Best Bottle for Tongue-Tied Newborns

July 18, 2025

Feeding a newborn is a bonding experience—but when your baby has a tongue tie, it can quickly become challenging and stressful. A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is unusually short or tight, limiting movement. This restriction often affects breastfeeding and bottle feeding, leading to latching difficulties, poor milk transfer, and increased air intake.

The good news? The right baby bottle can make a world of difference for your little one. In this guide, we’ll break down how to find the best bottle for tongue-tied newborns and what features to prioritize for a more comfortable, effective feeding experience.

Best 5 Bottles for Tongue-Tied Newborns

Best Anti-Colic Bottle to Reduce Reflux: Dr. Brown’s Options+
Best Anti-colic bottle for latch issues: Comotomo Baby Bottles
Best baby bottle for improving latch in tongue-tied babies: MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic
Best breastfeeding bottle for tongue-tied babies: Philips Avent Natural Response
Best baby bottle for oral restrictions: Evenflo Balance+

Bottle Name	Key Features	Flow Type	Best For	Price Range
Dr. Brown’s Options+	Internal vent system to reduce gas; multiple nipple stages from Preemie to Y-Cut	Slow to Y-Cut	Colic relief and reflux-prone newborns	$6–$9
Comotomo Baby Bottle	Soft, breast-like silicone nipple and squeezable bottle; great for latch support	Slow Flow	Breastfed babies transitioning to bottle	$11–$14
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic	Orthodontic nipple with vented base; self-sterilizing design	Extra Slow to Fast Flow	Babies with reflux, gas, or shallow latch	$6–$10
Philips Avent Natural Response	AirFree vent to keep nipple full of milk; mimics breastfeeding flow	Natural Response (baby-controlled)	Breastfeeding and combo-feeding babies	$7–$10
Evenflo Balance+ Bottle	Sloped slow-flow nipple developed by feeding specialists; wide neck	Slow Flow	Oral development and strong suck reflex	$5–$7

🍼 1. Dr. Brown’s Options+ (Narrow & Wide-Neck)

Best For: Colic relief and reflux-prone tongue-tied newborns
Price Range: $6–$9
Material: BPA-free plastic or glass
Sizes Available: 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz

Key Features:

Internal vent system reduces air bubbles and pressure inside the bottle.
Comes in both narrow and wide-neck designs.
Multiple nipple flow stages, including Preemie, Level 1–4, and Y-Cut for thicker feeds.

👩‍👦‍👦 Real Parent Review:

“My son was born with a tongue tie and suffered terrible gas from other bottles. Once we switched to Dr. Brown’s, the difference was night and day—less spit-up, no more screaming after feeds.” — Jessica, mom of 2

✅ Pros:

Excellent at reducing colic and gas
Ideal for NICU/preemie use
Wide range of nipple flow options for growing babies

❌ Cons:

Multiple parts to clean
Can leak if not assembled correctly

🍼 2. Comotomo Baby Bottle

Best For: Breastfed babies transitioning to bottle
Price Range: $11–$14
Material: 100% medical-grade silicone (BPA-free)
Sizes Available: 5 oz and 8 oz

Key Features:

Ultra-soft, breast-like silicone nipple encourages natural latching.
Squeezable silicone body mimics skin-to-skin feel.
Dual anti-colic vents help prevent gas buildup.

👩‍👧 Real Parent Review:

“My daughter refused every bottle until we tried Comotomo. The wide base and soft nipple made her feel like she was still breastfeeding. It’s our go-to now!” — Ashley, first-time mom

✅ Pros:

Closest feel to breastfeeding
Easy for baby to hold
Very easy to clean with wide neck

❌ Cons:

Pricier than other bottles
May collapse if baby has a strong suck

🍼 3. MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle

Best For: Babies with reflux, gas, or shallow latch
Price Range: $6–$10
Material: BPA/BPS-free plastic
Sizes Available: 5 oz, 9 oz, 11 oz

Key Features:

Orthodontic nipple supports oral development.
Vented base reduces air intake and helps prevent colic.
Self-sterilizing in microwave for easy travel and cleaning.

👨‍👦 Real Parent Review:

“We had tried everything for my son’s reflux, and MAM bottles really helped. He latched easier and seemed much more comfortable after feeds.” — David, new dad

✅ Pros:

Comes with multiple nipple flow options
Affordable and widely available
Great for sterilizing on the go

❌ Cons:

Printed measurements can fade over time
Vented base requires extra cleaning attention

🍼 4. Philips Avent Natural Response Bottle

Best For: Breastfeeding and combo-feeding babies
Price Range: $7–$10
Material: BPA-free plastic
Sizes Available: 4 oz, 9 oz, 11 oz

Key Features:

Natural Response nipple only releases milk when baby actively sucks.
AirFree vent keeps the nipple full of milk, not air.
Wide neck for easy cleaning and filling.

👩‍👦‍👦 Real Parent Review:

“My baby had a mild tongue tie and struggled with bottle flow. The Avent Natural Response allowed him to control how fast the milk came—less choking, less frustration.” — Rachel, mom of twins

✅ Pros:

Great for switching between breast and bottle
Minimizes air intake and spit-up
Baby controls the flow like breastfeeding

❌ Cons:

Some users find nipple too firm
Nipple may collapse if bottle isn’t angled correctly

🍼 5. Evenflo Balance+ Bottle

Best For: Oral development and strong suck reflex
Price Range: $5–$7
Material: BPA-free plastic
Sizes Available: 4 oz and 8 oz

Key Features:

Developed with pediatric feeding specialists to support oral motor skills.
Sloped, slow-flow nipple encourages a proper latch.
Integrated vent system reduces air bubbles and feeding fatigue.

👶 Real Parent Review:

“My baby had a strong suck and kept choking with other bottles. Evenflo Balance+ slowed him down and made a big difference in how calm our feeds are now.” — Michelle, NICU mom

✅ Pros:

Clinician-recommended design
Budget-friendly and easy to find
Lightweight and ergonomic for smaller hands

❌ Cons:

Fewer flow levels compared to other brands
Limited design options

🍼 What to Look for in a Bottle for Tongue-Tied Newborns

1. Anti-Colic Vent Systems

Tongue-tied babies tend to swallow more air due to an improper latch or weak suction. This can result in painful gas, bloating, or colic-like symptoms. Look for bottles with built-in anti-colic features, such as internal venting systems or air-reduction valves, which reduce air bubbles and support smoother milk flow.

Recommended Option: Dr. Brown’s Options+ is highly rated for its internal vent system and is frequently recommended by pediatricians for newborns with feeding issues.

2. Slow-Flow Nipples

A slow-flow nipple helps babies control milk intake, especially if they struggle with coordination between sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Fast-flow nipples may overwhelm a tongue-tied baby, causing coughing, gagging, or milk dribbling.

Parent Tip: Look for nipples labeled “Preemie,” “Level 1,” or “Extra Slow Flow” for the best feeding control.

3. Wide-Neck Bottle Designs

Wide-neck bottles mimic the natural shape of the breast and can support a deeper, more stable latch. This is especially beneficial for tongue-tied newborns who need more surface contact to latch securely.

Why It Matters: Better latch = less air intake and more effective milk transfer.

4. Orthodontic and Nipple-Shape Variations

Some bottles feature orthodontic nipples or nipples designed with a specific shape to encourage natural oral positioning. These can help support the tongue’s range of motion and jaw development—two areas often affected by a tongue tie.

Try This: MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic offers orthodontic nipple shapes with a soft silicone texture that’s gentle for sensitive babies.

5. Latching-Support Bottles

Certain bottles are specifically labeled as “latching bottles”, which means they’re designed to help babies form a proper, deeper latch. These often have textured or ultra-soft nipples that promote better suction, making feeding easier for babies with limited tongue mobility.

Great Pick: Comotomo Baby Bottles are popular among breastfeeding parents transitioning to bottle feeding due to their soft, breast-like design.

6. Nipple Material: Silicone vs. Latex

Babies with oral sensitivities may respond differently to nipple materials. Silicone nipples are firmer and longer-lasting, while latex nipples are softer and more flexible. Trying both can help identify which one your baby prefers.

Parent Insight: Some tongue-tied babies find the extra softness of latex easier to manipulate.

7. Consult a Lactation Consultant or Pediatrician

Before investing in several bottles, consult with a lactation consultant or pediatric feeding specialist. They can evaluate your baby’s specific condition and guide you toward the most suitable bottle and feeding techniques.

Pro Insight: In some cases, a frenotomy (tongue-tie release) may be recommended to improve oral function.

8. Use Breastfeeding-Friendly Bottles (If You’re Combining)

For parents who are combining breast and bottle feeding, choose a breastfeeding-friendly bottle with a flexible nipple and gradual milk flow. These designs help reduce nipple confusion and ease the transition between breast and bottle.

Example: Philips Avent Natural Response bottles are designed to release milk only when the baby actively sucks—just like breastfeeding.

9. Consider Bottle Size for Feeding Duration

Babies with tongue-tie may take longer to feed due to weaker suction. Using a larger capacity bottle (e.g., 8 oz vs. 4 oz) ensures your baby gets enough nourishment in one sitting without constant refills or interruptions.

Tip: Look for bottles with measurement markings that are easy to read and won’t fade with washing.

10. Let Baby Guide the Choice

Ultimately, your baby’s comfort and feeding behavior will tell you which bottle works best. Signs that a bottle is a good fit include:

Less fussiness during and after feeds
Easier latching
Efficient milk transfer
Reduced gassiness and spit-up

Be prepared to experiment with different bottles and nipple flows to discover what suits your baby’s needs best.

What Is the Best Bottle for a Tongue-Tied Newborn?

The best bottle for a tongue-tied newborn offers a combination of slow-flow control, anti-colic technology, and a shape that encourages a deeper latch. Top parent-approved brands include:

Dr. Brown’s Options+ for reflux and colic
Comotomo Baby Bottles for breast-like softness and latch support
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic for orthodontic nipple options
Philips Avent Natural Response for breastfed babies needing control
Evenflo Balance+ for promoting proper oral development

When feeding a tongue-tied newborn, comfort, flow control, and latch support are key. The bottles listed above are highly rated by parents and experts alike for their role in reducing gas, supporting oral development, and making feeding easier for babies with restricted tongue movement.

💡 Pro Tip: It may take a few tries to find the perfect bottle for your baby. Always observe feeding cues and consult a pediatrician or lactation consultant if feeding issues continue.

Each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. With patience, guidance, and observation, you’ll find the bottle that brings more comfort—and fewer tears—to every feeding session.