10 Best Bottles For Preemie Babies
Premature birth adds a new set of obstacles to the joys and wonders of becoming a parent. Babies born prematurely may not have the digestive capacity to process milk, so it is important to use only the highest quality preemie bottles when feeding them. These bottles were created specifically to facilitate easier feeding thanks to a more uniform stream. If you’re looking for such a bottle, the options are listed below.
Tips For Feeding Premature Babies
In order to help you feed your premature infant, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
Feeding tubes:
Nasogastric (NG)tubes are helpful for premature infants who are unable to gain weight by drinking from a bottle or nursing. If the medical staff thinks the infant will benefit from being fed through the NG tube, the parent should have a conversation with them about it.
Exercises:
You may assist your infant learn to eat more efficiently by performing exercises like looping your fingers over their lips, massaging their chin, and gently pulling their cheeks together.
Pacing:
Babies born prematurely often have trouble coordinating their breathing and bottle feeding, which can lead to respiratory problems and slow heart rates. You should stop feeding your infant if he or she has trouble breathing, gags, gets limp, or shows a decrease in heart rate or oxygen saturation.
Sit up the baby:
They don’t hold premature infants and rock them to sleep in the NICU; instead, they feed them bottles as they sit upright. Keep them aware and maintain proper alignment by sitting them on your lap and supporting their head and shoulders with your non-dominant hand.
Side-angled position:
Check that the hip, shoulder, and ear of your baby are in line with one another. Then, gently prop up their head with your off hand. Hold the bottle horizontally with your dominant hand. During these times, your infant will have a greater degree of control over the milk that he or she drinks.
Cheek and chin support:
While your non-dominant hand props up your baby’s chin and cheeks, you can use your dominant hand to hold the bottle. Expertise is required to know how to gently support your baby’s chin and cheeks to aid in the latching process, but the staff in the NICU can teach you how to do so.
10 Best Bottles For Preemie Babies
Playtex Baby Ventaire Baby Bottle
This bottle may not have the same appearance as the others, and that’s fine! The angle makes sense considering how you’ll naturally hold your infant when feeding them. Using this form could prove to be more pleasant than you expected (and your little one may agree). Baby may need a set of petite slow-flow nipples (available separately) at first, but as she becomes bigger, she can use the nipples that come with the bottles.
Related: Best Bottles For Breastfed Babies
Dr. Brown’s Accufeed Baby Bottle System
These Dr. Brown preterm baby bottles come in a set of three and are compatible with most electric breast pump systems. The markers from 5 cc to 60 cc make the range obvious. Burping, gas, spitting up, and colic can all be alleviated thanks to the built-in ventilation system.
Features
- Dishwasher-safe
- Microwavable
- Assists in retaining vitamins A, E, and C
Dr. Brown’s 15 CC First Feeder Bottle System
The smallest feeding volume in a safe fluid delivery method is provided by Dr. Brown’s feeder bottle. In the event that the mother is unable to nurse immediately following delivery, these bottles might be used as an alternative for early oral feeding. They aren’t created with harmful latex from rubber trees.
Features
- BPA-free
- Reusable
- Clearly marked increments from 1 cc to 15 cc
Related: Best Baby Bottles For Effortless Feeding
Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Baby Bottle
The nipple, which mimics a mother’s breast, stretches and softens to mimic the sensation of nursing. An anti-colic nipple valve in its delicate design facilitates smoother feeding by limiting the amount of air that can be swallowed. The easy-hold bottle can be cradled in one hand like a typical wide-neck bottle, clutched like a water bottle, or held by its base.
Features
- Free of harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA
- Streamlines the process of changing gears
- Simplicity in maintenance
Related: Best Glass Baby Bottles For Feeding
Boon Nursh Reusable Silicone Pouch Bottle
When a baby drinks from one of these reusable silicone pouches, the pouch flattens as he or she drinks, minimizing the amount of air that gets swallowed and the likelihood of gas, colic, reflux, and burps. Because to its length, the nipple facilitates proper tongue placement while latching.
Features
- no PVC or BPA
- Dishwasher-safe
- Lightweight
Related: Best Anti Colic Bottles To Avoid Gas Formation In Baby
Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle
The Comotomo bottle was created to look and feel like breastfeeding does, making it less likely that a baby would reject it. The broad throat design eliminates the need for a brush during cleanup. It has two different nipples: one with a slower flow for newborns and another with a faster flow for babies aged three to six months. Dual anti-colic vents help to reduce colic by preventing the entry of air that should be avoided.
Features
- High-quality silicone suitable for use in medical settings
- And it can go in the microwave and dishwasher, too.
- completely devoid of bisphenol A and bisphenol S
Related: Best Dish Soaps For Baby Bottles
Playtex Baby Ventaire Anti-Colic Baby Bottle
Gas, colic, and spit up can all be mitigated with the use of Playtex’s 9 ounce broad bottles. The micro-channel vents ensure that the air stays in the back of the bottle when the infant is nursing. The slanted design promotes upright eating, which can reduce the risk of ear infections and acid reflux.
Features
- BPA-free
- Simple to put together
- Dishwasher-safe
Related: Best Water Bottles For Kids
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles
You’ll also notice a lot of Philips Avent bottles, especially in premature infant households. The nipple is pliable, so it won’t hurt baby’s gums when he or she tries to latch on, and it features air vents so there won’t be as many bubbles in the milk. These tiny 2-ounce bottles have the company’s extra-slow “First Flow” nipples, making them ideal for newborn infants.
Related: Best Bottles For Tongue-Tied Babies
Munchkin LATCH Bottle
The LATCH bottle was created specifically for taking things slowly at initially, when babies are still very vulnerable. The nipple and anti-colic valve work together to keep your baby’s belly happy, and the base is designed with accordion-like folds so that it flexes with your baby’s every move. This is helpful while feeding a premature infant since it keeps the latch from coming undone.
NUK Simply Natural Bottle
This bottle, as its name suggests, is designed to mimic nursing as closely as possible so that feeding time is as natural as possible for baby. Feeding using this bottle may take longer, but that’s really a good thing for premature infants since it helps keep gas from building up in their tiny bellies. The bottle’s drinking hole is strategically located to maximize the saliva-breastmilk or formula mixture, aiding the infant’s digestion.
Which Newborn Bottle Is Best, and Why?
In order to help you select the best preemie bottles, we have provided some guidelines below.
Slow-flow nipple:
The child will need help during eating, so pick a bottle with a slow-moving nipple. Choking could occur if the milk was given too rapidly.
Anti-colic:
If you want to lessen the likelihood of tummy troubles including colic, gas, and diarrhea, try using bottles with vented nipples or bottoms.
Small bottles:
For premature infants, bottles with about five ounces should be adequate.
FAQs: Best Bottles For Preemie Babies
Which feeding bottle is best for premature baby?
Feeding bottles designed for premature babies typically have a smaller nipple and a slower flow rate to ensure that the baby can control the amount and pace of feeding. Some of the best feeding bottles for premature babies include:
- Dr. Brown’s Preemie Bottle
- Medela SpecialNeeds Feeder
- Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Preemie Bottle
- Philips Avent Natural Bottle for Premature Babies
It’s important to consult with your baby’s healthcare provider before selecting a feeding bottle, as they can provide specific recommendations based on your baby’s individual needs.
Do preemies need special bottles?
Premature babies may require special feeding bottles that are designed to address their unique needs. These bottles are often designed to reduce the risk of air intake, which can lead to gas and other digestive issues. They may also have a slower flow rate to allow premature babies to feed at their own pace and minimize the risk of overfeeding. In addition, some special bottles have nipples that mimic the shape and feel of a mother’s breast to encourage a natural feeding experience for premature infants. Consult with your healthcare provider or a specialist in neonatal care for advice on the best feeding bottles for your premature baby.
How many ounces should a preemie drink chart?
The amount of milk a preemie should drink depends on their weight, age, and health status. In general, preemies may start with a small amount of milk, such as 1 to 2 milliliters (ml) per feeding, and gradually increase to 20 to 30 ml per feeding over several weeks. Once the baby reaches a weight of around 4 pounds, they may be able to tolerate larger feedings of up to 60 ml per feeding.
It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate feeding plan for a preemie. The healthcare provider may adjust the feeding amount based on the baby’s weight gain, tolerance to feedings, and other factors. A feeding chart may be provided by the healthcare provider to track the amount of milk the baby is consuming at each feeding.
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