Usage & Cleaning
Please select a question below to reveal the answer
Q. Is it necessary to only use Dr Brown’s teats on my Dr Brown’s bottles?
A. Yes. Because the Dr Brown’s baby bottle is fully vented it requires a unique teat. Other bottles have a vacuum inside that restricts the flow of liquid, and because of the vacuum the teat on these bottles tend to have a very large hole. Using one of these teats on a Dr Brown’s baby bottle could result in feeding your baby much too fast, possibly causing the baby to choke.
Q. Can I use Dr Brown’s teats on other brands of bottles?
A. Dr Brown’s teats 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 teat does not have a vacuum operated rim-vent like other brands of bottles. If a Dr Brown’s teat is used on an un-vented bottle the baby may experience feeding difficulties and could experience the discomfort commonly described as colic.
Q. What can I do if I have lost a part of the vent?
A. Please call our customer service team.
Q. Can I use my Dr Brown’s bottles without the vent?
A. Yes! The green vent in the Dr Brown’s Options+ Bottle can be removed. Some parents find removing the vent a convenient option when baby’s feeding becomes more developed. Options+ grows with your baby, allowing you to remove the vent when your baby develops beyond, or does not experience, feeding problems. We do advise you to increase the teat level when removing the vent system.
The blue vent in the Dr Brown’s Natural Flow Bottle must remain in place. This internal vent system creates 100% vacuum free feeding that’s best for mum and baby. The bottle cannot be used without the blue vent in place.
Q. Can the bottle be used to heat formula in the microwave?
A. We do not recommend using a microwave oven to heat the bottle because microwave ovens can create hotspots in milk or formula.
Q. Are Dr Brown’s bottles and components dishwasher safe?
A. Yes, we recommend loading them in the top rack of your dishwasher.
Q. Can I sterilise the Dr Brown’s bottles?
A. Yes. Dr Brown’s offers a Electric Steam Steriliser or Microwave Steam Steriliser designed specifically for our baby bottles. If using a cold water sterilising system, only leave them to soak for the recommended time.
Q. Why does my bottle leak?
A. The Dr Brown’s bottle is fully-vented, and 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 liquid 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 teat collar. Here are some tips to help avoid this.
- If you heat your bottle with the teat collar securely in place, the liquid will be forced up into the vent as it expands. To avoid this, remove the internal parts (reservoir insert and vent tube) prior to warming. Do not over-tighten the collar.
- 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.
- Over-tightening of the collar will also create a pressure build-up. You should twist the collar enough to close.
- Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle when feeding your baby. The end of the reservoir tube should be out of the liquid.
- Please ensure that you have the appropriate level teat for the age of your baby.
Q. What level teat should I use for my baby?
A. While there are age recommendations listed for each of our teat levels, there really is no right or wrong time to change your baby’s teat level. Your baby will let you know if and when the time comes to change levels. Below are some signs to look for from your baby. When you notice any of these signs, it usually means that the baby is not getting a fast enough flow and it is time to move up a level. Please remember, if these signs never occur then there is no need to change anything.
- Baby is taking longer to finish eating.
- Baby becomes fussy or irritated while eating.
- Baby falls asleep during the feeding
Basic age recommendations are as follows:
- Level Preemie – Slower flow than level 1. For babies that level 1 seems too fast.
- Level One – Newborn to 3 Months
- Level Two – 3 Months+
- Level Three – 6 Months
- Level Four – 9 Months+ Designed for thicker substances.
- Level Y-Cut – 9 Months+ Designed for thicker substances.
Options Bottles with Scalloped Teats and Original Blue Vent Bottles with Flat Teats
With the Original Blue Vent Natural Flow bottles it is advisable to use only flat based original teats. You can purchase these directly from us on 01538 399541. This process is also advisable when using the Options bottles with Scalloped base teats.
To determine which style teat you have can be seen by looking under the rim of the teat. As you can see in the photo below, the Options teats have a scalloped base.
