Dr Browns vs Tommee Tippee: What Makes Them Special?

Overview

A 2006 Gastroenterology Nursing clinical trial showed that Dr. Brown’s bottles can reduce infant colic. Yes, it’s an old study – but it’s proof that it has been a trusted brand for decades. (1)

Tommee Tippee was founded in the 1940s. Can you also trust it for your baby’s bottles?

Let’s compare Dr Browns vs. Tommee Tippee baby bottles below and see how the brands differ in their designs, styles, and other top features.

What cons or disadvantages do they have, and which baby bottle should you get? Do you really need an anti-colic bottle for your little one?

Learn more below.

Dr. Brown vs Tommee Tippee Bottle Review: Which Baby Bottle Is The Right One For Your Baby?

Key Points

Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Original Baby Bottle – BPA-free plastic or glass bottles with a patented vent system; the brand claims that it’s clinically proven to preserve nutrients from breast milk and formula
Dr. Brown’s Options+ Glass Baby Bottles (Wide-Neck) – BPA-free plastic or glass bottles with a special vent that can be removed when your baby doesn’t need it anymore; also available as narrow neck bottles
Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic System – Wide-neck, BPA-free plastic bottles with a duck-billed vented wand; self-sterilizing, microwave-safe bottles for faster cleaning
Tommee Tippee Natural Start Silicone Bottles – Wide-neck silicone bottle with an anti-colic nipple, and is also available in glass or BPA-free plastic; also a self-sterilizing, microwave-safe bottle

Continue reading for more details on these different bottles.

Brand Name & Reputation

Is Tommee Tippee A Safe & Trusted Brand?

Yes. Like Dr. Brown’s, Tommee Tippee is a high-reputation bottle-feeding brand. It’s among the top brands in the US.

The brand has conducted research and clinical trials on their bottles versus competitors.

Here’s the study for the advanced anti-colic bottles:

What’s Special Or Unique About Tommee Tippee?

The brand takes pride in making unique, self-sterilizing baby bottles. Simply pop them in the microwave and they’re ready in just 3 minutes.

They also declare that their bottles are 100% leak-proof even when used upside down.

In addition to BPA-free plastic baby bottles (free from the potentially toxic chemical, bisphenol-A), Tommee Tippee also offers silicone and glass bottles.

To help your child avoid colic, the brand designed its bottles to make the air bubbles go towards the top. So, your baby doesn’t suck the air pockets.

The advanced anti-colic bottles have wand-style duck-billed vents similar to those used in Dr. Brown’s bottles, while the natural bottles have integrated anti-colic nipples without any wand vents.

Are Dr. Brown’s The Right Bottles For Your Little One?

Dr. Brown’s offers baby bottles that have been proven to help reduce colic in a study done decades ago. (1)

However, the brand’s bottles aren’t for everyone. Even if they’re ideal for preventing colic, many customers complained that they tend to leak a lot.

Dr. Brown’s bottles also have a unique venting system that is, unfortunately, made of many different parts. Cleaning and sterilizing them can take a lot of time.

These anti-colic bottles can still be ideal for your baby, especially if you’re willing to spend extra time cleaning them.

Here’s a pro tip: Consider getting an automatic baby bottle washer to help you cut back on the cleaning time.

Anti-Colic Features

Both brands have anti-colic systems designed to reduce excessive burping, reflux, and spit-ups for your baby.

Here’s Dr. Brown’s venting system:

Venting system for Tommee Tippee’s advanced anti-colic system:

Can I Remove The Vents On Tommee Tippee Anti-Colic Bottles?

No. These baby bottles are designed to work with the vents. Don’t remove them when feeding your baby.

Can I Remove The Inserts In Dr. Brown’s Bottles?

The original (blue) bottles are designed for use with vents. They must be in the bottles during feeding.

In contrast, the Options+ (green) bottles can be used with or without vents.

Materials Used

Dr. Brown’s bottles are made of:

Plastic
Glass

Tommee Tippee bottles are made of:

Plastic
Glass
Silicone

Size & Neck Style Options

Dr. Brown’s bottles are available with:

Wide neck
Narrow neck

Tommee Tippee bottles are only available with:

Wide neck

Nipples

Both brands offer a wide selection of nipples (or teats) from slow to fast flow. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on the nipple or bottle packs for the right flow rate based on your baby’s age.

Leaking Complaints & Experiences

While both brands claim to offer leak-proof bottles, reviewers on online shops have also complained that their bottles leak frequently.

Ease Of Use & Preparations

In general, Dr. Brown’s bottles are more challenging to prepare and use because they have more parts than most of the Tommee Tippee products.

Ease Of Washing & Sanitizing

Dr. Brown’s bottles are also more difficult and time-consuming to wash and sanitize than Tommee Tippee bottles.

Pro tip: Why not get an automatic baby bottle washer to save time? It’s heaven-sent for busy (and tired) moms.

Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottles

Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Original Baby Bottle

Best Features & Pros

Material/s: BPA-free plastic; also available in glass

Anti-Colic Features: Vacuum-free feeding with an anti-colic vent

Bottle Mouth Style: Available in narrow and wide neck

Available Sizes (bottle): 2 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz

Nipples: Varied nipples with a flow rate that can mimic breastfeeding

The company claims that this baby bottle is clinically proven to preserve the nutrients of your breast milk or formula.

Cons & Possible Reasons Not To Buy

Possible Leakage: Designed to be leak-proof (the brand recommends pressing the parts firmly to avoid leakage); however, several customer complaints warned that the bottles could leak excessively even if they tightened the parts

Negative Customer Reviews: Leakage and having many parts to clean

Other Features & Specs

Ease Of Use: Has more parts and can be more challenging to use than Tommee Tippee bottles

Method & Ease Of Cleaning (Dishwasher & Sterilizer Safe): Dishwasher (top rack only) and sterilizer safe

Recalls

None

What Customers Say

Positive Customer Reviews

“I have noticed that my little one has less gas and is less fussy than he was before we started to exclusively use these bottles.” – Reviewer on Amazon

Negative Customer Reviews

“These bottles do nothing but leak. They leak when you’re feeding the baby, they leak when you travel with them, they leak when you heat them.” – Reviewer on Amazon

Dr. Brown’s Options+ Glass Baby Bottles (Wide-Neck)

Best Features & Pros

Material/s: Glass bottles; also available in BPA-free plastic

Anti-Colic Features: Special vents; can be removed when your baby no longer needs the anti-colic feature

Bottle Mouth Style: Available in narrow or wide neck

Available Sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz, or 9 oz

Nipples: Options for slow-flow nipples to fast flow

This is sold with a set that lets you convert your bottle into a sippy cup when your child is ready for the transition.

Cons & Possible Reasons Not To Buy

Possible Leakage: Designed to be leak-free, but many complaints about constant leakage

Negative Customer Reviews: Concerns over cracking or breakage of the glass bottles, and leaking

Other Features & Specs

Ease Of Use: More parts to assemble and clean than Tommee Tippee, but can be used without the vent when no longer needed

Method & Ease Of Cleaning (Dishwasher & Sterilizer Safe): Dishwasher and sterilizer safe

Recalls

None

What Customers Say

Positive Customer Reviews

“I was worried about glass bottles breaking but I did several drop tests and no creaks or breaks!” – Reviewer on Dr. Brown’s website

Negative Customer Reviews

“I bought 2 different sizes about two months ago. I was very excited to use the wide neck for my baby. But I was very disappointed that both bottles are already chipping after 2 uses. It was washed very gently by hands. This is a safety concern when the bottle is chipping and cracking, plus it is also leaking the first time when I used to feed my baby.” – Reviewer on Dr. Brown’s website

Tommee Tippee Baby Bottles

Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic System

Best Features & Pros

Material/s: BPA-free polypropylene plastic bottle with a silicone nipple

Anti-Colic Features: Duck-bill vented wand that draws air away from your baby’s milk

Bottle Mouth Style: Wide mouth

Available Sizes: 9 oz and 5 oz (also sold in sets that include pacifiers, a bottle brush, Tommee Tippee formula dispensers, extra nipples, and/or a travel bottle warmer

Nipples: Silicone breast-like nipple design that reduces air intake and helps easily switch between your breast and bottle feeding; also ideal for breastfed babies

The bottles are available in clear (green) or pink and purple.

Cons & Possible Reasons Not To Buy

Possible Leakage: Designed to be leak-proof; however, some customers complained that this bottle leaks a lot and can lead to messy feeding

Negative Customer Reviews: Some reviews about the self-sterilizing feature being ‘useless’; other complaints about the nipples sinking into the bottle while in use

Other Features & Specs

Ease Of Use: Easy to use; easier to clean than Dr. Brown’s bottles, which have more parts

Method & Ease Of Cleaning (Dishwasher & Sterilizer Safe): Self-sterilizing, microwave-safe bottles; also dishwasher safe (top rack)

Recalls

None

What Customers Say

Positive Customer Reviews

“They do not leak from the sides when tipping over but they will drip from the nipple. Using the cover is just to protect the nipple and will not prevent dripping (fyi).” – Reviewer on Amazon

Negative Customer Reviews

“Terrible. I wasted money on these exact bottles. The lids do not even fit and when they miraculously do stay on milk leaks EVERYWHERE! Soo frustrating. Iv wasted soo much formula trying to use these bottles.” – Reviewer on Tommee Tippee

Tommee Tippee Natural Start Silicone Bottle

Best Features & Pros

Material/s: BPA-free silicone bottle and nipple

Anti-Colic Features: Nipple with an anti-colic valve that keeps gas away from your baby’s tummy

Bottle Mouth Style: Wide mouth

Available Sizes: 5 oz and 9 oz

Nipples: Silicone breast-like nipple for a natural latch and easy transition, even for breastfeeding babies

These bottles are available in clear (with green caps), pink, and blue.

Made with soft silicone, it’s designed to help your baby feed comfortably and at a natural pace similar to breastfeeding.

The ‘Natural Start’ line also includes options for glass or BPA-free bottles.

Cons & Possible Reasons Not To Buy

Possible Leakage: Designed to be 100% leak-proof even when upside down

Negative Customer Reviews: Some complaints about collapsing nipples and leakage; other complaints that it’s harder to clean and can grow mold that’s difficult to remove

Other Features & Specs

Ease Of Use: Easy to use and clean; has the fewest parts among the bottles in this review

Method & Ease Of Cleaning (Dishwasher & Sterilizer Safe): Dishwasher and sterilizer safe; also designed for self-sterilization (place it in the microwave for 3 minutes)

Recalls

None

What Customers Say

Positive Customer Reviews

“In love with these silicone TT bottles. This is the only bottle my baby takes. It does not make him gassy like many other bottles did. He is able to hold it. It does not leak and is so easy to clean. My favorite bottle and my babies favorite bottle.” – Reviewer on Tommee Tippee

Negative Customer Reviews

“My daughter absolutely hates these bottles. I spent over $80 on these bottles because of all of the amazing reviews on them. The nipples invert and get sucked in, they leak terribly, and they make my daughter more gassy.” – Reviewer on Tommee Tippee

Summary & Recommendations

All the bottles from Dr. Brown’s and Tommee Tippee have anti-colic systems. Here are our recommendations on how to you choose the right one for your baby:

Choose Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Original Baby Bottle if:

You prefer either BPA-free plastic or glass bottles with a patented vent system
You’re happy with the brand claims that the bottle is clinically proven to preserve nutrients from breast milk and formula

Choose Dr. Brown’s Options+ Glass Baby Bottles (Wide-Neck) if:

You want a BPA-free plastic or glass bottle with a special vent that can be removed when your baby doesn’t need it anymore
You want the option to choose between narrow neck or wide neck bottles

Choose Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic System if:

You want a wide-neck, BPA-free plastic bottle with a duck-billed vented wand
You prefer self-sterilizing, microwave-safe bottles for faster cleaning
You don’t need a narrow neck bottle

Choose Tommee Tippee Natural Start Silicone Bottles if:

Wide-neck silicone bottle with an anti-colic nipple
You also want a self-sterilizing bottle with fewer parts
You don’t mind not having a narrow neck option

FAQs On Baby Bottles

Can I Use Dr. Brown Nipples With Tommee Tippee Bottles?

No. They aren’t compatible.

Can I Use Tommee Tippee Teats (Nipples) With Dr. Brown’s Bottles?

No. They have different venting systems and aren’t compatible.

Why Do Tommee Tippee Teats Collapse?

It can be due to the venting system’s design. To prevent the nipple from collapsing, check to ensure the valve’s slit is open when you prepare the bottle.

Do I Need To Sterilize My Baby’s Bottles Daily?

This depends on several factors.

Always sterilize your baby’s bottles daily if:

Your baby is immunocompromised, a preemie, or sick (e.g., with flu or colds)
Your baby is younger than three months
Your pediatrician recommends it

Factors To Consider When Buying Baby Bottles

Anti-Colic Technology & Bottle Design

Air intake from bottle-feeding can lead to colic and reflux, even when you regularly burp your baby during feeding time. Bottles with anti-colic technology can help reduce these bottle feeding problems.

High Quality & Durable

Baby bottles can be pricey, so you don’t want to keep replacing them every month. Aside from Dr. Brown’s and Tommee Tippee, the following are some high quality products you can try:

Comotomo Baby Bottle (read our review on Dr. Brown’s Vs. Comotomo Baby Bottles)
Lansinoh Baby Bottles
MAM bottles (e.g., Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottle) (also read Dr. Brown’s Vs. MAM Anti-Colic Baby Bottles)
Nuk Simply Natural Baby Bottle
Evenflo Balance+
Nanobebe Silicone Baby Bottle
Playtex Baby Nurser bottles
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle (see Dr. Brown Bottles Vs. Philips Avent)
Medela Breast Milk Bottle

Ideal Materials For Safety & Eco-Health

Plastic bottles cost less and are generally safe for use. However, they can contain chemicals (e.g., phthalates and BPA) that can cause growth and hormonal changes in children. (2)

This is especially true when heated.

Excessive use of plastics, as well as plastic production, can also harm the environment.

Glass bottles can be safer than plastic because they don’t have chemicals that can leach into your baby’s milk. However, they’re heavier and can break.

It’s ideal to check reviews to avoid glass bottles that can easily crack or break because they can be safety hazards to you and your baby.

Warning On Plastic Use

A 2023 Environmental Science & Technology journal study showed that microwaving plastic containers can release millions of microplastic particles into baby food or other stuff being heated. This might also apply to baby bottles and formula. (3)

Regular exposure to microplastics can damage your baby’s kidneys. (3)

We recommend refraining from using a microwave to clean baby bottles or heat formula (and baby food).

Design & Size Options

Smaller (2 oz or 4 oz) and narrow neck bottles are ideal for preemies and newborn babies because they’re lighter and can be easier for them to hold
Wide neck bottles are ideal, especially for breastfeeding babies, because they mimic the shape of a mom’s breasts
Larger bottles (8 oz, 9 oz, or more) and wide neck bottles are ideal for babies who are 3+ months old because they can hold more formula or milk

Choosing Nipple Shape, Slope, Size, & Flow Rates

Some bottle nipples are sloped, while others mimic a mom’s breast for easier latching. You might need some trial and error to find the nipple your baby will like.

Different bottle manufacturers have varied codes for their nipple size and flow rates.

The smallest nipple sizes and slowest flow rates are ideal for preemies and newborns
Gradually increase the flow rates based on your baby’s age and the manufacturer’s recommendations
Some brands also have Y-shaped nipple openings for toddlers

Value For Your Money

Some points to ponder:

Cheaper plastic bottles can save you money, but they’re less safe than glass or silicone, and you might replace them more times than glass bottles.
Silicone bottles cost more than plastics but might get squished in your diaper bag or grow mold if not regularly sanitized.
Glass bottles cost more upfront but are safer (just make sure you choose a durable brand) and can last longer than the other bottles.

Leak-Free Even When Tipped Over

Ideally, bottles must be leak-free when upside down because that’s how your baby needs to position them during feeding. Check product reviews because most manufacturers claim that their bottles are leak-free.

Unfortunately, there are several complaints from disappointed parents about leakage issues with all the bottles we reviewed above.

Ease Of Assembly & Preparation

Bottles with the fewest parts are usually easier to assemble and prepare. Still, despite their numerous parts, the anti-colic bottles we reviewed above can prevent your baby’s discomfort.

If your baby doesn’t need an anti-colic bottle, it might be ideal for you to choose one that has fewer parts and is faster to prepare.

Ease Of Washing & Sanitizing

Remember: More parts = more things to wash and sanitize

An automatic baby bottle washer helps you save time while ensuring your baby can still use complicated anti-colic products with many different parts.

Your Baby’s Preference

At the end of the day, it’s your baby who decides whether they like the bottle or not. If your baby refuses to feed using a specific bottle but willingly latches on another, then it might be ideal to let them use that instead of forcing them with the other.

What If You’re Pumping?

Some baby bottles, especially those made by Medela and Philips Avent, are directly compatible with breast pumps. However, because pumps and bottles can vary, check the manufacturer’s recommendations so you won’t waste your liquid gold.

Your Budget

Every family has a different budget allocation for baby essentials. The good news is that different bottles come in various prices to suit your budget.

Testing Your Baby’s Bottles

If you have extra time to check before buying several bottles for your baby’s needs, you might consider getting one from each of the top brands you’re considering. Check the bottles for leaking, ease of assembly and cleaning, and whether your baby likes them.

This way, you can pick the most suitable baby bottle to meet your preferences.

Bonus For New Parents: Other Topics On Baby Bottles & Formula Feeding

Organic Baby Formulas

Are There Special Baby Bottles For Organic Baby Formula?

Not really. All bottles are compatible with organic baby formula or any other formula.

What Bottles Are Ideal For Breastfed Babies?

Wide-neck bottles with silicone nipples often have a similar shape and feel as a mom’s breasts. They make ideal bottles for breastfeeding babies.

Guide To Proper Transitioning To The Right Baby Utensils (Bottles To Cups)

Importance & Benefits Of Transitioning

Extended use of baby bottles can lead to cavities or let your child drink more milk than they need. So, it’s ideal to transition to a cup (4)

How To Choose The Right Utensils

Here’s our guide:

The 15 Best Baby Utensils: Which Ones Do Babies Need?

Other Useful Utensil Transition Tips

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

(3) https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c01942

(4) https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/no-bottles.html