7 Ways to Get Your Baby to Take a Bottle Every Mom Should Know

Working mothers usually only have three months of maternity leave after giving birth. This means that once the leave period ends, the mother can no longer fully provide breast milk directly from the breast. This is what makes working moms need to be smart in finding ways to get their baby to take a bottle. Although it may sound simple, it is not easy to do.

There are several things you should pay attention to when choosing the right bottle teat and training your baby to transition to bottle feeding while you’re at work. Don’t worry, because everything will be explained in detail in this article.

Criteria for Choosing a Baby Bottle Teat

Before learning more about how to get your baby to take a bottle, you also need to know what criteria to look for when choosing a bottle teat for your little one. There are three main things to consider when selecting the right baby bottle teat: shape, material, and milk flow.

Each baby may prefer a different teat even at the same age, as every child has a different sucking strength. Therefore, you may need to experiment and try several types of bottle teats until you find one that best suits your baby.

1. Shape of the Baby Bottle Teat

There are various teat shapes on the market that you can choose from based on your baby’s comfort. Standard baby teats are usually wide, flat, and dome-shaped, resembling a mother’s breast.

There are also orthodontic teats designed to fit the inside of a baby’s mouth, which are wider at the top and base but narrower in the middle. You should try different shapes available to find which one makes your baby feel most comfortable.

2. Material of the Baby Bottle Teat

Baby bottle teats are usually made from latex or silicone. So which one is better? It depends, as each baby has different preferences. Latex tends to be softer and more flexible, but some babies may be allergic or sensitive to this material.

You can also consider silicone teats, which are generally more durable and retain their shape better.

3. Hole or Flow of the Baby Bottle Teat

Every baby has a different sucking strength while feeding. Some babies have a strong suck, while others have a weaker one. Therefore, you should choose a teat with the right hole or flow rate so your baby can feed comfortably.

Typically, baby bottle teats come in slow, medium, and fast flow options. Slow flow teats are usually marked with the number 1 and are suitable for newborns up to 3 months old. As your baby grows, you can switch to faster flow teats to help them feed more easily and efficiently.

Read also: Reasons Why Babies Often Spit Up and 8 Tips to Handle It!

How to Get Your Baby to Take a Bottle

Now that you know what to look for when choosing a bottle teat, let’s discuss how to get your baby to take a bottle willingly. Pay attention to the following tips.

1. Introduce the bottle to your baby at an early age.
2. Choose a bottle teat that mimics a mother’s nipple.
3. Try applying breast milk to the teat to encourage your baby to drink from the bottle.
4. Keep the bottle tilted so your baby can control the milk flow based on their needs.
5. Observe your baby’s mouth while feeding. If you hear gulping sounds, the milk flow may be too fast. But if your baby looks fussy or struggles to feed, the flow might be too slow.
6. Don’t force your baby to finish the milk. They may need some time to adjust to bottle feeding.
7. Ask your partner, caregiver, or family members to help give the bottle. This can make it easier to get your baby to take a bottle.

Read also: Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns Every Mom Should Know

Hegen Baby Bottle Teat as the Best Choice

Now it’s time to choose the best baby bottle teat for your little one. You don’t have to worry because teats from Hegen are the right choice. Why should you choose Hegen teats?

1. Made from Premium Silicone Material

Teats from Hegen are made of high-quality silicone that is durable and heat-resistant up to 110 degrees Celsius.

2. Breast-Like Shape

The shape of Hegen’s teats mimics the natural breast to encourage a natural latch. This helps prevent nipple confusion and makes it easier to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

3. Built-In Anti Colic Air Vent

All Hegen teats are equipped with a built-in anti colic air vent feature. This anti-colic ventilation system at the top of the teat helps reduce excessive air intake, protecting your baby from stomach discomfort.

Specifically, Hegen’s anti-colic feature is designed to minimize swallowed air and reduce gas bubbles in the baby’s stomach.

4. Asymmetrical Teat Design

Hegen’s baby bottle teat has an asymmetrical design that is slightly off-center, allowing for a more comfortable feeding position.

5. BPA and BPS Free

BPA stands for Bisphenol-A, while BPS stands for Bisphenol-S. Both are chemicals that can be harmful to the body. But you don’t have to worry because Hegen guarantees that all its teats are BPA and BPS free.

6. Available in 5 Flow Types

Hegen teats come in five flow options: extra slow flow, slow flow, medium flow, fast flow, and thick feed. Each flow is designed according to your baby’s age. Here’s the detailed guide:

• Extra slow flow (mark 0) for newborns / 0 months
• Slow flow (dot 1) for 1–3 months
• Medium flow (dot 2) for 3–6 months
• Fast flow (dot 3) for 6 months and above
• Thick feed (Y-cut) for 12 months and above

Read also: 5 Strong Reasons to Use Hegen’s Go Green Products

So, moms, the advantages of Hegen teats are undeniable. Trust Hegen for your baby bottle needs and other baby care products. Click here to shop now!

References:

1. NCT. What bottles and teats do you need for babies? https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/practical-tips/what-bottles-and-teats-do-you-need-for-babies

2. Nicole Harris. How to Choose the Right Bottle Nipple Size and Flow Level. https://www.parents.com/baby/feeding/bottlefeeding/baby-bottle-nipple-size/

3. MedlinePlus. Buying and caring for baby bottles and nipples. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000804.htm