“If you have a baby who struggles with gas, make sure that you are bottle-feeding the baby in an upright position and hold the bottle horizontally, as well as allowing frequent breaks to avoid the baby feeding too quickly," explains Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, a registered dietitian, certified lactation consultant, and baby-feeding expert. “Another way to avoid gas when bottle feeding is to burp frequently throughout the feed and at the end of the feeding.” The good news is that you can help alleviate symptoms of many common feeding issues, including gas, with the right baby bottle. When considering baby bottles for gas, check out the material, how easy it is to clean, and additional features to help with gas, such as a vent or valve. We carefully considered design, material, ease of cleaning, features, and value when reviewing products. The Dr. Brown’s Original Baby Bottle Newborn Feeding Set earned our top spot thanks to the bottles’ special patented vent system. The bottles have a uniquely-designed vent system that mimics breastfeeding, and works as they suck the air out of the milk or formula to help eliminate colic, gas, and spit up. This newborn feeding set comes with three 8-ounce bottles, two 4-ounce bottles, two nipples, storage caps, and cleaning brushes. While there’s some extra cleaning involved with these bottles and the smaller parts, the bottles are dishwasher safe. Price at time of publication: $25 Many customers say these bottles work just as well as more expensive bottles but at a fraction of the price. They say they’re easy to clean and durable. While some report issues with the nipples collapsing, the manufacturer lists several simple-to-address reasons this may be happening, including the nipple not filling and the cap ring being on too tightly. Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $29 They’re designed to be easy to hold, and the nipple is structured to prevent it from collapsing, so your baby’s meal can be as enjoyable as possible. There are only four parts per bottle, so washing is relatively simple compared to other bottles. Price at time of publication: $29 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $30 This package comes with six bottles in an array of rainbow colors that also add a pop of fun to feeding time. Parents swear by these bottles, with many saying their breastfeeding little ones took to these when they wouldn’t eat from other bottles. Price at time of publication: $43
What to Look For in a Baby Bottle for Gas
Vent or Valve
Look for a removable vent or built-in valve or venting system to help extra air escape the bottle. This will reduce the amount of air the baby sucks in while eating, reducing air in the belly that can cause gas and discomfort. If you don’t have a dishwasher or want cleaning to be easy (who doesn’t?), opt for a bottle with a built-in valve versus a removable vent, so you don’t have another piece to clean.
Slow Flow Nipple
Choose a slow-flow nipple if your baby is gassy. A slower flow of milk means that baby can suck gradually and more consistently without stopping as much. If milk flows too quickly out of the nipple, it can cause the baby to gulp more air and lead to tummy discomfort.
What Experts Say
“A slow flow nipple is preferred to aid the risk of the baby over distending his or her stomach, which can happen with quick milk feeds resulting in increased gas. It’s important to allow the baby to lead the way with feeds—bottle feedings should take around 15 to 20 minutes and quick feedings (less than 5 minutes) are not recommended. Milk should flow gradually and slowly to avoid baby having to take excessive gulps and burps every ounce or two.” —Cindy Scott, RD, CLC.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Julie Evans is a parenting and wellness writer with a master’s degree in non-fiction writing from Johns Hopkins University. Instead, help reduce gas and discomfort in your baby by making sure they get tummy time; taking breaks while feeding; frequently burping throughout feeds; using a slow-flow nipple; and taking 15 to 20 minutes to feed your baby. Additional reporting by Lainey Younkin. Lainey Younkin, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian and toddler mom. She interviewed her trusted colleague, Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, registered dietitian and certified lactation consultant, for the most up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations on the best bottles for gassy babies, as well as other ways to reduce gas in bottle-fed babies.
