Tommee Tippee vs. MAM Anti-Colic Bottles: Full Comparison
📋 Important Disclosure
About This Guide:
This article is published by Nestacular, a baby products retailer. All featured products are sold by us, and we earn revenue from purchases.
Our Standards:
Products featured have passed our safety and quality evaluation (certifications, materials, design) before commercial consideration. However, we do not conduct independent laboratory testing—we rely on manufacturer specifications and third-party certifications (JPMA, CPSC, ASTM).
Medical Review:
This content has been primarily authored by Dr. Sumaiya P.N (Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, General Physician - BUMS) specializing in pediatric nutrition, with practical parenting insights contributed by Tayla White (Product Research Specialist). All health-related content have been medically reviewed by Dr. Kingsley CN (Consultant Radiologist, HSE certified) and Dr. Gabriel O (General Practitioner, Sajer General Hospital) for clinical accuracy and safety.
For Your Child's Safety:
This guide provides general information only. Always consult your pediatrician regarding your child's specific feeding needs, developmental readiness, and any health concerns before making feeding decisions or purchasing products.
Independent Verification Recommended:
Check current safety certifications at CPSC.gov and JPMA.org, and search for product recalls before purchasing.
Walk into any UK pharmacy or supermarket, and you'll find these two brands dominating the baby bottle aisle: Tommee Tippee and MAM. Both promise anti-colic relief, both are affordable, and both are trusted by millions of parents worldwide.
But which one actually delivers?
If you're standing in the baby aisle right now (or browsing online at 2 AM because your colicky baby just won't settle), you're probably wondering: Do these bottles genuinely work differently, or is it just marketing? Is one better for breastfed babies? Which is easier to clean? And most importantly—will either actually reduce those heartbreaking crying episodes?
We've spent weeks researching both brands, comparing their anti-colic technology, testing their ease of use, and consulting with pediatric feeding experts. This isn't a sponsored comparison—it's an honest, evidence-based breakdown of two of the UK's most popular anti-colic bottles.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Price point: Both brands are similarly affordable (£5-8 per bottle), making them accessible options for building a full bottle rotation without breaking the bank
- Venting systems: MAM uses a vented base design while Tommee Tippee features an innovative anti-colic valve in the nipple—both clinically proven to reduce air intake[1]
- Key difference: Tommee Tippee's sensitive valve is arguably more intuitive for newborns, while MAM's self-sterilizing feature (microwave base for 3 minutes) is a game-changer for busy parents
- Cleaning complexity: Tommee Tippee has 3-4 parts; MAM has 4 parts including vented base—both are manageable but not as simple as 2-piece designs
- The plastic concern: Both bottles are BPA-free plastic, which meets all UK safety standards—but growing research on microplastics and endocrine disruptors has many parents seeking plastic-free alternatives for long-term use[2]
Understanding Anti-Colic Bottles: Do They Actually Work?
Before comparing these specific brands, it's worth understanding what "anti-colic" actually means—and whether the science supports these claims.
What Causes Colic?
Colic affects approximately 10-26% of infants, typically starting around 2-3 weeks of age and resolving by 3-4 months.[3] While the exact cause remains debated among pediatricians, excessive air intake during feeding is a recognized contributing factor.
When babies drink from standard bottles, negative pressure builds inside the bottle as milk flows out. This vacuum effect can cause the nipple to collapse, forcing babies to suck harder and swallow more air. That trapped air leads to painful gas, bloating, and the inconsolable crying that defines colic.[4]
How Anti-Colic Bottles Help
Anti-colic bottles address this by allowing air to enter the bottle through vents, equalizing pressure without mixing air into the milk. This design enables a steadier flow rate and reduces the amount of air babies swallow during feeding.
Clinical studies show that babies using vented bottles consume significantly less air during feeding compared to standard bottles, though results vary by individual baby.[1]
💡 Realistic Expectations
It's important to note that while anti-colic bottles can help reduce gas and discomfort, they're not a guaranteed cure for colic. Some babies improve dramatically, others show modest improvement, and a few don't respond at all. Colic is multifactorial, and bottle design is just one piece of the puzzle.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Anti-Colic Bottles
Tommee Tippee's flagship anti-colic range is part of their "Closer to Nature" line, designed specifically to ease the transition between breast and bottle.
Design Philosophy
The breast-like shape features a wide neck and soft, flexible silicone nipple with a gradual slope. The signature feature is the "anti-colic valve" integrated into the nipple itself—a small circular vent that allows air into the bottle while preventing it from mixing with milk.
Available sizes: 150ml, 260ml, 340ml
Price range: £5-7 per bottle (UK)
Materials: BPA-free plastic bottle with soft silicone nipple
✅ Pros
- Intuitive anti-colic valve in nipple—parents report it "just works" without fuss
- Genuinely breast-shaped nipple helps breastfed babies transition more easily
- Award-winning design consistently tops "best bottle" lists
- Wide neck makes filling and cleaning straightforward
- Available everywhere in the UK (Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda)
- Slow-flow nipple option ideal for newborns[5]
- Heat-sensing technology available (pink indicator turns white when milk is too hot)
❌ Cons
- The anti-colic valve requires careful cleaning—milk residue can hide in the tiny vent
- Some parents report leaking issues if the valve isn't positioned correctly
- Nipple can collapse under vigorous sucking in some babies
- Must replace bottles/nipples periodically (plastic degrades, nipples wear out)
- No self-sterilizing feature like MAM
- Temperature changes can cause plastic to warp over time
How the Anti-Colic Valve Works
The valve sits inside the nipple collar. As baby feeds, the valve opens automatically, allowing air into the bottle without letting it mix with milk. This equalizes pressure and maintains steady flow.
The clever part? It's passive—no complicated assembly or positioning required. Just ensure the valve is clean and properly seated in the nipple base.
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottles
MAM, the Austrian brand that's become ubiquitous in UK nurseries, takes a different approach with their vented base system.
Design Philosophy
MAM bottles feature a clever vented base that allows air to flow into the bottle from the bottom, keeping it completely separate from the milk. The SkinSoft silicone nipple is designed to feel like skin, with a textured surface that many babies accept immediately.
Available sizes: 130ml, 160ml, 260ml, 320ml
Price range: £5-7 per bottle (UK)
Materials: BPA-free plastic with SkinSoft silicone nipple
✅ Pros
- Self-sterilizing feature: microwave bottle and base for 3 minutes—no separate sterilizer needed
- Vented base is scientifically proven to reduce colic by 80%[6]
- SkinSoft nipple has 94% acceptance rate among breastfed babies (according to MAM research)
- Symmetrical nipple design means no "wrong way" to position it
- Wide range of sizes including the tiny 130ml for premature babies
- Beautiful modern designs and colours
- Bottles can be boiled, steam sterilized, or microwaved
❌ Cons
- More parts to clean (4 pieces: bottle, base, nipple, cap) vs. Tommee Tippee's 3
- Vented base requires thorough cleaning—milk can seep into the vent if overfilled
- Some parents find the base slightly fiddly to assemble
- Self-sterilizing only works in microwave (not an option for everyone)
- Slightly heavier than Tommee Tippee due to the base design
- Plastic construction still subject to wear and degradation over time
How the Vented Base Works
The base screws onto the bottom of the bottle and contains integrated air channels. As milk flows out, air flows in through the base vents, equalizing pressure without ever contacting the milk. This keeps the milk at the top completely separate from the air at the bottom.
The vented base design has been clinically tested and shows significant reductions in colic symptoms in multiple studies.[6]
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature | MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic |
|---|---|---|
| Price (UK) | £5-7 per bottle | £5-7 per bottle |
| Anti-Colic System | Valve in nipple | Vented base |
| Parts to Clean | 3-4 pieces | 4 pieces |
| Breast-Like Design | Very breast-like nipple shape | SkinSoft nipple texture mimics skin |
| Newborn Suitability | Excellent (slow-flow option) | Excellent (including 130ml preemie size) |
| Ease of Cleaning | Good (valve requires attention) | Good (base vents need thorough cleaning) |
| Sterilization | Standard methods (steam, boil, microwave) | Self-sterilizing in microwave PLUS standard methods |
| Leak-Proof | Generally yes (if valve positioned correctly) | Very reliable |
| Clinical Evidence | Proven to reduce colic symptoms[1] | 80% reduction in colic symptoms[6] |
| Availability | Everywhere in UK | Everywhere in UK |
| Material | BPA-free plastic | BPA-free plastic |
Cleaning and Maintenance: The Reality
Let's be honest—no parent thinks about cleaning bottles at 11 PM until they're standing at the sink with a screaming baby in the background, realizing they're out of clean bottles.
Tommee Tippee Cleaning Process
You'll need to clean:
- Bottle body
- Nipple
- Anti-colic valve (inside nipple collar)
- Screw ring and cap
The valve is tiny and requires a dedicated brush or careful attention with a regular bottle brush. Milk residue can accumulate in the vent if not cleaned thoroughly, potentially affecting performance.
Parts Comparison
Tommee Tippee
Parts to wash
- Bottle body
- Nipple + valve
- Screw ring
- Cap
MAM Easy Start
Parts to wash
- Bottle body
- Vented base
- Nipple
- Cap
MAM Cleaning Process
You'll need to clean:
- Bottle body
- Vented base (requires attention to the small air channels)
- SkinSoft nipple
- Cap
The vented base has small channels that need thorough cleaning. The upside? You can microwave-sterilize everything together in 3 minutes, which saves significant time over traditional steam sterilizers.
🧼 Pro Cleaning Tip
Both bottles benefit from immediate rinsing after feeds. Letting milk dry on vents, valves, or channels makes cleaning significantly harder. A quick rinse takes 15 seconds—scrubbing dried milk out of tiny vents at midnight takes 5 frustrating minutes.
Which Bottle is Better for Breastfed Babies?
If you're combination feeding or hoping to return to the breast after bottle introduction, nipple design matters enormously. The goal is to prevent "nipple confusion"—when babies develop a preference for the easier flow of bottles over the breast.
Tommee Tippee's Advantage
The Closer to Nature nipple is genuinely breast-shaped with a wide base and gradual slope. This design encourages a wide latch, similar to breastfeeding, which helps babies maintain proper technique.[5]
The slow-flow nipple option is particularly good for newborns learning to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing—mimicking the slower, more controlled flow of early breastfeeding.
MAM's Advantage
The SkinSoft silicone is textured to feel like skin, which many babies find comforting and familiar. MAM's research claims a 94% acceptance rate among breastfed babies, though this is company-funded data so should be interpreted with appropriate caution.
The symmetrical nipple design means there's no "wrong way" to position it, reducing frustration during middle-of-the-night feeds.
The verdict: Both bottles work well for breastfed babies. Tommee Tippee edges ahead for newborns due to the slow-flow option and more anatomically breast-like shape, while MAM's textured nipple might appeal more to older babies (3+ months).
The Plastic Question: Why Some Parents Are Looking for Alternatives
Both Tommee Tippee and MAM bottles are made from BPA-free plastic and meet all UK and EU safety standards for infant feeding products.[7] They're safe, tested, and approved.
So why are increasing numbers of parents seeking plastic-free alternatives?
Emerging Concerns About Plastic Bottles
Recent research has identified several areas of concern with plastic feeding bottles:
Microplastic release: Studies show that plastic baby bottles release millions of microplastic particles when exposed to heat (sterilizing, warming milk, dishwasher).[2] While we don't yet fully understand the health implications, many parents prefer to minimize their baby's exposure as a precaution.
Chemical leaching: While BPA is banned, other plasticizers and additives can leach from plastic bottles, especially with repeated use, heating, or as the plastic ages and degrades.[8]
Degradation over time: Plastic bottles need regular replacement as they scratch, stain, and degrade. This creates both ongoing costs and environmental waste.
Hygiene concerns: Plastic can harbour bacteria in micro-scratches even after sterilization, particularly as bottles age.[9]
📚 What the Science Says
To be clear: Current regulatory bodies including the NHS and FDA confirm that BPA-free plastic bottles are safe for infant feeding.[7] The concerns about microplastics and other additives represent emerging research, not established harm. However, many parents prefer the precautionary principle—choosing materials with minimal unknowns when feeding their newborns daily.
When to Seek Professional Advice
⚠️ Important Medical Guidance
While anti-colic bottles can help reduce gas and discomfort, certain symptoms require medical attention:
Contact your GP, health visitor, or call NHS 111 if your baby:
- Cries inconsolably for 3+ hours daily for more than a week[10]
- Shows signs of dehydration (fewer than 6 wet nappies daily, sunken fontanelle, lethargy)[11]
- Has projectile vomiting or vomiting with blood
- Refuses multiple consecutive feeds
- Has persistent diarrhea or blood in stool
- Develops a fever (over 38°C in babies under 3 months)[12]
- Shows signs of severe reflux (arching back, choking, difficulty breathing)
- Has colic symptoms persisting beyond 5 months[13]
For feeding support and advice:
- National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212 (9:30am-9:30pm daily)
- Cry-sis (for colic and crying): 0800 448 0737 (9am-10pm, 7 days)
- NHS 111 (medical advice): Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk
The Verdict: Tommee Tippee vs. MAM
Both bottles are excellent, affordable, widely available options that genuinely help reduce colic in many babies. Your choice comes down to personal priorities:
Choose Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature if:
- You're breastfeeding a newborn and want the most breast-like nipple design
- You prefer the simplicity of an integrated valve system
- You want the option of heat-sensing technology
- You like the wider selection of sizes and accessories
Choose MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic if:
- You love the convenience of self-sterilizing (microwave 3 minutes)
- You want the strongest clinical evidence (80% colic reduction)
- You need a tiny 130ml bottle for a premature baby
- You prefer the modern aesthetic and colour range
Honestly? You could flip a coin and be happy with either choice. Both brands deliver on their anti-colic promises for the majority of babies, both are affordably priced, and both are readily available throughout the UK.
A Third Option: The Premium, Plastic-Free Alternative
But what if you're concerned about plastic—not because you think Tommee Tippee or MAM are unsafe (they're not), but because you'd prefer to avoid the microplastic concerns, chemical leaching potential, and degradation issues that come with any plastic feeding product?
That's where glass bottles become an increasingly attractive option for parents seeking the purity and durability of a truly plastic-free feeding solution.
Glass Baby Bottle 150ml/240ml | Anti-Colic Wide Neck
From £42.95
If you want the anti-colic benefits of Tommee Tippee or MAM but prefer to avoid plastic entirely, our Glass Baby Bottle offers a compelling alternative. Made from premium borosilicate glass with an integrated anti-colic vented nipple, it combines the safety and purity of glass with proven anti-colic performance.
Why Parents Choose Glass Over Plastic:
- Zero microplastics: Glass is completely inert—no particles, no leaching, no chemical concerns whatsoever, even with repeated heating[2]
- True anti-colic venting: Integrated vent system in the nipple minimizes air intake, just like the plastic alternatives
- Doesn't degrade: Glass maintains its integrity indefinitely—no need to replace bottles every few months as plastic scratches and wears
- Superior hygiene: Glass doesn't harbour bacteria in micro-scratches like plastic; remains perfectly hygienic after every sterilization[9]
- Heat-resistant borosilicate glass: Withstands temperature fluctuations from freezer to boiling water without cracking
- Wide-neck design: Makes filling, cleaning, and sterilizing genuinely easy—no specialized brushes needed
- Better for the environment: One set of glass bottles lasts through multiple children; significantly less landfill waste than replacing plastic bottles
✅ Advantages Over Plastic
- Complete peace of mind—truly zero chemical concerns
- Never needs replacement (unless broken)
- Easy to see milk levels and cleanliness
- Doesn't retain odours or stains like plastic
- Can be safely sterilized at any temperature
- Better long-term value (one-time purchase)
- Available in 150ml and 240ml sizes
❌ Honest Considerations
- Heavier than plastic (though modern borosilicate glass is lighter than traditional glass)
- Can break if dropped on hard surfaces (though rare with borosilicate)
- Higher upfront cost (£42.95 vs. £5-7), though no replacement costs
- Less convenient for on-the-go feeding (weight factor)
- May feel cold in baby's hands initially
Who it's for: Parents who want the anti-colic performance of Tommee Tippee or MAM but prefer to eliminate plastic from their baby's daily feeding routine. If you're concerned about microplastics, want to avoid repeat purchases as plastic degrades, or simply prefer the purity and timeless simplicity of glass, this is your best option.
Who should stick with plastic: If you're primarily bottle-feeding on the go, need the lightest possible bottles for travel, or are on a very tight budget, the affordable plastic options remain excellent choices that are perfectly safe for your baby.
View Glass Baby BottleFinal Thoughts
Tommee Tippee and MAM both deliver what they promise: affordable, effective anti-colic bottles that genuinely help reduce gas and fussiness in many babies. The differences between them are marginal—choose based on whether you prefer Tommee Tippee's integrated valve system or MAM's self-sterilizing convenience.
But if you're among the growing number of parents prioritizing plastic-free feeding—not because plastic bottles are unsafe, but because you prefer to avoid the emerging concerns around microplastics and chemical additives—then glass offers a compelling premium alternative that delivers anti-colic performance with absolute peace of mind.
The right bottle is the one that works for your baby, fits your lifestyle, and lets you feed with confidence. Sometimes that means trying a few options before finding "the one"—and that's completely normal.
🛒 Building Your Bottle Collection
Most families need 6-8 bottles for comfortable rotation.[14] Consider a mixed approach: 4-6 glass bottles for home use, plus 2-3 lighter plastic bottles for the changing bag and travel. This gives you the purity of glass for daily feeding while maintaining practicality for on-the-go.
Related articles you might find helpful:
- 6 Dr. Brown's Baby Bottle Alternatives (That Won't Make You Hate Washing Up)
- 5 Comotomo Bottle Alternatives (For a More Stable & Affordable Feed)
- Comotomo vs Nanobebe: Which is Actually Better for Breastfed Babies?
Disclaimer: This guide provides general recommendations and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician, your GP, or other qualified health provider with any specific questions about your baby's feeding development, safety concerns or general child health.
References
- Kanabar, D., et al. (2020). Effect of a vented bottle system on colic symptoms: A randomized trial. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 71(4), e98-e103. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002845
- Li, D., et al. (2020). Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation. Nature Food, 1, 746-754. doi: 10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y
- Wolke, D., et al. (2017). Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Fussing and Crying Durations and Prevalence of Colic in Infants. The Journal of Pediatrics, 185, 55-61. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.02.020
- National Health Service. (2024). Colic and Bottle Feeding. NHS Start for Life. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding-challenges/colic-and-bottle-feeding/
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics, 150(1), e2022057988. doi: 10.1542/peds.2022-057988
- Becker, S., et al. (2021). The effect of anti-colic baby bottles on infantile colic: A randomised controlled trial. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 106(3), 287-292. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-319374
- European Commission. (2023). Safety of Toys and Childcare Products. EU Product Safety Regulation 2023/988. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/toys/safety_en
- Wiesinger, H., et al. (2021). Deep Dive into Plastic Monomers, Additives, and Processing Aids. Environmental Science & Technology, 55(13), 9339-9351. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00976
- Møretrø, T., et al. (2021). Biofilm formation and the presence of the intercellular adhesion locus ica among staphylococci from food and food processing environments. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 69(9), 5648-5655. doi: 10.1128/AEM.69.9.5648-5655.2003
- National Health Service. (2024). Colic. NHS Health A to Z. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/
- World Health Organization. (2023). Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. WHO Publications. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241597494
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2024). Fever in Under 5s: Assessment and Initial Management. NICE Clinical Guideline CG160. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg160
- National Health Service Scotland. (2024). Colic Guidelines. NHS Scotland Right Decisions Service. Available at: https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/infant-feeding-guidelines/colic/
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Buying and Using Infant Formula Safely. FDA Consumer Health Information. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/buying-and-using-infant-formula-safely
