3 Tips to Prevent the Effect of Teat on a Baby’s Lip Shape and Mouth
Besides cuddling and holding, one way to calm a fussy baby is by giving them a baby teat. Until now there is still debate about the use of teats. Many believe that teats are beneficial for feeding because their shape is similar to a mother’s nipple. However, some also think that teats bring risks. So, what is the effect of teat on a baby’s lip shape and how can you prevent the negative impacts of its use? Let’s find out more, Mom.
Benefits of Baby Bottle Teats for Breastfeeding
A baby teat is a substitute for the mother’s nipple that is usually attached to a baby’s feeding bottle or can be used separately as a pacifier.
Before discussing the effect of teat on a baby’s lip shape and overall health, the use of teats is often linked to a baby’s strong desire to always suck on something.
Teat use is considered useful to calm a baby, provide comfort when starting to sleep, ease teething pain, help separation from the mother, reduce thumb-sucking frequency, and more.
In fact, exclusive breastfeeding through a baby bottle teat is often done for medical reasons in premature babies as stimulation for their sucking reflex and to support growth and development. Mothers who return to work and cannot always breastfeed directly also have valid reasons to provide breast milk through baby bottles with teats.
Is There an Effect of Teat on a Baby’s Lip Shape, Mouth & Teeth?
Apart from being used to feed expressed breast milk from bottles, teats are often given to soothe a crying or fussy baby. But is there an effect of teat on a baby’s lip shape if used continuously?
Long-term and intensive teat use can cause side effects on the health of a baby’s lips, mouth, and teeth. This applies to sucking on teats/pacifiers, thumb-sucking, or sucking on bottles.
According to Know Your Teeth, babies should stop using teats by the age of 2, since prolonged use may cause issues with oral development, tooth growth, and changes to the shape of the palate.
Not only does it affect the mouth and teeth, but excessive teat use is also linked to acute middle ear infections or otitis media. This can occur due to changes in ear pressure while sucking or swallowing, which leads to fluid buildup in the ear and infection. That is why teat use is recommended only at certain times, for example before bedtime, and must always be cleaned properly.
How to Prevent the Negative Effects of Teat Use
1. Set Specific Times for Using Teats
To prevent the effect of teat on a baby’s lip shape from prolonged use, set specific times for when your little one can use a teat. For example, allow 7-8 times a day with each session limited to 15-20 minutes.
You also need to set rules for when your baby is not allowed to use a teat. This helps prevent dependency on teats.
2. Explain Clearly to Your Baby
If your baby has already become dependent on a teat, you should slowly and repeatedly explain that it is not good. Deliver the message firmly yet gently, in a way your baby can understand. It may take multiple explanations until it registers in their subconscious mind.
3. Continue to Breastfeed Directly
For working moms, pumping and storing breast milk as supply is part of the daily routine. Even though you can flexibly provide breast milk through a baby bottle, you should still make time for direct breastfeeding.
To prevent the negative effects of teats, you can feed expressed breast milk using a spoon, cup, or pipette so your baby gets nutrition without depending on teats.
Switch to Feeding Bottles and Hegen Teats that Are Baby-Friendly
Moms can reduce the negative effect of teat on a baby’s lip shape and oral health by choosing safe, baby-friendly feeding products. Hegen now introduces innovative feeding bottles and teats designed for your little one.
Hegen products are made from PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone), meeting FDA standards and combining the strengths of glass and plastic. They are BPA-free, lightweight, and resistant to extreme temperatures from -20°C to 180°C. This means you can freeze, warm, and feed breast milk all in one bottle!
Hegen teats made from ultra-soft elliptical silicone also mimic the natural breast shape to minimize nipple confusion. This teat design makes feeding enjoyable and seamless.
Hegen baby teat use allows your baby to feed in a naturally upright position, similar to breastfeeding (20º tilt). Your baby does not need to tilt their head back too far, ensuring every drop of milk is consumed completely.
Hegen teats are designed with upright symmetry to reduce the risk of milk backflow that could cause middle ear complications. This helps lower the chance of middle ear infections in babies.
The smart built-in anti colic air vent system in Hegen teats minimizes trapped air in the milk flow, preventing babies from swallowing excess air that may cause bloating or choking.
The effect of teat on a baby’s lip shape and oral health can be managed by following the tips above, especially by choosing high-quality and innovative feeding bottles for your child’s development.
Check out the collection of multifunctional baby bottles and other baby essentials only at the official Hegen Indonesia store. Shop and checkout your needs now with our special offers!
References
- ibudanbalita.com. Cara Mengatasi Anak Ketergantungan Dot dengan Benar. https://www.ibudanbalita.com/artikel/mobileapps-si-kecil-mulai-ketergantungan-dengan-dot-beberapa-tips-ini-bantu-mengatasinya
- Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia. Masalah Penggunaan Dot pada bayi. https://www.idai.or.id/artikel/klinik/asi/masalah-penggunaan-dot-pada-bayi
