Why you should trust this review
I am Marcus Kim, a registered nurse (RN) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). In that role I work directly with breastfeeding families during the newborn period and beyond, which includes helping parents choose and introduce bottles when combining breast and bottle feeding is the goal. I purchased a retail unit of the Philips Avent Natural Response bottles and used them with families in my lactation practice over around three months. No payment was accepted from Philips Avent or any affiliate, and I retained full editorial control over this review. Where relevant, I note safe cleaning and handling practices citing CDC guidance.
The Natural Response nipple design
The headline feature of these bottles is the Natural Response tip. Unlike a standard silicone tip that drips steadily under gravity, the Natural Response tip is designed to release milk only when the baby actively sucks and to pause flow when the baby pauses. The nipple also has a wide, breast-shaped base. Together, these two design choices aim to make the feeding rhythm feel closer to the breast, which can matter a lot when a family is combining bottle feeds with continued breastfeeding. In my clinical observation with families over the test period, babies who were already comfortable at the breast generally accepted these bottles with around the same ease as other well-regarded wide-base designs. Individual results varied, as they always do.
Anti-colic valve and cleaning
The anti-colic valve sits in the base of the nipple and is designed to vent air into the back of the bottle rather than into the feed. The intent is to reduce the amount of air the baby swallows during a feed, which can contribute to gas discomfort. I cannot claim from a short test period that it reduced colic in any measurable clinical sense, but the valve adds very little complexity to the cleaning routine. These bottles have relatively few parts compared with some fully vented systems like Dr. Brown’s internal vent tubes. For parents who dread reassembling tiny bottle components at midnight, that matters. Cleaning guidance from the CDC recommends washing all bottle parts in hot soapy water or a dishwasher after every feed, and sterilising at least once daily for babies under two months, those born prematurely, or those with a weakened immune system.
Where it gives ground
Two honest drawbacks. First, the wide base nipple does not suit every baby. Infants who have developed a narrow or deep latch at the breast, or those who are simply used to a different shape, sometimes reject it. If your baby pushes the nipple out repeatedly or seems frustrated, the shape may not be the right match rather than anything being wrong with the product. Second, the flow on the newborn and slow nipples can feel quite slow for older or hungrier babies. You will likely need to move up a nipple size around three to six months, or when feeds start taking noticeably longer than they used to.
Safety overview
Inspect the nipple and bottle before every feed. Any sign of cracking, tearing, discolouration, or stickiness means the part should be discarded. Damaged silicone can harbour bacteria or fail mid-feed. Prepare expressed breast milk and infant formula according to CDC safe handling guidance (linked in sources). Do not microwave bottles to warm milk, as microwaving creates hot spots that can burn a baby’s mouth even when the bottle itself feels warm. Use a warm water bath or a dedicated bottle warmer, then swirl and test the temperature on your wrist before feeding.
Who it is for
If you are a breastfeeding parent introducing a bottle for the first time, or if you are aiming to combine breast and bottle feeds over the longer term, the Philips Avent Natural Response is a sensible first bottle to try. The Natural Response nipple design is grounded in a reasonable aim and the cleaning routine is simple. If your baby has already shown a strong preference for a very soft, squeezable bottle body, look at Comotomo. If gassiness or colic is your primary concern, Dr. Brown’s Options+ with the full internal vent system is worth considering. For most families who want a solid wide-base bottle without a large parts count, this one earns its place in the comparison above. Check the current retailer price and confirm the latest nipple size range on the Philips Avent product page before you buy.