Baby Blogs, Feeding
MAM vs Dr Browns – Which is Better For Colic?
Sep
Feeding time is one of the most important bonding moments between parents and their babies, but it can also be a time of discomfort if your baby experiences colic or excessive gas. Colic can cause babies to cry for extended periods, leading many parents to explore different bottle options to ease their baby’s discomfort. Anti-colic bottles, designed to reduce the amount of air a baby swallows during feedings, have become a popular choice. In this blog, we’ll compare regular bottles with anti-colic bottles, focusing on two leading brands: Dr. Brown’s and MAM, with a deep dive into why MAM is a preferred choice for many parents.
Why Babies May Need an Anti-Colic Bottle
Air swallowing during feedings is one of the leading causes of colic, gas, and discomfort in babies. Regular bottles often do not have mechanisms to regulate air intake, leading to symptoms such as:
- Frequent burping and gas.
- Spit-up or reflux.
- Crying or fussiness during and after feedings.
- Bloating and discomfort.
Anti-colic bottles are specifically designed to address these issues by reducing the amount of air babies swallow while feeding. These bottles feature specialized venting systems that allow air to escape, so it doesn’t mix with the milk or formula. As a result, babies experience less gas and colic, making feeding more comfortable.
Regular Bottles: Traditional Feeding Options
Regular baby bottles consist of a simple design: a bottle with a nipple attached for the baby to suck through. While this design works for many babies, it does not provide any mechanism for air reduction, which can contribute to gas and discomfort in some infants. Regular bottles may be fine for babies who don’t have any issues with gas or reflux, but for those prone to colic, a different option may be necessary.
Anti-Colic Bottles: A Game-Changer for Feeding Comfort
Anti-colic bottles use vent systems or valves to separate air from the milk or formula, minimizing the amount of air the baby swallows. This helps prevent common feeding problems like gas, burping, and fussiness.
Two of the most popular anti-colic bottle brands are Dr. Brown’s and MAM.
Dr. Brown’s Bottles: The Popular Choice with Proven Results
Dr. Brown’s anti-colic bottles are among the most well-known, featuring an internal vent system that eliminates air bubbles in the milk. This innovative design helps prevent air from being swallowed by the baby, reducing gas, spit-up, and colic symptoms.
Benefits of Dr. Brown’s Bottles:
- Internal Vent System: The fully vented design helps maintain the flow of milk without creating air bubbles.
- Clinically Proven: Research has shown that babies fed with Dr. Brown’s bottles have less colic and spit-up than babies fed with regular bottles. In fact, studies indicate a 20% reduction in colic symptoms when using these bottles.
- Preservation of Nutrients: The vent system also helps preserve vitamins like C, A, and E, which can be lost when formula or milk is exposed to air bubbles.
While Dr. Brown’s bottles are effective, they can be more challenging to clean due to their multi-part vent system, which some parents find cumbersome.
MAM Bottles: The Go-To Choice for Anti-Colic Solutions
MAM anti-colic bottles have quickly become a favorite among parents for their ease of use, self-sterilizing feature, and effective venting design. What sets MAM apart is its innovative bottom-vented design, which draws air out through the base of the bottle, keeping the milk or formula air-free.
Benefits of MAM Bottles:
- Bottom Vent System: The vent at the base of the bottle ensures air flows through the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the milk and reducing gas, colic, and burping.
- Self-Sterilizing Feature: MAM bottles are designed to be microwave-sterilized in just a few minutes, making them incredibly convenient for busy parents.
- Easy to Clean: Unlike Dr. Brown’s, MAM bottles are easier to clean because they have fewer parts while still providing superior anti-colic benefits.
- Clinically Proven: Studies show that 80% of mothers reported a reduction in colic symptoms after switching to MAM anti-colic bottles. Babies fed with these bottles experience significantly less discomfort, with improved feeding and less fussiness overall.
Why MAM is the Preferred Choice
While both Dr. Brown’s and MAM bottles have their merits, MAM stands out as the go-to choice for many parents, thanks to its unique design and ease of use. The 80% reduction in colic symptoms reported by parents is a significant testament to its effectiveness. Additionally, the MAM bottle’s self-sterilizing feature is a major convenience, and its bottom vent system ensures that babies are swallowing minimal air during feedings.
Research and Statistics Supporting MAM Bottles
- In a study of infants experiencing colic symptoms, 80% of mothers reported that their babies had less colic and discomfort after using MAM anti-colic bottles.
- MAM’s bottom vent technology has been shown to improve feeding performance, allowing babies to feed more comfortably and efficiently without taking in air, which can cause reflux and gas.
Conclusion: MAM vs. Dr. Brown’s
Both MAM and Dr. Brown’s are excellent choices for parents looking to reduce colic, gas, and discomfort during feedings. Dr. Brown’s bottles are known for their patented internal vent system, which effectively prevents air bubbles from forming in the milk. However, they can be difficult to clean and assemble due to the multiple parts.
On the other hand, MAM bottles offer similar anti-colic benefits with the added convenience of fewer parts and a self-sterilizing design. Many parents also find that the bottom venting system is more effective in reducing gas and fussiness, making MAM a favorite among anti-colic bottles.
If your baby is showing signs of colic, gas, or feeding discomfort, switching to an anti-colic bottle like MAM could make a world of difference. With its combination of innovative design, ease of cleaning, and proven reduction in colic symptoms, MAM stands out as the go-to choice for many parents looking to improve their baby’s feeding experience.
