Best Baby Bottles for Colic and Gas Relief
By Amanda Foster · Updated 2026-06-30 · 8 min read · Product Reviews
Find the best baby bottles for colic and gas relief. Our pediatrician-reviewed picks help reduce fussiness, trapped air, and feeding discomfort.
Key Takeaways
- Vented or air-free bottles reduce swallowed air, a major cause of gas
- Slow-flow nipples and paced feeding are as important as the bottle itself
- Dr. Brown's, Philips Avent, Comotomo, MAM, and Tommee Tippee are top picks
- Colic typically peaks at 6 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months
- See a pediatrician for vomiting, poor weight gain, or blood in stool
If your baby cries for hours, arches their back during feeds, or struggles with painful gas, the right bottle can make a meaningful difference. The best baby bottles for colic are designed to slow milk flow, vent air away from the nipple, and keep your baby in a more upright, comfortable feeding position. While no bottle is a cure-all, parents and pediatricians repeatedly point to a handful of designs that reliably help.
!Anti-colic baby bottle on a nursery shelf
What Causes Colic and Gas During Feeding
Colic is defined as crying for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for at least three weeks in an otherwise healthy infant. While the exact cause is debated, swallowed air during feedings is a well-documented contributor to gas, reflux, and discomfort. Standard bottles can create a vacuum as your baby drinks, pulling air through the nipple and into the stomach. The best baby bottles for colic use internal vents, collapsible liners, or angled necks to break that vacuum.
What to Look for in Anti-Colic Bottles
Not every "anti-colic" label is created equal. When comparing options, look for:
- A true venting system — internal straws, vented nipples, or air-free pouches.
- Slow-flow nipples sized for newborns, so milk doesn't overwhelm your baby.
- A wide, breast-shaped nipple if you're combo-feeding with breastfeeding.
- Easy disassembly — extra parts only help if you'll actually clean them.
- BPA-free, food-grade silicone or glass materials.
Our Top Picks for Colic and Gas Relief
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+
The classic choice, Dr. Brown's uses an internal vent system that channels air out of the bottle entirely, away from the milk. Pediatric studies have shown reduced spit-up and gas in babies switched to vented bottles. The downside: more parts to clean.
Philips Avent Anti-Colic with AirFree Vent
The AirFree vent keeps the nipple full of milk even when held horizontally, so babies don't gulp air. The wide, breast-shaped nipple also makes it a strong pick for combo-fed infants.
Comotomo Natural Feel
A favorite among breastfed babies who reject standard bottles. The soft silicone body squeezes like a breast and has dual anti-colic vents built into the nipple — and only three parts to wash.
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic
A vented base lets air enter underneath the milk rather than through the nipple. Bonus: the bottle self-sterilizes in the microwave in three minutes.
Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic
A heat-sensing tube changes color if the milk is too hot, and a venting tube routes air to the back of the bottle. A gentler learning curve than Dr. Brown's for tired parents.
Feeding Techniques That Help Even More
The best baby bottles for colic only work when paired with good feeding habits. Hold your baby in an upright, "paced bottle feeding" position rather than reclined. Keep the bottle nearly horizontal so the nipple is just filled — this slows the flow and mimics breastfeeding. Burp halfway through and again at the end. If symptoms persist despite a great bottle and good technique, talk to your pediatrician about reflux or a possible milk protein sensitivity.
When to See a Pediatrician
Colic typically peaks at 6 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months. If your baby has projectile vomiting, blood in stool, poor weight gain, or unrelenting crying, it's worth ruling out medical causes. A switch to the right bottle — combined with patient feeding and plenty of skin-to-skin time — helps most families weather the colicky months until baby grows out of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best baby bottles for colic?
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow, Philips Avent Anti-Colic with AirFree Vent, Comotomo, MAM Easy Start, and Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic are consistently top-rated for reducing colic and gas.
Do anti-colic bottles really work?
Yes — clinical research shows vented bottles reduce air ingestion, which can ease gas, spit-up, and fussiness in many babies. Results vary, so it may take trying 1-2 brands to find your baby's best fit.
How long should I use anti-colic bottles?
Most parents use them until colic resolves around 3-4 months, but they're safe to use throughout the bottle-feeding stage.