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• Different Sizes Of Baby Bottle Nipples
• TOP TIPS

Choosing the right size baby bottle nipples is very important for a happy baby and a blissful mum and dad. The sizes of baby bottle nipples, also known as baby teats, are made specifically to correspond to the needs of babies. From the time they are born until they reach the toddler stage. So it is very important to choose the right size of nipples for your little ones. This could have an effect on their nourishment, as well as how they enjoy their feed!

As you may know, baby bottle nipples come in different sizes to accommodate your baby’s changing needs. Younger bottle feeders may need a small nipple size as bubs mouth is still very small, and his ability to suck is weak. As your baby grows, his or her feeding demand increases. Because of this, they will need nipples of larger sizes/faster flows.

If the hole of a bottle nipple is too big, your baby may swallow incorrectly or take in too much air into bubs stomach. This may induce hiccups or gas, and in the case of a colicky baby, worsen colic symptoms. On the other hand, holes that are too small will tire them out, and may make them lose interest before he or she gets enough of the essential nutrients a baby needs for growth and development.

Different Sizes Of Baby Bottle Nipples

Bottle nipples come in different sizes for different ages but it is not always necessary to follow this system. You can choose the correct nipple size through a process of elimination. Observing your baby will determine which nipple size is the most suitable for them. If you see baby gag while feeding, it is too big or fast flowing. While if they are straining to drink from the bottle, it is too small or slow. Bottle nipple sizes come in three different types: slow, medium and fast. Cherub Baby has these three different sizes available for all babies:

•    Slow – our Wide Neck Slow Flow Baby Teats are recommended when baby is less than 3 months old.
•    Medium – the Medium Flow Baby Teats are best used when baby is 3-6 months old.
•    Fast – and our Wide Neck Fast Flow Baby Teats are recommended for when baby is 6 months or over.

TOP TIPS

If you’re shopping for baby bottle nipples, it is best to keep these things in mind:

• Only purchase only one or two of a single type because your baby may outgrow it quickly. They may not even like it at all.
• Choose a bisphenol-a (BPA) free material like silicone.
• Purchase nipples that are of a standard size – so they can fit major brand standard neck bottles. You can also choose wide neck nipples if you plan on feeding from wide neck bottles. The nipples should be interchangeable and fit all major brand bottles like the Cherub Baby teats.
• Make sure to buy teats that claim to mimic a real teat. These provide for baby’s natural feeding movements so he can have a more enjoyable time when being bottle fed. The peristaltic design of the Cherub Baby teat is an ergonomic design that keeps this in mind.
• Finally, make sure that you have sterilised the nipples properly before using them. For easy sterilising, you can use the Natristeam Microwave Bottle Steriliser.

Whatever type of bottle nipple you decide on using, you must not forget to check them periodically for signs of wear and tear. Any discoloration or thinning signifies the need for a new nipple. You must always keep them in a new condition lest they break and become a choking hazard.

In the end, however, we can only recommend which nipple to use; the final decision is still in your baby’s hands – or mouth for that matter!

Reference:

Choosing Baby Bottles and Nipples – CS Mott Children’s Hospital