05/05/2026
At a glance they seem the same, but look more closely. Can you spot the difference? While I use this bottle a lot, it’s a good example of why you still need a consultant!
Beef #1. It’s really hard to see that these ni***es are different flow rates. That P is for “preemie” and the 1 for “level 1,” but you have to know to look for it.
2. The level 1 is actually quite fast, too fast for a term newborn with a functional suck. They tend to guzzle these, yet this is what is given in the standard starter set. For most babies, I recommend using the preemie ni**le.
3. The preemie ni**le is too slow for most preemies, who have weaker sucks, tire easily and need to put on weight quickly. For babies with compromised oral function—such as preemies—the faster, easier level 1 ni**le tends to be the better fit.
4. I have yet to see a bay that needs the level 2 ni**le.
A bigger, stronger baby does not need a faster milk flow! Graduating through ni**le flows results in higher sales, not healthier babies.
This is exactly why it’s important to see a feeding specialist for information, rather than trusting a manufacturer. These are not the people working with infants, these are people who look at numbers and profits and earn their salaries by selling more stuff. The fact that they have it backwards—you don’t want to challenge a preemie who already struggles to feed—shows how little they know.
Which is not to vilify anyone, but parents need to distinguish experts and evidence from for-profit marketing. Your International Board Certified Lactation Consultant can help you make sense of all the noise and craft a plan that works for your baby and your family, whether it’s breasts, bottles, or formula. With many insurances paying for our services, you have every reason to use us!
Don’t go it alone. Schedule your visit today!
