Welcome to Dr. Brown’s Frequently Asked Questions. The following questions and answers have been provided to assist you with information pertaining to our Dr Brown’s products.

Bottles & Accessories

Does the Dr. Brown’s baby bottle really work?

Yes it does. The Dr. Brown’s baby bottle features a internal vent system not found in any other bottle. Our bottle is fully-vented for vacuum-free feeding. We 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 our Dr. Brown’s bottle helped to preserve levels of nutrients like vitamins C, A and E.

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 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; our Standard bottle is also available in a 2-ounce size which is ideal for premature babies.

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.

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.

Does the Dr. Brown’s baby bottle really work?

Yes it does. The Dr. Brown’s baby bottle features a internal vent system not found in any other bottle. Our bottle is fully-vented for vacuum-free feeding. We 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 our Dr. Brown’s bottle helped to preserve levels of nutrients like vitamins C, A and E.

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. For more information on the benefits and care of Dr. Brown’s bottle nipples, give us a call at 1-800-778-9001 or email [email protected].

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.

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 our Customer Service Department for a store location nearest you.

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.

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

We do not recommend using a microwave oven to heat the bottle because microwave ovens can create hotspots in milk or formula.

Are Dr. Brown’s bottles and components dishwasher safe?

Yes, we recommend loading them in the top rack of your dishwasher. We 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 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 our baby bottles.

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.

  • 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.

 

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 we 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: 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.
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.
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.

What are your bottles made of?

Our 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. Our nipples are made of medical-grade silicone.

Where are your bottles made?

Most of our Dr. Brown’s bottles are produced and packaged in the USA. Some of our products are made in China. Our silicone nipples are made in Germany, the United States and China. Each Dr. Brown’s package clearly notes where that product was produced. Dr. Brown’s takes its commitment to quality extremely seriously, and we rigorously test and quality control our products, beyond government regulations, here in the United States.

What ingredients are in your baby care products?

Learn more about our baby care ingredients.

 

Breastfeeding Accessories

Why don’t I feel much suction or vacuum?

The Dr. Brown’s Breast Pump products work differently than traditional pumps. Dr. Brown’s utilizes a breakthrough compression technology that relies more on light compression around the nipple and areola and less on vacuum. The result is a comfortable expressing experience.

How do you know this technology works?

Dr. Brown’s Breast Pumps are the result of years of clinical research and study. We studied neonatal sucking behavior, patterns of suck and swallow, and ultrasound of milk ejection. We also validated information found in research literature. We then combined that with rethinking the design to move away from plastic cone-shaped breastcups to the soft, flexible, flat breastcup that is designed to emulate baby’s suckling pressure. In addition, we have conducted extensive real-life testing with moms to perfect the technology and design.

How do I get replacement parts?

For replacement part needs, contact customer service.

Do you have more than one size of breastcup?

The Dr. Brown’s Breast Pump utilizes a 18 millimeter opening for the nipple. Based on the study of 200 women, the average nipple size is 14 millimeters, so our nipple opening should fit the vast majority of women. As opposed to other technologies that can elongate the nipple and can cause it to increase in size, our technology leaves the nipple looking the same before and after an expressing session, so a larger nipple opening is not needed. We are evaluating the need for developing a larger opening for the small percentage of women who may require a larger breastcup opening.

How do I clean my Breast Pump?

We recommend hand washing, top-shelf dishwasher cleaning, or microwave steam sterilization. For more details on cleaning methods, click here.

Are the pump parts BPA Free?

Yes – all Dr. Brown’s Breast Pump parts are BPA Free, including our milk collection bottles and breastmilk storage bags.

Are your pumps guaranteed?

Dr. Brown’s stands behind all of our products and we will work with you to help resolve any issue. To view our full Limited Money Back Guarantee, click here.

Will the Almond Oil in the Nipple Cream impact a child with a peanut allergy?

No. Most peanut allergies are from the proteins in the nuts rather than the oil extracts. The Nipple Cream has been tested by an independent laboratory to ensure that it is safe for babies.

What is the active ingredient in the breast pump wipes? What cleans them?

Dr. Brown’s Breast Pump wipes clean with an aloe-based alcohol. No additional washing or cleaning of the pump needs to occur after cleaning with the wipes because the formulation is quick-drying, and the active ingredient evaporates in just seconds.

Are your breastmilk storage bags BPA-Free?

Yes. Dr. Brown’s Breastmilk Storage Bags are Bisphenol A (BPA) Free.

Several Dr. Brown’s products are Lanolin-Free. Why?

Our Lanolin-Free products dry quickly, allowing oxygen to the skin, which facilitates healing. There is no stickiness or staining with Dr. Brown’s Lanolin-Free products.