Having had a colicy first child, I chose to try the Dr. Brown's bottles in additional to several other types & brands. I've ended up storing all the others and using the Dr. Brown's exclusively.
After reading countless reviews, I've bought and tried several other types/brands. All bottles other than the Dr. Browns created suction. The nipples would collapse, resulting in leaks and a frustrated, gassy baby. I would have to remove the bottle from his mouth to get the air (and bubbles)to go back into the bottle so he could start sucking again. The gas in his belly would last hours-making him uncomfortable and disrupting his sleep. (equals tired, cranky Mommy)
The Dr. Brown's were the only bottles that I didn't have that problem with. My son is able to feed continuously and comfortably with a consistent flow and no air bubbles. Our feedings are cleaner, relaxing, and more comfortable.
Other reviews have sited a "con" as having more bottle parts to wash. I thought that would be tedious, but gave the Dr. Brown's a try anyway. Thus far, it has NOT been an issue. ANY bottle you use will have atleast 3 parts to wash (bottle, collar, nip) the Dr. Brown's have an additional 2 parts (resevoir tube, valve). I am happy to spend an extra minute at the sink, rather than countless hours with a fussy baby. The trade-off is a no brainer.
The ONLY issue that I've had with the Dr. Brown's is that the stage 1 nips still flowed too fast for my newborn. I am using the Playtex Air Vent Stage 1 nips instead. I have not tried the Br. Brown' premie nips, but suspect they'd work just as well. FYI-the Dr. Brown's are slightly taller than other bottles when they have the cap on. Keep that in mind if you're buying a bottle cooler for travel.
Skip the smaller 4oz bottles and go for all 8oz. Buy a soft bottle brush that won't scratch the plastic bottles. Again, I've tried several, but like the Avent brush with travel case. It seems soft, will last and doesn't spray me with water ever time I remove it from the bottle.
Amazon seems to have the best price on Dr. Brown's.
Happy Feeding:)