Quick answer
Choose Dr Brown's Options+ if your baby struggles with colic or gas; the internal vent system actively reduces air intake. Standard bottles work well for babies who feed without discomfort and may prefer a simpler design.
How the vent system changes feeding
The main difference between Dr Brown's Options+ and standard bottles is the internal vent system. Options+ bottles use a unique vent that channels air away from the milk, which can reduce colic symptoms like gas and fussiness. Standard bottles lack this vent, so more air can mix with the milk during feeding.
For a baby who is prone to gas or colic, the vent system can make a noticeable difference in comfort. For a baby who feeds calmly without issues, a standard bottle may be perfectly adequate and simpler to clean.
Narrow vs wide neck design
Dr Brown's Options+ is available in both narrow and wide neck versions. The narrow neck bottle (250ml single) has a slimmer shape that some babies find easier to grip, and it fits standard bottle warmers. The wide neck Options+ (270ml twin pack) has a broader base that some parents find easier to fill and clean.
Standard bottles also come in narrow and wide neck options. The choice here is more about personal preference and what your baby adapts to. Both neck types are effective; the vent system is the key differentiator.
Cost and value considerations
Dr Brown's Options+ bottles typically cost a bit more than standard bottles due to the added vent system. The twin pack of 270ml bottles offers good value if you need multiple bottles, while the single narrow neck bottle is a lower-cost entry point to try the system.
Standard bottles are generally less expensive, which can be a factor if you're on a tight budget or need many bottles. However, if your baby has colic, the extra cost of Options+ may save you from buying other remedies.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Anti-colic vent system: Options+ has it; standard bottles do not. Reduces air intake but adds cleaning steps. If your baby has colic, the extra cleaning is worth it.
- Number of parts to clean: Options+ has more parts (vent, nipple, collar, bottle). Standard bottles have fewer parts. Standard bottles are faster to clean but may not solve gas issues.
- Price per bottle: Options+ costs more upfront. Standard bottles are cheaper but may require additional purchases if colic is an issue. Consider the total cost of feeding solutions, not just the bottle price.
- Neck size options: Both types come in narrow and wide neck. Options+ offers both; standard bottles also offer both. Neck size is a personal preference, not a deciding factor between the two.
Product facts at a glance
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Dr Brown's Options+ Anti-Colic Baby Bottle 270ml Twin Pack: The Dr Brown's Options+ range features a unique internal vent system that channels air away from baby's feed, clinically proven to reduce windy colic. This vent system actively reduces the air your baby swallows, which can lessen gas, fussiness, and colic symptoms during and after feeds.
Dr Brown's Options+ Anti-Colic Baby Bottle 270ml Twin Pack
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Dr Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck 250ml Single Bottle: The Dr Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck 250ml bottle includes a Level 1 teat and is designed to reduce colic with the same internal vent system. The narrow neck design fits standard bottle warmers and may be easier for small hands to hold, while still providing the anti-colic benefits.
Dr Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck 250ml Single Bottle
Which one fits your baby?
Best for
- Babies with colic, gas, or frequent fussiness during feeds
- Parents who want a clinically proven solution to reduce air swallowing
Not ideal for
- Babies who feed calmly without gas or discomfort
- Parents who prefer a simpler bottle with fewer parts to clean
