Double Bottle Warmer vs. Single Bottle Warmer for Twins?

When it comes to feeding your twins, having a bottle warmer can be super helpful. Read on for our honest thoughts about whether to opt for a single bottle warmer or a double bottle warmer!

On the hunt for gadgets that will help you when your two bundles of joy arrive? You’ve likely heard of (or already stocked up on) a double nursing pillow and a double stroller. But what about a double bottle warmer?  

If you’re like me, you may not have realized such a bottle warmer even existed until right now. (And my twins are a few years past the bottle-feeding years.)  

Reflecting back though, I feel like I absolutely could’ve used a double bottle warmer. My twins were on the same feeding schedule and the same nap schedule because the synchronization made planning the day easier for mom and dad. 

But when my twinnies were hungry…they were HUNGRY.  We couldn’t get the bottles warmed up fast enough, and we had a single warmer which took 2 to 3 minutes to warm one bottle. 

Those 6 minutes felt like an eternity with two crying babies in the background. And then there’s the guilt of deciding which baby would get the bottle that was warmed up first.

Of course, I eventually learned the warm water hack (thanks to my pediatrician).  So while one bottle was being warmed in the bottle warmer, I would stick the other bottle in a cup of water that I warmed in the microwave. So in a way, I guess I had created my own makeshift “double” bottle warmer.  

But while this water hack sometimes worked in a pinch, it still took 1-2 minutes to get the water warm enough and then another 3-5 minutes to actually warm the bottle. And then I would still have to turn the bottle every now and again so the heat was evenly distributed.  

Fed up with all the effort it took to heat two baby bottles multiple times a day, we eventually switched to a BabyBrezza formula dispenser. But what I wouldn’t give to go back and make those early days of bottle warming just a tad easier!

So let’s get into everything you need to know before deciding on a bottle warmer that’s right for you and your twinnies.

What is a bottle warmer? And why would you need one?

First, let’s get clear on why bottle warmers even exist.

Bottle warmers are small appliances that gently warm bottles of milk or formula using steam or hot water. They’re helpful for thawing or warming breastmilk and formula to a safe temperature for babies to drink. 

Since bottle warmers have a gradual heating function, they preserve the nutrients in breastmilk and formula. This is super important because if the temperature rises over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, you risk damaging the nutritional properties of the milk.

Now, why is a bottle warmer necessary? Can’t I just use a microwave? 

Great question. And the simple answer is that microwaving bottles is not safe. Here’s what the FDA says on the matter:

Heating breast milk or infant formula in the microwave is not recommended. Studies have shown that microwaves heat baby’s milk and formula unevenly. This results in “hot spots” that can scald a baby’s mouth and throat.  

Yikes!!! Definitely not worth the risk! 

Maybe you’re also wondering this: can’t I simply feed my twins milk or formula that’s cold? 

And the answer to that is you totally can. But the preference for milk/formula temperature really depends on each baby. It’s possible that your baby will refuse to drink from a cold bottle entirely. 

On top of that, a small study showed that preterm infants especially are likely to feed better when the temperature is as close as possible to that of breastmilk that was freshly expressed. 

So let’s say you’re sold on getting a bottle warmer now. What are the best options for bottle warmers for feeding twins? Let’s dig into that next.

Double bottle warmer vs. single bottle warmer

Here’s a quick look at some basic pros and cons you’ll want to consider before choosing between a double bottle warmer and a single bottle warmer.

Factor	Single vs. double bottle warmer
Cost	The price doesn’t vary all that much. You can expect to pay anywhere from about $20 to $100+ depending on the brand you choose.
Efficiency	A double bottle warmer allows you to heat up two bottles at the same time.
Space	Double bottle warmers are likely to take up a little extra space, and they may not be portable.

So how do you know the right choice for you when it comes to a single vs. double bottle warmer?

It really comes down to your unique situation and your overall plan for feeding your twins.

Here are some factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a bottle warmer:

• Will you be breastfeeding and bottle feeding or bottle feeding only? If you plan to alternate which baby nurses, maybe you go with a single bottle warmer. If you’re bottle feeding only, a double bottle warmer may make more sense.
• What’s your plan for feeding if/when you go back to work?  Will someone else be watching your little ones and need an easy warming solution?
• How do you plan to feed overnight? If you’re doing bottle feeds overnight, a double warmer will be quicker.
• Could your twins wait 5-6 minutes for their bottles to warm?  (More likely question, can you wait 5-6 minutes of crying while each bottle is getting warmed?
• Will you need a bottle warmer that can travel with you on-the-go? You may find you have more options with single bottle warmers.

Regardless of where you land, keep reading for some single and double bottle warmers we recommend.

Double bottle warmer options

If you’ve got multiple hungry infants screaming in the background (or will in the near future), a double bottle warmer is a very practical option! (Honestly, if I could go back in time, I would have swapped my single warmer for a double bottle warmer). 

BellaBaby Double Bottle Warmer

With the BellaBaby Double Bottle Warmer, you can heat up two 5-oz bottles in just 3 minutes or two 7-oz bottles in 5 minutes. This warmer can defrost breastmilk as well as heat up formula or baby food. It also allows you to adjust the setting based on the material (silicone, glass, plastic) so that the temperature is just-right.

EVLA Baby Bottle Warmer

The EVLA Baby Bottle Warmer is multifunctional with the ability to not only defrost milk and warm food jars but also sanitize. It even has a shut-off function so your milk or food doesn’t overheat (perfect for a twin parent whose attention is all over the place).

Still on the fence between a double bottle warmer and single bottle warmer? Let’s see a few great options for single bottle warmers (and travel bottle warmers).

Single bottle warmer options

Tommee Tippee Bottle Warmer

The Tommee Tippee Bottle Warmer is a great option for warming single bottles or food pouches. Even though it was designed to fit the wider Tommee Tippee bottles, it’s compatible for use with a wide range of other bottle brands as well. It’s also notably compact and won’t take up too much counter space.

Chicco Digital Bottle Warmer & Sanitizer

The Chicco Digital Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer uses a water bath and steam technology to evenly heat your bottles. It’s designed to not climb beyond 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so while it may not heat bottles as quickly as some others on the market, it’s guaranteed not to overheat the milk or formula. Other standout features are that it’s a 2-in-1 warmer and sanitizer and very sleek and compact.

Kiinde Kozzi Bottle Warmer

The Kiinde Kozzi Bottle Warmer circulates warm water where most have sitting water. This feature transfers the heat more evenly, taking a total of 3-4 minutes to warm the contents.  It’s also easy to clean and works with a variety of bottles, jars, pouches, and food containers.

Alternative option: formula dispensers

Alternatively, formula dispensers are another consideration (if you’re using formula as part of your feeding plan). Gone are the days where you have to sit there and measure the correct scoops to water! Think of a formula dispenser as a Keurig for baby formula.

Here’s the gist of how the Baby Brezza Formula Dispenser (the brand I used) works:

• Fill up the container with the formula of your choice.
• Fill the water reservoir with distilled water.  
• Choose from three settings (room temperature, body temperature, hot).
• Wait and watch as it mixes the appropriate amount of formula that you need (by ounce).

The downside to this machine is maintenance. You’ll need to clean out the formula container regularly, and the funnel needs to be washed after so many bottles made.  

Final thoughts on single vs. double bottle warmers for twins

Ultimately, think about what your feeding plan is before you start your bottle warmer search. And before committing to a particular brand of bottle warmer, check to see if it’s universal to fit any bottle size. Certain bottle brands have their own bottle warmer made to fit and heat their unique bottle for the most efficient heating. You’ll also want to consider if it’s portable or not!

Only you can decide which type of bottle warmer is the best fit for you and your twinnies.

Want more tips for bottle feeding your newborn twins? Check out these resources too:

• Bottle Feeding Basics For Newborn Twins
• Starting a Bottle Feeding Routine for Twins
• Expert Tips for Feeding Twins by Breast or Bottle

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