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If they can't control the rate of feeding, they are more likely to over-feed. Non-responsive feeding has been associated with discomfort and fussiness in the short term (NHS 2021) and linked to obesity in the longer term (Hurley, 2011; Watchmaker 2020). Some brands have more levels – as many as six different types of teat – providing a little more choice for parents looking to find a teat that’s just right. For babies who will be fed with anti-reflux formula, a single hole, fast flow Is ideal. Can a Fast Flow Teat Cause Wind? https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/practical-tips/what-bottles-and-teats-do-you-need-for-babies Don’t worry though, as the teats are still perfectly safe to use, they just look a little different to the norm.
The MAM Baby range features four different flow sizes for teats. Confusingly their final size is called Size x, not size 4, and is an extra fast flow according to the manufacturer. Powdered formula is not sterile, so you need to use water at approximately 70 degrees to kill any bacteria that might be present (NHS, 2019a). If the water is too hot it can reduce the nutritional benefit of the powder, but if it is too cold it may not kill the bacteria in the powder. ‘Ready-to-feed’ bottles contain ready-made milk that has already been sterilised (NHS, 2018; Unicef, 2019). You may hear that you should keep the teat full of milk to avoid swallowing air. However where the milk flow is too fast and not in your baby's control, it is more likely to cause indigestion or gas (Kellymom, 2020). Anecdotally, babies whose parents use paced feeding suffer less from gas (Herman, 2021).
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Once they’re older and used to bottle-feeding, you could move to a medium flow. Just follow your baby’s lead to see what teat is right for them. Some babies prefer to stay on the slow flow teats for many months. You can also buy variflow teats where the flow rate can be varied by changing the angle of the teat (Which? 2019).
There are two reasons why a teat will collapse, one is an indication that your baby is ready for a faster flowing teat, or that the valve has reformed within the teat. Kimata, H. (2004), Latex allergy in infants younger than 1 year. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 34: 1910-1915. Available at doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.02128.x It would seem that being guided by your baby is the way forward in this instance. According to the NCT (National Childbirth Trust), slow flow teats are the best option when babies are newborn and still learning to feed, but you can move on to a medium flow teat once your little one is used to bottle-feeding. They say: Slow flow is generally preferable for newborns, while you’re both learning how to feed. If the flow rate is too fast it makes paced feeding more difficult. In which case babies would have very little control over how they feed: milk would flow into their mouth faster than they can swallow it. This might make your baby cough or splutter, or struggle to keep up with the flow of milk so it dribbles to the side of their mouth. This could also mean they feel upset, get indigestion and bring up lots of milk.
Why is it important to sterilise both bottles and teats?
Our Closer to Nature® teats are made from a very sensitive soft silicone, therefore they may reform when not in use for long periods of time, for example, when in storage. The Variable Flow teat (with the I, II and III markings on the teat) is suitable for babies aged 3+ months old. This teat has a slot cut into it which provides an adjustable flow rate. The flow rate can be varied by turning the bottle to align the I, II or III markings on the teat with the baby's nose. The Charity Feed adds that, if your current flow is too slow, you may notice the following signs in your baby: Above are the signs baby needs faster flow teat. Babies usually start on a slow teat, but they move to a faster teat as time goes on. However, the question that bothers the mother is, ‘when do I know my baby is not comfortable with the teat he is using?’
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