Preemie Nipple - Best nipple choice for newborns and/or infants who are receiving supplemental breast feeding

Level 1 Nipple – The Level 1 nipple flow rate can be used for infants with a feeding skill maturity that does not require a slow flow nipple rate – Ultra-Preemie™ or Preemie level nipples. 60% faster flow rate than Dr. Brown’s® Preemie Level Nipple.

Level 2 Nipple – 60% faster flow rate than Dr. Brown’s® Level 1 Nipple.

Level 3 Nipple – 50% faster flow rate than Dr. Brown’s® Level 2 Nipple.

Level 4 Nipple – 50% faster flow rate than Dr. Brown’s® Level 3 Nipple.

Y-Cut Nipple – The Y-Cut Nipple flow rate should only be used when dispensing the highest level of viscosity.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for full list of FAQs.

Q. Can I use my Dr Brown's bottles without the vent?
A. 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.

However 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.

Without the green vent, Options provides a feeding experience similar to most teat-vented bottles. This teat venting creates a controlled flow, offering babies an easy and convenient way to feed at their own pace. Please note that an Options teat (with the scalloped base) must be used on the Option's bottle.

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. Dr Brown's also now offer a Dishwasher Basket for convenient cleaning.

Q. Can I sterilise the Dr Brown's bottles?
A. Yes, you may put them in a steriliser or boil them in water. Dr. Brown’s offers a Microwave Steam Steriliser designed specifically for our baby bottles.

Q. Why does my bottle leak?
A. The patented vent provides an air passage way that allows air to enter the bottle which allows the baby to nurse without fighting the negative affects of the vacuum found in other baby bottles. Under certain conditions the milk 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 the liquid may enter the vent and leak. Also if the bottle isn't held properly and the end of the reservoir tube is submerged in the fluid leakage may occur.

Q. What to do in the unlikely case of bottle leakage.
A. When liquid gets into the venting system, it can sometimes leak out around the teat collar. This can happen three ways:

• 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, either heat the bottle without the teat collar or loosen the teat collar one-half turn after heating to allow the pressure to equalise. 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 vapour will rise and condense in the vent. To prevent this, avoid warming the liquid beyond body temperature.

Options Bottles with New Style Teats 

To determine which style teat you have can be seen by looking under the rim of the teat. The ‘New Style’ teats have a scalloped base.

We advise to tighten the collar down to ensure this scalloped base has a tight fit to the rim of the bottle.

This process is also advisable when using the New Options bottles with New Style teats.

As with our previous range, if you use powdered formula and mix it by shaking the bottle, liquid can get into the vent which can cause further leaking. The solution for this is to mix the formula by stirring it with a spoon rather than by shaking.

Q. Where are your products manufactured?
A. Many of the products are made in the United States and some are manufactured in China, Germany and other countries. All of their products undergo extensive third party testing. Dr Brown will remain vigilant in monitoring the quality to ensure that it maintains its commitment to produce innovative and safe products that deserve the trust of parents with infants.

Q. My bottle is leaking.
A. We are sorry to hear about the trouble you are having with your Dr. Brown's bottles. Hopefully some of these tips can help solve this problem for you.
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 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 nipple collar. Here are some tips to help avoid this:

• 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, remove the internal parts (vent insert and reservoir 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 nipple for the age of your baby.

Q. Do your bottles contain BPA?

All of our bottle parts (cap, nipple, collar, vent insert and vent reservoir) are interchangeable and always have been BPA free. None of Dr. Brown's products have ever contained PVC, phthalates, or lead.

Parents have come to rely on this patented technology, designed by a doctor, to help reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas. In addition, a recent independent study found that the technology that eliminates air bubbles in our bottles also helps to preserve the Vitamin C content in the milk more than any other bottle on the market.

All versions of Dr. Brown's Natural Flow bottles feature the unique internal vent system that makes our bottles popular with parents and babies.