Dr. Brown's bottle features a patented two-piece internal vent system that works unlike any other bottle design. The vent system fully vents their bottle for vacuum-free feeding, which they call positive-pressure flow, similar to breastfeeding. As the baby feeds, air is channeled from the nipple collar through the vent system, bypassing the breastmilk or formula, to the back of the bottle. Air never mixes with the breastmilk or formula which minimizes oxidation and helps preserve essential nutrients like vitamins C, A and E.

Babies feed more comfortably because the vent system allows them to nurse without fighting the negative effects of a vacuum or the discomfort of ingesting air bubbles. This helps to reduce feeding problems like colic, spit-up, burping, and gas. The breastmilk or formula flows freely, without nipple collapse.

Dr. Brown's Nutrient Study
New Study Reveals Loss of Vitamins A, C, & E in Some Baby Bottles During 20-Minute Simulated Feeding
A newly released study revealed that after a 20-minute bottle feeding, three important nutrients for infants–vitamins A, C and E–all declined during the course of feedings. The results suggest that the amount of air within a baby bottle, the bottle's design, and the impact on vitamin levels warrant closer examination.

How The Study Was Conducted
The study, "Comparative Analysis of Retinol, Ascorbic Acid, and Alpha-Tocopherol in Baby Milk Using Varied Delivery Systems," was conducted at the University of Nevada-Reno. The bottle study was designed to investigate changes in nutrient levels that might occur during a typical bottle feeding time of 20 minutes, using both expressed human milk and infant formula, in both vented bottles and unvented bottles. The study looked at the amount of nutrients in the milk when delivered through seven commonly used baby bottles, including Dr. Brown's. The purpose was to determine if exposure to air within a baby bottle during a simulated feeding affected nutrient levels.

Dr. Brown's Bottles Preserve Nutrients When Others Don't
The graph demonstrates the loss of vitamin C during a 20-minute simulated feeding. While vitamin C began to decline at 5 minutes as shown by this graph, vitamins A and E declined later. Vitamin C prevents oxidation of nutrients and, as it is lost, other nutrients are more susceptible to damage. The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends a vitamin C intake of 40 mg per day, 3 mg of Vitamin E and 400 mcg of vitamin A for infants up to six months old.

The Importance Of Nutrients For Babies
All three vitamins studied are important in infant health and growth. Medical research shows that children with low intakes of vitamin C are more vulnerable to developing frequent and more severe common day-to-day illnesses. Inadequate intake of vitamin E can lead to anemia and degeneration of the spine and brain. In infants, a low intake of vitamin A disrupts bone growth and interferes with the development of immature bone cells resulting in weak, poorly formed bones. Vitamin A is also needed to produce immune cells that are associated with increased resistance to infection.

Why Dr. Brown's Bottles Preserve Nutrient Levels
The ability to preserve nutrients in bottle feeding appears to be influenced by bottle design. Once vitamin C–which is known to be susceptible to oxidation– degrades to a certain point, vitamins A and E begin to decline as well. The bottles used in the study were different from each other in the way that air is replaced in the bottle as milk is removed. Only one bottle–Dr. Brown's–had a vent system that allows air moving into the bottle to bypass movement through the milk, with no bubbles forming as milk is removed. The competitor bottles observed to have more bubbles forming in the milk had lower levels of all three nutrients.

Health Benefits: Bottles
Dr. Brown's: A unique bottle with unique benefits
A first-of-its-kind university study to measure nutrient levels in breastmilk and formula during a typical 20-minute feeding determined that Dr. Brown's fully vented bottles help preserve levels of important nutrients, including vitamins C, A & E.

Helps Preserve Vitamins C, A & E + Lipids
Proven to reduce air bubble oxidation of milk to help preserve key nutrients to baby's health.

Vacuum-Free Feeding Like Breastfeeding
Fully vented bottle design provides vacuum-free feeding similar to breastfeeding.

Reduces Colic, Split-Up, Burping & Gas
Eliminates negative pressure and air bubbles to help reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas.

Dr. Brown's Frequently Asked Questions

Bottles & Accessories

Benefits of Dr. Brown's Bottles

Is that a straw in the Dr. Brown's baby bottle?
No it is not a straw. It is a reservoir tube and it's an integral part of the vent system which channels the air to the area above the liquid, keeping the air from being incorporated into the breastmilk or formula.
Why is it good to prevent a vacuum from developing in the bottle?
There are two major problems associated with most traditional baby bottles: air and vacuum. Air ingested by babies can cause discomfort, sleepless nights, gas, spit-up, cramps, and other symptoms associated with colic. A vacuum in the bottle can transfer air to a baby's middle ear and can encourage fluid to be drawn in. Traditional non-vented bottles tend to develop vacuums when babies feed from them because babies need to suck progressively harder to get any liquid from them. Babies seal their lips to the nipple when they nurse, but as the vacuum increases they ingest air through a weakened nipple seal. Air enters the bottle through the vent in the nipple and aerates the breastmilk and formula.
What is the difference between the Standard and Wide-Neck Dr. Brown's bottles?
All Dr. Brown's baby bottles share the benefits of the patented internal vent system. Many breastfeeding mothers prefer the Dr. Brown's Wide-Neck bottle as the nipple has a broader base, which can avoid nipple confusion for the baby. The Standard Dr. Brown's bottle carries the standard bottle nipple, which is more narrow. Both Standard and Wide-Neck bottles each come in 4-ounce and 8-ounce sizes; their Standard bottle is also available in a 2-ounce size which is ideal for premature babies.
Does the Dr. Brown's baby bottle really work?
Yes it does. The Dr. Brown's baby bottle features a patented internal vent system not found in any other bottle. Dr. Brown's bottle is fully-vented for vacuum-free feeding. Dr. Brown's call this positive-pressure flow, similar to breastfeeding, which allows babies to feed at their own pace. As the baby feeds, air is channeled from the nipple collar (not the silicone nipple) through the vent system, to the back of the bottle. Air bypasses the breastmilk or formula which means no oxidation of nutrients. In fact a recent university study determined that Dr. Brown's bottle helped to preserve levels of nutrients like vitamins C, A and E.

Usage & Cleaning

Is that a leak?
Because the Dr. Brown's bottle is fully-vented it allows positive-pressure flow, similar to breastfeeding. This is essential for the baby to feed without having to suck against a vacuum. Under certain conditions the breastmilk or formula can exit through the vent. For example if the liquid is overheated the expanding air inside the bottle pushes the liquid through the vent causing leakage. Or if the bottle is shaken to mix formula, which they do not recommend, the liquid may enter the vent.
When liquid gets into the venting system, it can sometimes leak out around the nipple collar. This can happen three ways:

1. If you heat your bottle with the nipple collar securely in place, the liquid will be forced up into the vent as it expands. To avoid this, either heat the bottle without the nipple collar or loosen the nipple collar one-half turn after heating to allow the pressure to equalize. Then, re-tighten it before feeding.
2. If you use powdered formula and mix it by shaking the bottle, liquid can get into the vent. The solution for this is to mix the formula by stirring it with a spoon rather than by shaking.
3. If you overheat the liquid in the bottle, the vapor will rise and condense in the vent. To prevent this, avoid warming the liquid beyond body temperature.

How can I clean my bottle if it is cloudy or stained?
There could be many different reasons why the bottle components may become cloudy, stained or have a film of residue. Plastic bottles and components may become stained or cloudy from contact with ingredients in formula like iron or from juices, foods, cleaning products that contain natural or artificial coloring, water deposits, over boiling and daily use in a dishwasher. It is unlikely that staining or cloudiness will affect performance as long as the bottle and parts are in good condition.
Some of the advice they get from Moms on this topic include:
WHITE VINEGAR - Soak bottle in a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water, and then rinse with cold water. Many stains will disappear following this procedure, which can also eliminate odors.
BAKING SODA - Juice stains may be removed by putting baking soda and warm water in the bottle and cleaning with a bottle brush. To get rid of sour-milk smell, fill the bottle with warm water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, shake well, and let stand overnight.
Can I sterilize the Dr. Brown's bottles?
Yes, you may put them in a sterilizer or boil them in water. Be sure to follow the Instruction Leaflet that comes with your Dr. Brown's bottle. Dr. Brown's offers Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags, a Microwave Steam Sterilizer and an Electric Sterilizer, designed specifically for their baby bottles.
Are Dr. Brown's bottles and components dishwasher safe?
Yes, they recommend loading them in the top rack of your dishwasher. Dr. Brown's also offer a Dr. Brown's Microwave Steam Sterilizer, Dr. Brown's Drying Rack, and Standard and Wide-Neck Dishwasher Baskets to help in cleaning.
Can the bottle be used to heat formula in the microwave?
Dr. Brown's do not recommend using a microwave oven to heat the bottle because microwave ovens can create hotspots in milk or formula.
Can I use my Dr. Brown's bottles without the vent system?
The vent is an essential part of the Dr. Brown's system and is required to prevent the vacuum found in other brands of bottles and provide positive-pressure feeding.
What can I do if I have lost a part of the vent?
Replacement parts are available in stores and located in the same area where you purchased your bottle. They are also available through many online retailers. If you have difficulty finding the replacement parts you need please call their Customer Service Department for a store location nearest you.
Can I use Dr. Brown's nipples on other brands of bottles?
Dr. Brown's nipples are of the highest quality. However they are specifically designed for the Dr. Brown's baby bottles and should not be used on other brands of bottles. The Dr. Brown's nipple does not have a vacuum operated rim-vent like other brands of bottles. If a Dr. Brown's nipple is used on an non-vented bottle the baby may experience feeding difficulties.
When should I switch to the next Dr. Brown's nipple Level?
Dr. Brown's makes it easy by creating a series of bottle nipples designed to match the age and feeding habits of your infant. This series includes: Preemie Flow: For feeding preemies. Level One: For feeding newborns. Level Two: For feeding infants aged 3 months + Level Three: For feeding infants aged 6 months + Level Four: For more aggressive eaters Y-Cut: Faster flow for thicker liquids All of these bottle nipples vary in size and shape. From the Preemie Flow nipple, which limits the flow to tiny mouths to the Y-Cut nipple which literally utilizes a "Y"-shaped opening to allow for greater milk flow, you'll find the bottle nipple that's the perfect fit for your baby's feeding needs. Keep in mind that the Bottle Nipple Chart above serves as a general guideline for choosing a bottle nipple but is by no means an "end-all" solution. It is important to carefully watch the feeding habits of your little one. For instance, is your three-month-old not seeming to get enough from the bottle at feeding time? Moving her up from a Level One to a Level Two bottle nipple may be in order. Adapt your bottle nipple selection to match your baby's feeding style, regardless of age.
Because the Dr. Brown's baby bottle is fully vented it requires a unique nipple. Other bottles have a vacuum inside that restricts the flow of liquid, and because of the vacuum the nipples on these bottles tend to have a very large hole. Using one of these nipples on a Dr. Brown's baby bottle could result in feeding your baby much too fast, possibly causing them to choke.

About Dr. Brown's Materials

Where are your bottles made?
Most of Dr. Brown's bottles are produced and packaged in the USA. Dr. Brown's silicone nipples are made in Germany. Some of their products are made in China. Each Dr. Brown's package clearly notes where that product was produced. Dr. Brown's takes its commitment to quality extremely seriously, and they rigorously test and quality control their products, beyond government regulations, here in the United States.
What are your bottles made of?
Dr. Brown's bottles are made of BPA-free polypropylene plastic or BPA-free borosilicate glass. All components of the Dr. Brown's bottle, including the vent insert, vent reservoir, travel disk, nipple collar, and cap are also BPA-free polypropylene. Dr. Brown's nipples are made of medical-grade silicone.

Why Dr. Brown's
Designed by a doctor in 1996 and patented in 1997, Dr. Brown's Natural Flow is the only baby bottle to feature an internal vent system that: helps preserve vitamins C, A, & E by minimizing oxidation of breastmilk and formula (read the nutrient study now); provides positive-pressure vacuum-free feeding similar to breastfeeding; and helps reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas by eliminating negative pressure and air bubbles.

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow baby bottles are BPA-free and contain no PVC, lead or phthalates, and have received numerous design awards and acclaim from the medical community. In fact, many of their bottles go to hospitals, NICUs, and doctor offices. Most important, moms are talking and they're sharing with excitement the improved feeding habits of their babies.

In keeping with the standards of their baby bottle, Dr. Brown's products offer a unique design that yields a better functionality for mom and good health for baby. To maintain a brand that moms can rely on, they place a heavy focus on product research and development to ensure every product achieves the best possible result. This means that they invest as much time as necessary to create quality feeding products with distinctive health-related benefits.

Designed by a doctor in 1996 and patented in 1997, Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow is the only baby bottle to feature an internal vent system that: helps preserve vitamins C, A, & E by minimizing oxidation of breastmilk and formula (read the nutrient study now); provides positive-pressure vacuum-free feeding similar to breastfeeding; and helps reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas by eliminating negative pressure and air bubbles.

Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow baby bottles are BPA-free and contain no PVC, lead or phthalates, and have received numerous design awards and acclaim from the medical community. In fact, many of our bottles go to hospitals, NICUs, and doctor offices. Most important, moms are talking and they’re sharing with excitement the improved feeding habits of their babies.

In keeping with the standards of our baby bottle, Dr. Brown’s products offer a unique design that yields a better functionality for mom and good health for baby. To maintain a brand that moms can rely on, we place a heavy focus on product research and development to ensure every product achieves the best possible result. This means that we invest as much time as necessary to create quality feeding products with distinctive health-related benefits.