Dr. Brown’s Options+ vs Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature
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Feeding decisions involve many factors beyond what is covered here. Consult your pediatrician or a board-certified lactation consultant for personalized guidance.
The Dr. Brown’s Options+ and Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature are two of the most widely purchased baby bottles, but they solve different problems. Dr. Brown’s is built around its internal vent system designed to reduce air ingestion during feeding. Tommee Tippee prioritizes a breast-like nipple shape intended to ease the transition between breast and bottle. The trade-off: Dr. Brown’s has more parts to clean, while Tommee Tippee keeps things simpler.
Here is how they compare, spec by spec.
Head to Head
| Feature | Dr. Brown’s Options+ | Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Check current price → | Check current price → |
| Anti-colic system | Internal vent system | Sensitive anti-colic valve |
| Nipple shape | Narrow, traditional | Wide, breast-like |
| Sizes available | 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz | 5 oz, 9 oz |
| Material options | PP plastic or glass | PP plastic |
| Total parts | 5 (bottle, collar, nipple, vent insert, vent reservoir) | 3 (bottle, collar, nipple) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes | Yes |
| BPA-free | Yes | Yes |
Anti-Colic Systems: The Core Difference
Dr. Brown’s Options+ uses a patented internal vent system consisting of a vent insert and vent reservoir that channels air through the bottle and away from the milk. The concept is to reduce air bubbles in the milk so the baby ingests less air during feeding. The “Options+” design means the vent system is removable; you can use the bottle with or without the vents as your baby grows.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature uses a simpler anti-colic valve built into the base of the nipple. This valve is designed to let air into the bottle to prevent vacuum buildup, reducing the amount of air mixed into the milk. It is a less complex system with no additional internal parts.
Parent reviews suggest that Dr. Brown’s internal vent system is more effective at reducing gas and colic symptoms for many babies, though individual results vary significantly from baby to baby. Tommee Tippee’s valve provides some anti-colic function but is generally considered less robust than Dr. Brown’s multi-part approach.
What parents say: Parents on Amazon (approximately 80,000+ reviews across Dr. Brown’s variants as of March 2026) frequently credit the vent system with significantly reducing gas, fussiness, and colic symptoms. The “Options+” removable vent feature is valued by parents whose babies outgrow colic symptoms. On the Tommee Tippee side (~40,000+ reviews), some parents report that the anti-colic valve is less effective than Dr. Brown’s vent system for gassy babies.
Nipple Design
This is where these bottles serve distinctly different needs.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature features a wide, dome-shaped nipple designed to mimic the shape and flex of a breast. The wide base encourages a wide latch similar to breastfeeding. This design is specifically intended for babies who switch between breast and bottle feeding.
Dr. Brown’s Options+ uses a narrower, more traditional nipple shape. While it is not specifically designed to mimic breastfeeding, it works well for babies who are primarily bottle-fed or who have no difficulty transitioning between feeding methods.
| Nipple Spec | Dr. Brown’s Options+ | Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Narrow, traditional | Wide, breast-like dome |
| Flow rates available | Preemie, Level 1, 2, 3, 4, Y-cut | Slow, medium, fast, variable |
| Material | Silicone | Silicone |
| Width | Narrow neck | Wide neck |
What parents say: Parents consistently highlight the Tommee Tippee breast-like nipple shape as the primary reason for purchase. Many parents report that babies who refuse other bottles accept the Closer to Nature nipple. Dr. Brown’s wide range of nipple flow rates (preemie through Y-cut) accommodates babies at every stage. The glass option is popular among parents seeking non-plastic alternatives.
Parts Count and Cleaning
This is the practical trade-off that affects daily life most directly.
Dr. Brown’s Options+ has 5 parts per bottle: the bottle itself, the collar ring, the nipple, the vent insert, and the vent reservoir. Every part needs to be disassembled, washed, and reassembled after each use. All parts are dishwasher safe (top rack), but the small vent pieces require a basket or mesh bag to prevent them from falling through the rack. Many parents use the included cleaning brush for the vent pieces.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature has 3 parts: the bottle, the collar ring, and the nipple. Assembly and disassembly take seconds. The wide neck makes hand-washing easy, and all parts are dishwasher safe.
For parents washing bottles multiple times per day, this difference is significant. At 6 to 8 bottles per day, Dr. Brown’s means 30 to 40 individual parts to wash, dry, and reassemble. Tommee Tippee cuts that to 18 to 24 parts.
What parents say: The multi-part design is the most frequent Dr. Brown’s criticism. Parents describe the assembly as tedious, especially for middle-of-the-night feedings. The vent pieces can leak if not assembled correctly. Small parts can get lost in the dishwasher. Some parents report that the vent insert discolors over time and needs periodic replacement. Tommee Tippee’s simple 3-part design makes cleaning fast and assembly foolproof, per reviewers. The wide neck makes scooping formula powder easier.
Material and Size Options
Dr. Brown’s Options+ is available in PP plastic or borosilicate glass. The glass option appeals to parents who prefer to avoid plastic for feeding. The range includes 2 oz (for newborns or small feeds), 4 oz, and 8 oz sizes.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature is available in PP plastic in 5 oz and 9 oz sizes. There is no glass option in the standard Closer to Nature line. The size range is more limited but covers the two most commonly used capacities.
What parents say: The lack of a glass option is noted by Tommee Tippee parents who prefer non-plastic bottles. Fewer size options (no 2 oz or 4 oz) limit use for very small or supplemental feeds.
Leak Concerns
Dr. Brown’s internal vent system requires correct assembly to prevent leaks. If the vent insert and reservoir are not properly seated, milk can leak from the collar during feeding or when the bottle is tipped. This is the most common assembly-related complaint in parent reviews. Once parents develop muscle memory for assembly, leaking typically resolves.
Tommee Tippee’s simpler 3-part design has fewer potential leak points. The primary issue parents report is occasional nipple collapse during feeding, where the valve does not release air quickly enough, creating a vacuum that collapses the nipple. Loosening the collar slightly usually resolves this.
What parents say: Nipple collapse during feeding is a recurring theme in Tommee Tippee reviews, though loosening the collar usually fixes this.
Your Call
Dr. Brown’s Options+ may be a better fit if you:
- Are dealing with significant gas, fussiness, or colic symptoms and want a more robust anti-colic system
- Prefer a glass bottle option
- Need a wide range of nipple flow rates (preemie through Y-cut)
- Want the flexibility to remove the vent system as your baby grows (Options+ feature)
- Need smaller bottle sizes (2 oz) for newborns or supplemental feeds
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature may be a better fit if you:
- Are transitioning a baby between breast and bottle and want a breast-like nipple shape
- Prioritize easy cleaning with minimal parts (3 per bottle)
- Want simple, fast assembly for middle-of-the-night feedings
- Have a baby who has refused narrow-nipple bottles
- Prefer a wide-neck design that is easy to fill and clean by hand
Specifications sourced from manufacturer websites (Dr. Brown’s, Tommee Tippee) and authorized retailers as of March 2026. Review data aggregated from Amazon and retailer platforms as of March 2026. Check retailer sites for current pricing and availability. BabyNerd has not independently tested these products.
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Questions Parents Ask
Can I use Dr. Brown’s bottles without the vent system?
Yes. The Options+ design allows you to remove the internal vent insert and reservoir, converting it to a simpler 3-part bottle. Many parents do this once their baby outgrows the colicky stage, typically around 4 to 6 months.
Will a breastfed baby accept Tommee Tippee bottles?
The Closer to Nature nipple is specifically designed to ease breast-to-bottle transition, and many parents report success. However, bottle acceptance is highly individual. Some breastfed babies accept it immediately, while others need time to adjust regardless of nipple shape.
Why does the Tommee Tippee nipple collapse during feeding?
Nipple collapse happens when the anti-colic valve does not release air fast enough, creating a vacuum inside the bottle. Loosening the collar ring slightly usually fixes this by allowing more air flow. If collapse persists, the valve or nipple may need replacement.
Is the glass version of Dr. Brown’s heavier?
Yes. The glass bottles are noticeably heavier than the plastic version. For older babies who hold their own bottles, plastic may be more practical. Glass is preferred by parents who want a non-plastic option for early feeding.
Do I really need to clean all 5 parts of Dr. Brown’s every time?
If you are using the vent system, yes. All parts that contact milk need to be disassembled and washed after each use. A bottle brush set designed for Dr. Brown’s (sold separately) can make cleaning the vent pieces faster.