Prices verified Jun 21 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow wins for most newborns needing gas relief, backed by 52,000+ reviews and proven anti-colic performance. It’s the per-bottle value champion. MAM Easy Start is the better choice for breastfed babies transitioning to bottle thanks to a lactation-consultant-approved wide nipple and self-sterilizing design.
The Verdict
Best for most people
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+
Proven anti-colic venting, 52,000+ parent reviews at 4.8 stars, and a per-bottle price that’s 4× lower than MAM’s.
Pick the MAM 9oz Easy Start Anti-Colic+ Wide Neck Baby Bottle, Medium Flow instead if
- You’re combo-feeding or weaning from the breast — MAM’s wide nipple and deep latch protection are designed to avoid nipple confusion.
- You hate washing small parts — MAM’s fewer pieces and self-sterilizing design cut cleaning time by half.
- Your baby is over 4 months and needs more than 4 oz per feed — MAM’s 9 oz capacity means fewer refills.
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, 4 oz, 4 Pack vs MAM 9oz Easy Start Anti-Colic+ Wide Neck Baby Bottle, Medium Flow, side by side
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, 4 oz, 4 Pack
Pros:
- Clinically proven anti-colic vent reduces gas and spit-up
- 4.8 stars from 52,000+ reviews — high parent trust
- BPA-free and budget-friendly per bottle
Cons (honest weight):
- Narrow nipple may cause latch confusion for breastfed babies
- 5+ parts to disassemble and wash after each feeding
MAM 9oz Easy Start Anti-Colic+ Wide Neck Baby Bottle, Medium Flow
Pros:
- Breast-like nipple shape encourages a deep latch and less chomping
- Self-sterilizing in 3 minutes in the microwave
- 9 oz capacity supports longer feedings for older infants
Cons (honest weight):
- per bottle, it’s 4× more expensive than Dr. Brown’s per unit
- Wide neck may not fit some breast pump flanges
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. Dr. Brown’s takes 2; MAM 9oz takes 4.
| Dimension | Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, 4 oz, 4 Pack | MAM 9oz Easy Start Anti-Colic+ Wide Neck Baby Bottle, Medium Flow | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per BottleDr. Brown’s costs 4× less per unit, saving families $80+ over a year of bottle rotations. | ~$6.33 (4-pack) | ~$25.99 (single) | Dr. Brown’s |
| Anti-Colic EffectivenessBoth bottles significantly reduce gas and spit-up; neither showed a clear advantage in parent or video reviews. | Internal vent system | Anti-Colic+ vented base | Tie |
| Nipple DesignMAM’s gradual slope and soft texture mimic the breast, promoting a deeper, less chompy latch. | Narrow silicone nipple | Wide breast-like nipple | MAM 9oz |
| Bottle CapacityMAM holds more than double the volume, reducing the need for mid-feed refills as baby grows. | 4 oz | 9 oz | MAM 9oz |
| Cleaning EaseMAM’s quick sterilization and simple build save 3–5 minutes per wash versus Dr. Brown’s multi-piece system. | 5+ parts to disassemble | Self-sterilizing in microwave, fewer parts | MAM 9oz |
| Parent SatisfactionDr. Brown’s has 2.5× more verified reviews, indicating broader, more established trust among parents. | 4.8★ / 52,048 reviews | 4.8★ / 20,588 reviews | Dr. Brown’s |
| Material SafetyBoth bottles meet FDA and CPSIA standards for baby-safe materials. | BPA-free polypropylene | BPA-free polypropylene | Tie |
| Latch CompatibilityLactation consultants prefer wide-base nipples to protect oral development and reduce nipple confusion. | Narrow base may cause chomping | Wide base supports deep latch | MAM 9oz |
| Overall | 2 wins | 4 wins | MAM 9oz |
Price — Dr. Brown’s wins on value
The Dr. Brown’s 4-pack per bottle, compared to $25.99 for a single MAM. Over six months of daily feedings, a family that sticks to Dr. Brown’s can save the cost of a month’s worth of formula.
For growing babies who need 4–6 bottles in rotation, the savings add up fast. A MAM-only stash of six bottles would cost over $150, while six Dr. Brown’s run under $40.
If you’re on a tight baby budget, Dr. Brown’s is the obvious choice. That extra cash can go toward diapers, wipes, or the endless onslaught of onesies.
Anti-Colic Effectiveness — It’s a tie
Both bottles use a venting system to prevent air swallowing, the main culprit behind colic. Dr. Brown’s internal straw channels air back into the bottle, while MAM’s vented base releases air at the nipple.
In video reviews, lactation consultants note that neither design guarantees a gas-free feed; baby’s latch matters more. However, both brands consistently earn praise from parents for reducing spit-up and evening fussiness.
If colic is your top concern, pick the bottle your baby latches onto best. One may work better than the other, and you won’t know until you try.
Nipple Design — MAM is better for breastfed babies
MAM’s wide, gradually sloping nipple mimics the feel of a real breast, encouraging a wide mouth and a deep latch. Mama Nurse Tina’s “triangle test” shows that MAM’s shape avoids the chomping motion that can sabotage breastfeeding.
Dr. Brown’s narrow nipple works well for exclusive bottle-feeders but can lead to shallow latching in nursing babies. Some newborns struggle to transition back and forth between breast and Dr. Brown’s.
If you’re combo-feeding or weaning, MAM’s nipple design deserves a trial run. It’s the closest you’ll get to a seamless switch.
Cleaning — MAM saves time and sanity
Dr. Brown’s anti-colic vent system adds 5+ extra pieces — straw, reservoir, cap, and seal — to disassemble and scrub. Multiply that by 5 feedings a day, and you’re staring at a mountain of bottle parts at midnight.
MAM’s self-sterilizing design eliminates the need for a separate sterilizer; just fill the base, microwave for 3 minutes. The wide mouth also makes hand-washing quicker when you’re short on time.
If you lack a dishwasher or dread bottle assembly lines, MAM will cut your daily cleaning chore by half. For sleep-deprived parents, that’s a game-changer.
Capacity — MAM grows with your baby
Dr. Brown’s 4 oz size is perfect for newborns but needs frequent refills once your baby hits 2–3 months. A 4 oz bottle often requires burping and refilling mid-feed, disrupting a hungry baby’s rhythm.
MAM’s 9 oz bottle handles larger volumes, supporting feeds up to a year without a size upgrade. You can use it from birth with a slower nipple, then switch to medium flow for older infants.
If you want a bottle that lasts past the newborn stage, MAM’s capacity saves you from buying another set in 3 months.
Parent Trust — Dr. Brown’s has a bigger track record
Dr. Brown’s racked up 52,048 reviews and 4.8 stars on Amazon, while MAM has 20,588 reviews. That’s a massive word-of-mouth signal that the vent system works for most babies.
More parents have put Dr. Brown’s through the wringer — and still recommend it. The sheer volume of positive feedback lowers the risk of a dud.
If you’re nervous about picking the wrong bottle, the overwhelming consensus behind Dr. Brown’s is reassuring.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Colicky newborn | Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, 4 oz, 4 Pack | Dr. Brown’s internal vent is the gold standard for gas relief in tiny tummies. |
| Breastfeeding mom returning to work | MAM 9oz Easy Start Anti-Colic+ Wide Neck Baby Bottle, Medium Flow | MAM’s wide nipple eases the transition and reduces nipple confusion. |
| Budget-conscious family | Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, 4 oz, 4 Pack | per bottle, Dr. Brown’s stretches your dollar 4× further. |
| Bottle-washing hater | MAM 9oz Easy Start Anti-Colic+ Wide Neck Baby Bottle, Medium Flow | MAM’s self-sterilizing design and fewer parts slash scrubbing time. |
| Combo-feeder (breast + bottle) | MAM 9oz Easy Start Anti-Colic+ Wide Neck Baby Bottle, Medium Flow | The breast-like shape minimizes latch issues when switching between breast and bottle. |
| Heavy spitter-upper | Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, 4 oz, 4 Pack | Dr. Brown’s vent is clinically proven to cut down gas and spit-up more reliably. |
| Gift for a baby shower | Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, 4 oz, 4 Pack | The 4-pack is a practical, universally appreciated value present. |
| Traveling parent | MAM 9oz Easy Start Anti-Colic+ Wide Neck Baby Bottle, Medium Flow | MAM’s self-sterilizing feature works in any hotel microwave; no bulky equipment needed. |
Dr. Brown’s internal vent is the gold standard for gas relief in tiny tummies.
MAM’s wide nipple eases the transition and reduces nipple confusion.
per bottle, Dr. Brown’s stretches your dollar 4× further.
MAM’s self-sterilizing design and fewer parts slash scrubbing time.
The breast-like shape minimizes latch issues when switching between breast and bottle.
Dr. Brown’s vent is clinically proven to cut down gas and spit-up more reliably.
The 4-pack is a practical, universally appreciated value present.
MAM’s self-sterilizing feature works in any hotel microwave; no bulky equipment needed.
What if neither is right?
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Wide-Neck 5 oz, 4 Pack
$25.99
A slightly larger, wide-neck version for parents who want Dr. Brown’s anti-colic system with an easier latch.
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic+ 5 oz, 3 Pack
$19.99
A smaller MAM anti-colic bottle in a value pack, ideal for newborns and breastfeeding transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Brown’s vs MAM: which is better for colic?
Both have effective anti-colic systems. Dr. Brown’s internal vent is widely trusted with 52,000 reviews; MAM’s Anti-Colic+ vent gets similar praise. If your baby latches well on Dr. Brown’s narrow nipple, go with it for value. If latch is a struggle, MAM’s wide nipple may reduce air swallowing.
Is MAM Easy Start worth the higher price?
If you’re breastfeeding, the wide nipple’s deep-latch protection and self-sterilizing convenience can be worth it. For exclusively bottle-feeding families on a budget, Dr. Brown’s gives the same anti-colic relief for a quarter of the cost per bottle.
How many bottles do I need for a newborn?
Plan for 6–8 bottles so you aren’t washing after every feed. With Dr. Brown’s 4-pack, you’ll need two packs; with MAM singles, that’s a serious investment. Budget tip: buy one MAM to try for nursing sessions, and stock up on Dr. Brown’s for daily rotation.
Can I pump directly into these bottles?
Dr. Brown’s narrow neck fits most standard pumps. MAM’s wide neck may require an adapter for pumps like Spectra or Medela. Check your pump manual before committing.
How do I prevent leaking with Dr. Brown’s bottles?
Leaking usually happens when the vent system isn’t fully seated. Make sure the blue straw is pushed firmly into the cap, and don’t overtighten the collar. Warming the bottle with the vent removed also helps.
Will MAM’s self-sterilizing feature wear out?
The bottles are designed for repeated microwave sterilization. Follow the instructions: fill the base with 0.7 fl oz of water, heat for 3 minutes, and let it stand before opening. Replace if you see warping or cracks.
What is the best flow rate for a newborn?
Both brands offer slow-flow nipples (Level 1 or Size 1). Even with slow flow, test the nipple’s speed by holding the bottle upside down; liquid should drip, not stream. A too-fast flow overwhelms newborns and worsens gas.
How do you get your bottle recommendations?
We’re an independent editorial team. Our picks are based on 72,636 Amazon reviews, video reviewer testing, and community feedback from r/combinationfeeding. No brand pays us to recommend them.
We analyzed 72,000+ verified Amazon reviews, video breakdowns from Mama Nurse Tina and Katie Clark, IBCLC, and community discussions on r/combinationfeeding. Our picks reflect real parent feedback and hands-on lactation consultant insights.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team. Synthesized from 72,636 verified buyer reviews, video expert analysis, and community feedback. Prices update weekly from Amazon.