easy for baby to latch on to—so if you consider that a key selling point, this could be the best choice for you. This bottle also boasts a three-piece venting system that draws air away from the milk, resulting in less gas, reflux and discomfort. The best part? The anti-colic venting tube comes with a built-in heat strip that turns pink if baby’s milk is too hot, for added peace of mind.
Capacity: 5 oz. | Material: Plastic | Number of parts: 6 | Dishwasher safe?: Yes
Our community says:
"Wide mouth makes it easy to clean and the markings for UK and US are clear. I like the colors it comes in, and the nipple [makes it] easy for my babies to latch." – Candice, mother of 4-month-old twins and a 2-year-old
"I breastfed and [this] bottle helped with my baby’s transition to be weaned off the breast." – Sierra, mother of a one-year-old
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
Anti-Colic Bottles Comparison Chart
| Overall best anti-colic bottle | Best anti-colic bottle for flow control | Best silicone anti-colic bottle | Best ergonomic anti-colic bottle | Best anti-colic bottle for easy assembly | Best easy-latch anti-colic bottle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle with AirFree Vent | Dr Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle | Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle | Playtex Baby VentAire Bottle | NUK Smooth Flow Pro Anti Colic Baby Bottle | Tommee Tippee Anti-Colic Baby Bottles | |
| Price | $21.97 for 3 | $6.98 | $24.99 for 3 | $25.10 for 3 | $14.97 for 3 | $19.99 for 3 |
| Number of parts | 5 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| Dishwasher-safe | ||||||
| Size rage | 4 oz., 9 oz., 11 oz. | 4 oz., 8 oz. | 5 oz., 9 oz. | 6 oz. | 10 oz. | 5 oz., 9 oz. |
| Nipple flow options | Stages 1 to 4 | Preemie, stages 1 to 4, Y-cut | Preemie, slow flow, medium flow, fast flow, Y-cut | One size | Y-cut | Slow flow, medium flow, fast flow |
| Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review |
Truth be told, there’s no cure for colic—different things work for different babies. That said, anti-colic bottles can help ease symptoms caused by feeding issues. “A baby’s stomach capacity is limited, and if you’re filling that with food and gas, baby will get full and uncomfortable until you either get a burp out or they pass gas,” says Young. Additionally, when baby’s tummy fills with air, they’ll feel fuller faster—but, because they aren’t actually getting sufficient breast milk or formula, they’ll get hungry again soon.
Does this sound familiar? If baby goes two nights in a row with colic-like symptoms, Young recommends trying an anti-colic bottle. Moreover, if your little one seems uncomfortable or fussy after feeding, it can’t hurt to give it a shot. In fact, 71 percent of our survey respondents noted that they use anti-colic baby bottles as a preventative measure even though their little one isn’t currently experiencing symptoms.
When to stop using anti-colic bottles?
According to Young, there’s no real need to stop using an anti-colic bottle. That said, most babies would be fine doing so once they hit the three-month mark. At this point, colic symptoms tend to taper down, and baby will begin burping and passing gas comfortably. Young encourages parents to trust their instincts. If baby can gulp milk and isn’t fussy or having colicky moments in the evenings, take that as a green light to wean them from an anti-colic bottle. If baby is frustrated and needs a faster flow of milk, you can try trading up to a larger nipple size. On the other hand, if your little one is doing well and is able to gulp at a steady pace, there’s no need to make the switch.
While all anti-colic bottles are designed to prevent baby from swallowing air, not all brands take the same approach to combat this common feeding issue. Remember that, just like adults, babies can show strong preferences, so finding the best anti-colic bottle may be a matter of trial and error. To help streamline your search, here are three common features to look for in bottles that combat gas, reflux and colic:
- A valve or vent system. First up is a must-have feature in any anti-colic bottle. Infants that ingest air bubbles as they feed may suffer from gas, reflux or colic. Fortunately, a valve or built-in venting system helps release trapped air from the bottle.
- Slow-flow nipple. If baby is gulping air or choking while they drink, it’s a sign that the milk is flowing too quickly. A slow-flow nipple lets baby feed at a more steady pace with fewer breaks, which can reduce gas and tummy discomfort. Moreover, 32 percent of parents who responded to our survey told us that they opted for anti-colic bottles that offered a range of nipple flows. This way, you’ll be able to seamlessly adjust the speed to align with baby’s ever-changing needs.
- Easy to clean. According to our survey respondents, 48 percent of parents indicated they looked for anti-colic bottles that were easy to clean. That’s because (due to the venting systems) these designs often have multiple parts that will need to be sterilized and cleaned. Where possible, opt for bottles that are dishwasher-safe or have a wide opening so that they’re straightforward to hand wash.
While these are the top three features you should consider as you look for an anti-colic baby bottle, there are plenty of other factors that may come into play, depending on you and your child’s preferences. Below, check out several additional reasons parents from The Bump Community opted for these bottles in particular:
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor at The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. O’Regan-Reidy has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. With over a four-year career in digital media, O’Regan-Reidy has written dozens of articles about baby feeding gear, and aims to create engaging, helpful content that informs new and seasoned parents.
Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Neela Sethi Young, MD, is a pediatrician and lactation consultant based in Los Angeles, California. Young earned her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 new parents from among The Bump community, and asked whether they used an anti-colic bottle and what type they used.
The Bump January 2024 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of over 350 parents from among The Bump community, and asked whether they used an anti-colic bottle, what type they used and what they did and didn’t like about it.
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
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