Philips Avent Natural Nipple

Choosing The Right Nipples

Material: You must choose silicone or latex nipples. Silicone nipples are firmer and they are durable. Latex nipples are softer and more flexible but aren’t long-lasting. In rare cases, babies can be allergic to latex.

Shape: You have a choice while choosing the shape of the nipple– traditional, orthodontic, flat-topped, or with grooves and mimic a natural nipple. Orthodontic nipples are designed to accommodate your child’s gums and have a flat bulb on the side that touches your child’s tongue. Flat-topped nipples have a more realistic shape.

Age range, size, and flow: Nipples are available a different flow speeds for babies at different stages of infancy.

If you’re bottle-feeding a newborn, the size of the teat must be the smallest. Also, make sure that the teats you buy are BPA-free to prevent colic issues for your baby.

Watch closely to make sure your baby is latching on the nipple easily and the milk is flowing smoothly in the baby’s mouth without overflowing or without having air inside.

If you are weaning and changing the size of the feeding bottle, make sure to change the size of the nipple accordingly.

When To Replace Nipples?

If you notice that the hole is too big for the nipple and the milk is pouring out in a stream, it is time to change the nipple. It is recommended that the nipples should be changed every 3 months. Also, keep a check if the nipple is discoloring or thinning and worn out. Make sure to change them as it can also become a choking hazard for your little one.

Bottom Line:

It is better to buy nipples with the bottles in the baby newborn starter sets, however, it is wise to buy a variety of nipples because before actually feeding the baby, you cannot know the type or size your baby will prefer. Once you know which nipple suits your baby, you can buy only those as needed.