Different bottle manufacturers have different types of nipples and flow levels. When your baby seems discontented with the amount of milk flowing from the bottle, it's a good time to change bottle nipples to something more suited to his age and eating level. Making the switch may be met with some resistance, even for a baby eager to get more breast milk or formula in a faster amount of time. Go slowly, watching your baby carefully to ensure that he seems comfortable and content with the switch.
Step 1
Evaluate your baby's feeding to decide if there's a need for a change. A baby who needs to move to the next stage of nipples likely seems frustrated when trying to eat because the milk isn't coming out of the bottle fast enough. She might squirm or cry through a feeding where she was typically content before, Karen Sokal-Gutierrez, associate clinical professor and site director for program for medical education in the Urban Underserved for the University of California Berkley School of Public tells Fisher Price.
Step 2
Purchase a variety of nipples in a starter set, recommends Babycenter website. Depending on the type of bottle you use, you could have anywhere from two to three other stages of milk flow to try with your baby. Make sure that you keep the old nipples on hand while you make the transition, in case the change upsets your baby and you need to start again or go back to the old nipples.
Step 3
Try offering the new type of bottle when your baby is happy, content and only mildly interested in a bottle. If you wait until your baby is stressed out, crying and hungry, he may attempt to eat too quickly and choke and gag. He may not have the patience to try eating from the new nipple, resulting in frustration for both of you. Offer the bottle soon after he wakes from a nap, when he is calm and happy.
Step 4
Tip the bottle slowly at first to hold some of the milk in the bottle and allow your baby to get used to the new flow of formula or breast milk. Start with the bottle almost horizontal in your hand, and as your baby becomes more comfortable tip it a few degrees up. Continue until you're holding the bottle in your regular feeding position. Watch for signs of choking or gagging. If you recognize them, stop feeding.
Step 5
Offer the old nipple if your baby seems to resist the new ones. KidsHealth.org, a division of the Nemours Foundation, notes that there is no medical or developmental need for your baby to use a faster flow nipple if she seems content with a slower flow. Feeding time may take a little longer, but if she seems more comfortable with a slow flow, it's fine to use that type of nipple until she's weaned.
Things You'll Need
- Bottle
- Nipple
- Formula or breast milk
