Baby Clinic
Bottle Feeding
Which teat should be used and when should it be changed?
Bottles are usually sold with a set of newborn teats, made from rubber of silicon. Both have their advantages depending on your baby and how she is feeding. However, it's also worth bearing in mind that both these materials are subject to some wear and tear through cleaning, sterilizing and good use and should be changed more regularly than you might think.
Natural rubber or silicon?
Natural rubber teats are soft and flexible and recommended for babies who have difficulty feeding or are slow to finish their bottle. Silicon teats are odourless, solid and tough and are recommended for babies who suck quickly.
Check that teats are not damaged before use and after cleaning, and if you are in any doubt: change them.
Which flow rate?
Generally speaking, you should start with a small flow teat whilst your baby learns to suckle effectively. Teats are both designed for a particular age, and for particular types of drinks. So as your baby grows you can opt for a faster flowing teat.
How often should you replace teats?
The average lifespan of a teat used on a daily basis is 1 month for natural rubber and 2 to 3 months for silicon.
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