$30· #5
Check Price →M
Medela
Medela Special Needs Feeder
The clinical standard for babies with cleft palate or feeding difficulties
The Medela Special Needs Feeder (formerly the Haberman Feeder) is the most widely recommended feeding system for infants with cleft palate, cleft lip, or oral-motor challenges that prevent normal suction. The slit nipple releases milk when compressed — allowing babies who cannot create negative pressure to feed successfully. It is the clinical standard recommended by craniofacial surgeons and SLPs. If your baby has a confirmed cleft palate or lip, this is the essential first tool.
✓ Pros
- Designed specifically for cleft palate, cleft lip, and low muscle tone
- Squeezable bottle lets caregiver control milk flow when baby cannot create suction
- Recommended by craniofacial surgeons and speech-language pathologists worldwide
✕ Cons
- Not suitable for babies without feeding difficulties — flow can be too fast
- Squeezing technique has a learning curve for caregivers
Scores
Overall
9
Safety
9.8
Value
8.5
Ease
8.3
Quality
9.5
Specifications
typeSpecialty feeding system
designSqueezable bottle + slit nipple
indicationCleft palate, cleft lip, low muscle tone, tongue tie
bpa Freetrue