Acid reflux is one of the common causes of discomfort in infants. Every parent’s dream is to make their child have a seamless transition without any pain or discomfort. The presence of gas in the tummy can make children squirm uncomfortably leaving them stressed.

Acid reflux is a normal occurrence in babies especially six months after birth. Baby bottles are an important link between acid reflux and comfortability. The type of bottle the baby uses plays a huge role in ensuring that acid reflux is a thing of the past. The availability of different bottles in the market has made it easier for parents to choose from their preferred brand and lessening the effects of acid reflux.

Anti-reflux bottles are specifically designed to prevent the accumulation of air inside the interior vents. This is done by having one or many dual systems that eliminate air by providing proper circulation of air inside the bottle. This helps prevent the presence of air inside the milk, lessening the presence of gas as the baby drinks.

The vents inside the bottle allow the baby to feed slowly thereby reducing the number of spill-ups. This makes the baby feed well making the feeding time faster and efficient. The nipples on the anti-reflux bottles do not collapse easily to allow air to escape. This also prevents the buildup of pressure inside the bottle which makes the nipple fall.

Acid reflux is not only caused by bottles, but by a variety of factors such as an immature sphincter muscle which mostly enables the presence of gas into the digestive system. This muscle is usually underdeveloped and does not block stomach contents from coming up. Some babies also suffer from the milk protein commonly found in cow’s milk. A fast feeding process also makes the baby accumulate gas which affects their tummy.

However, anti-reflux bottles provide much-needed relief by preventing gas into the milk. Therefore, the right baby bottle will go a long way in preventing gas and acid reflux in babies.

Baby bottles reviews for acid reflux

There are some recommended bottles for acid reflux in babies that have been categorized as some of the best in the market:

• Dr. Brown’s original bottle

This is one of the best bottles for acid reflux in babies due to its patented vent system that maintains the milk’s oxidation process at a minimum. This prevents any loss of nutrients by preserving vitamins and lipids. The silicone nipple is best for alternating between the breast and nipple, enabling the flow of milk to pass through easily. Despite its complex cleaning process, this bottle is one of the best anti-reflux bottles.

• Playtex Baby VentAire bottle

This baby bottle is popular because of its ability to channel air at the back of the bottle. The angled design also helps in preventing acid reflux, and the variety of three nipple options is a welcome advantage and makes the transition from breast to bottle easier. These nipple options offer different flows depending on what your baby wants. For instance, the Y-cut Naturalatch nipple is designed for thick formulas, the breast-like nipple like the actual mother’s breast providing medium or high steady flows, and the petite flow for newborns which has a slow flow.

• Phillips Avent Anti-Colic baby bottles

These baby bottles are specially designed with a unique AirFree venting system that reduces the amount of gas that the baby takes into their tummy. This significantly reduces the amount of spitting and enables the baby to be comfortable after feeding. The bottle has a non-collapsible nipple and the parts are designed for a fast and easy washing process.

• Comotomo Baby bottle

This bottle had dual anti-colic vents which prevent the intake of air during feeding time. The design of this bottle is simple making it easy to wash and cleanout. The wide opening is convenient, and the nipples are naturally shaped making the transition from the breast easy. The material of the bottle is silicone offering a soft finish to both baby and mother.

Things to consider

Sometimes, the cause of acid reflux may be caused by baby formula. It is important to consult with your doctor if you suspect the baby formula is causing acid reflux in your child. Babies who frequently use formula tend to get acid reflux more times than those who breastfeed. The quick absorption of breast milk into the baby’s system makes it unlikely for acid reflux to occur. However, there are anti-reflux formulas available in the market.

It is best to place your child in an upright position while feeding to lessen the intake of air. If the baby’s suction is fast, ensure you take timely breaks in between.

The anti-reflux bottles need to be sterilized before first use. It is important to place them in boiling water before use.