Posted by Baby-Central on 16th Apr 2020
Most bottles offer various teat levels that are tied to an age range (for example, 3 months+), but every infant has their own feeding style that is not necessarily a reflection of their age or size.
The majority ofDr. Brown’s bottles come with alevel 1 teat, which is a slow-flow teat for newborn babies and older. That level may be too fast or too slow for your baby and you may need to adjust. It’s also common for baby to graduate to a faster flow as their feeding develops. There is no “right” time to change your baby’s teat level. Every baby is different; some babies will be perfectly content using level one throughout their bottle feeding days, while others are more aggressive eaters and need to advance to the next level. Your baby will let you know if and when the time comes to change levels.
Below are some signs to look for from your baby. When you notice any of these signs, it usually means that the baby is not getting a fast enough flow and it is time to move up a level. Please remember, if these signs never occur then there is no need to change anything and it is always best to check with your Healthcare Professional.
Baby is taking longer to finish eatingThey become fussy or irritated while eatingThey fall asleep during feedingHere are also some signs that the teat flow is too fast:
GulpingHard swallowingCoughingChokingMilk dripping from the mouthRefusing the bottleTheDr Brown’s range of teats available fromBaby-Central offers a range of 6 teat sizes/flow speeds are available to grow with your baby’s needs:
Preemie FlowLevel 1 – Birth to 3 months (on every bottle)Level 2 – 3 months to 6 months (most popular speed)Level 3 – 6 months + Level 4 – 6 months + Hungry BabiesY Cut Teat - Allows thicker feeds which would block the hole of a normal teat
FAQs
Teat sizes and holes
How do I know what teat to use for my baby? ›
Flow rates of teats refer to the size or number of holes in the teat. This affects how quickly milk 'flows' from the teat into your baby's mouth. The categories are slow, medium and fast. Slow flow is generally preferable for newborns, while you're both learning how to feed.
When to change teat size 1 to 2? ›
The Newborn teat (with the number 1 on the teat) is recommended for babies aged 0+ months old who are breastfed and bottle-fed. The Slow Flow teat (with the number 2 on the teat) is recommended for babies aged 1+ months old that are breastfed and bottle-fed.
Which teat is best for breastfed babies? ›
Choose a bottle with a slow flow teat. These are often labelled as slow flow or newborn . Keep putting them on your breasts and give them a lot of skin-to-skin contact . Warm and soften the teat with warm, boiled water that has been left to cool down (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011; NHS Choices, 2017).
What age is number 1 teat for? ›
Teat 1 is the MAM slow flow teat which is suitable from birth or after Teat 0.
Can the wrong teat size cause wind? ›
Tips for reducing wind in bottlefed infants
Parents should ensure the correct teat size is being used. If the infant is using an incorrect teat size and feeds are taken too slowly or too quickly, the amount of air swallowed may increase.
How to know if teat is too fast for a baby? ›
When the flow is too fast:
- Choking, spluttering or coughing on the milk.
- Milk overflowing from their mouth.
- Upset during a feed.
- Spill or posset milk after a feed.
MAM Teats Size 2, Suitable for 2+ Months, MAM Medium Flow Teats with SkinSoft Silicone, Fits All ...
How do you know when to switch to level 2 nipples? ›
As a baby's feeding develops and they are taking a longer time feeding from a Level 1 nipple, many parents choose to move up to a Level 2 nipple. Consider Level 2 if your baby is accepting early solid foods, or if their pediatrician has recommended thickening their milk.
What happens if teat size is too small? ›
If your baby is on thick formula, the teat opening may be too small and it may collapse as the baby sucks hard to get the milk to flow - the next size teat for the baby's age is recommended if this is occurring.
Check that the hole in your baby's teat is not too big. Drinking milk too quickly can make your baby sick. Do not force them to take more milk than they want during a feed. This may be distressing for your baby and can lead to overfeeding.
Can you go back to breastfeeding after bottle feeding? ›
Getting a baby back to breastfeeding after a period of bottle feeding can take some patience and perseverance, but it is definitely possible. If your breast milk supply is low, then in addition to getting baby from bottle to breast you may have to build your milk supply or relactate.
How do I choose the right teat for my baby? ›
Advice when choosing a bottle
It is helpful to choose a teat with a slower flow. If milk flows from a bottle too quickly, it can be difficult for your baby to coordinate their sucking, swallowing, and breathing. A slower flow teat will support positive and responsive feeding.
Is 1T the same as 12 months? ›
A: Yes. The difference between 1T and 12 months is the way it's made. For example if the 12 month old is not walking yet it's best to get 12 months it's easier to slide a shirt off the shoulder and down where as 1T is not made like that. Thanks is the only difference.
What age is size 0 teats for? ›
Teat 0 is perfect for newborns, smaller and premature babies. The Teat 0 is the slowest and smallest teat in the MAM range. Teats must be replaced every 1-2 months for safety and hygiene reasons.
How do I choose bottle nipples for my baby? ›
You can get nipples that have a slow, medium, or fast flow rate. These nipples are often numbered, 1 is the slowest flow. Infants usually start with a smaller hole and slower flow. You will increase the size as your baby gets better at feeding and drinks more.
What age do you use size 3 teats? ›
Teat 3 is the MAM Fast Flow Teat which is suitable from around 4+months. Every baby is different and may take the fast flow sooner or later than this which is perfectly fine.
Can I use 8 oz bottles for a Newborn? ›
Start with 4- or 5-ounce bottles. They're perfect for the small amounts of breast milkOpens a new window or formulaOpens a new window newborns eat in one sitting. Shift to 8- or 9-ounce bottles at about 4 months, or whenever your baby's growing appetite makes bigger bottles more practical.
What bottle should a 12 month old use for milk? ›
A cup or beaker with a free-flow lid (without a non-spill valve) is better than a bottle or beaker with a teat as it will help your baby learn how to sip rather than suck.
