It’s important to understand that teat size and flow rate play a significant role in your baby’s feeding experience. Using a teat that is too small or a flow rate that is too slow in comparison to your own milk flow rate can lead to frustration and difficulty in feeding. You might be surprised to know that the best bottle teats for breastfeeding babies are those that mimic the natural sucking motion and latch of breastfeeding. That means using a slow flow rate and a teat that forces your baby to work to draw milk out with suction – as they would at the breast, rather than a fast flow rate that allows the milk to flow too easily.

If you can hold a bottle upside down, and milk pours out, the flow rate is too fast for a breastfeeding baby. This is because babies who are exclusively breastfed are used to a slower flow rate and have to work harder to get milk out of the breast. When babies are fed with a fast flow rate, they may consume more milk than they need, which can lead to overfeeding and digestive issues. Plus, when milk flows too easily, babies can become lazy and stop exercising their sucking reflex, which is crucial for their oral development and continued breastfeeding success.

If you’re not sure what teat size and flow rate to use, don’t worry. Professionals such as those found at Johannesburg’s own Children’s Therapy Centre or your lactation consultant are equipped to provide you with guidance and support. These team of experts understand that each baby is unique, and their feeding needs may vary and therefore provide individualized care and support to help you make the best choices for your baby.