The Difrax S-Bottle: A Smart, Anti-Colic Solution for Happier, Healthier Feeding
Last Updated: 15 February 2025
Finding the perfect bottle for your baby can be overwhelming, but the Difrax S-bottle stands out as a game-changer for both parents and professionals. More than 80% of birth care specialists in the Netherlands recommend it to new families, and for good reason. It’s designed to reduce colic, support a baby’s natural sucking reflex, and work seamlessly alongside breastfeeding. With a thoughtfully engineered shape and medical backing, the S-bottle is redefining the bottle-feeding experience.
Parents who choose the Difrax S-bottle see the difference almost immediately. 78% report fewer colic cramps*, thanks to its innovative anti-colic design that minimises air ingestion and prevents discomfort. With nearly half of Dutch parents already trusting the Difrax S-bottle, and both families and professionals rating it 8/10 for performance and ease of use*, it’s clear that this bottle isn’t just another option, it’s a proven solution.
* The figures quoted are based on consumer research conducted by WIJ Special Media amongst 1886 participants and an online survey conducted by Difrax BV at verloskundigenloket.nl and kraamzorgloket.nl. More than 160 maternity nurses and 100 obstetricians took part in the research.
The Magic of the S-Bottles
With most baby bottles, the teat steals the spotlight, but that’s not the case with this innovative Dutch design. The Difrax S-bottle isn’t just about what’s on top, its magic extends all the way down to its uniquely engineered body.
From the thoughtful anti-colic valve system at the base to its ergonomic S-shape, size options, and high-quality materials, every aspect of this bottle is designed to make feeding smoother and more comfortable for parents and baby.
S-Shape & Anti-Colic Base
The Difrax S-bottles curved body isn’t just for looks, its distinctive S-shape plays a crucial role in making bottle-feeding smoother and more comfortable for babies. Designed in collaboration with medical specialists, this shape ensures a steady, uninterrupted flow of milk, significantly reducing the chances of air bubbles forming in the feed. Unlike traditional bottles where air can mix with the milk, the Difrax bottle features an anti-colic valve at the base, directing air away from the feed so that babies ingest as little air as possible. This can make a significant difference in preventing discomfort and reducing the likelihood of colic and digestive issues.
The anti-colic valve is essential in preventing a vacuum from forming inside the bottle, ensuring that milk flows freely without interruption.
In bottles without a valve, the suction from the baby can cause a vacuum effect, making it harder for milk to come through consistently. Difrax’s solution is a durable, 100% silicone valve positioned at the base of the bottle, allowing air to circulate above the feed without affecting the milk itself. This helps maintain an even flow, reducing the risk of swallowing air.
Another major benefit of the S-shape is that it naturally supports a more ergonomic feeding position, closely resembling the way babies are positioned during breastfeeding. This not only makes the experience feel more natural for the baby but also provides better posture and comfort for parents while feeding. Additionally, the teat remains filled with milk throughout the feed, even when using smaller amounts of liquid, reducing the likelihood of air ingestion. The anti-colic valve and the unique S-shape prevent the mixing of air and milk, which reduces the risk of colic and preserves essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C and E.
Practicality is also a key feature of the Difrax S-bottle, as the base can be unscrewed for easy filling and cleaning. This larger opening at the bottom makes it convenient to prepare formula, pour in milk, or thoroughly clean the bottle after use. Whether for convenience, comfort, or reducing colic symptoms, the S-bottle’s unique design offers a carefully thought-out solution that enhances the bottle feeding experience.
Bottle Material
The Difrax S-bottle are made of polypropylene. Polypropylene (PP) is a fully recyclable, BPA-free plastic, making it a safe and practical choice for feeding. It is designed to withstand large temperature differences, meaning it won’t warp or degrade easily when exposed to heat or cold. This material is also resistant to bacteria and fungi, ensuring long-term hygiene, and can be safely steam sterilised for easy cleaning.
When it comes to UV sterilisation, polypropylene plastic is not the ideal choice. While occasional UV sterilisation is unlikely to cause any noticeable changes, regular or prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to a process known as photodegradation. This occurs when the plastic molecules break down under UV radiation, leading to brittleness, discolouration, and even cracks over time. Polypropylene is particularly vulnerable to UV-induced degradation, which can impact both the appearance and structural integrity of the bottle. If you rely on UV sterilisation for convenience, it’s best to opt for glass or plastics specifically designed to withstand prolonged UV exposure.
Both Slim & Wide Neck Design
The Difrax S-bottle is designed to cater to different feeding preferences with both slim and wide neck options, ensuring a comfortable feeding experience for every baby. The Natural S-Bottle, with its slim design and smaller teat, is a popular choice as it is easy to hold and well-suited for babies who naturally accept a narrower bottle shape. Available in 170ml and 250ml, it provides flexibility for both newborns and growing babies. The smaller 170ml size is ideal for newborns and smaller feeds, while the larger 250ml bottle accommodates increased feeding volumes as babies grow.
For babies who prefer a wider latch, the Wide S-Bottle offers a larger, more breast-like teat. This design is ideal for infants who tend to open their mouths wider during feeding, making the transition between breast and bottle feeding smoother. In South Africa, the Wide S-Bottle is available in a 200ml size, providing a good starting option for parents who want to encourage a broader latch from the beginning.
Typically, the smallest sizes (170ml and 200ml) are best suited for newborns, as their feeding volumes are lower. As babies grow and their intake increases, parents can transition to the Natural 250ml bottle, ensuring they always have the right size for their baby’s needs
GOOD TO KNOW
Larger bottles also come with small teats, so if you already know your baby likes the Difrax S-Bottle, you can save money by skipping the smaller size and going straight for the larger bottle. This way, you won’t have to replace the bottle as your baby’s intake increases—just swap out the teat when needed.
The Magic of Difrax S-Bottle Teats
The innovation doesn’t stop at the bottle itself! Difrax teats are just as thoughtfully designed to cater to babies of all ages and feeding needs, from premature newborns to toddlers 12 months and older. With multiple shapes, flow rates, and specialised options, there’s a perfect fit for every baby, whether they need a gentle, slow flow or a wider latch for a more natural feeding experience.
Made from high-quality, odourless, and tasteless silicone, all Difrax teats are designed for safety, comfort, and easy acceptance. Their smooth finish allows them to glide effortlessly in and out of your baby’s mouth, while the soft coating on the Natural and Wide bottle teats provides extra grip, ensuring a secure and comfortable latch every time.
GOOD TO KNOW
Regularly check your baby’s bottle teats for signs of wear, thinning, or damage, and replace them immediately if needed. For optimal hygiene and performance, it’s generally recommended to swap out teats every 6-8 weeks, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and consistent feeding experience for your little one.
Natural Bottle Teat
The Natural bottle teat is shaped like a mother’s nipple while breastfeeding, making it easy for babies to accept. This design is ideal for parents who want to combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding, as the familiar shape promotes a smooth transition between breast and bottle. The soft coating adds extra grip, ensuring that babies can latch on securely without slipping. These teats are specifically designed to fit the Natural S-bottles, available in both 170ml and 250ml sizes.
The Natural teat comes in multiple flow sizes, each suited to a different stage of your baby’s development:
- S (Small) – Standard teat included with Difrax Natural S-bottles, suitable for newborns from birth (0+ months). This slow flow rate is ideal for breastfed babies, newborns, and babies who need a gentle, controlled flow to avoid overfeeding or choking.
- M (Medium) – Suitable for babies from around 3 months old who need a slightly faster flow. This is a good option for babies who are starting to drink more confidently but still need a controlled flow.
- L (Large) – Best suited for babies 6 months and older, or for those who have stronger suction power and are consuming thicker milk feeds. This is ideal for parents who use thicker formulas or milk with added cereals, as it allows for a smooth, uninterrupted flow.
Difrax Dental Teat
The Dental bottle teat is designed for babies who experience feeding challenges, such as reflux, choking easily, drinking too quickly, or being born prematurely. Its flat-sided design helps to evenly distribute milk in the baby’s mouth, ensuring better control over the flow and reducing the risk of choking. By allowing milk to spread evenly across the tongue, it promotes proper swallowing and digestion, making feeding more comfortable and manageable.
This teat is only available in a Small (S) flow rate, making it ideal for newborns and young babies who require a gentle and controlled flow. The Dental teat is exclusively designed for Natural S-bottles, fitting both the 170ml and 250ml sizes.
Difrax Wide Bottle Teat
The Wide bottle teat is designed for babies who prefer a wider latch, similar to how they latch onto the breast while breastfeeding. The wide base of the teat mimics the natural shape of the breast, making it an excellent option for babies who are breastfed and transitioning to a bottle. This familiar shape can help with acceptance, ensuring a smoother transition between breast and bottle feeding.
These teats are exclusively compatible with the Difrax Anti-Colic Wide S-bottles, which are available in 200ml.
The Wide bottle teat comes in multiple flow sizes to accommodate different feeding needs:
- Small (S): Suitable from birth (0+ months) for babies who drink at an average pace.
- Medium (M): Recommended for babies around 3 months old or when the Small size becomes too slow for their feeding needs.
- Large (L): Ideal for babies 3 months and older, particularly for those who need a faster flow. It is also suitable for thicker feeds, such as milk porridge or thickened formulas.
Variflow Teats: Customisable Flow for Every Baby
Difrax’s Variflow teats are designed to adapt to your baby’s feeding needs, offering multiple flow rates in a single teat. These teats work in combination with the Difrax 1-2-3 Ring, allowing parents to adjust the flow rate by simply rotating the teat to one of three settings. This flexibility makes Variflow teats an excellent choice for babies transitioning between flow rates, as well as those needing different flow speeds for different types of feeds.
Difrax 1-2-3 Ring with Variflow Teat XS Natural
The XS (Extra Small) Variflow Teat Natural is designed specifically for newborns, premature babies, and infants with feeding difficulties who need a slower, more controlled flow. It has three extra-slow flow settings (XXS, XS, and S), making it the perfect choice for babies for whom even a Small (S) teat is too fast.
This teat is only suitable for liquid food such as breast milk or formula and provides a customisable feeding experience by adjusting the teat’s position using the 1-2-3 Ring.
- | (Single line) – XXS flow, ideal for premature babies or newborns who need the slowest possible flow rate.
- || (Double line) – XS flow, offering a slightly increased but still gentle milk flow.
- ||| (Triple line) – S flow, comparable to the standard Small size teat but with the ability to control the rate more precisely.
Difrax 1-2-3 Ring with Variflow Teat Natural
The 1-2-3 Variflow Teat Natural is ideal for babies from about 3 months old, offering a progressive flow system that can be adjusted based on their drinking speed and the thickness of the feed. It features a unique S-shaped slit at the top of the teat, which opens at different widths depending on the selected flow setting.
Parents can adjust the flow by aligning the correct marker under the baby’s nose when feeding:
- | (Single line) – Small opening, suitable for thin liquids like breast milk or formula.
- || (Double line) – Medium opening, ideal for slightly thickened feeds
- ||| (Triple line) – Large opening, perfect for thicker milk feeds or porridge-like textures.
The 1-2-3 Ring ensures the teat stays in place at the chosen setting, giving parents full control over the feed flow. This makes it a great option for babies who are progressing to thicker feeds or for parents who want to adjust flow rates without changing teats.
This teat is compatible with the Difrax S-bottle Natural in both 170ml and 250ml sizes.
How Do I Know When to Size Up my Teats?
Your baby is the boss! The feeding guidelines from Difrax are just that—guidelines. Every baby is different, so it’s important to follow your baby’s cues and adjust accordingly.
If your baby is fussing, falling asleep mid-feed, or tugging on the teat, they may be frustrated with a slow milk flow. If it’s taking longer than 15-20 minutes to finish a bottle, this is a sign that it may be time to size up to a faster flow teat.
On the other hand, if milk is spilling from their mouth, or they are gagging, gulping, coughing, or turning away from the bottle, the flow may be too fast. If your baby starts to prefer the bottle over the breast, it may be worth experimenting with a different teat style or sizing down to a slower flow.
Which Difrax S-bottle & teat combo is right for my baby?
Difrax’s Variflow teats are designed to adapt to your baby’s feeding needs, offering multiple flow rates in a single teat. These teats work in combination with the Difrax 1-2-3 Ring, allowing parents to adjust the flow rate by simply rotating the teat to one of three settings. This flexibility makes Variflow teats an excellent choice for babies transitioning between flow rates, as well as those needing different flow speeds for different types of feeds.
Formula Fed Babies
For formula-fed babies, the Difrax S-Bottle Natural (170ml or 250ml) with the Natural Teat is a great choice. Start with the Small (S) teat that comes with the bottle and size up as needed. The recommended teat sizes are just a guide—every baby is different! If your baby seems frustrated during feeds or takes longer than 15-20 minutes to finish a bottle, it may be time to move up to the next teat size for a smoother feeding experience.
Breast Fed Babies
For breastfed babies, you can choose between the Difrax S-Bottle Natural with Natural Teats or the Difrax S-Bottle Wide with Wide Teats. While the Natural S-Bottle works brilliantly for many breastfed babies, the Wide S-Bottle may feel more familiar, as it mimics the broader latch of breastfeeding. Some babies naturally prefer to open their mouths wider while feeding, also known as a wide latch, making the Wide bottle teat a great choice.
The Wide bottle teat features a soft coating that provides extra grip, helping babies maintain a secure latch. This design allows for easier holding and a more natural feeding experience, particularly for babies accustomed to breastfeeding.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before introducing a bottle to your breastfed baby, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lactation consultant. They can provide personalised guidance on the best bottle for your unique situation and help you choose the right flow rate based on your baby’s specific feeding needs. Their expert advice can make the transition between breast and bottle smoother, ensuring your baby feeds comfortably while maintaining a healthy breastfeeding relationship.
Babies Struggling with Reflux
For babies who choke on milk, drink too quickly, or struggle with reflux, the Difrax S-Bottle Natural paired with the Dental Teat is the best choice. The Dental Teat features a flat side that evenly spreads milk in the mouth, helping to prevent choking and regulate the flow for safer, more controlled feeding. This teat is especially suited for babies with reflux, fast drinkers, or premature babies who need extra feeding support. Keep in mind that Dental Teats are only compatible with the Natural S-Bottles, not the Wide Neck Bottles.
Preemie Babies
For premature babies, the Difrax S-Bottle Natural paired with either the Dental Teat or the Variflow XS Teat can provide the right feeding support. The Dental Teat helps control the flow, ensuring it remains slow and steady, making feeding easier for tiny, delicate babies. Meanwhile, the Variflow XS Teat allows you to adjust the outflow velocity to match your baby’s suction strength, ensuring they get the vital nutrition they need at a pace that suits them best. Both options help create a gentle and safe feeding experience for preemies who need extra care.
Choosing the right bottle for your baby is an important decision, and the Difrax S-Bottle offers a thoughtfully designed solution that prioritises comfort, safety, and ease of feeding. With its innovative anti-colic system, ergonomic S-shape, and a variety of teat options, it caters to babies of all feeding styles—from breastfed infants to formula-fed babies and even those with special feeding needs.
Whether you’re looking for a seamless breastfeeding transition, a way to reduce colic and reflux, or simply a high-quality, easy-to-clean bottle, the Difrax S-Bottle is a proven choice, trusted by parents and professionals alike. By following your baby’s cues and adjusting their feeding setup as needed, you can create a comfortable and enjoyable feeding experience for both you and your little one.
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We’re dedicated to providing you with practical, evidence-based information to help you make the best choices for your growing family. All content is medically reviewed by our in-house doctor and/or experts such as OB-GYNs, doulas, and midwives, and is based on the latest international guidelines, peer-reviewed studies, and reputable sources from academic institutions and medical journals. Learn More
