Overview
Who wins the battle of the anti-colic bottles?
- Dr. Brown’s bottles have an internal vent system (can be removed when no longer needed)
- MAM anti-colic bottles have a vented base
How do these anti-colic vent systems work, and are they effective? Even with varied mechanisms, these different bottles can both prevent colic, burping, and reflux. Learn more about why they’re special below.
Choosing the right baby bottle can be daunting, especially for first-time parents. There are so many brands to choose from, and it’s hard to tell which one’s ideal for your baby unless you try them one by one.
It’s expensive to test all these brands through trial and error. So, we’re helping you narrow the choices down with this detailed review of Dr. Brown’s vs. MAM bottles.
Here are some questions that we’ll answer below:
- What makes Dr. Brown’s vs. MAM baby bottles special, and why should you choose them for your little one?
- How do they prevent or reduce spit-ups, colic, burping, and/or reflux?
- Does the type of venting system matter when choosing your baby’s bottles?
- Are they ideal for a breastfed baby?
Highlights & Key Points: Dr. Brown’s Vs. MAM Bottles Review
Dr. Brown’s Bottles
Are Dr Brown’s Bottles Superior?
A Gastroenterology Nursing randomized control trial in 2006 showed that Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Baby Bottles can reduce colic. Babies using these bottles have a decreased time spent crying and fussing. The old study proves that the brand’s products have worked for decades. (1)
Bottles from the brand include:
- Dr. Brown’s Options+ Baby Bottle (reviewed below)
- Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Original Baby Bottle
MAM Bottles
What’s Special About Mam Bottles?
Instead of an interval vent system, the bottles have a vented bottom, drawing air away from the formula (or breastmilk) and your baby’s mouth.
The brand offers the following bottles:
- MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle (reviewed below)
- MAM Easy Active Baby Bottle
- MAM Feel Good Glass Baby Bottle
What Are The Disadvantages Of Mam Bottles?
Similarly to Dr. Brown’s, they can be prone to leaking.
You can’t change the vented base. However, with Dr. Brown’s Options+ bottles, you can remove the vent system if it is no longer necessary. This helps reduce your preparation, assembly, and cleaning time.
Where’s The Mam Baby Brand From?
- MAM was founded by trained plastics engineer Austrian Peter Röhrig in Vienna in 1976
- The company established its international distribution and production center in Switzerland in 1987, then also established the brand in the United Kingdom in 1989
Comparison Of Features & Differences
Anti-Colic System
- Dr. Brown’s: Wand-like internal vent system (can be removed in the Options+ bottles)
- MAM: Vented base
Bottle Materials & Safety
Both brands offer bottles made of plastic or glass.
Bottle Design, Nipples, & Ease Of Latching
Here’s a guide from Dr. Brown’s:
Here’s a guide from MAM Baby:
Can You Use Dr. Brown Nipples With MAM Bottles?
No. The nipples for these bottles aren’t compatible. Using Dr. Brown’s teats in MAM bottles might cause leaks.
Can You Use MAM Nipples With Dr. Brown Bottles?
No. Even if they fit, MAM teats might leak when used with Dr. Brown’s bottles.
Leakage Reports
- Both brands have complaints about leaking
Ease Of Assembly & Cleaning
- MAM bottles have fewer parts to clean vs Dr. Brown’s bottles (when the vent system is used)
Are Dr. Brown’s Bottles Dishwasher Safe?
- Yes
Are MAM Bottles Dishwasher Safe?
- Yes
Is There a Special Baby Bottle Washer?
- Yes. The Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro automatically cleans, sterilizes, and dries baby bottles so you have nothing to worry about.
Continue reading to learn more about some of each brand’s main anti-colic baby bottles.
Dr. Brown’s Options+ Baby Bottle
Wide-Neck Plastic Bottle:
Narrow-Neck Plastic Bottle:
Wide-Neck Glass Bottle:
Narrow-Neck Glass Bottle
Best Features & Pros
- Material/s: BPA-free plastic (free from bisphenol-A) or glass
- Sizes Available: Narrow-neck and wide-neck bottles, in 4 oz, 8 oz, or 9 oz
- Ease Of Washing (Dishwasher Safe?): Yes; top rack only
Other Features
- Trusted brand with baby bottles proven to reduce colic in a study conducted even back in the early 2000s (1)
- Wand-like anti-colic vent that draws air away from the nipples to reduce colic during baby feeding
- Bottles can convert into a sippy cup using the brand’s sippy spout
- Removable internal vent system (you can use the bottles without the vent when your baby no longer needs them; this can help reduce the preparation and cleaning times)
Cons
- Prone to leaking
- Customer complaints about the glass bottles being prone to chipping or breakage
Recalls
- None
What Customers Say
Positive Customer Reviews
“My son loves the new bottle. I did not have to change the nipple, the flow was just right. There were no leaks and no issues with cleaning. I would highly recommend this bottle.” – Reviewer on Walmart
Negative Customer Reviews
“Bought these for our baby and took a road trip without my wife stored the milk in one of these bottles only to find that at the end of our journey most of stored breast milk had leaked out I double checked the cover and realized it was secured properly I have since filled it with water and tried again and no matter what I do it still seems to be leaking from somewhere it was extremely frustrating and I’m thoroughly disappointed with this item.” – Reviewer on Amazon
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottle
Best Features & Pros
- Material/s: BPA and BPS-free plastic (free from bisphenol-A and bisphenol-S)
- Sizes Available: 5 oz and 9 oz
- Ease Of Washing (Dishwasher Safe?): Yes, top rack only
Other Features
- Patented vented base that reduces airflow into your baby’s mouth to prevent colic, burping, and excessive gas during feeding
- Fewer parts to clean, assemble, and prepare vs Dr. Brown’s bottles
Cons
- Can be prone to leaking
- Some users complained that the anti-colic feature didn’t work because their baby remained gassy
Recalls
- None
What Customers Say
Positive Customer Reviews
“I didn’t think I would like them since with my first we used Dr browns. I was wrong! Not only did my son latch so easy to them but he loves them! My nipple is so big for his tiny mouth that with these bottles he’s able to eat comfortably. He’s 10 days old so we have him on size nipple 0 and it’s amazing. No leaks, easy to clean, and easy to sterilize.” – Reviewer on Amazon
Negative Customer Reviews
“They were very cute, and my breastfed baby had no problem latching to them, but they allowed too much air to get in which caused her to have an upset tummy and bad gas.” – Reviewer on Walmart
Summary & Recommendations
Both brands offer effective anti-colic baby bottles, though they also have complaints about leaking. Here’s our recommendation:
Choose Dr. Brown’s Options+ Baby Bottle if:
- You prefer the option for a removable vent
- You want one with an internal vent system
Choose MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottle if:
- You want one with fewer parts for easier assembly and cleaning
- You prefer one with the vent tucked in the base
Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Baby Bottles
Material Safety & Options Available
Plastic remains the most common material used in making baby bottles. However, they might contain chemicals such as BPA or phthalates that can affect children’s growth and hormonal development. (2)
Glass bottles can be safer because they don’t have chemicals that can affect your baby’s health. However, they’re also heavier and can break or chip away.
Silicone bottles (see Dr Browns vs Tommee Tippee) might be safer than glass or plastic bottles. However, their softer bodies can cause them to spill unexpectedly when accidentally squished (such as inside your diaper bag). Over time, milk particles might also get stuck on the walls, making them more difficult to clean and sanitize, according to feedback from some of the moms who tried them.
Design & Anti-Colic Features
The type of venting system matters when choosing your baby’s bottles because different vent types work differently. One might suit your baby, but another might not.
These mechanisms also influence the number of parts the vent system might have, which can matter regarding ease of assembly, cleaning, and use.
For example, most Philips Avent bottles only use anti-colic nipples, not internal vent systems. So, they usually have fewer parts to clean and assemble than Dr. Brown’s and MAM bottles.
Quality & No Leakage
Quality is important to ensure your baby’s bottles can last long and remain safe for use. However, many bottles have leakage issues even though they’re made of quality materials and by well-known brands.
For example, many moms complain of leakage with both MAM and Dr. Brown’s bottles. Yet, they still continue using the bottles because of their known anti-colic features.
With both brands, it’s essential to ensure that the components are properly assembled and tightened (but don’t over-tighten) to reduce leaking.
Instead of shaking the bottle, try swirling it or stirring the powdered formula with a spoon. This will reduce leakage and the formation of air bubbles.
Durability & Brand Reputation
Both Dr. Brown’s and MAM are known brands in the US for baby bottles and other essentials. They may be top contenders for the best baby bottles for your little one. However, Dr. Brown’s is better known because of the proprietary anti-colic vent systems they’ve been offering for decades.
Ease Of Assembly & Preparation
As busy, tired parents ourselves, we know your time is precious. That’s why bottles that require fewer parts to assemble and prepare can often be your best friend. However, your pediatrician might recommend a bottle with a complicated internal vent system, especially if your baby is a preemie, underweight, or still a few days old because it can help reduce colic.
Ease Of Washing & Sanitation
Baby bottles, including bottle nipples, must always be clean to reduce the risks of infection.
You don’t have to sterilize after each use unless your baby needs it (e.g., preemies or immunocompromised babies).
Cleaning baby bottles and nipples can take up a lot of time. Getting a baby bottle washer helps reduce your time spent cleaning these baby essentials.
Another way to save time is to choose self-sterilizing baby bottles, such as the MAM ones.
What Your Baby Prefers
Even with careful planning and consideration, your baby might not accept the bottle you picked. This can be due to many factors, including the bottle’s shape and weight or the nipple shape, taste, smell, or feel.
Wide-neck bottles with soft silicone nipples mimic a mum’s breast. Your baby might prefer them, especially if they’re breastfed.
Sometimes, your little one might reject a bottle or feel frustrated with one because of the flow rate. Observe how they suckle the teat because they might have outgrown their slow-flow nipple.
Bonus: Other Bottles To Consider
- Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle
- Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottle
- Comotomo Baby Bottle
- Lansinoh Breastfeeding Bottles with Natural Wave Nipple
- Nuk Simply Natural Baby Bottle
- Munchkin Latch
- Kiinde Twist Squeeze Bottle
Other Resources You Might Need For Bottle Feeding
- Guide: How Many Bottles Do You Need?
- Guide: How To Sanitize Baby Bottles
- Dr. Brown’s Green Vs. Blue
- Dr. Brown’s Vs. Philips Avent Bottles
- Dr. Brown’s vs Tommee Tippee
- Dr. Brown’s Vs. Comotomo
- Top 5 Silicone Brushes
- 12 Best Glass Baby Bottles
- 12 Best Baby Bottles
- Breast Pumps
Recent Baby Product Recalls & Safety Warnings
Stay informed with the latest news by signing up for our regular Motherhood Community recall alerts so you never miss an important recall.
Check these comprehensive lists of product recalls by category:
- Crib recalls (up to 2023)
- Stroller recalls (2020 to 2023)
- Recalled toys list (2020 to 2023)
- Baby formula recall (2001 to 2023)
- Baby food recall (2015 to 2023)
- Pacifier recall (2019 to 2022)
- Baby wipes recall (2014 to 2022)
References
(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16770138/
(2) https://health.westchestergov.com/bisphenol-a-and-phthalates
