Why Does My Baby Bottle Leak? Causes and Fixes
By Dr Browns | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the common reasons baby bottles leak—from loose rings to worn teats—and follow our step-by-step diagnosis to fix the leak quickly.
Quick answer
Most bottle leaks are caused by a loose or misaligned ring, a worn teat, or a blocked vent. Here's how to diagnose and fix each issue.
Why anti-colic bottles can leak more often
Dr Brown's Options+ bottles use an internal vent system that channels air away from the feed. This system works well, but it adds extra parts—the vent and the vent reservoir—that need proper alignment. If the vent isn't seated correctly or the reservoir is overfilled, liquid can seep out during feeding.
The good news is that once you know what to check, fixing a leak takes less than a minute. The steps below work for standard and wide-neck Dr Brown's bottles.
When to replace parts instead of fixing
Teats and vents wear out over time. A teat that has stretched, cracked, or lost its shape won't form a proper seal even if everything else is tight. Similarly, a vent with a split or missing valve can cause continuous dripping.
If you've tried all the fixes below and the bottle still leaks, check the condition of the teat and vent. Replace them if they show signs of wear.
Leak diagnosis & fix guide
- Symptom: Dripping from the ring or threads: Likely cause: The ring is too loose or cross-threaded. Fix: Remove the ring, realign the teat and vent, then tighten the ring until it's snug but not over-tight. Over-tightening can distort the teat and cause leaks.
- Symptom: Leak from the teat hole or side: Likely cause: The teat is worn, has a split, or the hole has stretched. Fix: Inspect the teat for cracks or permanent stretching. Replace with a new Level 1 or Level 2 teat (Dr Brown's Options+ teats are sold separately). If the teat is damaged, stop using it and replace it.
- Symptom: Liquid seeping from the vent base: Likely cause: The vent reservoir is overfilled or the vent isn't fully pushed into the bottle neck. Fix: Pour out excess milk so the reservoir is no more than half full. Push the vent firmly into the neck until it clicks into place. If the vent is cracked or missing its silicone valve, replace the vent—do not attempt to repair it.
Product facts
- Dr Brown's Options+ Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Pink Twin Pack 270ml: Dr Brown's Options+ bottles feature an internal vent system that channels air away from baby’s feed to reduce colicky symptoms. The vent system works well but adds a potential leak point—check that the vent is fully seated and the reservoir isn't overfilled.
Dr Brown's Options+ Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Pink Twin Pack 270ml - Dr Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Baby Bottle, 9oz/270ml, 2-Pack - Designs: The Options+ Wide-Neck bottles come in playful designs and use the same internal vent system as the standard Options+ range. Wide-neck bottles have a larger opening, so the ring must be tightened evenly to avoid uneven pressure that can cause leaks.
Dr Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Baby Bottle, 9oz/270ml, 2-Pack - Designs
