Does the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow^® baby bottle really work?

Yes it does. When babies feed they suck milk or formula from the bottle through the nipple. As the liquid leaves the bottle, air enters in through the vent to take the place of the milk or formula. Our patented internal vent allows the air to enter and directs it to the area above the liquid, keeping the air and the liquid separate. Because there is no vacuum to inhibit the flow of liquid, babies can feed at their own pace. Click here to see how the technology of the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow^® baby bottle works.

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 and restrictively 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 formula; this air is ingested.

Can the bottle be used to heat formula in the microwave?

We do not recommend using a microwave oven to heat the formula, or the bottle. To check the temperature of liquid in the bottle, test the nipple by pulling on the bulb portion, and replace if nipple shows any signs of wear.

What is the difference between the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow^® standard baby bottle and the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow^® wide neck baby bottle?

All the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow^® baby bottles share the benefits of the patented internal vent. Many breast-feeding mothers prefer the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow^® wide-neck bottle as the nipple has a broader base, which can avoid nipple confusion for the baby. The standard Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow^® bottle carries the standard bottle nipple.

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 the part of the vent that allows air to enter the bottles and be directed to the area above the liquid, keeping the air and the liquid separate.

Can I sterilize the Dr. Brown’s bottles?

Yes, you may put them in a sterilizer or boil them in water.

Will Dr. Brown’s bottle connect to breast pumps?

Most breast pumps are designed to connect directly to bottles shaped like Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow^® baby bottle, model numbers 150 (4oz) and 250 (8oz). The Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow^® wide neck bottle will only attach to breast pumps that have been designed to fit larger neck bottles.

Why does my bottle leak?

The patented vent provides an air passage way that allows air to enter the bottle which allows the baby to nurse without fighting the negative affects of the vacuum found in other baby bottles. Under certain conditions the milk 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 the liquid may enter the vent and leak. Also if the bottle isn’t held properly and the end of the reservoir tube is submerged in the fluid leakage may occur.

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. If you have difficulty finding the replacement parts you need please call our customer service department for a store location nearest you.

Is it necessary to only use Dr. Brown’s nipples on my Dr. Brown’s bottles?

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 you baby much to fast, possibly causing the baby to choke.

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 un-vented bottle the baby may experience feeding difficulties and could experience the discomfort commonly described as colic.

Can I use my Dr. Brown’s bottles without the vent?

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.