How to Use Dr. Brown Bottles

Dr. Brown's bottles are known for their internal vent system. This unique system helps reduce colic, burping, gas and spit-up during and after feedings by lessening air bubbles in baby's tummy and mimicking the flow of breast feeding. This system also minimizes the oxidation of breast milk and formula, which helps maintain levels of vitamins A, C and E. The bottles are available in plastic or glass and with either standard or wide-neck nipples. Dr. Brown's bottles contain no BPA, PVC, lead or phthalates in the plastic, making them a popular choice among parents, pediatricians and hospitals.

Cleaning

Wash hands thoroughly before handling bottle parts.

Disassemble the bottle, removing the cap, nipple collar, nipple, insert and reservoir.

Boil enough water to cover the silicone nipple. Place nipple into boiling water for three minutes before using it for the first time.

Wash all parts, including the bottle itself, with hot water and soap, scrubbing with a bottle brush and rinsing thoroughly. If washing with a dishwasher, all parts should be placed in the top rack and water should not be hotter than 140 degrees.

Assembling

Pour desired amount of breast milk or formula into the bottle. Stir formula to mix rather than shaking bottle to avoid bubbles. Do not fill the bottle above the "Fill Line Warning" line or vent will not function correctly.

Push the reservoir into the insert until it snaps in place.

Put the reservoir in the bottle so the insert is completely touching the top of the bottle.

Insert the nipple through the nipple collar.

Preparing

Place the bottle in a pan of hot water, making sure the water is not boiling. While you can use a microwave to heat the liquid, it can create hot spots or overheat the formula or breast milk, so heating in water is preferred.

Check the temperature of the formula or breast milk in the bottle with a candy thermometer or by pouring a drop on the back of your hand or your tongue. The liquid should not be hotter than body temperature, 98.6 degrees. Be sure to stir the liquid before testing on your skin so it has an even temperature.

Place the nipple collar with nipple inserted onto the bottle and turn to tighten. Be sure to check that the collar is firmly tightened before feeding. Pull on the nipple to check for tears.

Feeding

Hold baby in a semi-reclined position to feed, not lying flat on his or her back.

Place the nipple of the bottle in baby's mouth to begin feeding.

Hold the bottle at approximately a 45-degree angle while feeding to keep the reservoir tube hole at the bottom of the bottle free of liquid.

Remove nipple from baby's mouth after the nipple is emptied to prevent baby from swallowing air, which can cause gas and discomfort.

Tips

Be sure you are using the correct nipple for your baby to ensure he or she does not swallow the milk too quickly.

After checking that the hole in the nipple is not clogged and the reservoir is properly inserted into the insert, empty the reservoir by loosening and then re-tightening the nipple collar if the reservoir bulb remains more than 1/3 full when bottle is upright.