Babies need nipples that feel the same as their mother’s nipples making it easier for them to suckle. Nipples for bottles are, therefore, designed to be as similar as possible. Most nipples are made from one of two types of materials, either latex (rubber) or silicone. Both have been used for years and they each have their pros and cons. Parents will quickly discover, however, that nipples have a much shorter lifespan than bottles since regular use can lead to them cracking and leaking. It’s a good rule of thumb to buy more nipples than bottles. Here is a rundown to help you decide which nipples are best for your baby.
Two Types of Nipples
Latex Nipples
Latex nipples are easily identified by their classic golden color. They tend to be softer and
have greater flexibility. They also have a texture more similar to their mother’s nipples, but the flipside of this is that they tend to break down faster than silicone nipples, which means that they will require more frequent replacement. They are also more porous, which can lead to them holding on to odors longer and imparting a bad taste. For some babies that are sensitive, latex may cause an allergic reaction.
Silicone Nipples
Unlike latex nipples, silicone nipples tend to be clearer and firmer. This may be more difficult for some babies to get used to. However, the benefit of their texture is that silicone nipples are more durable and can hold their shape better with extended use. Since babies tend to chew on nipples while teething, silicone nipples, with their greater ability to withstand cracks, may be a better option for this stage. Silicone nipples are also less porous than latex nipples, meaning that they tend to harbor odors and bad tastes to a lesser degree.
Nipple Size and Flow Rate
Nipples have different flow rates and one size does not fit all. The flow rate will indicate how fast the formula will proceed out of the nipple and manufacturers mark nipples with either letters or numbers to indicate this. There is a sweet spot when it comes to hole size. If the nipple’s flow rate is too high, it can lead to your baby gagging or gulping too fast. If the flow rate is too low, your baby will have to suck too hard, leading to feeding frustration, identified by frequent stops, crying and nipple collapses.
Types of Flow Rate
There are a few types of flow rates you may consider for your baby:
Those marked P should be reserved for preemie babies
Stage 1 for babies 0-3 months old, Stage 2 for babies at least 3 months old
Stage 3 for babies at least 6 months old
Stage 4 for babies 9 months and over.
There are also variable flow nipples that feature a wide tip opening (either a slot or Y-cut) that allows for maximum flow. However, these are for thicker formula preparations and should only be used when advised by your baby’s pediatrician.
Find what type of nipples work best for you
It may take some experimenting to see what types of nipples work best for you. Babies are notorious for being picky and it may be a mistake to bulk-buy one type of nipple with the hopes your baby won’t reject it. To be on the safe side, get a few different nipples when starting out so you will have a better feel for what you and your baby are comfortable with.
THE SPOTLIGHT
We’d like to highlight just a few popular products that you could try as you navigate bottle feeding your baby. While we are not medical experts, we are offering these based on recommendations from moms that have used them and from Amazon’s ratings.
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