Standard bottles often flow too fast, which can overwhelm a premature infant. You need a specialized bottle that controls the flow to prevent choking and gas. We researched and tested the top options to help your little fighter grow strong and healthy.
- Naturally shaped nipple
- Minimal nipple collapse mid-feed
- Anti-colic technology
- Less air intake
- Better latching
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy latch-on nipple
- Two anti-colic vents
- Easy to clean
- Excellent starter set
- Optimal nipple shape
- Comfortable to hold
- Ventaire technology
- Angled bottle
- Two nipples included
Why Use a Preemie Bottle?
Babies born before 34 weeks often struggle with breastfeeding coordination. Many spend time in the NICU and may initially receive nutrition through a tube or IV (1). Exclusive breastfeeding isn’t always possible right away.
Preemies typically have a weaker suck and can’t handle the fast flow of standard nipples. A specialized bottle with a slow-flow nipple mimics the resistance of the breast. This allows your baby to pace themselves, breathe, and conserve the energy they need to gain weight.
How to Choose a Preemie Bottle
- Nipple Flow: This is the most critical factor. If the milk flows too fast, your baby can choke, gag, or aspirate. Look for “Preemie,” “Ultra-Slow,” or “Level 0” nipples. These limit the flow rate so your baby can suckle, swallow, and breathe safely.
- Anti-Colic Venting: Preemies have immature digestive systems. Swallowing air leads to painful gas and colic. Bottles with internal vent systems, collapsible pouches, or bottom vents prevent air bubbles from mixing with the milk. This reduces spit-up and fussiness after feeds.
- Bottle Size and Shape: Preemies eat small amounts frequently (often just 1 to 2 ounces). A massive 8-ounce bottle introduces too much air and is hard to handle. Opt for smaller 2 to 5-ounce vessels. Clear measurement markers are essential for tracking every milliliter of intake.
Product Reviews
We found the safest, most reliable bottles to support your premature baby’s development.
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle
Best Nipple Size
If you plan to combine bottle feeding and breastfeeding, nipple confusion is a real concern. The Philips Avent Natural bottle solves this with a wide, breast-shaped nipple that encourages a deep latch.
The spiral design makes the nipple flexible, so it moves with your baby’s rhythm without collapsing. This is crucial for preemies who need a consistent flow without fighting a vacuum.
The ergonomic shape fits comfortably in your hand, making those long, slow feeds less tiring for you.
What We Like
Promotes Natural Latch
The wide nipple base mimics the breast, which helps your baby switch between breast and bottle. The ultra-soft material feels familiar against their skin, providing comfort during feeds.
Flexible Spiral Design
Preemies often pause to breathe. The spiral construction inside the nipple allows it to flex and bend without collapsing or blocking the milk flow. This ensures your baby doesn’t have to work too hard to restart the flow.
Integrated Anti-Colic Vents
Philips uses Airflex technology built directly into the nipple. It vents air away from your baby’s tummy to prevent discomfort. Since there are no extra tubes or parts to clean, assembly is fast and easy.
Ergonomic Hold
The curved shape is easy to hold from any angle. This helps you maintain a comfortable position during the frequent, paced feedings your preemie requires.
What We Don't Like
Watch the Alignment
The anti-colic vent must be aligned with the notch in the screw ring to work correctly. If you rush assembly, the bottle might leak. Double-check the fit before feeding.
Product Specs
| Material | BPA-free polypropylene |
| Size | 4 ounces |
| Nipple flow | Newborn flow |
| How many bottles included | Two |
| Color | Clear |
Our Ratings
Boon Nursh Silicone Pouch Bottle
Best for Reducing Air Intake
Swallowed air is the enemy of a happy tummy. The Boon Nursh uses a revolutionary collapsible silicone pouch that shrinks as your baby drinks. This eliminates the vacuum and keeps air out of the milk entirely.
There are no complicated vents or straws to scrub. The milk only touches 100% medical-grade silicone, which is safe and easy to sterilize.
The 4-ounce size is manageable for preemie feeds, and the bright colors make it easier to find bottles during late-night wake-ups.
What We Like
Air-Free Feeding
Unlike standard bottles that allow air to fill the space as milk leaves, the Nursh pouch collapses. This prevents air bubbles from forming, drastically reducing the risk of gas and colic without extra parts.
Optimal Tongue Positioning
The nipple features a wide base and optimal length to support a proper latch. This design helps babies, including those with tongue ties, maintain a good seal and feed effectively.
Easy Sanitation
Preemie immune systems are delicate, so cleanliness is vital. The Nursh system has minimal parts, just the shell, pouch, and nipple. All components are dishwasher safe and can be boiled or sterilized without degrading.
Zero Plastic Contact
The milk is encased in silicone, so it never touches plastic. This gives parents peace of mind regarding microplastics or chemical leaching. The outer shell provides structure but keeps the silicone pouch protected.
What We Don't Like
Firmer Nipple Texture
The silicone nipple is slightly firmer than some other brands. Some babies with a very weak suck might need time to adjust to the resistance.
Product Specs
| Material | BPA- and PVC-free silicone |
| Size | 4 ounces |
| Nipple flow | Slow flow |
| How many bottles included | Three |
| Color | Pink, blue, clear, or multi-color |
Our Ratings
Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle
Best for Transitioning Babies
Comotomo bottles are famous for their squeezable, soft silicone body. This design mimics the skin-to-skin experience of breastfeeding, which can be comforting for a premature baby.
The wide-neck design makes them incredibly easy to clean by hand, a huge plus for busy parents. The silicone material also provides a non-slip grip.
Dual vents on the nipple ensure good air circulation, preventing vacuum buildup that can frustrate a weak eater.
What We Like
Skin-Like Texture
The soft silicone body feels like human skin. This tactile experience soothes babies and creates a calming association with feeding time, helping to reduce stress during the transition from hospital to home.
Consistent Flow
Two anti-colic vents are located on the nipple rim. These allow air to enter the bottle (not the tummy) to balance pressure. This helps the milk flow smoothly so your preemie doesn’t have to suck excessively hard.
Hassle-Free Cleaning
The ultra-wide neck allows you to reach the bottom with your hand, skipping the need for a bottle brush. The material is heat-resistant, so you can boil the bottle and nipple to ensure they are sterile for your immune-compromised little one.
Tip-Resistant Base
While the body is soft, the base is sturdy enough to stand upright. The clear markings help you prepare formula, though you may need good lighting to see them on the silicone.
What We Don't Like
Requires Tight Closing
The silicone threading can be tricky. You must align the cap perfectly and tighten it firmly to prevent leaks. Once you get the hang of it, it seals well.
Product Specs
| Material | BPA-, PVC-, and Phthalate-free silicone |
| Size | 5 ounces |
| Nipple flow | Slow flow |
| How many bottles included | One |
| Color | Pink or green |
Our Ratings
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle
Best Starter Bundle
New parents need simplicity. Tommee Tippee delivers a comprehensive newborn starter set that grows with your preemie. It includes extra-slow flow nipples, which are essential for controlling the milk rate for early arrivals.
The “Closer to Nature” nipple is designed to flex and stretch like a breast, making it a favorite for mixed feeding. The compact shape brings the baby closer to you during feeds.
The included handles and pacifier add value, giving you tools to soothe your baby between meals.
What We Like
Complete Newborn Kit
This set takes the guesswork out of buying gear. You get bottles, a cleaning brush, a pacifier, and nipples ranging from extra-slow to slow flow. The extra-slow option is particularly vital for preventing a preemie from gulping milk too fast.
Breast-Like Nipple Movement
The silicone nipple features internal waves that allow it to stretch and flex. This mimics the natural movement of breastfeeding, helping your baby latch correctly and reducing nipple confusion.
Sensitive Tummy Valve
A super-sensitive Easi-Vent valve eliminates excessive air flow. By venting air better, it reduces the likelihood of gassy tummies and reflux, which are common issues in premature infants.
Compact and Holdable
The bottle’s short, curved stature allows you to hold it in a cradled position. This closeness promotes bonding and skin-to-skin contact, which is beneficial for a preemie’s development and regulation.
What We Don't Like
Verify Nipple Flow
The set includes different nipple flows. Double-check that you are using the “Extra Slow” or “0” nipple initially, as the “Slow” nipple might still be too fast for a tiny newborn.
Product Specs
| Material | BPA- and phthalate-free material |
| Size | Multiple |
| Nipple flow | Extra slow-flow and slow-flow |
| How many bottles included | Four |
| Color | Clear |
Our Ratings
Playtex Baby Ventaire Anti Colic Bottle
Best Anti-Colic Bottle
Reflux is painful and common in preemies because the muscle keeping food in the stomach isn’t fully developed. The Playtex Ventaire is engineered to help with this. Its angled design promotes semi-upright feeding, which doctors recommend to keep milk down.
Unlike standard bottles, the Ventaire vents air through the bottom, not the nipple. This prevents air from mixing with the milk as your baby drinks.
The gift set offers versatility with multiple bottle sizes, so you are set even after your baby hits their growth spurt.
What We Like
Bottom-Vent Technology
Most bottles vent through the nipple, which means air bubbles travel through the milk. Playtex places the vent at the bottom. This keeps air completely separate from the liquid, significantly reducing gas, spit-up, and fussiness.
Angled for Reflux Relief
The unique bend allows you to feed your baby in a more upright position while keeping the nipple full of milk. Upright feeding uses gravity to help digest food and prevents acid reflux symptoms.
Prevents Ear Infections
Feeding a baby flat on their back can allow milk to pool in the back of the mouth and enter the Eustachian tubes. The Ventaire’s angled design encourages a safer posture that helps prevent fluid buildup and ear infections.
Versatile Nipple Options
The set includes diverse nipple flows. You can start with the slowest flow for your preemie and graduate to faster flows as their sucking reflex strengthens. The nipples are textured to encourage a good latch.
What We Don't Like
More Parts to Clean
Because of the bottom vent, there are more pieces to disassemble and wash. However, the reduction in colic symptoms is often worth the extra minute at the sink.
Product Specs
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Size | Multiple |
| Nipple flow | Slow flow and medium flow |
| How many bottles included | Five |
| Color | Clear |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Material | Size | Nipple flow | No. of bottles included | Color |
| Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle | Nipple | BPA-free polypropylene | 4 oz | Newborn flow | Two | Clear |
| Boon Nursh Silicone Pouch Bottle | Reducing Air Intake | BPA- and PVC-free silicone | 4 oz | Slow flow | Three | Pink, blue, clear, or multi-color |
| Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle | Transitioning Babies | BPA-, PVC-, and Phthalate-free silicone | 5 oz | Slow flow | One | Pink or green |
| Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature | Starter Bundle | BPA- and phthalate-free material | Multiple | Extra slow-flow and slow-flow | Four | Clear |
| Playtex Baby Ventaire Anti-Colic | Anti-Colic Bottle | BPA-free plastic | Multiple | Slow flow and medium flow | Five | Clear |
FAQs
Which Feeding Bottle is Best For Premature Babies?
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow and Philips Avent are top choices for preemies. Look for bottles with a dedicated internal vent system and “Preemie” or “Level 0” nipples to control the flow and minimize gas.
How Do You Bottle Feed a Preemie?
Feed your preemie in a semi-upright position and use “paced feeding.” Tilt the bottle so milk fills the nipple, but lower it if they gulp. Take frequent breaks to let them breathe and burp.
How Long Does it Take a Preemie to Learn to Bottle Feed?
It varies by baby, but mastering the suck-swallow-breathe coordination usually happens around 32 to 34 weeks gestation. It may take several weeks of practice in the NICU or at home to feed efficiently.
What is the Difference Between Preemie and Newborn Formula?
Preemie formula is calorie-dense (usually 22 to 24 calories per ounce) and fortified with extra protein, calcium, and phosphorus to mimic the growth rate they would have achieved in the womb.
What Formula Do Hospitals Use For Preemies?
NICUs commonly use enriched formulas like Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare or Similac NeoSure. These provide the extra calories and minerals premature infants need for catch-up growth.
When Should I Switch My Preemie to a Faster Nipple?
Switch nipple sizes when your baby shows signs of frustration, sucks hard with little milk coming out, or takes longer than 20 to 30 minutes to finish a feed. Watch for choking, which means the new flow is too fast.
How Do I Sterilize Bottles for a Preemie?
Preemies have weak immune systems, so sterilize bottles daily. You can use a microwave steam bag, an electric steam sterilizer, or boil parts in a pot of water for 5 minutes. Always wash hands before handling clean bottles.
