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Key takeaways
- The vent designs differ. Dr. Brown's Options+ uses an internal vent with a tube and insert, and Avent's AirFree vent is one piece that sits on top and can be left out.
- Avent's Natural Response bottle has no vent insert. Philips says its nipple releases milk only while baby actively drinks.
- Both makers claim fewer colic symptoms. Dr. Brown's says its vent is clinically proven to reduce colic, and Philips says babies had 60% less night fussing than with a competitor's vented bottle. These are maker claims.
- The AAP says how you position your baby matters more than the bottle, and that manufacturer claims about bottles and nipples lack good scientific support.
- Dr. Brown's lists all its bottle parts as top-rack dishwasher safe. The CDC says to clean bottles after every feeding, with a brush and a basin used only for infant feeding items.
At a glance
Philips Avent Natural Response
Suits: Parents who combine breast and bottle and want a wide, breast-shaped nipple on a bottle with no vent insert to wash.
- Strength: Philips says the nipple releases milk only when baby actively drinks
- Strength: Wide, soft, breast-shaped nipple
- Strength: No vent insert; a slower First Flow nipple (Nipple 0) is sold for some babies
- Trade-off: Philips lists no vent system on this bottle
- Trade-off: Whether it helps with colic is a maker claim only
- Trade-off: Pages we checked don't list cleaning instructions
Philips Avent Anti-Colic with AirFree vent
Suits: Parents who want a vented bottle with a one-piece vent they can remove, and a wide neck.
- Strength: Philips calls the AirFree vent one piece
- Strength: Can be used with or without the vent, per Philips
- Strength: Ribbed nipple designed to resist collapse
- Trade-off: The colic claim is Philips's own: 60% less night fussing than a competitor's vented bottle
- Trade-off: 9 oz size ships with a Flow 2 nipple, not the slowest
- Trade-off: Pages we checked don't list cleaning instructions
Dr. Brown's Options+
Suits: Parents who want a vented bottle and don't mind washing a tube and insert, or who'll drop the vent as baby grows.
- Strength: Internal vent system that can be removed as feeding develops, per Dr. Brown's
- Strength: Nipples from Preemie through Level 4, plus Y-cut
- Strength: All parts are dishwasher safe on the top rack, per Dr. Brown's
- Trade-off: More pieces to wash with the vent in
- Trade-off: Dr. Brown's says the vent is clinically proven to reduce colic, which the AAP says lacks strong evidence for bottle claims
- Trade-off: Small brush needed for the vent holes
The main difference between Philips Avent and Dr. Brown's bottles is the vent. Dr. Brown's Options+ routes air through an internal vent system, with a reservoir tube and an insert. Avent's Anti-Colic bottle uses a one-piece AirFree vent that sits on top, and its Natural Response bottle skips the vent insert and relies on a wide, breast-shaped nipple. Both makers say their design cuts colic, gas and spit-up.
This page lines up Avent vs Dr. Brown's bottles from the makers' own pages, AAP and CDC guidance. We research bottles; we don't test them, and we don't list prices. Our best baby bottles guide covers other types, like glass, silicone and pump-to-feed.
Philips Avent vs Dr. Brown's at a glance
| Model | Nipple | Shape | Size in pack | Slower option | Warranty | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Avent Natural Response Baby Bottle (9 oz)Wide breast-shaped nipple, no vent insert | Philips says the Natural Response nipple releases milk only when baby actively drinks | Wide, soft, breast-shaped nipple | 9 oz (260 ml) with a medium flow nipple | First Flow nipple (Nipple 0) for babies who take longer than 20 minutes to drink 50 ml | 2 years | Check on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Philips Avent Anti-Colic Baby Bottle with AirFree Vent (9 oz)Single-piece AirFree vent, ribbed nipple | Ribbed texture designed to help prevent nipple collapse | Not stated | 9 oz (260 ml) with a Flow 2 nipple | Not stated | 2 years | Check on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ NarrowInternal vent system, narrow neck | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Check on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Avent Natural Response | Avent Anti-Colic (AirFree) | Dr. Brown's Options+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vent | None; nipple releases milk only when baby actively drinks, per Philips [1] | One-piece AirFree vent on top, optional [2][3] | Internal vent with tube and insert, removable [4] |
| Nipple shape | Wide, soft, breast-shaped [1] | Ribbed texture to resist collapse [2] | Breast-like shape, silicone [4] |
| Nipple in the box | Medium flow (9 oz pack) [1] | Flow 2 (9 oz pack) [2] | Level 1 slow flow [4] |
| Other flow levels | First Flow (Nipple 0) for some babies [1] | Not listed on page checked | Preemie, Level 1 to 4, Y-cut [4] |
| Cleaning (maker) | Not listed on page checked | Not listed on page checked | Dishwasher top rack, microwave or electric sterilizer, boiling [4][6] |
| Maker's colic claim | "Supports baby's individual drinking rhythm" [1] | 60% less night fussing than a competitor's vented bottle [3] | "Clinically proven to reduce colic" [4] |
How do the vents work?
Dr. Brown's Options+. The internal vent system is the brand's signature. Dr. Brown's says it creates vacuum-free feeding, closest to breastfeeding, and that it is clinically proven to reduce colic and decrease spit-up, burping and gas [4]. The system can be removed as baby's feeding develops [4].
Avent Anti-Colic with AirFree vent. Philips says the AirFree vent is designed to draw air away from the nipple, keeping it full of milk even when the bottle is horizontal [2]. It calls the vent one piece [3], and says the bottles can be used with or without it [2]. Philips also says a valve in the nipple prevents vacuum build-up, and that babies fed with its bottles had 60% less night fussing than babies fed with a leading competitor's vented bottle [3].
Avent Natural Response. This one has no vent insert. Philips says the nipple "has a unique opening which only releases milk when the baby actively drinks," so milk pauses when baby pauses to swallow and breathe [1].
All of this is maker language. We can't confirm any of it.
What does the AAP say about anti-colic bottles?
The AAP says that what matters more than the type of bottle or nipple is how you position your baby: semi-upright, with milk covering the nipple so your baby isn't swallowing air. It also says that manufacturer claims about bottles and nipples lack good scientific support [5].
That is why neither "clinically proven" nor "60% less fussing" settles the choice. If your baby has constant gas, spit-up or crying, talk to your pediatrician before buying another bottle. For the bottle basics, see our newborn checklist and baby registry checklist.
Parts and cleaning
Parts differ most when the vent is in.
- Dr. Brown's with the vent: bottle, collar, nipple, reservoir tube and insert. Dr. Brown's says to use the small brush that comes with the bottle to clean all the holes in the insert and reservoir [6]. It says all parts are dishwasher safe, vent system and nipples included, on the top rack only [6].
- Dr. Brown's without the vent: fewer pieces, since the vent can be removed [4].
- Avent AirFree: the vent is one piece and optional [2][3].
- Avent Natural Response: no vent insert, so the pieces are the bottle, nipple and collar. The pages we checked don't list cleaning instructions, so follow the manual in the box.
Neither maker publishes a total parts count on the pages we checked, so we haven't given one.
The CDC's cleaning steps apply to every bottle: take it apart, rinse, wash after every feeding with a brush and a basin used only for infant feeding items, and air-dry [7]. The CDC says to sanitize daily if your baby is under 2 months, was born early or has a weakened immune system [7]. For first use, Dr. Brown's says to boil the parts for five minutes [6].
Nipple flow levels and materials
Flow matters at least as much as the vent. A slower nipple suits newborns, and you step up as feeding speeds change.
- Dr. Brown's: Preemie, Level 1, 2, 3, 4 and Y-cut, with silicone nipples. The Options+ bottle we checked comes with Level 1 [4]. The bottle is PPSU plastic, and glass versions are also sold [4].
- Avent Natural Response: the 9 oz pack has a medium-flow nipple. Philips says some babies may start with the slower First Flow (Nipple 0), and to switch to it if baby takes longer than 20 minutes to drink 50 ml (1.7 oz) [1].
- Avent AirFree: the 9 oz pack has a Flow 2 nipple, and the nipple has ribs to help prevent collapse [2].
If your baby refuses a bottle, the AAP suggests trying a different nipple, and notes you may need to try several [5]. That is why one bottle first beats a full set.
Who each one fits
Avent Natural Response may fit if you combine breast and bottle and want a wide nipple with nothing to assemble inside. Avent Anti-Colic may fit if you want a vent you can leave out. Dr. Brown's Options+ may fit if you want the internal vent, you'll wash the extra pieces, and you may drop the vent later.
Skip the comparison if your baby already takes a bottle well. The AAP says to try another nipple only if your baby refuses [5].
Recalls and safety
We searched the CPSC recall database on October 16, 2026 and found no recall of a Philips Avent or Dr. Brown's bottle. Related recalls we found: Dr. Brown's Natural Bottle and Dish Soaps (2017), Dr. Brown's Lovey Pacifier and Teether Holders (2018), and Philips Avent Digital Video Baby Monitors (2023). None involved bottles [8]. Check the CPSC recall list before you buy secondhand.
Where to buy
- Avent Natural Response: Check price on Amazon Affiliate link. Also sold on Philips's site.
- Avent Anti-Colic with AirFree vent: Check price on Amazon Affiliate link. Also sold on Philips's site.
- Dr. Brown's Options+ Narrow: Check price on Amazon Affiliate link. Also sold on Dr. Brown's site.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Philips Avent and Dr. Brown's bottles?
The vent. Dr. Brown's Options+ has an internal vent system with a reservoir tube and an insert, which the maker says reduces colic [4]. Avent's Anti-Colic bottle has a one-piece AirFree vent on top, and its Natural Response bottle has no vent insert and a wide breast-shaped nipple [1][2][3].
Which bottle is better for colic?
No bottle is proven better. Dr. Brown's says its vent is clinically proven to reduce colic [4], and Philips says babies had 60% less night fussing than with a competitor's vented bottle [2]. The AAP says manufacturer claims about bottles and nipples lack good scientific support and that feeding position matters more [5]. Ask your pediatrician if colic is constant.
Which has more parts to clean, Avent or Dr. Brown's?
Dr. Brown's with the vent in has the most pieces: bottle, collar, nipple, reservoir tube and insert, and the maker supplies a small brush for the vent holes [4][6]. Avent's AirFree vent is one piece and can be left out [2]. Neither maker publishes a total parts count on the pages we checked.
Are Philips Avent and Dr. Brown's bottles dishwasher safe?
Dr. Brown's says all its bottle parts, including the vent system and nipples, are dishwasher safe on the top rack, and safe for microwave or electric sterilizers [4][6]. The Avent pages we checked don't list cleaning instructions, so follow the manual in the box. The CDC says dishwasher-safe items can go in a dishwasher [7].
What nipple flow levels do Avent and Dr. Brown's offer?
Dr. Brown's lists Preemie, Level 1 to 4 and Y-cut nipples, with a Level 1 nipple in the bottle we checked [4]. Philips sells a medium-flow nipple in its Natural Response 9 oz pack and a Flow 2 nipple in the AirFree 9 oz pack, plus a slower First Flow (Nipple 0) [1][2][3].
Do Avent or Dr. Brown's bottles have a recall?
We found no CPSC recall for any Philips Avent or Dr. Brown's bottle in our October 16, 2026 search. Past recalls include Dr. Brown's soaps (2017) and pacifier holders (2018), and a Philips Avent video monitor (2023), none of them bottles [8].
Sources
Numbers in brackets in the guide link to these sources.
- 1.Avent Natural Response Baby Bottle (SCY903/04)Philips, 2026
- 2.Avent Anti-colic bottle with AirFree vent (SCY703/24)Philips, 2026
- 3.Avent Anti-colic bottle with AirFree vent (SCY703/78)Philips, 2026
- 4.Dr. Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow PPSU Baby BottleDr. Brown's, 2026
- 5.Bottle Feeding: How It's DoneAmerican Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), 2012
- 6.How to Clean Dr. Brown's Baby BottlesDr. Brown's, 2026
- 7.How to Clean, Sanitize, and Store Infant Feeding ItemsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2026
- 8.RecallsU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 2026
