Which anti-colic bottle is the better pick?
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle (4-Pack)
Best for severe colic — the most proven anti-colic technology available
Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle with AirFree Vent (4-Pack)
Best for the Philips Avent ecosystem — seamless integration with their breast pumps and accessories
Specs Comparison
| Feature | Dr. Brown’s Options+ | Philips Avent AirFree |
|---|---|---|
| Venting System | Internal vent system | AirFree vent (keeps nipple full) |
| Pack Size | 4 bottles | 4 bottles |
| Material | Polypropylene (PP) | Polypropylene (PP) |
| BPA Free | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Price Range | $ | $$ |
| Sizes | 4 oz, 8 oz | 4 oz, 9 oz |
| Nipple Type | Narrow medical-grade silicone | Natural Response silicone |
Dr. Brown’s Options+
Strengths
- Patented internal vent system — the gold standard for colic reduction
- Options+ design lets you remove the vent as baby grows
- Narrow neck works well for breastfed babies used to a smaller latch
- Over 20 years of pediatrician recommendations and clinical studies
- Most affordable per-bottle option in this roundup
Weaknesses
- More parts to clean (reservoir, tube, and small vent pieces)
- Internal vent is fiddly to assemble, especially at 3 AM
- Narrow neck is harder to fill than wide-mouth designs
Philips Avent AirFree
Strengths
- AirFree vent keeps nipple full of milk — no air bubbles
- Very few parts — simple to assemble and clean
- Wide neck for easy filling
- Excellent compatibility with Philips Avent breast pumps and accessories
- Natural Response nipple mimics breastfeeding rhythm
Weaknesses
- AirFree vent sold separately from the standard bottle
- Works best only when baby feeds in an upright position
- Higher price point when you add the AirFree vent
The Pragmatic Pick: Dr. Brown’s Options+ Runner-Up
Dr. Brown’s Options+ wins this matchup. As our overall runner-up for anti-colic bottles, it combines patented internal vent system — the gold standard for colic reduction with options+ design lets you remove the vent as baby grows — a combination that’s tough to beat. Philips Avent AirFree is a solid option in its own right (airfree vent keeps nipple full of milk — no air bubbles), but Dr. Brown’s Options+’s proven track record and versatile design give it the edge here.
← Back to Best Anti-Colic Bottles (2026)
Other Comparisons
- MAM Easy Start vs Dr. Brown’s Options+
- MAM Easy Start vs Philips Avent AirFree
- MAM Easy Start vs Tommee Tippee
- MAM Easy Start vs Lansinoh
- MAM Easy Start vs NUK Perfect Match
- MAM Easy Start vs Boon Nursh
- Dr. Brown’s Options+ vs Tommee Tippee
- Dr. Brown’s Options+ vs Lansinoh
- Dr. Brown’s Options+ vs NUK Perfect Match
- Dr. Brown’s Options+ vs Boon Nursh
- Philips Avent AirFree vs Tommee Tippee
- Philips Avent AirFree vs Lansinoh
- Philips Avent AirFree vs NUK Perfect Match
- Philips Avent AirFree vs Boon Nursh
- Tommee Tippee vs Lansinoh
- Tommee Tippee vs NUK Perfect Match
- Tommee Tippee vs Boon Nursh
- Lansinoh vs NUK Perfect Match
- Lansinoh vs Boon Nursh
- NUK Perfect Match vs Boon Nursh
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