Feeding a baby with a tongue or lip tie can be overwhelming. From poor latch to gas and reflux, these conditions often cause distress for both baby and parent. Fortunately, choosing the right bottle can significantly improve your little one’s feeding experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
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What to look for in bottles for tongue-tied babies
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Expert tips and testimonials
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Side-by-side comparisons of the most effective bottles
Best Baby Bottles for Tongue and Lip Tied Babies
| 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 |
🏆 Top 5 Bottles for Tongue and Lip Tied Babies (Reviewed)
1. Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Options+
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Why it works: The internal vent system significantly reduces air intake—ideal for babies who struggle to coordinate swallowing and breathing.
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Nipple: Narrow, slow-flow; promotes better control during feeding.
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Pros: Proven anti-colic benefits; great for managing reflux.
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Cons: More parts to clean.
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Parent Review: “My son has a tongue tie and was constantly gassy. This was the first bottle that gave us relief. Totally worth the extra washing!” -Jenna, Mom of 2
2. Comotomo Baby Bottle
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Why it works: Its soft, silicone body allows parents to gently assist the milk flow, which is helpful for babies who tire quickly while feeding.
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Nipple: Wide and breast-like, encourages a natural latch.
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Pros: Easy to squeeze and clean; mimics breastfeeding.
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Cons: May not fit all bottle warmers.
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Parent Review: “We struggled with bottle rejection until we tried Comotomo. It’s a lifesaver for tongue-tied babies transitioning from the breast.” -Lindsey, First time mom
3. Philips Avent Natural Bottle
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Why it works: Its breast-shaped nipple and built-in anti-colic valve create a steady, slow flow ideal for babies with poor suction.
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Nipple: Wide, soft; supports easier latch.
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Pros: Simple to clean, great nipple design.
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Cons: Requires careful nipple alignment.
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Parent Review: “Our baby with lip tie took to this one easily. Less burping, less crying!” -Karly, mom of 3
4. MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic
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Why it works: Vented base keeps air out of the milk. Flat, symmetrical nipple is easier for babies with latch issues.
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Nipple: Flat, soft silicone; works well for shallow latchers.
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Pros: Self-sterilizing, reduces colic noticeably.
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Cons: Must be assembled correctly to avoid leaks.
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Parent Review: “The vent base really helps with gassy discomfort. Love the microwave sterilizing option too!” -Elizabeth, Mom of 2
5. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature
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Why it works: A wide, stretchy nipple made from soft silicone mimics the motion and shape of breastfeeding.
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Nipple: Flexible and slow-flow, encourages baby-led pace.
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Pros: Simple design, easy transition from breast to bottle.
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Cons: Not as leak-resistant as others.
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Parent Review: “This helped my baby maintain suction and stay calm. Highly recommend for tongue-tied babies!” -Jane, Mom of 1
👅 What Is Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)?
Tongue-tie is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (called the frenulum) is too tight or short. This limits tongue mobility and can interfere with your baby’s ability to latch, suck, and swallow efficiently. Lip-tie, a similar condition affecting the upper lip, can also lead to poor latch and feeding frustration.
Common signs include:
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Clicking noises while feeding
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Extended feeding sessions
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Poor weight gain
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Gassiness or excessive fussiness
While medical procedures like frenotomy are available, many babies can feed successfully with the right bottle and technique.
🌬️ How Bottles Can Help Tongue-Tied Babies
Choosing a bottle with a nipple shape that supports a deep latch and a controlled flow rate can be a game-changer for babies struggling with restricted tongue or lip motion.
Key benefits of specialized bottles:
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Reduce excess air intake (minimizing gas and reflux)
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Mimic the breast to encourage better latch
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Allow parents to manage milk flow
✅ Features to Look For in a Bottle
| Feature | Why It Matters | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Broad, Flat Nipple Base | Encourages a wider latch for limited tongue movement | Dr. Brown’s, Philips Avent Natural |
| Slow-Flow Nipple | Prevents choking and supports paced feeding | Tommee Tippee, Comotomo |
| Anti-Colic Vent System | Minimizes swallowed air, easing gassy tummies | MAM, Dr. Brown’s |
| Soft, Flexible Nipple | Improves comfort and adapts to baby’s mouth shape | Tommee Tippee, Comotomo |
| BPA-Free Materials | Ensures safety, especially with frequent sterilization | All bottles listed |
| Easy to Clean | Essential due to added parts in anti-colic systems | Comotomo, Philips Avent |
🧠 Feeding Tips for Tongue-Tied Babies
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Use a semi-upright position to reduce choking risk and control milk flow.
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Try paced bottle feeding: Tilt the bottle only slightly so baby works at their own pace.
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Watch for signs of stress, like clicking, arching, or pushing the bottle away—these can signal a need to pause or reposition.
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Burp often: Every 1–2 ounces, especially with tongue/lip-tied babies who may swallow more air.
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Consult a lactation consultant if issues persist. They can recommend exercises or strategies to help your baby feed more efficiently.
Feeding a tongue- or lip-tied baby may require more patience and experimentation, but the right bottle can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with latch struggles, reflux, or gas, choosing a bottle with a soft, slow-flow nipple and effective venting system can turn feeding time into a calmer, more nurturing experience.
🔁 Pro Tip: Start with a single bottle from 2–3 top brands and see which one your baby responds to best before investing in full sets.
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