Best Bottles for Preemie Babies

Finding the right bottle for your little one can already feel overwhelming, but preemies often have unique feeding challenges compared to full-term babies that make finding preemie bottles and nipples extra tricky for parents.

Babies born early (meaning if they arrive before 37 weeks) may have trouble sucking and swallowing milk, and their intestines often need more time to develop. For this reason, preemies in the NICU are sometimes initially fed with an IV or a tube that goes through their nose or mouth.

Once preemies are able to be breastfed or bottle-fed, they may have a harder time latching on or need a slower flow to avoid overloading their smaller stomachs. This is when preemie bottles can come in handy, as they are often specifically designed for the unique feeding needs of preterm babies. You can fill them with your own pumped breastmilk or with formula, depending on how you’re choosing to feed your baby.

It’s difficult to say when your little one will be ready to transition to a more traditional bottle. But, in general, your baby will let you know when it’s time. “Follow their cues,” says Anjuli Gans, M.D., attending physician at CHOP Karabots Pediatric Care Center and clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. “If they are still hungry and showing feeding cues after finishing their bottle, you can advance to larger volumes as they tolerate it,” she says. “They might be ready for a larger bottle.” 

To get your baby started out, it’s important to choose a preemie bottle. Here’s what you need to know about picking the right bottle, plus some options to consider. 

How we chose the best bottles for preemies

• We consulted two pediatricians — Dr. Gans and Daniel Ganjian, M.D. — for their input on the unique feeding needs of preterm babies and the most important qualities to look for in preemie bottles. Per their advice, as well as guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on bottle feeding babies, all of the bottles on our list: 
• Are sized between 2 and 5 ounces
• Come with slow-flow nipples or can easily use slow-flow nipples, which are ideal for feeding preemies
• Have nipples in preemie, 0+ or 0-6 sizing
• Are BPA-free

• We considered feedback and reviews from the What to Expect community to ensure we choose options that real parents love. 

Preemie bottle features to consider

There are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for a preemie bottle. Those include:

• Size: Preemies generally take smaller amounts of food in one feeding, says Dr. Ganjian, so you don’t need a massive bottle for your baby. Some companies offer smaller quantity bottles so you're not feeding a tiny baby with a giant bottle.
• Shape. The right bottle shape for your baby depends on whether she has certain health conditions. For example, baby may do better with a narrow nipple or shallow nipple if she has a unique oral anatomy like a high palate or tongue tie, Dr. Gans says. “Other brands have wider-based nipples that may be more comfortable to babies who are getting used to breastfeeding,” Dr. Gans says. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor to see what they recommend. 
• Nipple flow. Many popular bottles have preemie-friendly nipples with a slower flow to help with feeding. 
• Anti-colic options. Bottles that can effectively reduce air intake and provide a slow flow are often preferred among parents of preemies who have just come home from the hospital. These can help reduce colic, Dr. Ganjian says. 
• Safety. “Make sure that the bottles are easy to clean and sterilize,” Dr. Gans says. “Premature babies may be more prone to serious infection, so making sure that their bottles are regularly and easily sterilized is crucial.” 
• Baby preference. Many WTE parents caution not to invest in a huge set of bottles until you know what your baby likes — sometimes babies are really particular about one bottle. You might want to try one or two of a few kinds and experiment to see what works best for your little one.

Do premature babies need different bottles?

Every premature baby is different, and has unique needs that will dictate the best bottles for them. Some may require special preemie bottles, while others will do just fine with regular bottles. You may want to consult your pediatrician and take into account the previously mentioned factors, like baby’s oral anatomy and liquid intake, before deciding. 

How do you feed a preemie with a bottle?

There are a few different methods you can try. One is paced bottle-feeding, which focuses on slowing down the flow of milk into the nipple, allowing baby to eat slowly and take breaks, Dr. Gans says. “This allows the baby to pace themselves and to learn the mechanics of sucking and swallowing while helping with conditions like reflux,” she explains. 

Another method Dr. Gans recommends is combination feeding, which is when you breastfeed and bottle feed your child. If you go this route, she suggests doing paced bottle feeding when you use a bottle. You should also wait until your neonatologist or pediatrician has given their approval to ensure that your preemie baby is ready and healthy enough to start trying breastfeeding. [5] And don’t be shy about asking the NICU nurses or tapping a lactation consultant to help you with technique. 

Here, some of the top bottle options on the market for babies who arrived early.