In a nutshell

A tried and tested anti-colic bottle, which is durable (providing you don't drop it!) and stylish, but slightly bulky when out and about

What we tested

  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
  • Ease of cleaning
    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.
  • Effectiveness
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Design
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.3 out of 5.

Pros

  • Anti-colic design, BPA-free, scratch resistant, stylish, glass makes it feel high quality

Cons

  • Big and bulky, expensive compared to basic bottle. many parts to clean (and lose) in the steriliser, not imported into the UK on a wide scale

A glass version of the first bottle to feature an internal venting system to prevent colic and wind, Dr Brown's Natural Flow Glass Bottle is a high quality glass option from a brand that’s been around for a long time.

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Dr Brown's bottles were designed by a doctor in 1996 and were the first baby bottles to feature an internal vent system that got rid of the vacuum and air bubbles that usually occurred when using a conventional bottle for feeding. This design is supposed to mimic breastfeeding. It’s different from other anti-colic or venting systems because the air never mixes with the breast milk or formula. This supposedly means oxidation is minimised and essential nutrients like vitamins C, A and E are maintained.

What we love

The reassurance of a brand that's been around for ages. And the unique anti-colic venting system really did seem to help cut down on wind problems. I liked that the air and milk never mix, which maintains the quality of the milk for longer.

Jack, 9 months, adapted easily to the Dr Brown's bottle from his usual brand. Spills were kept to a minimum, and the new teat shape and flow speed didn’t trouble him because they seemed pretty similar to his usual ones.

It's made of glass, which just feels so much nicer than plastic bottles - it is reassuringly high quality, and feels good when you use it.

What to watch out for

The Dr Brown's Natural Flow Glass Bottle isn’t widely available in the UK. Dr Brown’s says it only sells its glass bottles in USA, though you can sometimes find them in your local chemist (like I did), or you might find them online.

The only real downside of this style of bottle - and it's a problem all anti-colic bottles seems to have - is that there are so many bits to assemble and wash and sterilise. It gets rather tiring after a while! It's also not good news when your baby is keen (i.e.: wailing!) for his feed and all the pieces you need are in the steriliser still.

It is tricky to fill, as the valve has to be out to get the milk in. This means that unless you're prepared to wear rubber gloves each time, the bottle isn’t going to be as sterile as when you started!

Because it's made of glass, the Dr Brown's Natural Flow Glass Bottle is heavy and bulky, and it could break if dropped on a hard kitchen floor. Also, it’s not that cheap.

Who is the Dr Brown's Natural Flow Glass Bottle best for?

Parents who want to lessen colic and wind with a scratch-resistant bottle that won't dull over time.

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MadeForMums verdict

A tried and tested anti-colic bottle, the Dr Brown's Natural Flow Glass Bottle is durable and high quality. However, being glass makes it slightly bulky and heavy if you plan on taking it out of the house. There are lots of parts, so cleaning isn’t that quick, and you might have to do a bit of research to get your hands on one.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandDr Brown's
ModelNatural Flow Glass Bottle
Price£6.49
Available sizes
  • Bottles: 60ml, 120ml, 240ml
  • Teats: Level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4, 'Y cut/cereal' teats for thicker liquids
Features
Bottle typeNarrow neck
Anti-colicYes
Dishwasher safeYes
Microwave safeYes
ComponentsNon-spill lid, venting system
Made fromGlass, non-BPA
Features
  • Patented internal vent system eliminates vacuum and air bubbles
  • Helping to reduce feeding problems like colic
  • Burping and gas
Accessories
Optional extrasStorage/travel caps, tote bag (including ice pack), microwave steriliser, bottle and teat brush, dishwasher basket
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