What Is a Slow Flow Nipple and Why Is It Important for Babies?
There are several things you need to pay attention to when bottle-feeding your baby, one of which is the baby bottle nipple. Especially if your baby is still newborn or just born, the use of a slow flow nipple is highly recommended. This is because your little one’s sucking ability is not yet strong, making it too risky to use medium or fast flow nipples. Before choosing which brand is best, let’s first look at the benefits below!
What Is a Slow Flow Nipple?
A slow flow nipple refers to a type of baby bottle nipple designed to release milk at a very slow rate. This is especially important for newborns or babies with special needs in regulating milk flow. A slow flow nipple helps prevent choking and allows babies to feed more comfortably and safely. Here are the characteristics of a slow flow nipple.
1. Small Hole
This nipple has a smaller hole compared to regular nipples, which regulates the milk flow to be slower.
2. Better Control
Babies can control the milk flow better, reducing the risk of choking and helping prevent excess air from entering the stomach, which can cause colic.
3. Similar to Natural Breastfeeding
Slow flow nipples are designed to mimic the natural milk flow from the mother’s breast, which also helps with the transition between direct breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
4. Recommended for Newborns
This nipple is ideal for newborns or very young infants because they are still learning how to suck and swallow efficiently.
Using a slow flow nipple can help babies feel more comfortable and safe during feeding, as well as create a calmer and less rushed feeding experience.
However, as your little one grows, their sucking strength usually increases too. Therefore, you need to adjust the nipple flow for your baby’s comfort during feeding.
Moreover, your baby’s breast milk intake also increases as they grow. So, you can gradually try replacing their nipple with medium and fast flow options.
Benefits of a Slow Flow Nipple for Babies
As mentioned earlier, a slow flow nipple is highly recommended for newborns or babies with certain conditions such as being born prematurely, frequent spit-ups, strong gag reflex, or often choking while feeding.
To address these specific conditions, using a slow flow nipple is very important to support your baby’s comfort and safety while bottle-feeding. More specifically, here are the main benefits of a slow flow nipple every parent should know.
1. Reduces Risk of Choking
With a slower flow, babies can better control the milk intake, reducing the risk of choking or coughing.
2. Reduces Colic and Gas
Slow flow helps prevent babies from swallowing too much air while feeding, which can reduce colic and gas that often make babies fussy.
3. Mimics Natural Breast Milk Flow
A slow flow nipple is designed to imitate the natural milk flow from the mother’s breast, helping babies transition between direct breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
4. Improves Suck and Swallow Coordination
Newborns are still learning to suck, swallow, and breathe at the same time. A slow flow nipple gives them time to learn and adapt to their own rhythm.
5. Prevents Overfeeding
With a slow flow, babies can regulate their own milk intake, reducing the risk of drinking too much or too quickly which can lead to spit-ups.
6. Reduces Stress and Calms the Baby
Feeding with a slow flow nipple can make the feeding experience calmer and more comfortable for babies, which helps reduce stress and makes them more relaxed.
7. Supports Mother-Baby Bonding
A feeding process that closely resembles breastfeeding can strengthen the emotional bond between mother and baby.
8. Longer and More Effective Feeding
With a slow flow, feeding sessions can last longer and be more similar to breastfeeding, allowing babies to get enough nutrition and feel satisfied.
How to Choose the Right Slow Flow Nipple
Although a slow flow nipple is usually used by newborns, it can also be suitable for older babies. This is especially true if your little one often chokes while feeding, spits up frequently, becomes fussy, or does not finish the milk in the bottle. To avoid mistakes in choosing the right nipple, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Consider Your Baby’s Age
Age is the main factor when choosing a slow flow nipple. Generally, this type of nipple is designed for newborns or babies with special conditions.
2. Choose a Safe and Comfortable Nipple Material
In the market, baby bottle nipples are usually made from silicone, latex, or TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). Each material has its own pros and cons, so you can adjust the choice based on your baby’s comfort.
| Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Silicone | Safe, BPA-free, durable, odorless/tasteless, hypoallergenic | Material is firmer |
| Latex | Soft and elastic | Less durable, may have odor/taste, can trigger allergies in some babies |
| TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) | Safe, flexible material | Limited availability in the market |
3. Pay Attention to the Nipple Design
Whenever possible, choose a nipple that mimics the natural shape of a mother’s breast to prevent nipple confusion. You can also consider brands with asymmetrical designs that support upright feeding positions, which help reduce the risk of choking.
Additionally, nipples with anti-colic features are highly recommended because they prevent babies from swallowing too much air.
Choose Baby Bottle Nipples Only from Hegen
With so many baby bottle nipple brands available, Hegen is the one you should choose. Hegen is designed as the best product for mothers and babies, making your feeding moments more comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s why you should use Hegen nipples:
1. Available in 5 Flow Options
Hegen baby bottle nipples (teats) come in five flow options: extra slow flow (newborn), slow flow (1–3 months), medium flow (3–6 months), fast flow (6–9 months), and thick feed (9 months and above).
2. Made from Super Soft Silicone
Unlike standard silicone materials, Hegen teats are made from super soft silicone with an elliptical shape that closely resembles a mother’s natural breast. This helps prevent nipple confusion, allowing you to combine direct breastfeeding and bottle feeding with ease.
3. Asymmetric Anti-Choke Design
The asymmetric off-center design supports a natural upright feeding position, reducing the risk of choking.
4. Anti-Colic and Anti-Oxidation
Hegen nipples feature anti-colic and anti-oxidation innovations that reduce excess air intake, helping prevent stomach discomfort in babies.
So, if you are looking for a slow flow nipple, we recommend the Hegen Teat Extra Slow Flow and Hegen Teat Slow Flow for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable feeding experience.
You can also explore other mother and baby essentials such as feeding bottles, drinking bottles, straw cups, breastmilk storage, breast pumps, bottle and teat cleaners, and more by visiting the official Hegen Indonesia store page here.
Don’t forget to check out Hegen Indonesia’s Instagram and Hegen Official YouTube for the latest updates on Hegen’s baby and mother care products.
References:
- The Asian Parent. Memilih Ukuran Dot Bayi sesuai Umur, Bagaimana Caranya? https://id.theasianparent.com/ukuran-dot-bayi-sesuai-umur
- Hello Sehat. Tak Perlu Bingung, Ini 3 Tips Mudah dan Tepat Memilih Dot Bayi. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/memilih-dot-bayi/
- Nicole Harris. How to Choose the Right Bottle Nipple Size and Flow Level. https://www.parents.com/baby/feeding/bottlefeeding/baby-bottle-nipple-size/
