There are many different feeding bottles out there in the market. But not all of them are recommended by doctors. The ones that are typically recommended include bottles with anti-colic features. Here is more to know about them and how to buy the best ones.

What are the anti-colic bottles?

Colic is no new terrain for parents of newborns, infants, or young ones. Babies often cry profusely for an extended time, and parents often find it difficult to soothe them. Such an attack of colic is often associated with the discomfort that the little one experiences after feeding. Gassiness and spit ups are common reasons why babies turn colicky. The chances of a baby sucking up air are higher when being bottle fed. Anti-colic bottles are designed to ease all these worries. Such doctor recommended baby bottle tackle the issues of too much air intake while feeding and ensure that your little one stays comfortable even after a meal.

How do they work?

Anti-colic bottles feature unique designs that reduce the amount of air that a baby takes in when feeding. This is typically done with the help of bottom vents, which draw air away from the milk as the baby feeds from the bottle. Some anti colic baby bottles are also designed to be formula mixers or blenders. Specially designed mixer bladed within these bottles mix formula and water using a swirling action so that it produces less foam and traps less air as opposed to mixing a bottle by hand. Both of these features help reduce the amount of air that passes into your baby’s tummy as he feeds from a bottle.

What factors should be considered when buying them?

Here’s a look at all that you need to pay attention to when buying a doctor recommended baby bottles.

● The age of your baby – how old your baby decided how much he needs to feed every time. Newborn or infants have to drink up very little milk every time they feed. However, they need to fill up their small tummies often. As a result, you may need to buy multiple bottles than clean up the bottle after every feed. Not only can the latter be tiresome, but it may cause the bottle to get worn out faster. This is especially true if you use only formula milk to feed your baby.

● Your baby’s feeding preferences – different babies like different kinds of nipples. This is basically determined by whether your baby is used to being breastfed or is being formula fed exclusively. The former, being used to natural nipples, will prefer shapes and contours that match yours. The latter may not have too much a preference as long as it fits his mouth comfortable and allows is to drink up milk comfortably. Along with the shape of the nipple, you also need to check the flow. Too much milk can cause your baby to choke or too little can upset him as he’s trying to satiate his hungry tummy. Typically slow flow nipples work best for infants. Those 3 months or older can use medium flow nipples, and babies 6 months can use fast flow nipples. Tiny tots aged 12 months or older can switch to sipping cups. It may take a couple of trials and errors before you actually find the right nipple for your baby. But once you do, feeding can be a breeze.

● Bottle quality – one of your primary concerns with bottle feeding should be about the quality of the bottle. Look for one that offers a sturdy yet comfortable grip, especially if your baby is going to be feeding all by himself. You can choose glass, steel, or plastic bottles. When choosing the latter, pick ones that are free of harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, and phthalates. Also, use high-quality silicone nipples for smooth and comfortable feeding.

● Other features – Apart from these basic considerations, you can also choose to buy bottles with added functionality. Like anti-colic bottles that double up as mixers. Many of them are handy, portable, and provide hands-free operation. This makes such bottles ideal for use even on the go. Certain mixers can also be used with breast milk, to blend in layers that separate when stored for a long time. So, in case you feed your baby breast and formula milk, this doctor recommended baby bottles are just right.