Teat That Mimics the Breast: A Solution to Prevent Nipple Confusion in Babies

Mom, have you ever felt anxious when your baby suddenly refuses to drink from a bottle after being used to it? Or the opposite — your baby becomes reluctant to breastfeed directly after a few bottle sessions? This situation is very common and is known as nipple confusion.

Imagine a mother who plans to return to work after maternity leave. She wants to pump breast milk so her baby can still receive the best nutrition, but every time she offers the bottle, the baby cries and refuses to drink. This raises an important question: should moms choose between direct breastfeeding or bottle feeding? Or is there a way to balance both harmoniously?

What Is Nipple Confusion and Why Does It Happen?

Nipple confusion occurs when a baby struggles to switch between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Babies may find differences in milk flow, texture, and sucking technique confusing, which leads to frustration.

Some common causes include:

• Differences in milk flow: Breast milk flows based on the baby’s suckling, while a bottle might release milk faster or too forcefully.

• Teat that is too firm: A rigid teat that doesn’t mimic the breast makes it difficult for babies to latch properly.

• Incorrect teat size: A teat that is too large or too small can make sucking uncomfortable.

As a result, babies may become fussy, refuse to feed, or fail to get enough breast milk. This can cause stress for moms who worry their little one isn’t getting sufficient nutrition.

Tips to Help Prevent Nipple Confusion

Here are a few practical tips to help your baby adapt better:

• Use a teat that mimics the breast. Choose a naturally shaped and soft teat, such as the one from Hegen.

• Give time for adjustment. Introduce the bottle gradually without rushing.

• Maintain skin-to-skin contact. Gentle physical touch helps calm your baby and strengthen emotional bonding.

• Choose an anti-colic, BPA-free bottle. It ensures both comfort and safety during feeding.

Why a Teat That Mimics the Breast Is Important for Your Baby

Source: Hegen

To help babies adapt smoothly, a teat that mimics the breast is the ideal choice. Its natural shape and texture make the transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding feel more familiar and comfortable.

According to many lactation consultants, a breast-like teat helps babies maintain a consistent sucking pattern. This is important because the sucking motion on the breast is very different from that on a standard bottle. With a teat that mimics the breast, feeding feels more natural and helps babies maintain a proper latch.

The result is a smoother transition between breast and bottle, reduced confusion, and a calmer experience for both mom and baby.

Hegen’s Solution: A Teat That Mimics the Breast Naturally

Hegen understands the challenges moms face in balancing direct breastfeeding and pumped milk feeding. That’s why Hegen developed a teat that mimics the breast, featuring an innovative design that supports a natural feeding experience for babies.

Here are some of its key advantages:

• Oval-shaped teat similar to a mother’s breast: Helps babies achieve a natural latch, so switching between breast and bottle feels familiar.

• Velvety soft silicone: Made from ultra-soft, flexible silicone that feels comfortable in the baby’s mouth, closely resembling a mother’s skin.

• Anti-colic air vent system: Reduces swallowed air during feeding to prevent bloating and discomfort.

• Wide-neck PPSU bottle: The wide opening promotes a better feeding position and makes cleaning easier for moms.

With these combined features, Hegen creates a feeding experience that is natural, calm, and fuss-free for your little one.

A Mom’s Experience with Hegen’s Teat That Mimics the Breast

Source: Hegen, credit to @/almirantifira

One story comes from Rani, a young mother who worried her baby would experience nipple confusion after she returned to work. She tried several bottles, but her baby refused each one — until she switched to Hegen’s teat that mimics the breast.

The difference was immediate. Her baby adapted easily, drank calmly, and continued to breastfeed comfortably when Rani came home. Rani felt reassured knowing she could still provide exclusive breast milk while working. The feeding routine became more flexible and enjoyable for both of them.

Comparison: Regular Teat vs. Hegen Teat

Standard teats are often too symmetrical and stiff. Their milk flow typically doesn’t resemble the natural rhythm of breastfeeding, making it harder for babies to adjust. Without a ventilation system, regular teats can also let air into the baby’s stomach, causing gas and colic.

In contrast, Hegen’s teat that mimics the breast is designed to replicate the natural breast shape using soft, flexible materials. The milk flow adapts to your baby’s sucking rhythm, creating a feeding experience that feels natural and familiar. As a result, babies are more comfortable, and feeding becomes a pleasant routine.

Read also: 6 Signs of Low Breast Milk Supply and Effective Ways to Increase It

The Best Teat That Mimics the Breast: Hegen Is the Right Choice

Source: Hegen

If you’re looking for a teat that mimics the breast in both shape and texture, Hegen is the perfect choice. Designed through extensive research on babies’ natural feeding patterns, Hegen offers an innovative teat that not only resembles the breast but also delivers a truly comfortable and natural feeding experience.

The main highlight of Hegen’s teat is its Asymmetrical, Off-Centre design, which allows babies to feed in a position similar to breastfeeding. With a 20-degree tilt, the teat ensures smooth milk flow while keeping your baby’s head and neck in an ideal position.

Additionally, Hegen features a Built-in Anti-Colic Air Vent System, an intelligent design that reduces air intake to prevent bloating and fussiness. This helps babies feed calmly without discomfort.

Hegen teats come in multiple sizes and flow rates — from extra slow to thick flow — suitable for different baby stages. The soft silicone texture makes transitioning from breast to bottle feel natural and stress-free.

With its ergonomic design, anti-colic technology, and soft, breast-like texture, Hegen’s teat that mimics the breast is the ideal solution for moms who want to offer their babies the most natural feeding experience possible.

Discover the full collection on Hegen’s official website and complete your breastfeeding journey with products made with love, innovation, and care for both mom and baby.

References:

• HaiBunda. 7 Rekomendasi Dot Bayi untuk Si Kecil, Terbaik, Aman & Menyerupai Puting Ibu. https://www.haibunda.com/menyusui/20230508111826-54-304247/7-rekomendasi-dot-bayi-untuk-si-kecil-terbaik-aman-menyerupai-puting-ibu. 

• Hellosehat.com. Bingung Puting pada Bayi: Penyebab dan Cara Mengatasinya. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/bayi-bingung-puting/ 

• Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia. Cara Mengatasi Bingung Puting. https://www.idai.or.id/artikel/klinik/pengasuhan-anak/cara-mengatasi-bingung-puting