Choosing the right baby bottle can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. Should you go with glass, plastic, or silicone? Which size is best for your little one? And how many bottles will you really need? These are just a few of the questions that many parents face—especially those navigating the challenges of feeding a tongue-tied baby or dealing with colic.
Whether you’re planning to bottle-feed exclusively, supplement breastfeeding, or simply want to be prepared, it’s important to know that your baby’s needs—and preferences—will ultimately guide your decision.
The Best Baby Bottles for Tongue-Tied Babies and Colic Relief
| Brand & Bottle Model | Key Features | Benefits for Tongue-Tied Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Bottles | – Internal venting system – Slow-flow, narrow nipple |
– Prevents air intake, reducing colic and gas – Slow flow supports better latch and control |
| Comotomo Baby Bottles | – Wide nipple base – Soft, squeezable body – Dual anti-colic vent |
– Natural latch from breast-like nipple – Parents can assist milk flow – Reduced air intake |
| Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle | – Wide, breast-shaped nipple – Integrated anti-colic valve – Easy to clean and assemble |
– Easier latch – Prevents air ingestion – Convenient for busy parents |
| MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottles | – Vented base – Soft, flat-shaped nipple – Self-sterilizing feature |
– Reduces colic and discomfort – Easier latch – Simple sterilization process |
| Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles | – Broad, breast-like nipple – Soft silicone – Anti-colic valve – Ergonomic design |
– Smooth transition from breast – Reduces gas – Easy to hold for baby and parent |
🔑 Key Recommendations:
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Best Bottle for Severe Colic & Gas: Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Options+
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Best Bottle for Breastfed Babies: Comotomo Baby Bottle
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Easiest to Clean: Philips Avent Natural
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Most Travel-Friendly Bottle: MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic
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Budget-Friendly Pick: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature
1. Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Options+ Bottles
Key Features:
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Internal venting system to reduce air bubbles
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Narrow, slow-flow nipple
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Advanced anti-colic design
Material: BPA-free Plastic & Glass Options
Available Sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz
Why It’s Great for Tongue-Tied Babies:
This bottle is known for minimizing air intake, which helps reduce gas, spit-up, and colic. The slow-flow nipple also encourages better tongue control during feeding.
Pros:
✔ Recommended by lactation consultants
✔ Excellent for babies with colic or reflux
✔ Ideal for paced feeding
Cons:
✘ Has multiple parts to clean
✘ Some babies may need time to adjust to the narrow nipple
Parent Feedback:
⭐ “Helped my baby with severe tongue-tie and reflux.”
⭐ “Cleaning can take longer, but it’s worth the results.”
2. Comotomo Baby Bottle
Key Features:
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Soft, squeezable silicone body
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Wide, breast-like nipple
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Dual anti-colic vents
Material: Silicone (BPA-free, Phthalate-free)
Available Sizes: 5 oz, 8 oz
Why It’s Great for Tongue-Tied Babies:
This bottle closely mimics breastfeeding, making it easier for tongue-tied babies to latch. Parents can also gently squeeze the bottle to assist with milk flow if needed.
Pros:
✔ Simple to clean
✔ Great for breastfed babies transitioning to bottles
✔ Comfortable for self-feeding
Cons:
✘ Pricier than most other bottles
✘ Can leak if not sealed correctly
Parent Feedback:
⭐ “The soft body and wide nipple worked wonders for my tongue-tied baby.”
⭐ “A bit tricky to screw the cap on tightly, but overall a great bottle.”
3. Philips Avent Natural Bottle
Key Features:
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Wide, breast-shaped nipple for easy latch
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Built-in anti-colic valve
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Simple design, easy to assemble and clean
Material: BPA-free Plastic & Glass Options
Available Sizes: 4 oz, 9 oz, 11 oz
Why It’s Great for Tongue-Tied Babies:
This bottle promotes a natural latch and reduces the chance of swallowing air during feeds, making it ideal for babies with latching difficulties or tongue ties.
Pros:
✔ Easy to clean
✔ Works well for breast-to-bottle transitions
✔ Compatible with other Avent products
Cons:
✘ Flow may be too fast for some newborns
✘ Nipple may collapse occasionally
Parent Feedback:
⭐ “Easy to clean and helped my baby with latching issues.”
⭐ “Perfect shape for babies learning to bottle-feed after tongue-tie procedure.”
4. MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle
Key Features:
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Vented base to prevent air swallowing
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Soft, flat-shaped nipple for easier latching
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Self-sterilizing in the microwave
Material: BPA-free Plastic
Available Sizes: 5 oz, 9 oz, 11 oz
Why It’s Great for Tongue-Tied Babies:
This bottle is excellent for babies with tongue restrictions or latching issues, thanks to its soft nipple and vented base, which helps reduce colic and gas discomfort.
Pros:
✔ Ideal for newborns with feeding challenges
✔ Very gentle nipple
✔ Built-in sterilization feature for travel convenience
Cons:
✘ Has several parts to clean
✘ Some parents reported leaks if not assembled properly
Parent Feedback:
⭐ “Perfect for our baby after tongue-tie release.”
⭐ “A lifesaver for soothing gas and colic!”
5. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle
Key Features:
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Broad, soft silicone nipple for a breast-like feel
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Built-in anti-colic valve
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Ergonomic, easy-to-hold design
Material: BPA-free Plastic
Available Sizes: 5 oz, 9 oz, 11 oz
Why It’s Great for Tongue-Tied Babies:
Its soft silicone nipple helps ease the transition between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. The anti-colic valve prevents air bubbles, reducing gassiness and spit-up.
Pros:
✔ Affordable and easy to find in stores
✔ Widely accepted by babies
✔ Easy for both baby and parent to hold
Cons:
✘ Nipple may collapse during use
✘ Valve may require extra attention during cleaning
Parent Feedback:
⭐ “My baby took to this bottle right after tongue-tie surgery.”
⭐ “Great for colicky feeds, but the nipple sometimes collapses.”
Every baby is unique, especially when dealing with feeding challenges like tongue-tie or reflux. While all of these bottles offer thoughtful designs for easier latching and anti-colic relief, the best choice depends on your baby’s specific needs and preferences.
✅ Pro Tip:
When introducing a bottle to a tongue-tied baby, always start with a slow-flow nipple and take your time experimenting with different shapes and flow rates.
Why Bottle Choice Matters for Tongue-Tied Babies
Babies with tongue-ties or lip-ties often struggle with latching and coordinating their sucking motions. The right bottle can make a huge difference in easing feeding difficulties by providing a slow, controlled milk flow and a nipple shape that encourages a deeper latch.
Many parents of tongue-tied babies find success with anti-colic bottles designed to minimize air intake. These bottles often include special venting systems that help prevent gas, spit-up, and discomfort, allowing your baby to feed more easily.
Tried and Trusted: Bottles That Work
After reviewing countless bottles, consulting with pediatricians, and hearing from parents who’ve been through it all, it’s clear that bottle feeding is highly personal—especially for babies with oral restrictions or sensitive tummies.
Two bottles consistently stand out for tongue-tied babies and colic relief:
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Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic Bottles (Plastic): These bottles are a favorite among parents dealing with colic or feeding challenges. They feature a unique internal venting system that reduces air bubbles, which can be especially helpful for tongue-tied babies who are prone to swallowing air during feeds.
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Philips Avent Glass Natural Bottles: Ideal for parents who prefer glass, these bottles come with wide, breast-shaped nipples that help encourage a proper latch while also incorporating anti-colic technology to reduce gas and fussiness.
Other Top Choices for Feeding Support
Beyond these top picks, there are plenty of other bottles that cater to different needs. Some are made of soft silicone to mimic the feel of breastfeeding, while others are specifically designed to ease the transition from breast to bottle.
If your baby struggles with gas or fussiness, you’ll want to explore bottles with anti-colic vents, slow-flow nipples, and designs that reduce the amount of air swallowed during feeding.
Trial and Error is Normal
Whether you’re starting your feeding journey or working through a bottle refusal phase, finding the right bottle for your tongue-tied or colicky baby may take some experimenting.
Keep in mind that every baby is unique—what works perfectly for one might not suit another. Testing different shapes, nipple flows, and venting systems is part of the process, but once you find the right match, feeding can become a much smoother experience for both of you.
Types of Baby Bottles for Tongue-Tied and Colicky Babies
When selecting a baby bottle—especially for babies with tongue-ties or prone to colic—it’s important to know the different materials available. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, particularly when combined with anti-colic designs and slow-flow nipples.
Glass Baby Bottles
Benefits:
Glass bottles are naturally resistant to stains and odors, making them long-lasting. They handle extreme temperatures well, allowing them to move from fridge to warm water without damage. Many glass bottles are dishwasher safe, and their simple designs often mean fewer pieces to clean.
Drawbacks:
They are heavier than other options, making them harder for babies (and sometimes parents) to hold for long feeding sessions. Though many are made to be shatter-resistant, they’re not completely break-proof. Glass bottles can also be more expensive and are less common compared to plastic options.
Plastic Baby Bottles
Benefits:
Plastic bottles are lightweight, affordable, and widely available. They’re less likely to break if dropped and are easier for babies to grip during feeds. Many parents appreciate the variety of sizes, shapes, and designs available in plastic.
Drawbacks:
Even though most plastic bottles are now BPA-free, some parents still feel cautious about plastics, especially when bottles are heated. It’s best to avoid microwaving plastic bottles or running them through hot dishwasher cycles. Additionally, some models have multiple parts, which can make cleaning time-consuming.
Silicone Baby Bottles
Benefits:
Silicone bottles are soft, flexible, and most similar to the feel of a breast, which may comfort babies who are transitioning between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. They’re durable, dishwasher-safe, and often simpler to clean due to their minimal parts.
Drawbacks:
Silicone bottles tend to cost more, and there aren’t as many choices available. They can also absorb odors over time and might discolor with frequent use. Some concerns remain about how silicone behaves under extremely high temperatures.
Choosing Bottles for Tongue-Tied Babies: What Matters Most
Why Slow-Flow Nipples Are Crucial
For babies with tongue-tie, a slow-flow nipple can help regulate the pace of feeding. These nipples let milk flow slowly, preventing babies from choking or struggling during feeds. They also encourage better sucking coordination and minimize air swallowing—a major plus for colicky babies.
Nipple Shape and Flow: A Key Consideration
Nipples come in various shapes and flow rates, both of which can impact your baby’s feeding success. Experts recommend always beginning with the slowest flow available to avoid overwhelming newborns or babies with oral restrictions.
Look for nipples with a tapered or gradually sloped design that allows a deeper latch, helping babies with tongue-ties manage feeds more comfortably. Be mindful of nipple length, as overly long nipples may trigger a gag reflex in some infants.
When to Switch Nipple Flows
Flow rate—not just bottle size—is critical to a successful feeding experience.
Signs Baby Might Need a Faster Flow:
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Feeds lasting longer than 30 minutes
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Baby frequently unlatches or seems frustrated
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Nipple collapsing during feeding
Signs Baby Might Need a Slower Flow:
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Finishing a bottle in less than five minutes
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Coughing, choking, or leaking milk during feeds
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Signs of distress, such as watery eyes or clicking noises
Additional Features to Look For:
When purchasing bottles—especially for tongue-tied or colicky babies—consider the following:
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Ease of Cleaning: Bottles with fewer parts are easier to clean, which is especially important for tired parents.
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Ease of Assembly: Choose bottles that are simple to take apart and reassemble.
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Stability: A bottle that stands firmly when full can prevent spills and make feeding smoother.
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Baby’s Personal Preference: Every baby has their own likes and dislikes. Trying a bottle sampler set can help you find the right fit without buying too many bottles upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Bottles
When Should You Start Using Bottles?
Bottles are typically introduced when breastfeeding isn’t possible, or when parents need to supplement with formula or expressed milk.
How Do I Introduce a Bottle to My Breastfed Baby?
Start with a slow-flow nipple to mimic breastfeeding. Offer the bottle when your baby is calm, and try different nipple shapes if necessary.
How Many Bottles Will I Need?
Most families start with at least 4 to 6 bottles, but the number may vary depending on feeding frequency.
What Bottle Sizes Are Available?
Bottles generally range from 4 oz for newborns to 9 oz or more for older babies or larger feeds.
What Nipple Size Does My Baby Need?
Always begin with slow-flow nipples—especially for newborns or babies with feeding difficulties—and gradually adjust the flow as your baby grows and becomes a stronger feeder.
✅ Final Tip:
For tongue-tied or colicky babies, your best bet is a bottle with:
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A slow-flow nipple
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A venting or anti-colic system
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A nipple shape that supports a deep latch
Experimenting with a few different options may be necessary—but once you find the right combination, feeding becomes easier for both you and your baby.