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

Silicone teats are often a favorite choice among mothers because they are durable, easy to clean, allergy-free, and BPA-free. All these benefits are important as they support your baby’s health and development. If you’re currently unsure which brand of baby teat to choose, take a look at the following tips and recommendations!

Tips for Choosing a Silicone Baby Teat

Choosing the right silicone baby teat is an essential step to ensure your baby’s comfort and safety during feeding. Here are some practical tips you can follow to select the most suitable silicone nipple for your baby:

1. Size and Shape

• Choose a teat that matches your baby’s age and feeding needs. Silicone teats usually come in various sizes and shapes, ranging from those suitable for newborns to those designed for older babies.
• Make sure the teat you select has a shape similar to a mother’s nipple to prevent nipple confusion and help your baby transition more easily during feeding.

2. Flexibility

Choose a teat that is flexible enough for your baby to feel comfortable while sucking. A teat that is too stiff may be uncomfortable and difficult for your baby to adjust to during feeding.

3. Material

Ensure the teat is made from safe silicone material and free from BPA or other harmful chemicals. Silicone teats are typically more durable and easier to clean compared to rubber teats.

4. Milk Flow Hole

Check the milk flow hole on the teat. Make sure it has an appropriate size and flow rate for your baby. A hole that’s too large can cause milk to flow too quickly, while one that’s too small can frustrate your baby during feeding.

5. Quality and Hygiene

• Choose a teat from a reputable brand known for producing safe and high-quality baby products.
• Ensure the teat is easy to clean and can withstand sterilization. Silicone baby teats are generally more heat-resistant than rubber ones.

6. Consider Your Baby’s Reaction

Every baby has different preferences when it comes to teats. If possible, try several types of silicone teats and observe your baby’s reaction. This helps you find the teat that best suits your little one.

7. Replace Regularly

Pay attention to signs of wear or damage and replace the teat regularly to maintain hygiene and safety for your baby.

How to Clean a Silicone Baby Teat

Cleaning a silicone baby teat regularly is crucial for maintaining hygiene and safety. Here’s the proper way to clean a silicone teat effectively:

1. Wash Your Hands

Before cleaning the teat, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water to prevent transferring germs onto the teat.

2. Wash with Soapy Water

Rinse the teat with warm water and add a small amount of baby-safe soap or mild dishwashing liquid. Gently rub using your hands or a soft baby brush, ensuring every surface and the milk hole are properly cleaned.

3. Rinse with Clean Water

After washing with soap, rinse the teat thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue and dirt.

4. Sterilize

Sterilizing a silicone baby teat after washing is an important step to eliminate bacteria and germs. You can sterilize in several ways:

• Boiling Water Sterilization: Soak the teat in boiling water for a few minutes. Make sure it’s fully submerged and doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot to avoid deformation.
• Sterilizer: Use a baby sterilizer available on the market and follow the instructions carefully for optimal results.
• Microwave Sterilization: You can also use microwave sterilization bags or containers. Follow the usage instructions precisely.

5. Dry Properly

After sterilization, remove the teat using sterile tongs or clean hands. Make sure it’s completely dry before use or storage. Avoid using towels or cloths to dry as they can introduce bacteria.

6. Store Properly

Once dry, store the teat in a clean container or sealed plastic bag to protect it from dust and dirt.

Clean the teat regularly, ideally after each use. If the teat appears worn out or damaged, replace it immediately. Keeping the silicone baby teat clean and sterile helps ensure your baby’s health and safety during feeding.

Advantages of Hegen Silicone Teat

Hegen offers a range of innovative baby feeding products, including the Hegen silicone teat. Here are some of its top benefits every parent should know:

• Ergonomic Design: Hegen teats are ergonomically shaped to mimic a mother’s nipple, helping babies feed comfortably and naturally.
• Soft Texture: The silicone used in Hegen baby teats feels soft and flexible, providing a natural, soothing sensation for your baby.
• Anti-Colic System: Hegen teats feature an anti-colic vent to minimize air intake, reducing the risk of colic and bloating.
• Adjustable Milk Flow: Hegen offers teats with different milk flow rates to match your baby’s growth and feeding pace, giving parents better control during feeding time.
• Perfect Compatibility with Hegen Bottles: Each Hegen silicone teat is designed for a perfect fit with Hegen bottles, preventing leaks and ensuring smooth feeding sessions.
• Easy to Clean: The Hegen silicone teat is easy to clean and sterilize, making maintenance simple and hygiene consistent.
• BPA-Free and Safe: Like all Hegen products, these silicone teats are BPA-free and free from harmful chemicals, providing extra safety for your baby.
• Durable: Made from high-quality silicone, Hegen teats are long-lasting and resistant to wear, ensuring value and reliability over time.

Below is a list of Hegen silicone teats based on age stages and milk flow types you can choose according to your baby’s needs:

HEGEN TEAT EXTRA SLOW FLOW (2-PACK) for Newborns (0 Months)

HEGEN TEAT SLOW FLOW (2-PACK) for 0-3 Months

HEGEN TEAT MEDIUM FLOW (2-PACK) for 3-6 Months

HEGEN TEAT FAST FLOW (2-PACK) for 6-9 Months

HEGEN TEAT THICK FEED (2-PACK) for 12 Months and Above

References:

1. Dimples. Bottle-feeding: choosing the right bottles and teats. https://www.dimples.co.nz/blog.html/bottle-feeding-choosing-the-right-bottles-and-teats
2. Rachel. Choosing the Best Bottles and Nipples for your Baby. https://www.happyfamilyorganics.com/learning-center/article/choosing-the-right-bottles-and-nipples/