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Choosing between a product from two reputable brands has never been easy. For experienced parents, you’re probably aware of Avent and Dr. Brown- some of the two famous brands in the production of baby products.
One of their popular products are the baby bottles. Even though the function is the same, the overall performance and user experience defer. So, which brand is better between Avent vs Dr Brown bottles?
If you’re in a hurry, we recommend you choose Dr. Brown first then swap over to Philip Avent bottles if you’re not impressed. We found them better at relieving gas, colic and fussiness than the Avent brand. We also love the shape that’s easier to handle than the Avent’s.
Avent vs Dr Brown Bottles: What’s the Difference?
Both brands compare on a lot of qualities that we’re going to look at so you can make a profound decision. Let’s get to it.
Philips Avent or Dr Brown for Anti Colic and Gas?
For babies suffering from colic or gas, both brands have specialized bottles with anti-colic features to address the colic issues.
One notable feature about Dr Browns anti-colic bottle is the venting system that’s in the nipple’s collar instead of the nipple like it is the case the rest of anti-colic baby bottles. This system is designed to channel air bubbles above the content instead of combining with the milk.
As for the Avent anti-colic bottles, the air valve system is in the nipple, but playing the similar role like Dr Brown’s. However, Parents have confirmed Dr brown’s to be the best anti colic bottle since the baby was better after switching from the Avent’s brand. The reason is because no single trace of air is allowed into the Dr. Brown’s while some air may be allowed in the Avent’s brand.
Philips Avent Vs Dr Brown: Wide Neck
We did a test to confirm the hardness of the nipple on wide neck nipples by both brands. We put 8oz of water on each bottle by both versions and sucked the water for a couple of seconds.
The nipple of the Avent’s would constantly collapse for the several times we tried interfering with the continuous flow of liquid. As a result, air was allowed into the bottle combining the bottle contents.
Dr. Brown’s was a little better and the suction did not stop to let air into the bottle. Overall, we suggest Dr. Brown’s wide neck as the first option for colic, reflux and gassy babies; then switch to Avent’s wide neck if Dr. Browns does not work for you.
Philips Avent bottles Vs Dr Brown: Nipple Flow
The nipple flow is of great concern when looking for baby bottles. For colic and gassy babies, the flow should be slow. If the flow is fast, the baby may swallow air when drinking in huge gulps.
However, the flow shouldn’t be too slow such that the baby is having a hard time to suck. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bottle with a variety of nipple flow options.
When we compare Avent bottles and Dr Brown nipple flow, both versions focus on the natural flow that’s similar to natural breastfeeding. However, Avent bottles have a faster flow when compared to Dr. Brown’s which is pretty slower.
Ultimately, every baby is different and the preference of nipple flow, type and size will differ. Fortunately, each brand sells different nipple options that you can swap to as the baby transitions into a different age. You can choose a nipple for colic, spit up, gassiness depending on what your baby is suffering.
Philips Avent or Dr Brown: Which one is Easy to Wash?
Dr browns are a little tedious to wash. The problem with them are the slender parts like the brown disk that may build-up with formula substances if you’re not careful.
However, rinsing the bottles gently with hot water immediately after feed-time has been found to help before the actual cleaning. You can also use a bottle brush to get to every section.
Philips Avent bottles are comprised of 4-pieces. With Dr. Brown, there are additional two parts when it is dismantled which is some kind of extra work to most users.
But since you’re looking for an ineveitable product for a serious issue, cleaning the bottles can’t be compared with the baby’s happiness. After all, you won’t be spending the entire day to clean them.
How the Sizes of Dr. Brown and Avent’s Compare
As the baby grows, their feeding needs will change. Baby feeding bottles are designed to be of different sizes to help the baby transition into bigger bottles.
Formula feeding/ nursing bottles are in three sizes- 4, 8, and 9oz bottles. You start with 4oz for newborns then change to 8 or 9oz when the baby is about 4-months as the appetite change with the baby’s growth.
Dr. Brown is available in sizes 2, 4 and 8oz. For Avent’s, you’ll find the anti-colic bottles in 4, 9 and 11oz.
What About the Cost?
The Avent brand is a little costly than Dr. Browns. However, choosing between the two brands is a personal decision depending on the budget that you have.
Common Features Between Dr. Brown and Avent Bottles
Both brands share a few qualities that make them perfect choices for colic, gassy, fussy and spit-up babies.
Regardless of which brand you choose, either brand will help the baby transition into formula feeding or bottle feeding after you express the milk.
Even though we prefer Dr. Browns as the first choice for colicky babies, the Avent bottles also consist of a unique valve system that stops the entry of air into the baby’s belly. Since the primary culprit for a gassy or colic baby is gas, the system is designed to prevent air from combining with the formula contents while feeding.
In both companies, there’s an option for glass bottles if you want something that’s strong. Even though it is vulnerable to cracks, there’s little risk of contamination than plastic bottles.
Both are dishwasher safe even though there’s a bit more of work required when cleaning Dr. Browns especially the slender parts.
All the bottles by Doctor Browns and Philips are BPA-free: a potentially toxic chemical when it combines with the bottle’s contents.
So, Which is the better Brand Between Dr. Brown and Philip Avent Bottles?
Honestly, choosing between Avent vs Dr Brown Bottles is a personal preference. But it will all come down to the baby on whether it will address the issue of colic, fussiness, gas, or spit up. But don’t forget to look at the nipple to see if it resembles the mom’s breast.
Dr. Browns is our favorite choice for gassy and colic issues. But as you’ll realize, you may need to try a variety of brands before you arrive at the best that your baby will like. However, most parents have reported a positive change after a few days of moving to Dr. Brown bottles.
Bottom Line
Like it is the case with most baby products, finding the right bottle that suits the baby isn’t that easy. But it is a journey that other parents have passed and succeeded.
Even though Dr. Brown bottles are a pain to clean, you should be able to learn the best cleaning practices if it happens to be the baby’s favorite. In the end, it is you as the parent who will be peaceful if the baby is happy.