Feeding the preemies is a real-life challenge for parents, and we are sure that you won’t take any risk in buying the best bottles for preemies! But before you buy the bottle, you need to understand the importance of tight feeding for your premature baby.
Bottles for preemies are quite special as these bottles are specially made for easy sucking of the newborn angels. Easy and right feeding for these babies is ultra-important as preemies are often born with some physical limitations.
Best Bottles For Preemies Reviews
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Material: Plastic.
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Flow: Slow.
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Nipple: Natural.
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Anti-colic Arrangement: Natural latch.
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle is a safe choice for your preemie. Not only the bottle is made with an ergonomic design, but it also comes with a nipple that is breast shapes. You can happily combo the facility of breastfeeding and bottle feeding with this premature bottle.
It is BPA free product, and the nipple is constructed with Airflex vent technology. It is one of the safe bottles for preemies that is risk-free of colic and uneasiness by venting air into the baby’s tummy.
The features we loved:
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The most natural way to bottle feed. Natural nipple shape makes it easy for the baby to combine with breastfeeding.
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The nipple that comes with the bottle is wide and breast-shaped: it is built with soft and flexible texture, silicone made.
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nipple comes with an in-built natural latch, so it’s cool to continue its use with breastfeeding.
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The advanced anti-colic valve is made and designed to reduce the colic and uneasiness of the baby by venting air into the bottle: keeping the baby’s tummy unperturbed.
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The bottle is made with a few parts and a wide neck opening: it is easy to clean and assemble.
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A range of flow rates are available for the growing preemie.
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This bottle includes a 1-month+ slow flow nipple.
Pros.
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Soft nipple.
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Anti-colic vent technology.
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Ergonomic shape.
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Easy to clean.
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Natural latch available.
Cons.
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Colors may fade while boiling.
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Material: Plastic.
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Flow: variable.
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Nipple: Natural.
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Anti-colic Arrangement: Leak-proof.
Comotomo – Baby Bottle Pack is a good option to buy because it contains a total of 4 bottles. Two 5 Oz and two 8oz respectively, it is a complete package for your baby till at least 6 months of age.
If you want to continue breastfeeding and bottle feeding simultaneously, Comotomo – Baby Bottle Pack is an ideal choice for you. It’s economic too.
Besides ergonomic design, these preemie bottles are built with slow-flow and medium-flow options, which go well with the sucking capacity of your baby as the baby grows up. The natural nipple feel is a great relief for babies who prefer breastfeeding but need formula feeding too.
The features we loved:
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Ergonomically designed and that makes the bottles wash friendly.
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Built with innovative vent and prevents colic, resists unwanted leaks.
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The natural shape and natural feel of the nipple are quite relaxing for babies.
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Green colored 5 oz bottles come with slow flow nipples.
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Green colored 8oz bottles come with medium flow nipples.
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Bottles are wash friendly: you can wash them in the dishwasher, sterilizer, or boiling water. These are microwave friendly too.
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BPA-free, the Nipple and bottle body is made of 100% safe hygienic medical grade silicone.
Pros.
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Ergonomic and economic.
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Wash-friendly.
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The natural feel of the nipple.
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Can replicate breastfeeding really.
Cons.
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The narrow base disturbs the balance.
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Slow flow is not the standard flow.
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Material: Plastic.
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Flow: Variable.
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Nipple: SkinSoft silicone nipple.
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Anti-colic Arrangement: Leak-proof.
If you love to see your baby relaxed and contended with his feeding bottle, MAM Newborn Gift Set, Best Pacifiers and Baby Bottles are the best bait for you. Yes, you have assumed it right! It’s a complete set you can use for feeding and pacifying the preemie.
The gift set includes two 5 oz. anti-colic bottles, which come with MAM preemie nipples. The other two 9 oz. anti-colic bottles come with medium flow nipples. Moreover, the set includes two Start pacifiers fitted with orthodontic Skin Soft nipples, perfect for newborns of 0-3 months.
The features we loved:
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Medically engineered for baby’s comfort.
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BPA, BP, PVC, or lead-free.
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Babies love Silky SkinSoft silicone nipples.
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Textured nipple and pacifier are an added attraction of the MAM Newborn Gift Set.
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The anti-slip surface is a better option for baby feeding.
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The small, lightweight pacifier is built with an easy-to-grab design.
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Vented bottle base for smooth milk flow.
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Wide openings make baby bottles easy to fill and even easier to clean.
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The leak-proof baby bottle cap can also be used as a measuring cup.
Pros.
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A complete set with bottles and pacifiers.
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Completely non-toxic.
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Natural feel nipple.
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Electric-sterilizer friendly.
Cons.
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Not the size of a regular bottle.
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Expensive.
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Material: Plastic.
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Flow: Slow.
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Nipple: Level-1 nipple.
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Anti-colic Arrangement: Anti-colic valve fitted.
Want to avail a physician’s experience for preemie feeding? Dr. Browns Pink Bottles 4 Pack (2-8 oz bottles) and (2-4 oz bottles) is the ideal choice for you. We found the set perfectly handy for the new parents.
All 5Dr. Brown bottles are built with a patented internal vent system that removes the trace of vacuum and air bubbles. It helps in controlling the colic, spit-up, burping and gas risk of the baby in post-feeding time!
The products are BPA-free, dishwasher friendly and handy for cleaning! Milk flows softly, which babies can intake comfortably as it happens in the case of breastfeeding.
The features we loved:
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5 different sized preemie bottles are packed.
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Pink colors are soothing, and you can check them minutely for their transparent design.
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All bottles are fitted with level-1 nipples.
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Positive-pressure flow offers smooth and vacuum-free feeding like breastfeeding.
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Easy to clean.
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Dishwasher friendly.
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Ergonomic design, which is easy to grip.
Pros.
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5 different sizes.
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A complete set.
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Durable and easy to maintain.
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BPA free, easy to clean.
Cons.
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Bottles are only slow-flow nipple compatible.
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Some users have faced leakage issues.
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Material: Glass.
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Flow: Slow.
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Nipple: Stage-1 nipple.
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Anti-colic Arrangement: Leak-proof.
Lifefactory 4-Ounce BPA-Free Glass Baby Bottle is a good quality preemie feeding bottle. The bottles are borosilicate glass made, but they are thermal shock resistant.
Although glass is made, they are breakingproof if suddenly the bottle drops on the floor. Built with an ergonomic design, these baby bottles are easy to clean. These bottles are dishwasher friendly, compatible with all breast pumps and can be placed in the refrigerator.
The bottle comes with medical grade silicone nipple and polypropylene cap. All products are BPA/BPS-free and phthalate-free. Preemie feeding is definitely your greatest concern, and this preemie feeding bottle will reciprocate your concern.
The features we loved:
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Dishwasher safe: cleaning this baby bottle is easy and hassle-free.
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Compatible with most major breast pumps: store breast milk if you are not there to feed the baby.
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Medical-grade glass and silicone sleeves will ensure the best protection.
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All materials are FDA approved.
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All components of this feeding bottle are made in the U.S. or Europe.
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The product is assembled in the U.S.A. under strict monitoring.
Pros.
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Handy.
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Wash-friendly.
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Great for pump user moms.
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Solid construction.
Cons.
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The baby may swallow lots of air.
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The volume marking system is not there.
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Material: Plastic.
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Flow: Adjustable.
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Nipple: Mini-Special Needs teat.
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Anti-colic Arrangement: One way valve.
If feeding a newborn preemie is your greatest concern, the Medela Special Needs Feeder with 80ml Collection Container is your one-stop solution. It can store pump extracted mother’s milk. It is sleek and slender, and the flow rate can be regulated.
Some preemies are born with facial or oral problems. This special feeder will be extremely helpful for their feeding. There is a one-way valve, which prevents the mess of flooding of milk in the baby’s mouth. It comes with sterile packaging, which is an added advantage.
The bottle comes with a Mini-Special Needs teat, which can be smaller, if necessary, for the smaller babies. The variable flow rate is an added advantage, which the feeder can adjust according to the growing needs of the baby.
The features we loved:
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Teat nipple for unusual needs (Haberman) Feeder x1 – standard size.
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Designed for preemie babies with special feeding conditions such as cleft lip/palate or feeding/ sucking problems.
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The nipple can be replaced.
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Autoclavable and boilable, which makes it “cleaning easy.”
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The material is the best quality silicone.
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Perfect feeder for babies with unusual feeding issues.
Pros.
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User-friendly.
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Can be customized for flow.
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Sleek and smart.
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Perfect for babies with sucking issues.
Cons.
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Not available beyond the US market.
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Plastic made and not durable.
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Material: Plastic.
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Flow: Slow.
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Nipple: Soft and natural.
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Anti-colic Arrangement: Natural latch.
Do you love to feed your baby naturally but you can’t because the baby can’t suck properly yet? If yes, the small but compact sized Philips AVENT Natural BPA Free Polypropylene Bottle for Newborns is an ideal choice for you.
The bottle looks absolutely cute like your angel. Moreover, it is built with wide and breast-shaped nipples. With a natural latch, it is easier to feed babies in this bottle.
It’s ergonomic in shape. The bottle is designed with comfort petals inside the nipple. Flexible and uniquely build twin valve anti-colic newborn-flow nipple provides support for the preemies so that they can suck effortlessly.
The features we loved:
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Made from polypropylene, a BPA-free material.
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Compatible with all natural Philips Avent bottles and parts.
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Dual anti-colic valves are advanced safety for the baby.
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Naturally shaped, the flexi nipple is an added advantage.
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It is easy to assemble.
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For the wide neck, it is easy to clean.
Pros.
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Easy to grip.
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Wash-friendly.
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Compatible with other Philips Avent parts.
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Dishwasher and microwave friendly.
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Easy to suck for babies.
Cons.
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Not Compatible with Classic Nipples.
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May not be suitable for slow feeders.
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Material: Plastic.
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Flow: Slow.
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Nipple: Extra-Slow Flow Breast-like Nipple.
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Anti-colic Arrangement: Easy vent valve.
The nipple is made large exactly like the mother’s nipple. Even the preemies will find comfort and a relaxing feeling while feeding with this bottle. Even you can use the bottle for breast milk storage.
Choking hazard is a recurring issue for preemie feeding, but with the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature First Feed Baby bottle’s super-sensitive easy-vent valve, you can be worry free!
The features we loved:
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Easy to clean and hassle-free to fill. Tommee Tippee anti-colic valves are reliable and user-friendly.
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These bottles are microwave and dishwasher Friendly.
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These bottles are lightweight and easy to grip.
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The extra slow flow nipple is ideal for newborn preemies or for slow feeders transitioning to bottle feeding from breastfeeding.
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All Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature First Feed Baby Bottles are free from Bisphenol A (BPA).
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Bottles are compatible with breast pumps.
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These bottles can be stored in the refrigerator.
Pros.
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Ergonomic: easy to grip.
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Shaped like the mother’s breast.
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Anti-colic valve.
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Absolute baby safe.
Cons.
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The nipple may collapse.
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The bottle may get difficult to clean.
How to Find The Best Bottles for Preemies: Basic Factors to Consider
It is important to find the best bottles for preemies so that the feeding quality does not require any compromise. But plenty of options are available in the market.
Don’t you think that it’s always safe to decide the preemie feeding bottle on some specific parameters?
While deciding a feeding bottle for your baby, it is always safe to check the bottle by its components. For example, baby bottle materials, nipple types & materials, venting systems, and bottle size are vital issues for buying a preemie feeding bottle.
Baby Bottle Materials:
You will get to find both glass and plastic made bottles in the market. However, glass bottles are heavier in weight, and fragile if fall on the floor, and cleaning can be risky. But in all ways, these bottles are free from all sorts of toxic elements, which may come with plastic materials.
Plastic bottles are durable, easy to clean, and lightweight; however, before buying a plastic bottle be triple sure that the bottle is free from toxic elements and risk of chemical contaminants.
Nipple Types & Materials:
This is one of the most complicated parts of buying a feeding bottle for your premature newborn. You can take advice from your attending doctor for selecting the best feeding nipples for your baby.
Doe example, you can normally select between traditional, natural type nipples, vented nipples, or special nipples if your baby is born with cleft palate babies.
Otherwise, there are nipple varieties like orthodontic types, latex nipples, silicone variety, multi-flow nipples, etc. If you cannot decide it I always wise to consult your doctor for the most suitable option in terms of the nipple’s shape and its material.
Venting Systems of The Bottle:
The venting system is one of the most important components of a preemie feeding bottle. Besides all its technical and material related superiority, you must check the texture of the nipple. The smooth and comfortable texture of the nipple is the most preferred one.
The nipple that replicated the shape of the breast nipple, suits the best for a baby. However, you can ask for the doctor’s recommendation.
Free flow nipples are not recommended for the premature baby. It may initiate choking hazards for the preemie.
Bottle Size:
The bottle size should depend on the age of the baby, and gradually the size can be increased. For the preemie feeding, you should start with the bottle for offering 4oz milk for the baby. You can buy a bigger bottle, but there can be a problem with air intrusion.
Choking hazard is a general problem for the preemies. Feeding bottles according to feed quantity are the ideal choice for your baby’s feeding.
Now you know the basic points to check before buying the best preemie bottle for your baby. It is always safe to stroll the market and check the reviews before buying the bottle.
You may read also: Best Bottle Warmer for Comotomo – 100% Safe & Budget-Friendly
How many months is a preemie?
A preemie, also known as a premature baby, is defined as a baby born before 37 weeks of gestation. Preemies can be categorized by gestational age, with extremely preterm being less than 28 weeks, very preterm being between 28 and 32 weeks, and moderate to late preterm being between 32 and 37 weeks.
Common Feeding Problems for Your Premature Baby
Often premature babies are born with some digestive anomalies. These digestive shortcomings are the main reasons behind the intricacy of the feeding of these preemies. Common difficulties that premature infants suffer are:
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The babies fail to suck properly: Feeding them via breast nipple or premature baby bottle nipples turns into a challenge.
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Some babies cannot swallow the milk: They need added support with bottle feeding.
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Gastric residual is one of the common problems of feeding a preemie baby: These babies cannot empty their stomachs completely.
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Gastroesophageal reflux is a common but problematic situation. Often parents face preemie feeding. In case it gets severe, the baby may stop normal breathing temporarily.
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Abdominal distension is another problem of feeding a preemie. Unless you feed your baby with care and with proper precaution, abdominal distention can be a severe issue for the parents.
It is always wise to consult your pediatrician if the feeding problem of your premature newborn persists.
There are many cases where a preemie cannot breastfeed because they fail to coordinate sucking, breathing, and swallowing simultaneously. In these cases, the use of bottle feeding is a safer option.
Before you start finding bottles for preemies, let’s discuss the basic rules of feeding premature babies at home.
How to Bottle Feed a Premature Baby? A Parent’s Guide
Premature babies often sleep, and they hardly feel the hunger pang because they lack reflexes. These babies cannot take even the whole amount of milk at once. It is therefore important to learn the premature baby feeding guidelines.
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Timing is one of the most important factors. Sometimes you may measure the time of feeding the baby depending on his need to change a diaper. Some preemies show their discomfort when they need food. The dome may start crying. You need to understand the signal.
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Posture is another vital factor for feeding a preemie. Always prefer to feed your baby in a sitting position. The sitting position is the safest position for feeding as you can keep the baby awake and you can reduce the risk of choking hazards.
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Take care of the feeding time. Ideally, each Bottle feeding session has to be completed in 30-35 minutes.
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Your middle finger should support the baby’s chin: it will help the newborn to improve the power of sucking on the bottle nipple.
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Place the baby on your lap and support his head on your non-dominant arm. You should feed the baby with your dominant arm.
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You must offer chin and cheek support for the baby using your active hand while feeding the baby. Try to place your index finger and thumb on the baby’s cheeks so that you can offer the baby forward and inward support while feeding.
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You may practice oral stimulation movements to prepare the baby for breast/bottle feeding. Circle the lips using your fingers and mildly cuddle the cheeks together to help him in developing a strong sucking power.
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Preemies may have an inability to harmonize breathing and bottle feeding. This can lead to apnea or bradycardia during feeding. Keep eyes on the baby while feeding and pause immediately when he shows any sign of discomfort.
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Burp the baby frequently to release air that gets swallowed while feeding a preemie. Position him upright and softly pat his back sometime between the feed or at the end of the feeding session.
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Gradually try the position of side lying bottle feeding for your preemie as it will make the baby stronger in sucking. Also switching sides leads to faster physical development.
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Stay alert to get the signs of choking: spitting up, sputtering, or paleness in baby’s face are the alarming signs. Also, consult the doctor if you feel that the premature baby is not feeding well.
Must Read About Babies Solid Food: 5 Solid Food Items That Parents Can Start Feeding Their Babies Fearlessly.
Will I be Able to Breastfeed My Premature Babies?
Breastfeeding the newborn baby is the best plan for the baby’s nutrition and immunity development. It is good for the mother’s health too. But premature newborn babies of 32-34 weeks cannot manage to suck breast nipples.
These babies are hardly found with a developed digestive system and proper sucking power. Initially, it is better, therefore, to use the best bottles for preemies, as these bottles are designed and made to adhere to all the features of the best bottles for premature babies.
Will I be Able to Breastfeed My Premature Babies? It is a common question for mothers, but there is actually no standing formula for the issue. After delivery, it is always wise to consult the pediatrician about the best process/option to feed your angel.
There is no exception to breastfeeding. It is good for both the baby and the mother. If the baby cannot suck from the breast nipple, which is quite obvious, you can buy the best bottles for preemies with reflux, and feed the baby mother’s milk by using a breast milk pump.
This is the safest way to breastfeed the baby without taxing the kid’s sucking power. Feeding with breast milk is an obvious way to initiate a faster growth of the baby along with building a unique immunity system for the baby.
Read also: How to correct a shallow latch breastfeeding
Advantages and Disadvantages of Premature Bottle Feeding
Before you decide on preemie bottle feeding, you must know the advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
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Premature bottle feeding is an intricate issue. Like both sides of the coin, it has both advantages and disadvantages. Breastfeeding is obviously the best way to feed a baby regardless it is a preemie or a regular baby.
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But there are cases where babies are unable to suck milk from their mother’s breast. In these cases, bottle feeding comes as a blessing. It is a wonderful way to supply the measured nutrition for your newborn.
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Bottle feeding is an advantage as anybody can feed the baby. There is no compulsion that the mom only has to feed the baby.
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The mom of the baby can lead a less restricted life unless the baby is fed with breast milk using the pump.
Disadvantages
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Breastfeeding is healthy for both the baby and the mom. Mom can shed at least 500 calories by feeding the baby. The baby gets the most natural feed and thus gets to develop great immunity power.
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Moms with a breastfeeding history are less vulnerable to developing diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis.
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Lactating mothers suffer less from mood swings or may stay free from the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Breast milk is easy to digest for the baby.
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Formula food is expensive in terms of price. It is hazard-free for preparing bottles or sterilizing the nipple.
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Breast milk contains health friendly antibodies perfect for the baby that formula food can’t match.
Although ideally, breastfeeding is the ideal option for feeding the body. However, it is difficult to breastfeed a baby for a working mother. In this case, it is always wise to introduce formula food for the baby.
Do preemies need special bottles?
Yes, preemies may require special bottles to help them feed properly and prevent complications. Preemie bottles are typically smaller in size, have a slower flow rate, and may include features such as air venting or angled design to reduce the risk of gas or reflux.
Conclusion
Buying the most appropriate premature bottles is indeed tricky because you don’t know what will go as the best with your small baby. You may go for the trusted brands of preemie bottles, where slow flow, nipple compatibility, etc. are all available.
You must follow a preemie feeding chart to decide the flow of the nipple. Depending on the age and feeding demand of your preemie, you have to buy the best bottles for preemies with reflux arrangements.
In order to promote hygienic bottle feeding, you need to buy a bottle for premature babies that is wash-friendly. The boiling bottle is a manual process, but if you find a bottle that is dishwasher, sterilizer friendly, it is obviously an advantage.
Preemie feeding is a serious issue, and by any means, you should not overlook the importance of breastfeeding for your baby. Pump compatible bottles can help you feed breast milk to your baby and build strong immunity.
You have to take special care if your baby is born with an oral defect. In these cases, special feeders are the best option for your preemie feeding. You may need to coordinate with special preemie flow nipples, so select accordingly.
There is no formula for buying the best bottles for preemies. You need to understand the mode of feeding of the baby and the requirements of the baby by following a preemie feeding chart. Don’t forget to consult your pediatrician for getting info about feeding a preemie for the best nutrition.