Dr Brown's Glass Bottles: Safety, Care, and Longevity Tips
By Dr Browns | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to safely clean, sterilize, and maintain Dr Brown's glass baby bottles to extend their life and keep your baby healthy.
Quick Answer
Dr Brown's glass bottles are durable and safe when you follow proper cleaning, sterilizing, and inspection routines. Here's how to care for them so they last.
Why Glass Bottles Need Special Care
Glass baby bottles like Dr Brown's Options+ are free from chemicals found in some plastics, but they can chip or crack if handled roughly. The internal vent system that reduces colic requires thorough cleaning to stay effective. With the right routine, a glass bottle can outlast several plastic ones.
Step-by-Step Care Routine for Dr Brown's Glass Bottles
- Rinse Immediately After Use: Rinse the bottle, nipple, and vent system with cool water right after feeding to prevent milk from drying and sticking. Warm water can set protein residue, so start cool. A quick rinse prevents stubborn residue that can harbor bacteria.
- Disassemble and Wash All Parts: Separate the bottle, collar, nipple, and the internal vent insert. Use a narrow bottle brush to scrub the inside of the glass and a small vent brush to clean the air channels. Wash with hot soapy water or place parts on the top rack of a dishwasher. The vent system has small crevices — a dedicated brush is essential for thorough cleaning.
- Sterilize Weekly or After Illness: Boil the disassembled parts for 5 minutes, use a steam sterilizer, or follow the manufacturer's microwave sterilizer instructions. Glass can handle high heat, but avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent thermal shock. Daily sterilizing isn't needed for healthy babies; weekly is enough unless your baby is premature or sick.
- Inspect for Chips, Cracks, or Scratches: Hold the glass bottle up to a light and rotate it slowly. Look for any chips on the rim, hairline cracks, or deep scratches. Even small damage can weaken the glass and cause breakage during feeding or heating. If you spot any damage, replace the bottle immediately — glass can shatter unexpectedly.
- Store Dry and Away from Direct Sunlight: After cleaning and sterilizing, air-dry all parts on a clean drying rack. Store the bottles in a cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can degrade the silicone nipples over time. Moisture trapped in the vent system can lead to mold — ensure everything is fully dry before reassembling.
Product Facts
- Dr Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck 120ml Single Glass Bottle with Rooster Design: The Dr Brown's Options+ range features a unique internal vent system that channels air away from baby's feed as air can cause colicky symptoms. This vent system needs careful cleaning to prevent milk residue from clogging it, which would reduce its anti-colic benefits.
Dr Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck 120ml Single Glass Bottle with Rooster Design - Dr Brown's Options+ Anti-Colic 150ml Single Glass Bottle: The enhanced design of the Dr Brown's Options+ Anti-Colic Bottle is clinically proven to reduce windy colic. Clinical proof means you can trust the bottle to help with colic, but only if you maintain the vent system properly.
Dr Brown's Options+ Anti-Colic 150ml Single Glass Bottle
