Important information when buying a baby bottle
Differences in material and parts
All three have a vent. On the Philips, it is in the teat; Dr. Brown's uses a removable vent system. The Dr. Brown's options also differ in neck width and material. As well as comparing the teats, consider how many parts you need to clean after a feed.
Which bottle brush reaches every part?
Check that the brush fits through the neck and reaches the base. With Dr. Brown’s, you also need to clean the separate vent parts; the wide-neck glass bottle includes a small brush for this. A small vent brush does not replace a brush for the bottle itself. Check what is included in other packs.
Take the parts apart after feeding and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Philips warns that the teat tip should be brushed very gently to prevent damage. Clean and dry the brush itself according to its instructions too.
Watch the drinking pace
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) recommends a smaller teat hole for a fast drinker and a larger or multiple hole for a slow drinker. Check teats regularly for the first signs of cracks and replace them as advised by the manufacturer.
Do not rely on the age indication alone. Discuss persistent problems with drinking, choking or growth with the child health clinic or a healthcare professional involved in your baby's care.
Prepare every bottle carefully
Wash your hands, use a clean bottle and teat, and follow the exact ratio of water to powder on the packaging. Throw away any milk left after half an hour of drinking.
For a healthy baby, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre states that washing in a complete dishwasher cycle or hot soapy water is sufficient. For the first use, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Best baby bottles: which suit you?
The Philips Natural Response has ventilation in the nipple. The plastic Dr. Brown’s has a narrow neck and a removable vent; the glass version has a wide neck. Start with a small quantity and see which nipple suits your baby’s drinking pace.