Taking care of your baby becomes a priority from the moment you decide to get pregnant, but this is not always easy. Sometimes things as basic as proper care of childcare products can be confusing, overwhelming and give more questions than answers.This is the case, for example, of when to change a bottle's nipple and how to do it. Not to fear, at Suavinex we are going to answer all your questions about when to change the bottle's nipple and why.
Taking care of your baby becomes a priority from the moment you decide to get pregnant, but this is not always easy. Sometimes things as basic as proper care of childcare products can be confusing, overwhelming and give more questions than answers.This is the case, for example, of when to change a bottle's nipple and how to do it. Baby bottles have evolved a lot since their origins and now you have so many options available that it is normal not to know how, when or what is best for your baby. Not to fear, at Suavinex we are going to answer all your questions about when to change the bottle's nipple and why.
The parts of a baby bottle and why change them
As a general rule, baby bottles are not made of a single piece. In fact, they have several different parts: the bottle, the collar and the nipple. Depending on the material the bottle is made of, you can choose between a glass or plastic bottle .
The nipple also has its own differentiated parts, which are the tip, the base and the middle or longitudinal area. Depending on the manufacturing material and the design of the nipple, you can find different types of nipples .
These parts deteriorate with use, washing and contact with environmental conditions. That is why it is necessary to change them periodically. They can accumulate bacteria, become damaged or broken.
Reasons to change the bottle nipple
There are several reasons to change the nipple of your baby's bottle.
Wear: Constant use wears down any material, including latex and silicone. Using a bottle and pacifier sterilizer continuously can also end up weakening the materials and even if a special bottle detergent is used. Soap and hot water will end up weakening the molecular structure of the latex and silicone too. This causes the teat to become more porous and can harbor more bacteria in its pores, bacteria that will come into contact with your baby.
Breakage: Sometimes, especially if baby's first teeth are already starting to appear, baby bottle nipples can break and tear. In these cases it is important to replace the nipple to ensure that milk feeding is comfortable and correct and that neither you nor your baby end up stained with hot milk. And to avoid discomfort to your baby with teething, you can always start to include teethers for your baby to chew on.
The baby doesn't like it: This is something that can also happen. Sometimes, and especially if he is used to exclusive breastfeeding, your baby may reject the bottle nipple. This may be because you notice the difference too much, the texture is not convincing, or the teat size is not correct. In these cases, if you want to switch to combo feeding, it is advisable to change the bottle's nipple until you find one that your baby feels comfortable with.
Your baby grows: As much as we want them to stay this small and adorable stage a bit longer, our babies grow. As their little mouths get bigger, their lips and jaws also gain strength. Changing the bottle's nipple to adjust the speed of milk flow (starting with slow-flow bottles) and ending with others with larger (fast flow bottles) is a must.
When to change the bottle's nipple
If you have ever had doubts about how many bottles to buy, keep in mind that, obviously, if the bottle's nipple breaks, it needs to be changed immediately, so having at least two bottles available at all times is a great place to start.
In the case of when to change the bottle's nipple due to wear, you should pay attention to some signs that will tell you if the time has come to look for a new nipple. Any change in the color of the material or the shape of the nipple will indicate that it is beginning to wear out.
It is very likely that you will have to change the nipple approximately every three months, because your baby's feeding needs will change and it will be necessary to change to a new nipple that adapts to their mouth and the flow rate they require.
Do you know when to change the bottle's nipple? Tell us all your tricks to calculate the right moment and get the most out of baby bottle teats below!
Sources:
When should I change baby bottle nipples? – OviaHealth
Should I change the nipple to the bottle? – You are Mom