A GUIDE TO ANTI-COLIC BOTTLES

Today we will be discussing one of the most talked about condition of new born babies – Colic. Internationally, colic affects 10-30% of infants Worldwide¹. This condition is quite confusing for many parents if the signs and symptoms of colic in a baby are missed. Here, we will be going through the symptoms of a baby suffering from colic, why it happens, and how anti-colic bottles tackle this issue.

SYMPTOMS OF COLIC

A colic baby is defined as a baby which cries for 3 or more hours a day, 3 or more days a week or 3 or more days a month, without any apparent reason. It normally affects babies between 3 to 6 weeks of age. Here are some symptoms which can help you determine if you baby is suffering from colic:

High intensity crying which is more of an expression of pain
Crying for no apparent reason
Restlessness even when crying has subdued
Most episodes occur in the evening
Sudden reddening of the face or paleness around the mouth
Tense muscles such as stiffened legs, arms, clenched fists, arched back or a tense abdomen
Increased bowel activity, passing gas or spit up

The type of crying related to colic is usually louder, more intense and higher-pitched than normal crying – think of a baby screaming. A reduction of these symptoms may occur once the baby passes gas or has a bowel movement. Gas is likely caused by swallowed air during feeding or prolonged crying periods.

WHAT CAUSES COLIC?

While colic has been around since forever, it is not exactly clear what causes it. However, it is likely caused by a combination of factors:

Overstimulated senses
Hunger
Developing digestive system
Overfeeding
Acid reflux
Food allergies / sensitivity
Swallowed air during feeding

HOW DO ANTI-COLIC BOTTLES HELP?

Colic symptoms may arise from swallowed air during feeding as well as rushed feeding. Colicky babies have an added problem that they swallow air when they are continuously crying , which becomes a vicious cycle.

Anti-colic bottles have been invented to reduce colicky symptoms. This is done by reducing gas swallowed during feeding, lessen gas bubbles in the stomach, and slow down the feeding rate. Each anti-colic bottle has its own way to go about this. Common design features include:

Valve system to avoid creating a vacuum
Restricted nipple flow arrangements
Nipple design to prevent air flowing into the milk
Angled bottles
Internal vent to prevent air bubbling through the milk

Nursery Direct is proudly Malta’s official distributor of one of the bottle market’s most critically praised anti-colic brand – Dr. Brown’s.

Invented by Dr. Craig Brown in the 90’s, these bottles redefined feeding by creating an internal venting system that prevents air from coming in contact with the liquid. This helps prevent colic, spit-up, burping and gas –reducing or eliminating feeding problems for your baby, and stress and anxiety for you! Additionally, essential vitamins like A, C, and E are preserved because air never mixes with the milk.

While other bottle designs have emerged to address venting, Dr. Brown’s are the only bottles that are fully vented. This maximizes your baby’s ability to feed comfortably at their own pace.

In addition to the Original bottles, Dr. Brown’s recently introduced the Options bottle, which can be used with or without the internal venting system. You may find that removing the venting system simplifies things for you as your baby’s feeding becomes more developed.

With almost a third of newborn babies suffering from colic, we recommend that at least 1 anti-colic bottle is bought when preparing your hospital list. With multiple international awards and testimonials from mums worldwide, trust in Dr. Brown’s baby bottles – The #1 Pediatrician Recommended Baby Bottle.

Find Dr. Brown’s bottles at Nursery Direct, Triq il-Belt Valletta, Malta and other leading baby shops, pharmacies and supermarkets. Happy Feeding!