Our honest review of the MAM Anti-Colic Bottles
Choosing baby bottles can feel far more complicated than it should. There are different teat shapes, vent systems, sizes and cleaning methods, all promising to make feeds calmer. The MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic bottles caught our attention because they are designed to reduce swallowed air while also offering a self-sterilising option.
We used them as part of everyday bottle feeding rather than treating them as a miracle solution. That meant early-morning feeds, bottles packed for outings, washing up after a long day and the occasional frantic clean-up before the next feed. This review covers what worked, what took patience and whether they are worth considering for Australian families.
Every baby is different, and a bottle that suits one child may be rejected by another. Babies with ongoing feeding problems, poor weight gain or severe reflux should be assessed by a midwife, child health nurse or GP. Anti-colic features can help with air intake, but they cannot solve every cause of unsettled feeding.
What comes in the box
The MAM Easy Start range usually includes the bottle, a soft SkinSoft teat, screw ring, sealing disc, base and cap. The removable vent sits at the bottom, allowing air to enter gradually as milk leaves the bottle. This is the central feature intended to create a smoother flow and reduce bubbles in the feed.
The bottles are available in several capacities, including smaller newborn sizes and larger options for growing appetites. The smaller bottles are handy during the early weeks, while 260 ml bottles tend to last longer once feeds increase. MAM also sells replacement teats in different flow rates, so families can adjust without replacing every bottle.
How the anti-colic design performed
The base needs to be assembled correctly for the system to work properly. When the sealing disc and vent are fitted securely, the bottle produces less of the glugging sound associated with some traditional designs. We noticed fewer visible bubbles and less foam in the milk, particularly during slower feeds.
That does not mean every burp disappeared. Babies still need to be held comfortably and given time to pause. In our experience, the bottles appeared to support calmer feeding, but they were one part of the routine rather than a guaranteed fix. The teat’s flatter shape was accepted well, although some babies may need several attempts before settling into a new latch.
For Australian parents juggling hot days in Brisbane, cooler evenings in Melbourne or a feed in the back seat after a trip to the shops, the reduced foaming can be reassuring. It is still important to follow safe preparation and storage advice, especially with formula in warm weather.
Cleaning, sterilising and daily use
The main advantage is the self-sterilising function. After cleaning the separate parts, a small amount of water is placed in the base, the bottle is reassembled and heated in the microwave. This can be useful in a small flat, during travel or when there is no full-size steriliser taking up bench space.
The process is not completely hands-off. Every component must be washed first, and the base, valve and sealing disc can trap milk residue if they are rushed. A small bottle brush makes a noticeable difference. Families should check their microwave instructions and use the correct heating time, as wattages vary across Australian kitchens.
MAM parts are generally dishwasher safe, although repeated high-heat cycles can make plastic look worn over time. We preferred hand-washing the vent pieces and using the dishwasher for the larger components. That balance kept cleaning manageable without treating the self-sterilising feature as a replacement for proper washing.
Strengths and drawbacks at a glance
| Feature | What worked well | What may frustrate |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-colic vent | Less foaming and a steadier feed | More pieces to wash |
| Self-sterilising base | Convenient for travel and small kitchens | Requires careful assembly |
| SkinSoft teat | Soft feel and generally easy acceptance | Not suitable for every baby |
| Bottle sizes | Useful range from newborn to larger feeds | Extra sizes and teats add cost |
| Leak resistance | Secure when fitted correctly | Can leak if the base is not tightened |
| Availability | Commonly stocked online and by baby retailers | Prices vary between Australian sellers |
The biggest positive is the combination of a vented base and self-sterilising design. It feels thoughtfully made for real family life rather than just looking clever on a shelf. The bottles are also easy to hold, and the wide opening makes adding formula or expressed milk less fiddly.
The main drawback is the number of parts. Parents wanting a quick rinse-and-go bottle may find the MAM system a bit faffy, particularly during the newborn stage. Replacement teats and extra bases also need to be included in the long-term budget. Comparing prices through our family money hub can help when building up a feeding kit.
Travelling and feeding outside the home
The self-sterilising feature is particularly useful for weekends away, hospital stays or visiting family. It avoids carrying a bulky electric steriliser, though you still need access to a microwave, clean water and a place to wash the parts. For camping trips or remote travel, this advantage is less useful unless there is a suitable kitchen nearby.
The bottles fitted comfortably into a standard changing bag and did not feel unusually heavy when empty. A separate insulated carrier is still needed for prepared feeds. In Australia, families travelling long distances between towns should be especially careful with temperature control and preparation times rather than relying on an anti-colic label.
They are also practical for a café stop or a day at the park, but a spare bottle is worthwhile. A dropped base or lost sealing disc can make the whole bottle unusable until it is cleaned and reassembled. MAM products are widely found through Australian baby retailers and online stores, though stock and discounts can differ between Baby Bunting, Chemist Warehouse and independent shops.
Cost and value for Australian families
MAM bottles are not always the cheapest option at the checkout, particularly when buying a starter set, extra teats and cleaning brushes. However, the ability to sterilise individual bottles in the microwave may reduce the need for additional equipment. That can make the overall cost more reasonable for families in rented homes or smaller units.
Prices also move around during baby events and online sales, so buying a large bundle at full price is not always necessary. Start with two or three bottles, see whether your baby accepts the teat and then add more. This avoids ending up with a cupboard full of unused bottles, a common result when babies are particular about flow and shape.
Households managing repayments or unexpected newborn expenses may find practical budgeting support in this debt support guide. Feeding equipment is one area where gradual purchasing can protect the weekly budget. Families researching wider household finance may also come across specialist products such as Islamic mortgage guidance, where the details and suitability require careful independent research.
Our final verdict on the bottles
The MAM Anti-Colic bottles earned their place because they made feeds feel steadier and offered a genuinely useful sterilising option. The vented base reduced foaming, the teat was soft and the bottles were comfortable enough for everyday use. They were particularly appealing when space, travel or a busy household made a large steriliser inconvenient.
They are not perfect. Cleaning takes longer than with a simple two-piece bottle, and correct assembly matters. The anti-colic design should be viewed as helpful equipment rather than a promise that a baby will stop crying or bringing up milk.
For Australian families, we would recommend trying a small number first and buying replacement teats only once the preferred flow is clear. The bottles are a strong option for parents who value flexibility, compact sterilising and a thoughtfully designed vent system, while families seeking the simplest possible clean-up may prefer a less technical bottle.