Top 5 Best Baby Bottles for Reflux
Short on time? We understand. Check out this quick overview of our favorite baby bottles for reflux.
- Dr. Brown’s Original Bottle
- Comotomo Baby Bottle
- Playtex Baby VentAire Bottle
- Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle
- MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle
What Are Baby Bottles Made For Made For Reflux (Are They Any Different)?
Colic or anti-reflux bottles have one or dual vent system that eliminates air. As the venting provides proper circulation of air, the level of bubbles inside the milk is minimized. The vent also allows extra slow feeding for your baby, thus she spits up less.
Bottles designed for colicky babies also have nipples that do not collapse easily. The nipple is designed to allow the air to escape and prevent pressure that makes the nipple collapse in the first place.
Does Bottle Feeding Make Reflux Worse For Your Baby?
There isn’t a definite answer to this question as both breastfed and bottle-fed babies suffer from acid reflux. Reflux can result from many factors such as an immature sphincter muscle, intolerance to cows’ milk protein, fast-flowing milk, allergies, and many more.
Read Also: How To Clean & Sanitize Baby Bottles (Simple Guide)
How To Soothe Your Baby With Reflux?
If you have a colicky baby, here are a few tips to soother her:
- Using an anti-colic bottle might help. The vent system that comes with these bottles prevents air bubbled from getting into the milk
- Choosing the right bottle with slow-flow nipples might help
- Choosing an anti-colic baby formula might also help as digestion is easier with these types
- Place your child in an upright position while bottle feeding in order to reduce the intake of air
- Make sure there is not a big space between the chin and chest
- Take short breaks during feedings if your baby’s suction is strong and fast
- Let your baby suck on your finger or a pacifier during the pause if he gets upset
- Burp your child often
- If you’re breastfeeding, feed her in a more upright position
- Make sure that your baby’s mouth latches on the nipple as it directly affects the sucking action
- Try to give her a warm bath
- White noise might help
- Make sure you sterilize your baby’s plastic bottles
- Put your baby’s bottles in boiling water or in the sterilizer before the first use
What About Formula For Your Baby With Reflux?
First of all, it is best to consult your doctor if you are suspicious that your baby is suffering from colic due to formula.
He or she will show you the best method of feeding your little one according to the unique symptoms she is showing. Treatment methods also change according to age and the severity of the case.
Read Also: Top 5 Best Baby Bottles To Buy Now (2020 Review)
Research has shown that, babies who are fed with formula experience more reflux symptoms compared to breastfed babies. The episodes also tend to last longer.
Breastmilk is digested twice as quickly as formula and leaves your baby’s tummy more quickly. In this respect, breastfeeding mothers are advised to continue even if their baby is colic.
Thickening formula with cereal or flour is also common among parents. These methods do not decrease reflux symptoms, either.
There are also “antireflux” formulas available on the market which contain rice starch for babies who use formula instead of breastmilk. It is entirely up to your baby’s physical condition whether these products decrease the symptoms of reflux or not.
Is It Safe For Babies To Have Reflux?
Most babies suffer from reflux, especially in the first months after birth. This results from an underdeveloped ring of muscle that is unable to block stomach contents.
Once your baby reaches 6 months, his digestive system is fully developed. After this time, if you detect yellow or green spit-up, weight loss, blood in the stool, irritation after eating, and other things that you feel are out of the ordinary, consult your physician.
