With so many baby bottle brands available, it often becomes a struggle to find the right one for your baby’s feeding needs. Sometimes, it takes some experimenting with different brands before settling on your favorite one. If you’re down to choosing between Dr. Brown vs. Avent bottles, bottle warmers, sterilizers, you’ve come to the right place for more information.
When comparing the differences regarding the bottles, I picked Philip Avent bottles as the winner but it was a close tie! I also recommend Dr Brown’s Deluxe Bottle sterilizer as it fits all-size bottles. I also recommend Dr Brown’s bottle warmer because it also fits all bottle sizes and shapes.
Dr Brown’s vs. Avent Bottles – Differences and Similarities
Anti-Colic / Gas
- Dr. Brown’s: One stand out feature when comparing it with Avent anti-colic bottles is the unique anti-colic design of the Dr. Brown’s bottle. Both bottles offer colic and gas relief. But, Dr. Brown’s bottle’s internal venting system is geared towards reducing the intake of air, the main culprit for spit-ups, burping, and excessive gas which some babies with colic experience.
- Avent: The Avent bottles are designed to include an airflex valve in the nipple which vents air away from your baby’s tummy while feeding. This results in less build-up of gas while reducing other colicky symptoms such as burping and spit-ups.
Leakage
- Dr. Brown’s: it’s not unusual to hear of frustrated parents asking why their Dr. Brown’s bottles leak which is why some moms and dads stay away from this brand. However, the main reason for leaking Dr. Brown’s bottles lies in not using the venting system properly.
- Avent: Avent bottles may also leak if lids are not screwed on properly, the incorrect nipples are used, or the cap isn’t placed on the bottle when shaking the formula mix. But, these are some of the most common reasons for most bottle brands’ leaking issue and can be easily solved.
Ease of Cleaning
- Dr. Brown’s: Cleaning can be difficult because of the venting system made of many parts that need to be disassembled. However, the bottle itself can be easily cleaned with a bottle brush.
- Avent: These bottles are easier to clean with fewer parts to fiddle with. The wide-neck design also makes it easier to get into the bottle with a brush for hand cleaning.
Nipples
- Dr. Brown’s: Dr. Brown’s Original Nipples are engineered to ensure natural flow everytime your baby drinks. They’re constructed from silicone, making it easier for your baby to latch comfortably.
- Avent: The natural shape of the Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle Nipple makes it easier to switch between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. The nipple is also designed to resemble the shape of mom’s breast, making it easier for your baby to latch when transitioning from breastfeeding.
Dishwasher Safe?
- Dr. Brown’s: The bottles, nipples, and venting system parts are all dishwasher safe when placed on the top rack. Use a dishwasher basket for containing bottle parts in one place while cleaning.
- Avent: Avent bottles are dishwasher-safe when you use the top rack. Use mild detergent and use a dishwasher suitable for baby bottles for the safest clean.
Microwave Safe?
- Dr. Brown’s: While Dr. Brown bottles can be placed in the microwave, it’s recommended not to use this method for warming milk. There’s the danger of hotspots forming which can scald your baby’s mouth.
- Avent: These bottles can be heated up in the microwave. However, only the container may go into the microwave without the screw lid, nipple, and cap. The manufacturers and food safety experts recommend stirring the content before feeding your baby to avoid hotspots.
Material, e.g. BPA-free?
- Dr. Brown’s: The plastic bottles are constructed with polypropylene materials that are BPA-free. The glass bottles are made of pharmaceutical-grade borosilicate glass that’s also free of BPA toxins. The nipples are constructed with silicone.
- Avent: All bottles are 100% BPA-free and constructed with either polypropylene or polyethersulfone materials. The nipples are made with silicone and the AirFree vent insert is made with a combination of silicone and PBT.
Recyclable
- Dr. Brown’s: While older Dr. Brown’s bottles don’t have the recycling code on the bottom, the newer designs are recyclable. Check the code on the bottom of the bottle and toss into the correct recycling bin when you’re ready to discard the bottles.
- Avent: All components of the Avent bottles are recyclable except for the nipples which are made with silicone.
Expiry Date
- Dr. Brown’s: These bottles’ expiry dates – none. However, you can look out for signs such as discoloration and cracks which indicate the material is disintegrating. Nipples should also be replaced every two to three months.
- Avent: Expiration dates are not included on these bottles but as with Dr. Brown’s bottles it’s recommended to discard any b ottles that show signs of deterioration. The nipples should be replaced every three months.
Dr Brown’s Bottles
Types
Features
- Available in sizes of 2,4, and 8-ounces
- Advanced internal venting system for preventing colic symptoms
- Venting system can be removed for feeding older babies
- Replacement venting kits are available
- Cleaning brush included to clean bottles
- Both wide-neck and narrow-neck designs available
Pros
- Venting system keeps essential nutrients in the milk or formula
- Can be used with most breast pump brands
- Consistent flow with nipple design
- No nipple collapse
- No build-up of fluids in the ear
Cons
- Takes longer to clean
- Leakage in diaper bags if discs are not used
- Round bottom design makes bottle topple over as it empties
Do Dr.Brown’s Nipples Fit Avent Bottles?
If you’re looking to replace the Avent nipples with a softer teat, use Dr. Brown’s nipples. Dr. Brown’s nipples are one of the only brands that fit Avent bottles comfortably. But, make sure you only use the wide-neck nipple size as Dr. Brown’s narrow-neck design doesn’t fit the wider Avent bottle neck.
Avent Bottles
Types
Features
- Available in 4, 9, or 11-ounce sizes
- Designed for easy transitioning from the breast to bottle feeding
- AirFlex vent technology in the nipple helps prevent colic symptoms
- Nipple shape resembles the breast for easy latching
- Spiral design for a flexible nipple with no collapse
- Ergonomic design for easy grip and hold for tiny hands
Pros
- Easy to clean by hand and in the dishwasher
- No leakage in diaper bags
- No nipple confusion when switching between breast and bottle feeding
- Nipples can be swapped for faster or slower flows
Cons
- Smaller nipple may result in leaking during feeding
- More expensive than Dr. Brown’s bottles
Do Avent Teats Fit Dr. Brown Bottles?
While Avent teats may fit onto Dr. Brown’s bottles, they’ll interfere with the bottle’s venting system. This will negate the purpose of using Dr. Brown’s bottles for its anti-colic or gas features. It’s advisable to use only Dr. Brown’s nipples when using their bottles.
Are Dr. Brown’s or Avent Bottles Better?
The two main differences between these bottles were the anti-colic design and the breast-shaped nipples. When it came down to deciding whether Dr. Brown’s or Avent’s bottles are better, I chose Avent because of its ease of use when switching between breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
The Avent nipple design also helps to reduce colic symptoms. I liked the ergonomic design of the bottle as well, making it easy for both the mom or baby to hold the bottle comfortably while feeding.
If your baby suffers from serious colic and battles with excessive gas, spit-ups, or burps, Dr. Brown’s advanced venting system is your solution. This bottle is the winner if its anti-colic design is essential for your baby.
Dr Brown’s vs Avent Bottle Warmer – Differences and Similarities
Bottle warmers are wonderful pieces of equipment for warming up milk quickly. When comparing Dr. Brown’s vs. Avent bottle warmer, there were some notable features worth pointing out. My top recommendation is Dr. Brown as it fits all bottle sizes and it has an automatic shutoff feature for safety.
Size and Fit
- Dr. Brown’s: The Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer is a popular choice as it takes all bottle sizes with its adjustable basket. What’s more, it’s compatible with other bottle brands too. The bottle warmer is compact in size with it’s vertical shape making it a space-saver on countertops.
- Avent: The popular Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer is designed to fit all Avent bottles while also being compatible with most leading baby bottle brands. The bottle warmer design is slightly bulkier.
Ease of Use
- Dr. Brown’s: The LCD panel makes the operation of this bottle warmer simple with a one-touch start button. The easy to use keypad allows you to select your preferred heating cycle which is stored in memory. Audio and visual alerts let you know when the milk is ready.
- Avent: A dial button is used to select the temperature according to bottle size while a push-button action starts operation. A light indicates when the milk is ready.
Heating Efficiency
- Dr. Brown’s: Using electric steam heat, milk can be heated up within two to three minutes depending on the volume of milk..
- Avent: A 5-ounce bottle of milk can be heated up in three minutes. The length of heating time does depend on the volume of milk. It keeps milk warm for up to an hour and has a defrost setting.
Safety
- Dr. Brown’s: The bottle warmer automatically shuts off after eight minutes so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to switch it off. It’s also made with BPA-free materials.
- Avent: The milk constantly circulates during heating, making it warm evenly with no hotspots forming. A sensor ensures the milk is warmed to the right temperature. The bottle warmer does shut off automatically after one hour.
Dr Brown’s Bottle Warmer
Features
- User-friendly LCD keypad for easy operation
- Audio and visual alerts with auto-shut off after eight minutes
- Includes memory cycle for setting preferred heating time
- Adjustable basket for fitting different sized bottles
- Refillable water chamber
- Uses electric steam heat for warming up milk
Pros
- Warms many bottles before needing to refill with more water
- Compact size for smaller countertops
- Electric steam heat prevents hotspots forming
Cons
- Bottle material can overheat making it difficult to handle
- No warning sign when water chamber is empty
Avent Bottle Warmer
Features
- Dial button for setting temperature
- Push button for starting operation
- Keeps milk warm for up to an hour before automatically switching off
- Light indicator for when milk is ready
- Has a defrosting setting
- Sensor for heating at the right temperature
Pros
- Fast heating time from up to three minutes
- Can be used to thaw frozen breast milk or food
- Prevents hotspots with circulation motion
Cons
- Difficult to operate with one hand
- Not easy to gauge the right level of water
Watch this informative video to find out whether you should use a microwave or electric steamer for sterilizing bottles.
Does the Avent Bottle Warmer Work With Dr. Brown Bottles?
The Avent bottle warmer fits most leading brands including Dr. Brown’s bottles. It fits both the narrow and wider-shaped Dr. Brown bottles. However, it may take longer to warm up the taller Dr. Brown bottles.
Dr Brown’s vs Avent Sterilizer – Differences and Similarities
When choosing between Dr. Brown’s vs. Avent sterilizer for sanitizing baby bottles, you’ll discover some distinct differences that will sway your decision. I’m comparing the popular Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer with the Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer for Baby Bottles which is equally well-favored by parents. The top recommendation is the Dr. Brown Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer because it can fit more bottles compared to the Philips Avent sterilizer.
Size and Fit
- Dr. Brown’s: This sterilizer is big enough to hold up to six Dr. Brown bottles plus a range of accessories such as nipples, bottle parts, and pacifiers. The appliance measures 13.3 x 12.8 x 10 inches. Most leading bottle brands can fit into this sterilizer.
- Avent: Measuring a compact 6.5 x 1 inches, this sterilizer can hold four Avent bottles or a combination of microwave-safe bottle parts, breast pump parts, and pacifiers. Other bottle brands can fit into this sterilizer.
Convenience
- Dr. Brown’s: The sterilizer needs to be plugged into an electrical source in order to operate.
- Avent: This sterilizer is designed to go into a microwave for quick and easy sanitizing of baby bottles and other baby products. It works very well for sterilizing breast pump parts quickly and efficiently.
Ease of Use
- Dr. Brown’s: User-friendly electronic controls make it easy to operate this sterilizer while selecting which cycle you want to use. A removable tray allows you to position the bottles so steam is directed straight into each bottle. A built-in accessory tray lets you place bottle parts, nipples, and other baby products, keeping them contained while being steamed clean.
- Avent: By adding water to the steamer and placing it in the microwave, there’s nothing complicated about using this sterilizer. You simply turn on the microwave and it heats up the water for steaming to start.
Effective Sterilization
- Dr. Brown’s: The electric sterilizer steam design ensures all bottles and other baby products are completely sanitized and hygienic. Tongs, which are included, are used to remove the bottles from the appliance, keeping the items clean.
- Avent: Depending on the power of the microwave used, bottles and other parts are 99.9% sterilized within two to four minutes. If the lid is left unopened, the bottles remain sterilized for up to 24 hours.
Dr Brown’s Bottle Sterilizer
Features
- Uses electrical power to create steam
- Easy to operate with electronic controls and cycle indicators
- Auto shut-off when cycle is completed
- Removable tray for easy positioning of bottles
- Accessory tray for holding loose parts such as nipples, lids, and pacifiers
- Includes tongs for safe handling of cleaned bottles
- Includes measurement cup for measuring water
Pros
- Lightweight and stylish enough to leave on the countertop
- Takes 7 minutes to sterilize bottles and other components
- Holds six bottles and various accessories at the same time
- Great for larger baby bottles
Cons
- Very large which could be a problem for smaller kitchens
- Doesn’t dry bottles
Does Dr. Brown’s Bottle Sterilizer Dry?
One of the main complaints of parents using Dr. Brown’s Bottle Sterilizer is that it doesn’t dry the bottles. This can become a problem when you want to use the bottles as soon as the steam cycle has been completed. Moisture build-up can also become a problem if the bottles aren’t removed immediately and placed on a drying rack to be air-dried.
Does Dr. Brown’s Sterilizer Fit Avent Bottles?
The Dr. Brown’s Sterilizer fits most popular baby bottle brands including the Avent bottles. You might be limited by the number of Avent bottles because of their wide-neck design but you’ll easily fit four bottles into this appliance.
Avent Bottle Sterilizer
Features
- Uses microwave power to create steam for sterilizing bottles
- Safety clips keep the lid securely closed
- Side grips make it safer to remove the steamer from the microwave
- Fits most microwaves
Pros
- Lightweight and compact making it ideal for traveling
- No need to use chemicals
- Can hold 5-ounce bottles and accessories at the same time
Cons
- Doesn’t hold as many larger bottles
- Can scald fingers if lid removed too soon
Does the Avent Sterilizer Work With Other Bottles?
The Avent Sterilizer works with most other leading bottle brands. Because it’s compact in size so it can fit into most microwaves, you may struggle to sanitize many larger bottles at the same time.
Does the Avent Sterilizer Dry Bottles?
If the lid is kept on, the bottles will dry using the Avent sterilizer. Very little steam is left in the bottles at the end of the cycle so it doesn’t take long for them to dry out.
Is the Avent Sterilizer Dishwasher Safe?
The Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer can be placed in the dishwasher for easy and convenient cleaning. Don’t use detergents with harsh chemicals or abrasive agents as this will damage the steamer in the long run.
Conclusion
I picked Philips Avent bottles as my top choice for its natural-like nipples.
The Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer is popular with many parents and Dr, Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer is my top choice as another accessory to consider. Which brand will you pick for your baby bottles and accessories?
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
