When it comes to choosing the right bottles for your little one, the options can be overwhelming. Among the many choices available, Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottles stand out as a top choice for parents seeking to minimize colic and ensure a smooth feeding experience. In this review, we’ll explore the key features and benefits of these baby bottles.
Anti-Colic Design
The most notable feature of Dr. Brown’s baby bottles is their anti-colic internal vent system. This innovative design has been clinically proven to reduce colic symptoms in babies, which can lead to a more peaceful feeding experience for both infants and parents. By decreasing spit-up, burping, and gas, these bottles aim to provide comfort during and after feeding times.
Consistent Flow Rate
One of the standout features of these bottles is their consistent flow rate. The vacuum-free feeding design mimics breastfeeding, allowing babies to feed at their own pace. This is especially beneficial for newborns as it helps them feel more secure during transitions from breast to bottle and back again.
Nutrient Preservation
Dr. Brown’s anti-colic vent system also plays a crucial role in preserving nutrients in bottle milk. Research indicates that this system aids in digestion, potentially leading to better sleep patterns for your baby. Parents looking to provide the best nutrition for their little ones will appreciate this thoughtful design.
Growth Adaptability
Another practical aspect of the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow bottles is their adaptability as your baby grows. The internal vent system works best when in place, but it can be removed as your baby’s feeding develops. This eliminates the need to purchase different bottles as your child progresses through various feeding stages.
Sustainability Commitment
In addition to their functional benefits, Dr. Brown’s has made a significant commitment to sustainability. The Narrow baby bottle is not only designed to nourish through all feeding stages but is also recyclable. Furthermore, their collaboration with Plastic Bank aims to prevent ocean plastic waste. By choosing Dr. Brown’s bottles, parents contribute to a mission to prevent 31 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean each year, making a positive impact on the environment.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning baby bottles can be a tedious task, but Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow bottles are designed with convenience in mind. They are dishwasher safe (top rack only) and can also be sterilized using electric and microwave sterilizers or by boiling water, providing multiple options for busy parents.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottles have proven to be a reliable choice for parents seeking to reduce colic symptoms and ensure a smooth feeding experience. With their innovative designs, commitment to sustainability, and ease of cleaning, these bottles offer a blend of functionality and environmental responsibility. If you’re in the market for a dependable baby bottle that grows with your child, Dr. Brown’s is undoubtedly worth considering.
Miguel –
Outstanding product; the brand speaks for itself.
Anonymous –
Highly durable and functions effectively, but avoid over-tightening the lid and warming the bottle with the straw insert, as this may cause leaks. It has multiple parts that require cleaning, but I would still recommend it overall.
Jessica Master –
I got this brand of bottle as a gift, and my daughter will only use these. As a first-time mom, I can say they heat up evenly without any cold spots in the bottle warmer. The flow is just right for a newborn. There might be a slight leak if the green piece isn’t attached properly, but it’s easy to fit. Overall, the bottle is lightweight, even when full.
Stephaney –
My baby is now 9 weeks old and has been struggling with reflux. We initially used a different bottle brand with a slow flow nipple, unaware that Dr. Brown’s bottles have an even slower flow that would be better for him. This has really helped prevent overfeeding at mealtime since he takes longer to get the milk. I wish I had known about this bottle sooner. I had been hesitant to choose Dr. Brown’s based on other reviews that focused on the bottles leaning towards babies.
Unfortunately, I have had a frustrating experience with leaking. I haven’t pinpointed exactly how it happens, but I’ve noticed that if the bottle is jostled or carried in any position other than upright during transport, the nipple drips into the lid and then leaks into my bag, purse, or stroller. I lost about half an ounce of water on the way to the auto shop, which was really annoying since I had pre-measured the formula to feed while waiting.
Despite the leaking issue, the benefits of the slow flow far outweigh my frustration. I recommend transporting the bottle in a bag that stays upright to minimize leaks. The bottle design is simple, and it’s easier to clean than expected with the removable vent parts. If it weren’t for the leaking, I would have given five stars.
Update: We still experience occasional leaks around the nipple seal, but we’ve figured out that we weren’t screwing the lid on tightly enough, both with and without the chip insert. I’m now changing my rating from 4 to 5 stars. Our baby has done wonderfully with these bottles—whether glass or plastic, and in both wide and narrow necks.
ANA R. –
Dr. Brown’s bottles are fantastic overall! However, each model has its quirks. I personally prefer the Options, even though my baby isn’t ready for valve-less ones yet. The original bottles were a bit of a letdown due to spills, as the cap—shaped somewhat like a top hat—doesn’t effectively prevent leaks. I have the 4oz blue Options, which are great with easy-to-clean parts. The thumbprint on the lid makes it easy to remove, and those bumps that align with the nipple help reduce leaks, though it can still get messy when taking the cap off. (Apologies for the run-on sentences; I’m a sleep-deprived mom!)
I also have the 4oz pink Options, which fit the valve snugly into the bottle, making assembly easier, especially while holding a baby. It’s more stable than other bottles where the components feel loose. The pink cap is similar to the blue but doesn’t have the thumbprint, making it trickier to remove one-handed.
Then there are the 8oz Options, which come with plain bottles and cute character designs like Dream/Adventure and Animal characters, all equipped with green valves. The character bottles are adorable, while the phrases “dream big” and “adventure awaits” are just okay. My only disappointment was that I didn’t get a full set of character bottles; I bought two sets but felt let down by the mix of plain and character designs.
I’ve also used some purple wide bottles that were loaned to me while traveling. They were convenient, but I wouldn’t buy them myself; they’re just too wide for my liking and harder to manage one-handed. I didn’t find the wide nipple to be a significant improvement for my baby girl.
Now, addressing two common complaints about Dr. Brown’s bottles: leaking and too many parts to clean. Yes, leaking can happen, but the bottles do indicate a fill line to help avoid this. I often find it tricky to measure the right amount of water for formula without going over. Personally, I don’t see it as a major issue. I keep a cloth or bib handy to catch any spills when she starts drinking, and if there’s a leak, I can easily wipe it off before she gets too fussy. This tends to be more of an issue when filling the entire bottle, but by then, my daughter is old enough to handle a short pause.
As for the concern about too many parts to clean, I think it’s just a couple of extra pieces compared to other bottles. I highly recommend getting Dr. Brown’s dishwasher baskets—they are a lifesaver! As a sustainability-minded sole parent, I feel guilty about how much water I use when running the dishwasher daily. I do prefer to wash the nipples by hand, though, as the dishwasher seems to leave a film on them, despite having special baskets for that purpose.
Overall, my experience with Dr. Brown’s bottles has been excellent! I can’t recall when I stopped burping my baby—she’s six months now—but during the first few months, she only burped once or twice after feeding. Now she burps on her own, and I believe the bottles have contributed to her comfort. She had a bit of reflux as a newborn, which is normal, but with probiotics and keeping her upright, I think the bottles helped. I absolutely recommend them! My sister recommended them to me eight years ago, and they were a game-changer for her son. I hope they work just as well for you!
Ara –
I couldn’t be more pleased with this purchase! The natural, slow-flow nipples are ideal for newborns, offering a gentle feeding experience. The anti-colic design has made a significant difference—my baby is much less fussy after feedings. I’ve tried nearly every other brand’s bottles, but these are truly the best. They’re easy to clean, sturdy, and deliver on their promises. I highly recommend these to any parents seeking a dependable and effective feeding solution!
Jessica A. –
These are the best bottles! My baby stopped having colic, and they are cute, although they can be a bit tricky to clean. However, they are definitely worth it, especially at this great price.
jose –
It’s an excellent item; my baby loves it.
Camilo Villanueva –
Our 4-month-old baby adores these bottles! They’re a fantastic price, although they can leak if not screwed on tightly. We also really love the design!
Dalton Lagerwey –
We had a premature baby, and these bottles were the perfect size for the first month or two of our little one’s life. However, they are great for any baby, not just those born early. We loved their size! They effectively minimized air intake, which helped reduce gas, and they’re easy to clean. Each bottle holds 4oz, making them convenient for travel.
They are lightweight and comfortable to hold during feeding.
One downside we encountered was that if the bottle isn’t assembled or sealed correctly, it can leak. As first-time parents, we learned the hard way that the white flat caps should be placed between the green filter and the cap/nipple to prevent leaks while on the go. Don’t toss those white caps; they’re essential for preventing leaks!
Overall, this is a fantastic set of bottles from a reputable brand. We recommend this bottle set to new parents. Just a gentle reminder that not all babies prefer this type of bottle. Ours did, which is why we chose them! Our provider also recommended this brand.
Please keep in mind that this is just a review and reflects our opinions. Your experience may differ, and that’s perfectly fine. I hope this information is helpful to someone!
Abby –
We have been using Dr. Brown bottles since our baby arrived, and we absolutely adore them! They effectively minimize the air she takes in. The pink color and design make bottle time adorable and enjoyable. The quality and durability are excellent, and they are easy to clean, which is a big advantage for me as a mom! They are also lightweight, helping my baby learn to hold her own bottle sooner than expected—now she’s a pro!
Alyssa –
I couldn’t find better bottles than Dr. Brown’s. My baby was suffering from severe colic, and as soon as I switched to these, he stopped fussing entirely. They are very durable and of excellent quality.