Tommee Tippee vs Philips Avent: Which Bottle Is Better for Colic in 2026?

Choosing a baby bottle should be simple.

But somehow, it never is.

You’re standing in the shop – or scrolling online – and suddenly there are 37 options.

Each one promises less wind, less crying, better sleep.

And all you want is one thing: a calmer baby.

Two of the most popular bottles in both the UK and US are Tommee Tippee and Philips Avent.

Both are trusted by parents, both claim to reduce colic, and both have loyal fans who swear by them.

So how do you choose the right one for your baby?

And more importantly – which one makes your life as a parent easier?

In this post, I’ll walk you through this step by step.

I’ll cover how each bottle helps with colic, cleaning and sterilising, feeding style, price and availability, and even which one is easier for busy mums and dads to use.

By the end, you’ll know which bottle fits your routine and your baby’s needs – without the overwhelm.

Let’s dive in and figure this out together.

What is colic?

First things first – what exactly is colic?

Colic is a term parents hear a lot, but it can feel confusing.

Basically, colic happens when a baby’s tiny tummy gets upset.

This usually happens because they swallow too much air while drinking their milk.

That extra air can make their belly feel bloated and sore. It can give them gas, make their tummy ache, and leave them feeling grumpy, fussy, or crying for a long time – even if they’ve just eaten and aren’t hungry anymore.

It’s really important to know that colic isn’t your or baby’s fault.

And it’s definitely doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Some babies just have tummies that take a little longer to get used to milk and air in the first few months.

Some swallow air more easily, some drink faster, and some are still learning how to suck, swallow, and breathe all at the same time.

This is where the right bottle can make a big difference.

Anti colic bottles – like ones with vented tubes or special valves in the teat – help reduce the amount of air your baby swallows.

When babies swallow less air, they usually have less gas, fewer tummy aches, and feel calmer.

That means happier feeds and fewer tears for both you and your little one.

Now that we know what colic is and how bottles can help, let’s move on to the comparison and see which bottle might suit your baby best.

Step 1: How Each Bottle Reduces Colic

Finding the right bottle won’t fix everything magically, but speaking from a personal experience – even a tiny improvement can make a big difference.

Tommee Tippee: Vent for Comfort

Tommee Tippee bottles have a vented tube that moves air away from the milk.

This reduces bubbles and makes gassy, fussy tummies less likely.

Some bottles even have a heat-sensing straw that changes colour if the milk gets too hot – handy for night feeds when you’re half asleep!

The only downside?

There are more parts to wash and put together.

It can feel a little fiddly, but many parents – including me – think it’s worth it for calmer feeds.

Philips Avent: Simple and Efficient

Philips Avent bottles work differently.

A valve in the teat pushes air away from your baby’s tummy, and the system has fewer pieces overall.

That means cleaning and assembly are faster and simpler.

For parents juggling feeds, nappies, and everything else, Avent bottles save time, energy, and a little bit of sanity.

Winner: Philips Avent

Step 2: Cleaning & Sterilising

Feeding a baby means washing bottles… a lot.

The easier a bottle is to clean, the less mental load for you.

Tommee Tippee

Because of the vented tube system, Tommee Tippee bottles have more parts.

You’ll need to wash each piece carefully. It works well, but can feel fiddly when you’re tired.

Philips Avent

Philips Avent bottles have fewer parts, which makes cleaning much quicker.

Less time washing means more energy for cuddles – or a coffee break.

Winner: Philips Avent

Step 3: Feeding Style & Teat Shape

Your baby’s feeding style matters.

Are you breastfeeding and topping up?

Mixing formula and breast milk?

Or fully formula feeding?

The right teat can make those transitions easier.

Tommee Tippee: Breast-Like Comfort

The teats are soft and flexible, mimicking a breast.

Babies who switch between breast and bottle often adapt more easily.

Night feeds feel smoother, and combination feeding can be less stressful.

Philips Avent: Structured Flow

Avent teats are firmer.

Some babies take to them immediately, others need a few tries.

For full formula feeding or babies who like a consistent flow, Avent can work better.

Winner: Philips Avent for fully bottle-fed babies, Tommee Tippee for combination-fed babies

Remember, no bottle is perfect for every baby.

You might try one, then the other, and that’s completely normal.

Babies have their preferences, and you’re just figuring out what works best for your baby.

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Step 4: Price & Availability (UK & US)

Both bottles are easy to get in the UK and US.

Tommee Tippee

You can find them in UK supermarkets, Boots, and Amazon UK. In the US, check Amazon or Target.

Multi-packs save a bit of money, and replacement teats are easy to buy.

Philips Avent

Avent bottles are widely available too – in supermarkets, online stores, Amazon, and Target.

Pricing is similar to Tommee Tippee, with replacements easy to find.

Winner: Both

Step 5: Mental Load & Which Bottle Feels Easier

Choosing a bottle isn’t just about colic, it’s about your sanity.

Sleep deprivation, feeds, nappies, and endless baby stuff can make even small tasks feel huge.

Tommee Tippee

If you like a breast-like teat and don’t mind extra parts to clean, this one works well.

Night feeds can feel smoother, but remember the extra assembly.

Philips Avent

Simplicity is the big win here.

Fewer parts, faster cleaning, and less fiddling mean more time feeding and less stress.

For busy new parents, this bottle can save energy and patience.

Winner: Philips Avent

Sometimes, the best bottle isn’t the fanciest – it’s the one that makes your life easier.

Less stress, fewer mistakes, and calmer feeds make a real difference for both you and your baby.