10 Best Bottles for Preemies Reviewed in 2024
Stacey Joseph
Preemies must have their own type of feeding bottles and nipples in order to feed properly. These bottles are smaller simply because they eat less. The nipples are specially designed to give them better grip and better flow of air and liquid. The nipples must be narrow for better suction. Without this, they will take in more air than milk. You will know when the flow is too much for them when the milk comes out of their mouths instead of them swallowing it. Their delicate systems cannot handle such a fast flow of milk. We feature in this buying guide the bottles and nipples that manufacturers have created for preemies. These are the best-rated and the most-reviewed products highly recommend to others because of their excellence. We are delighted to spotlight them here for your pleasurable shopping experience. Here are the best bottles and nipples for preemies in 2019.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 23 hrs of research
Is the slowest-flow of nipple offered
Promotes pace feeding with the vent method
Made of high-grade super-soft silicone
Safe for the dishwasher and BPA-free
Can be sterilized for cleaning
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Dr. Brown's Original 6 Count
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Dr. Brown's Original 2 Ounce 2 Pack
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Dr. Brown's 6-Piece Original Wide Neck
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Dr. Brown's Natural Flow 2 Nipples
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Dr. Brown's 15 CC First Feeder 3 Count
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Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature
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Dr. Brown's Narrow Neck 60ml
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Philips Avent Natural
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Dr. Brown's Options Slow Flow
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NUK Simply Natural
10 Best Bottles for Preemies Reviewed
1. Dr. Brown's Original 6 Count
Is the slowest-flow of nipple offered
Promotes pace feeding with the vent method
Made of high-grade super-soft silicone
Safe for the dishwasher and BPA-free
Can be sterilized for cleaning
Can be hard to clean
May not work well with all of the Dr. Brown bottles
Being the slowest-flow of nipple offered, Dr. Brown’s Original Nipple Preemie promotes pace feeding with the internal vent method. All of these have the same rate of flow and are made of high-grade super-soft silicone material.
Read moreThey fit all of Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow and Options Bottles and are safe for the dishwasher. BPA-free, this set of six bottle nipples for preemies and newborns can also be sterilized.
Ease of Use
In order for a bottle nipple to be perfect for a preemie, it must have the lowest flow for feeding. This one has the slowest flow that is offered by manufacturers, so preemies do not get too much milk and too fast.
Design
Baby bottles and their nipples are so modern with the latest technology now for the rate of the milk flow and venting. This six-count set of nipples has an internal vent method that regulates the pace the milk is released.
Price Range
This product has one of the lowest prices of the items listed. It has the wonderful features of being a set of six bottle nipples, safe for the dishwasher and sterilization, and providing the infant with pace feeding.
2. Dr. Brown's Original 2 Ounce 2 Pack
Sets a comfortable pace of feeding
Has the positive-pressure technology
Bottles made of polypropylene material
Nipples are made of silicone material
Free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, and latex
Can begin to leak after a while
Are time consuming to clean
This incredible product is a two-pack of preemie bottles with nipples that is free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, and latex. The nipples are constructed of silicone material, and the bottles are made of a polypropylene substance. These set a comfortable pace of feeding for the infant and limit the formula and milk amounts during feeding.
Read moreVacuum and air bubbles are eliminated during feeding with the positive-pressure technology. Burping, gas, spit-up, and colic instances are decreased with the system of an internal vent. These fabulous bottles hold two ounces each of milk or formula.
Ease of Use
Incorporated into these bottles is the technology of positive-pressure. This takes out the vacuum and the air bubbles that form in bottles of liquid, so they do not enter the baby’s system as he or she feeds.
Design
Neither the bottles nor the nipples contain any harmful ingredients that will be problematic for the child. They only contain safe silicone and polypropylene that is good for the infant.
Price Range
With one of the highest prices of the items, we spotlight here, this two-pack of preemie bottles and nipples have the fabulous qualities of a comfortable pace for feeding, positive-pressure technology to release air, and is free of harmful chemicals in the bottles and the nipples.
3. Dr. Brown's 6-Piece Original Wide Neck
Designed just for preemies and newborns
Limits the pace of milk with the internal vent design
Created of high-grade silicone material
Made just for the company’s wide-neck bottles
Safe for the dishwasher and BPA-free
The flow may be too fast for some babies
Some people did not receive the right amount of contents
This great product of Dr. Brown’s Original Wide Neck Nipples is a six-piece set of nipples that have a wide neck and are made just for preemies and newborns. Consisting of high-grade super-soft silicone material, they are free of BPA substances and safe for the dishwasher.
Read moreThey fit the company’s wide-neck bottles perfectly and limit the pace of the formula and milk with the internal vent design. The preemie bottle must be purchased separately.
Ease of Use
These terrific preemie nipples are constructed of safe silicone material and are free of BPA. You do not want to have baby products with this harmful substance in them to jeopardize the health of your infant.
Design
The pace of the milk or formula flow for preemies and newborns must be regulated with nipples like these so carefully. If it comes out too fast, they will choke and spill the milk. This is not just wasteful but can cause feeding problems for them too.
Price Range
With one of the highest prices of our featured products, this six-pack of preemie nipples features the internal vent design, is made of top-quality silicone substances, and is free from the harmful ingredient of BPA.
4. Dr. Brown's Natural Flow 2 Nipples
Is a pack of two preemie nipples
Has a natural flow and vent
Base is narrow for better contact
Made of top-grade silicone material
Fits the company’s standard bottles
Leaked a lot for some people
The overall quality was disappointing for a few buyers
Made of top-grade soft silicone material, this Dr. Brown’s pack of two preemie bottle nipples has a natural flow. The base is narrow for better mouth and tongue contact, plus they fit the company’s standard-sized bottles.
Read morePreemie must have their own bottles with this unique flow and vent system to feed them properly. Regular bottle sizes are too fast with the flow and the amount of air that could be passed through the bottle to the baby. These nipples are ideal for feeding both preemies and regular newborns.
Ease of Use
The flow of the milk or formula through the nipple is just as important as the feel of it for the baby. With these nipples for preemies, the infant will receive the correct amount for feeding each time.
Design
It is superb that top baby product manufacturers make their items with the best ingredients and substances possible. This nipple set is made of a quality grade of silicone that is soft and flexible.
Price Range
Having one of the lowest prices in this buying guide, this two-pack of preemie nipples feature a natural milk flow, a narrow base for better mouth and suckling contact, and construction of top-grade silicone substances.
5. Dr. Brown's 15 CC First Feeder 3 Count
Made just for preemies and newborns
Delivers the smallest volume of milk
Has markings on the bottles for 1cc to 15cc
Ideal when breastfeeding is not possible
Latex and BPA-free and reusable
A few parents said these are regular-sized nipples
May leak a little bit when feeding
Dr. Brown’s 15 CC First Feeder Bottle System is a three-count of bottles and nipples. Made just for preemies and newborns, it delivers the smallest volume of formula or milk to the infant and has a fluid system of reliable delivery.
Read moreFeaturing markings on the bottles for graduating amounts of 1cc to 15cc, this set is ideal when breastfeeding is not possible. Good for oral initial feeding right after birth, it is compatible with all of the company’s nipples. These wonderful bottles are latex and BPA-free and reusable.
Ease of Use
The measurement markings on the sides of the bottles help you with monitoring the feed amounts of the child. it gives you a perfect way to measure the formula or breastmilk to ensure proper feeding each time.
Design
These are possibly the smallest bottles offered for humans to use. they look like they are for toy dolls because of the miniature size, but for newborns and preemies, they are perfect and necessary.
Price Range
Average in cost when compared to the other item listed, this package of three preemie nipples and bottles gives the least amount of milk to the baby, has measuring marks on the bottles, and is a perfect system to use when it is not convenient for breastfeeding mothers to nurse.
6. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature
Comes in multi-packs
Two sizes available
Extra slow flow for premature babies and infants suffering colic
Ventilation system reduces air intake
BPA free
Some parents felt the flow was no slow enough
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles feature an extra slow flow tip to ensure that premature babies and babies with bad cases of colic can have a more comfortable feeding experience. This baby bottle is available in multiple sizes and multi-packs.
Read moreEase of Use
The ventilation system is pre-installed and allows for less air intake so little ones don’t get gassy. These bottles are shaped like a nipple for a more natural latch and easy transition for breastfeeding babies. The bottle can be held in three different ways for the most comfortable angles.
Design
These bottles for premature babies are clear and comfortable to hold. They come in 5-ounce and 9-ounce options. You can buy them in packs of 1, 2, 3, or 4, or you can opt for the starter set which includes two 5 ounce bottles, two 9 ounce bottles, a cleaning brush, a pacifier, and a special set of handles.
Price Range
This bottle is slightly above the median price point of our guide. They’re from a notable company and many babies love them so if it’s within your budget, these bottles are worth giving a try.
7. Dr. Brown's Narrow Neck 60ml
Has the internal vent technology
Decreases gas, burping, and colic
Preserves the nutrients in formula and breastmilk
Is dishwasher safe and BPA-free
Can be sterilized or boiled for cleaning
The flow seemed to be the same as regular to a few parents
Some babies did not like feeding on this nipple
Including the internal vent technology to aid with digestion and air bubbles, this Dr. Brown’s 60ml Feeding Bottle decreases gas, burping, and colic and preserves the nutrients of vitamins A, C, and E in formula and breastmilk.
Read moreThe vent technology controls not only the air bubbles in the milk but also the flow of the milk to the infant’s mouth. It has a narrow neck and a preemie teat to feed newborns and preemies comfortably. It is free of BPA, dishwasher safe, and can be sterilized or boiled for cleaning.
Ease of Use
Ideally, baby bottles and nipples should be washed by hand. This bottle and nipple can be sterilized in boiling water or put in the dishwasher also for cleaning that is safe and great.
Design
In the pairing of the baby bottle and the nipple, the nipple does all of the work in controlling the flow of the liquid and the air released. This incredible bottle includes a system to give the preemie just the flow it needs.
Price Range
With an average cost, this single 60ml baby bottle for preemies and newborns has a smaller teat and a narrow neck, decreases the problems of indigestion, and keeps the nutrient level intact with the modernization of the nipples.
8. Philips Avent Natural
Anti-colic valve and ventilation
Spiral tip keeps nipple from collapsing
Easy to use with babies that are breastfeeding
Extra slow flow nipple
Some babies fuss a lot when using this bottle
The Philips Avent Natural is small to ensure that your little one isn’t over-eating. It features a soft, breast-like silicone nipple, and ventilated system to prevent colic. The extra slow flow nipple is perfect for newborns and premature babies so they don’t try to drink too much and choke.
Read moreEase of Use
There are very few parts included with this bottle and the wide-neck design makes this easy to disassemble and clean. The soft, flexible silicone shaped nipple makes it easy for little ones to latch and a good choice when you’re transitioning from breastfeeding.
Design
This bottle comes with a wide nipple, a translucent bottle design, and a lid to keep the mouthpiece safe and clean. The company’s name is printed on the side. The flexible spiral on the nipple isn’t just decorative either; it’s meant to keep it from caving in when baby feeds.
Price Range
This bottle is one of the more expensive models on our list.
9. Dr. Brown's Options Slow Flow
Fully-vented for digestion and preserving nutrients
Is the slowest flow of nipples for preemies
Comes with four nipples and four caps for storage
Comes with a pacifier shaped like the nipples
Bottles will fit most types of breast pumps
These tend to leak a lot
Can be tedious to keep clean
The Dr. Brown’s Options Slow Flow Bottle Set is a group of four baby bottles that hold four ounces each with a design that is fully-vented to aid with digestion and preserve nutrients. It is the slowest flow of nipples for preemies and has a narrow base so the entire nipple can be engaged.
Read moreThis terrific set offers controlled paced feeding and comes with four nipples and four caps for storage. The caps are great for travel or storage, are made of silicone, and fit well over the nipples on the bottle. Safe for the dishwasher and can be sterilized, they are free of BPA and will fit most types of breast pumps. This wonderful product comes with a pacifier that is shaped like a bulb to resemble the company’s silicone nipple
Ease of Use
Not only do you get the flat caps to fit over these bottles when they are not in use and the nipples for feeding the infant, but also included are four domed caps to go over the bottles with the nipples on them for travel and storage use.
Design
Everyone always likes to get free things with a purchase. Sometimes it is the best part. With this bottle purchase, you get a free pacifier that is shaped just like the bottle nipples of this company.
Price Range
This wonderful product is one of the higher-priced items that is highlighted. It is valued for the slow flow for preemies, being a set of four bottles with nipples and caps, and including a sweet pacifier shaped like the nipples.
10. NUK Simply Natural
Lots of size, color, and multi-pack options available
Silicone nipple is soft, wide, and shaped like mom’s breast
BPA-free
Anti-colic ventilation system
No extra pieces to watch
Caps are difficult to remove
Flat nipples are tough to clean
The NUK Simply Natural Bottle comes in several sizes, styles, and multi-pack options. The silicone nipple is shaped like mom’s to make little ones used to breastfeeding more comfortable. It’s odor and stain-resistant and made with BPA-free materials. There are slow, medium, and fast flow tops available.
Read moreEase of Use
The advanced anti-colic system doesn’t require any installation or maintenance on your part and eases liquid instead of air into baby’s hungry little tummy. There are no extra parts so you won’t have to worry about additional cleaning or disassembling. One of the nipple heads is flat and while babies seem fond of it, some parents have complained about the difficulty of cleaning this one piece.
Design
Made from thick plastic, these will last through the ups and downs of the first few months of your little one’s life. The NUK Simply Natural is available in a gender-neutral design, girls’ design, and boys’ design. You can choose a 5-ounce or 9-ounce bottle and order a multi-pack containing one, two, three, or six bottles. There’s also a gift set option that includes two bottles in each size, two extra nipples, and three pacifiers.
Price Range
This option is below the median price point of our guide. The thick plastic construction make this one of the most durable options so don’t worry about receiving a substandard product just because of the low price.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
Each featured item for preemies is easy to clean either by hand with soap and water, sterilized in boiling water, or safe in the dishwasher on the top rack. A few products claim that you can put them in the microwave to boil clean also. We mention this information in the ones that specified it in the product’s description. Cleaning is the hardest part of maintaining these bottles and nipples for preemies because they have to feed so often, and the items are smaller than regular bottles and nipples. It can be difficult to remove the droplets of milk or formula that get stuck in the very tips of the nipples. This is why sterilization is such a good habit to get into for these nipples. You do not want to make the infant sick with bottles or nipples that are not perfectly clean.
Design
Slow flow and a narrow nipple are the characteristics of a nipple suitable for a preemie. They must have good contact with the nipple with their tongue for sucking, so the normal width at the base of baby bottles is too big. With the narrow neck, they can get the right amount of grip and suction with their tiny little mouths. The flow of the formula or milk must be super-slow for these tiny babies, so they do not choke or have digestion problems from trying to swallow their food too fast. Every baby bottle has a flow rate, and for preemies it is usually a one or a two, depending on their size and age.
Price Range
Because these features items for preemies consist of bottles as well as nipples for bottles, the price range that we calculate using the current prices is highly skewed and not really indicative of the cost compared to the other items. They also vary in the number of pieces the products contain, the size, the milk flow, and the accessories. One set comes with a bottle brush to clean the preemie nipples, making it much more in price than all the other products. Because of its high cost, it throws off the price range for the whole category. The product least in price is the Phillips Avent Natural Baby Bottle Nipple. We do not list the current prices online because they change so frequently. The information we put in our reviews is accurate and trustworthy, so if we quote a price and it changes, then we are giving false data. We do not want to do that. In the individual Cost and Value sections, you will find the best features and qualities listed that make u the value of the item. These are the very points that make it so great.
Ease of Use Design Price Range 
The best bottle-feeding position for a preemie is in a seated up position. Just put the little one on your lap and support his head with your other arm.
You should burp your baby frequently so you can release the air that is swallowed during the feedings.
Other Factors to Consider
Age Range
All of these products that we list are specifically for preemies and newborns as stated by the manufacturers. They are smaller in the bottle size, nipple size and width, and flow rate of the liquid. Using larger equipment for regular-sized babies is not appropriate for preemies, as they will waste more milk that they eat. The milk will just run out of their mouths as they try to suckle. They will not be able to get a good grip on the nipple and will suck in more air than milk, thus causing digestion problems for them. For preemies, you want to use these special products that were engineered just for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What makes these bottles and nipples justified as preemie bottles and nipples?
Preemie bottles hold less liquid than regular baby bottles. Preemie nipples are designed for a slower flow of air and liquid to go into the baby. The nipples for these infants are also narrower at the base to allow their small tongues to wrap around and get a good suction grip. Regular bottle nipples are too big with a faster flow of air and liquid for preemies.
q: What is a common complaint among customers online about these products?
Leaking and not being the right size for the child are the two most common complaints from buyers online. Even though these products state that they are for preemies, some parents did not think that they were based on the size of the nipples. Leaking can occur for several reasons that may not be or maybe the manufacturer’s fault. Lids that are not on tight or correct could lead to leaking problems.
q: Do these have to be sterilized or can they be just washed in soap and water?
You can just wash these bottles and nipples with soap and water. They do not need to be sterilized, but it is great if you do. It gives you a higher level of clean for the equipment.
q: These all have varying numbers of pieces in the packages. Is there a reason for this?
No, not really. It is up to the manufacturer to decide how many pieces to put in a package. You just pick the one that suits your needs the best.
q: How do you know how many to buy? Does the age or size of the child matter?
The number of nipples to buy is dependent on how often you want to clean them or replace them. Some people buy several packages of nipples because they might not last long with wear and cleaning. Others buy just one or two packs and keep up with the cleaning after each feeding instead of soaking them and then cleaning all at once. The age of the preemie only matters for the nipple size and the amount of milk or formula they need for the feedings. The number of nipples to purchase has nothing to do with the age or size of the child.
q: Can a preemie baby be fed with a regular baby bottle? Why or why not?
No, you cannot feed a preemie baby with regular nipples because the flow of the formula or breastmilk will be too fast and so will the airflow. The flow of the liquid needs to be the slowest of all bottles that manufacturers make. This ensures that they receive the proper amount of milk. They also need a nipple with a narrow base to be able to suckle properly. Regular nipples have a wider base than preemie nipples. The wider base is too wide for them to get their tongues around to feed correctly.
Sources
- , Effective Tips for Bottle Feeding Premature Babies, Online Article
- , Tips for Successfully Bottle Feeding a Preemie, Online Article
- , From Breastfeeding to Bottle and Back Again with Dr. Brown’s Preemie Flow Nipple, Online Article
