Benefits of Choosing a Teat That Mimics a Mother’s Nipple, Effective in Preventing Nipple Confusion

Nipple confusion occurs when a baby has difficulty switching from direct breastfeeding to using a bottle teat. This common issue faced by breastfeeding mothers can be caused by differences in milk flow, nipple shape, and sucking technique between the breast and the bottle. If left unaddressed, nipple confusion can cause babies to refuse breastfeeding, become fussy, and disrupt the breastfeeding process, which may eventually reduce the mother’s breast milk supply.

To overcome this issue, a teat that mimics a mother’s nipple can be an effective solution. This type of teat is specially designed to resemble the shape and milk flow of a mother’s nipple, providing a more natural feeding experience for babies.

What Is Nipple Confusion and What Are the Signs?

Nipple confusion is a condition in which a baby has difficulty transitioning from breastfeeding directly at the mother’s breast to feeding from a bottle, or vice versa. This usually happens due to significant differences in how babies suck milk from the breast compared to a bottle.

Signs that your little one is experiencing nipple confusion include refusing to breastfeed directly from the mother, even though there were no issues before. In addition, babies may become fussy or restless when breastfeeding, which indicates discomfort.

The main causes of nipple confusion in babies are often related to several factors that occur during the transition period between direct breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

First, the difference in milk flow between the breast and the bottle. Milk from a bottle usually flows faster and more consistently than milk from the breast, which can be slower and less predictable.

Second, bottle teats tend to be firmer and have a different shape compared to a mother’s nipple, requiring babies to adjust their sucking technique.

Third, breastfeeding directly from the breast requires more effort from the baby’s oral muscles. Babies need to work harder to extract milk from the breast than from a bottle, which releases milk more easily.

Benefits of a Teat That Mimics a Mother’s Nipple as a Solution to Prevent Nipple Confusion

A teat that mimics a mother’s nipple is designed with special features to help prevent nipple confusion and provide a more natural and comfortable feeding experience for babies. The teat design allows babies to use the same oral muscles as when breastfeeding directly, making adaptation easier.

This teat closely resembles a real mother’s nipple in both shape and texture. The slower milk flow imitates natural breastfeeding, reducing the risk of nipple confusion. In addition, the teat is made from soft silicone that mimics the softness of a mother’s nipple and is easy to clean, providing extra comfort for babies.

How to Use a Teat That Mimics a Mother’s Nipple Correctly

To ensure that a teat that mimics a mother’s nipple works optimally, there are several steps mothers should apply carefully:

1. Introduce the Teat Gradually

Give your baby time to adapt to the new teat. Introduce a teat that mimics a mother’s nipple gradually, ideally when the baby is already 4 to 6 weeks old. Continue to prioritize direct breastfeeding whenever possible. Start with short feeding sessions using the teat, then slowly increase the duration.

2. Sterilize the Teat Before Use

Before use, always ensure the teat is clean and sterile to prevent infections. Sterilization can be done by soaking the teat in boiling water for a few minutes or using a dedicated sterilizing device.

3. Warm Expressed Breast Milk

If you are using expressed breast milk, make sure it is at a comfortable temperature for the baby. Milk that is too cold or too hot can make feeding uncomfortable. You can warm breast milk by placing the bottle in warm water. Always test the temperature by dropping a small amount on your wrist before feeding your baby.

4. Hold the Baby in a Comfortable Feeding Position

When feeding with a teat, position your baby in a comfortable breastfeeding posture. Proper head and neck support is very important. Mothers can use a nursing pillow to help support the baby. A comfortable position helps the baby relax and focus on feeding.

5. Let the Baby Guide the Teat into Their Mouth

Allow the baby to guide the teat into their own mouth and do not force them to feed if they are unwilling. This is the moment for the baby to try and learn independently. This approach helps babies feel more comfortable and reduces stress. If the baby refuses to feed, try again later with patience.

6. Do Not Force the Baby to Feed

If the baby refuses to feed, do not force it. Try offering the teat again later. Forcing a baby to feed can cause stress and make them more resistant. Let the baby set their own pace, as every baby has a different feeding rhythm.

7. Consult a Lactation Consultant

If you experience difficulties or your baby shows signs of nipple confusion, do not hesitate to consult a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants are trained professionals who help mothers and babies through the breastfeeding process. They can provide guidance and support to help resolve this issue.

Advantages of Hegen’s Teat That Mimics a Mother’s Nipple

The eight main advantages of Hegen baby bottles and teats are as follows:

1. Super soft elliptical silicone teat: Designed to resemble a mother’s nipple, this teat helps prevent nipple confusion and provides a feeding experience similar to direct breastfeeding
2. Asymmetrical teat with a 20-degree tilt: The angled design prevents milk backflow and provides a natural feeding angle, making babies more comfortable.
3. Built-in anti-colic air ventilation system: This design reduces air intake into the baby’s stomach, helping prevent digestive discomfort such as bloating.
4. Single hole design: All Hegen baby teats have only one hole. The flow rate is determined by the size of the single hole on each teat.
5. Revolutionary one-hand closure: Patented PCTO (Press-to-Close, Twist-to-Open) technology allows bottles to be closed with one hand without spilling.
6. Practical soft-square bottle design: The ergonomic shape makes it easier for babies to hold and prevents the bottle from rolling.
7. Easy to clean: The soft inner surface of the teat with minimal gaps makes cleaning much easier.
8. Durable and long-lasting teat: Hegen teats are made from durable silicone material that withstands repeated use and sterilization. Hegen teats are designed to last throughout your baby’s feeding journey, as long as the teat is not damaged or worn. It is recommended to replace the teat every 2 to 3 months, or sooner if any damage occurs, to ensure comfort during feeding.

Read also: Pay Attention to These 7 Tips Before Buying a Silicone Baby Teat

In addition to considering the premium features of a teat that mimics a mother’s nipple, parents should choose a teat flow rate that matches their baby’s age and feeding preferences. Below are recommended teat types based on your baby’s age:

• Hegen Feeding Bottle PPSU Size 60 ml + Extra Slow Flow teat (newborn to 1 month)
• Hegen Feeding Bottle PPSU Size 150 ml + Slow Flow Teat newborn to 3 months)
• Hegen Feeding Bottle PPSU Size 240 ml + Medium Flow Teat (3 to 6 months)
• Hegen Feeding Bottle PPSU Size 330 ml + Fast Flow Teat (6 months and above)

Hegen teat design always prioritizes comfort, safety, and convenience for both parents and babies. Visit the official Hegen website to shop for a full range of mother and baby products today!

References

1. Hellosehat.com. Bingung Puting pada Bayi: Penyebab dan Cara Mengatasinya. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/bayi-bingung-puting/ 
2. Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia. Cara Mengatasi Bingung Puting. https://www.idai.or.id/artikel/klinik/pengasuhan-anak/cara-mengatasi-bingung-puting