Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles Review (2026): Do They Really Cut Down on Gas and Colic?

Dr. Brown's bottles are frequently recommended by pediatricians and lactation consultants for babies dealing with gas, reflux, or colic, and after using them through the newborn stage, the internal vent system does seem to make feedings calmer for a fussy baby.

Who it's for

These are aimed at parents dealing with a gassy, colicky, or reflux prone baby, since the internal vent system is specifically designed to reduce the air bubbles that standard bottles let a baby swallow. For a baby with no feeding issues at all, a simpler bottle without the extra vent pieces may be easier to clean day to day.

What we liked

• The internal vent system noticeably reduced air swallowing for our baby, which showed up as less spit up and fewer fussy feedings.
• Multiple flow levels are available for the nipples, so bottles can grow with the baby instead of needing a whole new set.
• They're widely stocked, so replacement parts and different sizes are easy to find at most stores.

What could be better

• The internal vent adds extra small parts to wash and reassemble at every feeding, which takes more time than a simple bottle.
• Losing or misplacing the tiny vent insert is a common complaint, since it's easy to overlook during cleanup.

Key specs, explained

The internal vent system is a thin tube and disk assembly inside the bottle that channels air away from the milk as the baby feeds, rather than letting air bubble up through the liquid the way it does in a standard bottle. This is the mechanism behind the anti colic claims, since less swallowed air generally means less gas discomfort afterward. Multiple flow levels control how fast milk comes through the nipple, starting slower for newborns and increasing as a baby grows and feeds more efficiently.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I really need to use the internal vent piece every time? Yes, removing it turns the bottle into a standard bottle without the anti colic benefit, so it needs to be washed and reinserted at each use.

Q: Are these dishwasher safe? Yes, all the pieces are dishwasher safe, though many parents still hand wash the small vent pieces to avoid losing them in a full dishwasher.

Should you buy it?

If your baby struggles with gas or reflux, these are worth the extra cleaning effort, and even without those issues, they're still a solid, widely available bottle option.

Check price on Amazon