How to Use Dr. Brown's Bottle Vents and Inserts Correctly
By Dr. Brown's - Happy feeding™ | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the correct order for assembling Dr. Brown's bottle vents and inserts, with checkpoints to avoid leaks, slow flow, and extra cleaning.
Quick answer
Assemble Dr. Brown's bottles by inserting the internal vent system into the bottle first, then filling with milk, and finally adding the nipple and collar. Keep the vent system in place for anti-colic feeding; remove it only when you convert the bottle to a sippy spout or when cleaning.
Why the vent system goes in before the milk
The internal vent system is designed to work with the bottle upright, so it must sit at the bottom before you add milk. If you pour first and try to push the vent in afterward, you risk trapping air, spilling, and bending the vent tube. A bent tube can change how air moves through the bottle and may reduce the anti-colic benefit.
Check the parts before every assembly
Before you assemble, check that the vent tube, insert, nipple, and collar are clean and undamaged. A cracked tube or a nipple with a torn tip will not seal correctly. If a part looks worn, replace it rather than trying to force it into place.
How to tell the vent is seated correctly
When the vent system is seated properly, the tube sits flat at the bottom of the bottle and the insert rests level inside the neck. The nipple should sit on top without gaps. If the insert tilts or the nipple rocks, remove the parts and reseat them—do not tighten the collar to force a seal.
When to remove the vent system
Remove the internal vent system only when you convert the bottle to a sippy spout or when you clean the parts. For standard bottle feeding, leave it in place. If you are using the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Sippy Bottle Starter Kit, the soft silicone sippy spout fits any Dr. Brown's Options+ Wide-Neck bottle with the vent system removed.
Step-by-step: assembling and using the vent system
- Wash and inspect all parts: Separate the vent tube, insert, nipple, collar, and bottle. Check the vent tube for cracks, the nipple for tears, and the insert for warping. Wash in warm soapy water and rinse well. Checkpoint: if any part is damaged, replace it before assembly.
- Insert the vent system into the bottle: Drop the vent tube into the bottle so it rests flat on the bottom. Place the insert into the neck of the bottle, aligning it so it sits level. Do not push the insert down with force. Mistake to avoid: inserting the vent after adding milk, which can trap air and bend the tube.
- Fill with milk or formula: Pour the desired amount of milk or formula into the bottle. Do not fill above the maximum fill line. The vent system works with the bottle upright, so keep it steady. Checkpoint: the vent tube should remain flat at the bottom; if it floats or tilts, reseat it.
- Place the nipple and tighten the collar: Set the nipple on top of the insert, then screw the collar on until snug. Do not overtighten, as this can distort the nipple or insert and cause leaks. Mistake to avoid: overtightening the collar to stop a leak—if it leaks, check that the insert and nipple are seated correctly.
- Test the flow and feed: Turn the bottle upside down and check for a slow, steady drip. If nothing comes out, loosen the collar slightly or check that the vent tube is not blocked. Feed with the bottle upright so the vent can do its job. Checkpoint: if flow is too slow or stops, remove the collar and reseat the vent system.
- Remove the vent for sippy conversion: When your baby is ready for a sippy spout, remove the internal vent system entirely. The soft silicone sippy spout fits any Dr. Brown's Options+ Wide-Neck bottle with the vent system removed. Next step: use the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Sippy Bottle Starter Kit to transition from nipple to sippy spout.
Products that use this vent system
- Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Glass Baby Bottle, with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipple: Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Glass Baby Bottle with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipple uses the anti-colic internal vent system that is clinically proven to reduce colic and decrease spit-up, burping, and gas. If you use this glass bottle, the vent assembly steps in this guide apply directly. The glass body is easy to check for a level vent seat because you can see the tube at the bottom.
- Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipple, 2-Pack: Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle 2-Pack with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipple includes the same anti-colic vent system and breast-like nipple shape. With two bottles, you can keep one assembled and ready while the other is cleaning, but always check that each vent tube is seated before feeding.
- Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Sippy Bottle Starter Kit: The Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Sippy Bottle Starter Kit includes a 9oz/270mL sippy bottle with Level 3 (Medium-Fast Flow) nipple and a soft 100% silicone sippy spout that fits any Dr. Brown's Options+ Wide-Neck bottle with the vent system removed. When you switch from nipple to sippy spout, you must remove the internal vent system first. This kit gives you both setups so you can transition without buying a separate cup.
