The Ultimate List of Baby Teat Sizes by Age Every Mom Should Know
One of the ways to help your little one drink from a bottle is by choosing the right baby teat size by age. Each baby at a certain age needs a different teat size. For instance, the suction strength of a 1-month-old baby is certainly not as strong as that of a 6-month-old. Therefore, it is important for parents to pay attention to the baby teat sizes by age when buying one. However, it is worth noting that the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) does not recommend the use of teats for babies under 3 to 4 weeks old.
Baby Teat Sizes by Age
As mentioned earlier, babies at different ages require different bottle teats. Generally, these teats have different sizes and milk flow levels that correspond to the baby’s developmental stage. Below are the recommended baby teat sizes by age that every mom should know.
1. Level 0 Baby Teat
If parents need to use a bottle for their baby, make sure to match the teat level with the baby’s age. For newborns or 0-month-old babies, level 0 teats are recommended since they provide an extra slow milk flow.
Newborns or babies under 1 month old have immature digestive systems and small stomachs, meaning they can only consume a small amount of milk.
The extra slow flow in level 0 teats gives babies enough time to swallow milk comfortably. Moms should also prioritize teats with an anti-colic feature to prevent babies from swallowing too much air.
2. Level 1 Teat for 1–3 Months
When your baby reaches 1 to 3 months old, you can switch to a level 1 teat. Usually, level 1 teats also have a slow milk flow since the baby’s stomach capacity is still limited.
At this stage, your little one is still learning how to suckle. If you use a teat with a faster flow, the baby may choke or the milk may leak from their mouth.
3. Level 2 Teat for 3–6 Months
Choosing the right baby teat size by age is crucial and should not be overlooked. As babies grow, their milk needs increase, so the teat size must be adjusted accordingly.
You can switch to a level 2 teat when your baby is between 3 and 6 months old. Typically, level 2 teats offer a medium flow. However, some babies may not be ready for a faster flow even as they get older.
Be cautious if your baby starts choking, coughing, or leaking milk from the mouth after switching teats. It may indicate that they are not yet ready for a faster milk flow.
4. Level 3 or 4 Teat for 6 Months and Above
Level 3 teats are designed for babies aged 6 months and above. At this stage, the milk flow is faster to match the baby’s increasing milk intake. When your baby reaches around 9 months, you can move to level 4 teats.
Don’t forget to upgrade the baby bottle size to a larger one so it can hold more milk.
Recommended Hegen Baby Teat Sizes by Age
To ensure your baby’s comfort while bottle-feeding, always choose high-quality products. One of the best options is Hegen’s range of baby teats. Hegen offers five teat sizes that are tailored to different baby age stages. Here are the details:
1. Hegen Teat Extra Slow Flow (mark 0) for newborns/0 months+
2. Hegen Teat Slow Flow (mark 1) for babies 1–3 months
3. Hegen Teat Medium Flow (mark 2) for babies 3–6 months
4. Hegen Teat Fast Flow (mark 3) for babies 6 months and above
5. Hegen Teat Thick Feed (Y-shape) for babies 6 months and above (for thick liquids)
In addition, Hegen teats have many advantages. They feature an asymmetrical design for a natural feeding experience, are made of durable silicone, are BPA and BPS-free, mimic the natural shape of a mother’s breast, and include an anti-colic air vent system.
With all these benefits, Hegen’s baby teats are truly reliable. So, trust your baby bottle and feeding needs to Hegen products only! Click here to shop now!
Reference:
- Siti Putri Nurmayani. 4 Tips Memilih Ukuran Dot Sesuai Umur Bayi. https://www.klikdokter.com/ibu-anak/kesehatan-bayi/ukuran-dot-bayi-sesuai-umur
