Dr. Brown’s vs Pigeon – Main Differences Explained

Balint Horvath, PhD

Writer, parent, and veteran of baby feeding battles.

Updated:

Want to compare Dr Brown vs Pigeon bottles? Both baby bottles are excellent choices but there may be some features that are important for your baby’s feeding experience. I’ve been in your shoes. With a fussy baby, finding the right bottle can be challenging. 

When comparing Dr. Brown and Pigeon baby bottles, there are some common factors, and there are a few key differences to consider. For example, Pigeon has a wide neck design while Dr Brown has both wide neck and standard sizes.

Key takeaways

  • Dr. Brown has a well-known anti-colic system that can be removed as your baby grows, allowing you to use the bottle for longer. 
  • Both Dr. Brown and Pigeon bottles come in a variety of sizes and nipple flows. 
  • Pigeon has a bottle designed to aid babies with disabilities who may struggle to suckle normally such as babies with a cleft palate or Down syndrome. 
  • Both bottles are prone to leaking if they aren’t assembled correctly. 
  • Cleaning is easy since both brands are dishwasher safe. 

Dr. Brown vs Pigeon comparison table

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to highlight the main differences between Dr. Brown and Pigeon brands. 

FeaturesDr. BrownPigeon
Size– 2 oz for preemies
– 4 oz
– 8 oz
– 5 oz
– 8 oz
– 12 oz
Nipple design– Standard
– Wide-neck
Wide-neck
Bottle shapes– Standard
– Wide-neck 
Wide-neck bottle
Types of bottles– Standard
– Anti-Colic 
– Standard
– Anti-Colic
– Cleft palate bottle
Bottle materialsMade from BPA-free polypropylenePolyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and Polypropylene options
Dishwasher safeYes, place on the top shelfYes, place on the top shelf 
Microwave safeYes, for sterilizing only Yes, for sterilizing only
Ease of cleaningThe anti-colic bottles include a pipe cleaner to clean the venting system. Can be time-consuming to clean each small part. Yes, can be cleaned or sterilized by boiling, chemical or steam methods
LeakageLeaking is a common problem if the venting system isn’t installed correctlyCan leak if not connected correctly
Anti-colic/gasThe advanced internal venting system makes up their famous anti-colic bottlesTeats boast a unique venting system
RecyclableYes, polypropylene plastic components can be recycledYes. Unlike many other bottle brands, the entire bottle can be recycled which includes the collars and hoods
Expiration dateNo, but needs to be replaced if damaged, cracked or develops an odorNo, but may need to be replaced after six months or at the first signs of damage

Dr. Brown’s baby bottle features

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottles 4 oz/120 mL (Pack of 4), with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipple, 0m+

Types of bottles 

Dr. Brown has been around for a long time and is a go-to bottle for many parents. The types of bottles on offer from this famous brand are:

Sizes

Dr. Brown bottles are typically available in the following sizes:

  • 2 oz (for preemies)
  • 4 oz
  • 8 oz

Bottle shapes

The original Dr. Brown bottles featured a narrow or standard shape. More recently, their Dr. Brown Natural Flow Wide-Neck boasts a larger diameter and curved indentations on the side. This makes it easier for your baby to hold. 

Nipple designs

All the Dr. Brown nipples are made of uber-soft, high-grade silicone and boast six different nipple flow rates. Nipples are also available in standard and wide-neck options. 

Materials

Dr. Brown’s bottles are made of BPA-free polypropylene plastic. The glass options are made from pharmaceutical-grade borosilicate glass which is both thermal shock and heat resistant. All components and parts used in the Dr. Brown bottle range are also BPA-free. 

Anti-colic gas 

Dr. Brown’s anti-colic bottles internal vent system has been clinically proven to reduce colic and gas symptoms. Additionally, some bottles in their range can have the vent system removed as the baby grows and no longer needs it. 

Here’s a short clip to show you how Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Options bottles work. 

Microwave safe

Dr. Brown’s extensive bottle range is microwave safe. The manufacturer recommends not using the microwave to heat the bottle, but only to sterilize. This is because the kilk will heat unevenly and many nutrients can be destroyed. 

Dishwasher safe

Dr. Brown bottles have been designed to be dishwasher safe. The manufacturer recommends putting the bottles and the components in a dishwasher basket on the top shelf. This will avoid losing or damaging any of the small components found in Dr.Brown’s bottles.

Expiration date

Dr. Brown, like most other quality baby bottles, can be used for multiple babies. If they have been cleaned and sterilized correctly, they can easily have a longer shelf life. Keep an eye out for damages such as cracks or odors, especially in plastic bottles. 

If you want to further explore bottle expiration, here’s an interesting article I wrote on baby bottle expiration dates.

Do Pigeon teats fit Dr. Brown bottles?

No, Pigeon teats don’t fit Dr Brown bottles. Since Dr. Brown’s nipples feature a special anti-colic design that also includes a tube that runs the length of the bottle, it makes it difficult for a Pigeon teat to fit on their bottle. 

Pigeon baby bottle features

Pigeon PP Nursing Bottle Wide Neck, Streamlined Body, Natural Feel, Easy to Clean, 5.4 Oz(Pack of 4), Includes 4pcs SS Nipples (0m+)

Types of bottles

The most common Pigeon bottles include the following:

Sizes

Pigeon baby bottles are available in three sizes, namely:

  • 5 oz
  • 8 oz
  • 12 oz

Bottle shapes

Pigeon bottles are designed with a round body and a wide-neck to make the transition between breast and bottle much easier. They also have a cleft palate bottle specially designed for babies with cleft palates or Down syndrome. 

Nipple designs

Pigeon features nipples in wide-neck options to match their bottles. Their wide-neck nipples are designed to reduce confusion between breast and bottle. 

Materials

The Pigeon bottle range is made of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and Polypropylene, both of which are toxin and chemical-free. Glass options are made of Borosilicate glass which can withstand high temperatures often reached in the sterilization process. 

Anti-colic gas

All Pigeon teats feature a unique and innovative venting system that adjusts air pressure inside the bottle. This in turn reduces colic symptoms as well as gas and reflux. 

Microwave safe

Since Pigeon bottles are made of Polypropylene (PP), they boast heat resistance and amazing durability. These features allow them to be sterilized in the microwave. Keep in mind that warming milk in the bottle will create uneven heating as well as loss of nutrients. 

Dishwasher safe

Pigeon bottles are dishwasher safe, but as with the Dr. Brown range, it’s recommended that you place components in a dishwasher basket or mesh bag. Always use a suitable baby-safe detergent. 

Expiration date

For the most part, bottles made of PP should be changed every six months, or at the first sign of damage. Glass bottles, on the other hand, can last indefinitely.

Do Dr. Brown teats fit Pigeon bottles?

Yes, Dr. Brown’s wide-neck teats have been known to fit on Pigeon bottles. 

Which baby bottle should you get?

When it comes to Dr. Brown vs Pigeon, my recommendation is Dr. Brown. The Dr. Brown range has an excellent anti-colic system that you can remove as your baby grows. Additionally, Dr. Brown’s intricate system preserves the lipids and vitamins essential to keeping your baby healthy. 

However, keep in mind that the Pigeon range offers a specific bottle that makes feeding babies with disabilities considerably easier, which is worth considering if that’s not what your little one needs!

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Author

I’m Balint, founder of this site and a father (and dad) to a baby-turned toddler. I found the world of babies so fascinating that I started a blog dedicated only to that topic. By the way, I studied physics, engineering (PhD, MSc), and therefore I do a thorough research when I write about something. Since it’s a blog, of course I also write about my personal experiences.

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