7 Best Baby Bottles for Gas in 2020
A gassy baby is a normal baby. According to Medical News Today, almost all babies get gas - especially young infants. Immature digestive systems are the culprit, and their tiny bodies are working hard to get feeding time all figured out. But just because it’s typical doesn’t mean you can’t help your baby avoid gassy episodes and feel their best. There are plenty of ways to reduce your little one’s gas, and that starts with using the right kind of bottle.
Today we’re sharing our 7 favorite baby bottles that will help reduce your baby’s gas (along with a couple of honorable mentions!) Though being a parent is tough no matter the day and age, luckily, when it comes to finding a bottle that puts your baby's tummy at ease, there are many excellent options. So read on to find out if what your baby is experiencing is gas, what to look for in a gas-reducing baby bottle, and our 7 favorite baby bottles for gas.
Gas or Something Else?
Gas, reflux, and colic are terms often used interchangeably when a baby is clearly feeling uncomfortable after a feeding. Though they are not the same, babies often have more than one going on at the same time. Bottles that are meant to reduce gas will also be ideal for colic and reflux, too.
But as you’re shopping for your baby’s bottle, you’ll want to keep their specific needs in mind. So here’s a quick rundown on the differences between gas, colic and reflux so you know what your baby is experiencing:
Gas: Symptoms of gas can include hiccups, arching of the back, pulling legs up, or an overly round stomach. A baby will often feel relief and become instantly happier once she’s burped or passed gas.
Colic: Many parents assume their babies have colic because they cry a lot, often seem uncomfortable, and become inconsolable. The truth is that crying in young babies is normal - even up to a couple hours a day. Babies are typically “diagnosed” with colic if they:
- cry for more than three hours per day,
- during more than three days in a week,
- for at least 3 weeks in a row.
Reflux: Reflux is essentially spit-up that can be a little bit or a lot. Some babies also have what is called “silent reflux” and those signs sometimes mimic gas. We talk in-depth about reflux in our article, “How to Feed a Baby With Reflux.”
Though gas and reflux look very different, it’s possible for your baby to have them at the same time. In turn, they can both contribute to a baby’s having extended crying episodes/colic. Most bottles that are made specifically to reduce gas will also help ease reflux and colic symptoms.
When looking for a baby bottle specially designed to reduce your baby’s gas or other stomach issues, you’ll want to look for one that reduces the amount of air your baby is taking in while also allows your baby to take in milk more slowly.
What to Look for in a Gas-Reducing Baby Bottle
Here’s what you’ll want to consider when buying a baby bottle designed to reduce gas.
Gas (and Colic) Reducing Features:
Some things to look for in an anti-gas bottle include features such as:
- slow-flow nipple
- Vents in the nipple
- Anti-colic valve system
- Material that collapses as baby feeds
Giving Breastmilk vs. Formula:
Most anti-gas bottles will work well with both breastmilk and formula, but formula can be a bit more tricky.
In general, formula causes more gas than breastmilk and takes longer to digest. Mixing formula properly matters. According to Enfamil, “the more shaking and blending involved, the more air bubbles get into the mix” - and that means more gas for your baby. Combining an anti-colic formula with a bottle that has a good venting system AND mixes formula well is your best bet to giving your baby a happy tummy.
Going Back and Forth Between Breast and Bottle:
Do you have a baby that both breast feeds and bottle feeds? Many babies do! The key here is to find a bottle that mimics the breast feeding experience which will both reduce gas as well as help ease your baby’s transition and avoid nipple confusion.
Material Used
Baby bottles can be made from BPA-free plastic, glass, silicone and even stainless steel. Though one isn’t necessarily better for reducing gas, there are differences among each material such as durability, sustainability, or whether it mimics the feel of a real breast. The plastic Playtex liners can have an advantage in eliminating gas since they expel any air as baby drinks.
Simplicity of Design
As busy parents, anything that cuts down on cleaning and prep time is a major bonus. One issue with some anti-gas bottles is all of the parts you need to clean and account for! So this is something to keep in mind as you do your bottle research.
Best Anti-Gas Baby Bottles in 2020
With that, let’s go over the 7 best bottles to reduce your baby’s gas, each one with special characteristics that make it a prime option.
1.) Best for Minimal Cleaning: Playtex Baby Nurser Bottles with Drop-Ins Liners
Simplicity. Less hassle. Less to clean. I think we can all agree that these features are music to our parent ears no matter what it is. These Playtex Drop-Ins Liners have been around quite a while and caregivers love them because you simply throw them away when the baby is done eating. That means there is less to clean and who doesn’t love that?!
But this design also gives an advantage for reducing gas, as well. That’s because when a baby drinks, the liner contracts, just like a mother’s breast does. It’s been clinically proven that this reduces air the baby takes in, thereby reducing gas bubbles in baby’s stomach as well.
Looking for a more eco-friendly option? Flipsi Baby Bottle functions similarly to the way the drop-ins do, but utilizes a reusable design. So if you want to skip the extra trash, but like the drop-in idea, this is a great way to go.
2.) Best for Colic: Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic Baby Bottles
Tommee Tippee is a great go-to option for babies suffering from gas and/or colic. When your baby is having digestive issues, you want to fix it fast. Many parents swear by the Tommee Tippee bottles with their internal ventilation system that draws air away from the milk so baby doesn’t drink it. It’s even been proven to reduce colic symptoms by up to 80%.
It’s also great for breastfed babies who need a bottle similar to a real breast since it has a super wide nipple helping baby to get a natural latch.
3.) Best for Formula: Twistshake Baby Bottles
Who knew that there was an art form to mixing your baby formula? Truth is, over-mixing your baby’s bottle can actually end up putting more air bubbles in their tummy than you’d realize. The Twistshake bottles utilize a mixer insert that prevents any lumps in the milk meaning you don’t have to over-mix and end up with too much air in your baby’s bottle.
For further gas reduction, it also boasts a naturally-designed anti-colic silicone nipple. And the best part? The cap doubles as a formula dispenser.
We love anything that makes parenting life easier and less messy. That’s why we also love the bökee, which works great with any of the bottles on this list. Whether you’re prepping a breastmilk or formula bottle, it always takes two hands. But as a parent of a hungry or gassy baby, you know you’re often holding them which means you only have one available! The bökee allows you to prep any bottle (or even open gas drops) one-handed to eliminate the risk of a spill disaster.
4.) Best for Breastfed Baby: Comotomo Baby Bottle
Nipple confusion is a real thing for breastfed babies who are transitioning to bottles. Often times they will refuse a bottle knowing it’s not mama. Not only do you want a bottle that mimics the breastfeeding experience as much as possible, but you want one that also reduces gas (which is more likely with bottle feeding.)
Comotomo is great for both! Here are the features you’ll love:
- Skin-like material feels like a real breast
- Wide mound and naturally shaped nipple
- Two anti-colic vents that are smartly placed on the nipple for good ventilation
- Good airflow minimizes gas, reflux, and colic
Need help getting your breastfed baby to take a bottle? Read: "How to Wean Your Baby From Breast to Bottle."
5.) Best Glass Option: NUK Simply Natural Glass Bottles
Plenty of eco-conscious parents love the option of glass bottles for their durability and recyclability. So it’s nice to know there are glass bottle options that are great for reducing gas and reflux, as well.
NUK Simply Natural Glass Bottles are great for keeping your baby’s tummy happy with the following features:
- 1-piece anti-colic air system
- Flexible nipple allows for a continuous latch which prevents air getting in baby’s tummy
- 6-hole medium-flow nipple was specially designed for the most comfortable feed
6.) Best for Growing With Your Baby: Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Options+ Anti-Colic Bottle
Dr. Brown’s has been a solid anti-colic bottle choice for a long time. The internal vent system was specially designed for babies having digestion difficulties like gas. As the #1 pediatrician recommended bottle in the U.S., you can feel good about this choice for your baby.
We also love anything that can stick with your little one for a long time. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also helpful when you don’t have to introduce something new to your little one. Dr. Brown’s narrow bottles easily transition to a sippy cup with Dr. Brown’s Transition Bottle With Sippy Spout and Silicone Handles.
7.) Most Affordable: Easy Start MAM Anti-Colic
Nobody wants to see their baby uncomfortable and in pain, and parents will do whatever it takes to help their baby feel their best. With that said, everyone has a budget they’re trying to stick to, so it’s great when you can give your baby exactly what they need without spending a lot of money to do so. These anti-colic bottles from MAM are great for that. Features include:
- A base ventilation system
- Slow-flow nipple ensures baby isn’t drinking too quickly
- Smooth milk flow for reduce the air swallowed that can lead to gas
On top of that, you can find a 3-pack on Amazon for under $20!
Bottles are Just One Part of Reducing Gas
Finding the right bottle is a great way to reduce or even eliminate your baby’s gas and the discomfort caused by it. It will help your baby’s reflux and colic, as well. But there are certainly other steps to take alongside getting a new bottle. In our article, “How Paced Bottle Feeding Will Benefit Your Baby,” we discuss how a paced feeding approach is a key part of keeping your baby’s digestion issues away for good.