Even before birth, your baby experiences the sucking reflex in utero. Therefore, choosing the right nipple flow for their bottle is essential from their very first days of life. For newborns, premature babies, and generally for all infants for whom the “S” flow nipple is not suitable, Élhée offers the “XS” extra slow flow physiological nipple, designed to soothe babies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS :
- The physiological nipple: understanding how it works
- 4 advantages of the extra slow flow nipple for your child
- When should you change the bottle nipple?
- Sucking needs and baby’s well-being: a close link to observe from birth
The physiological nipple: understanding how it works
A big part of a bottle’s effectiveness and comfort comes from its nipple. That’s why, for its anti-colic bottle, Élhée chose an ultra-soft medical grade silicone physiological nipple.
Its unique, contoured and asymmetrical shape fits perfectly with babies’ palates. Ergonomic, the physiological nipple does not interfere with the natural development of the jaw. To use it correctly, simply place the rounded side of the nipple against the palate and the flat side against your baby’s tongue.
A natural choice, which also helps to limit nipple/bottle confusion if you’re practicing combination feeding with your baby. The physiological nipple is also recommended after breastfeeding, for weaning and when transitioning from breast to bottle.
Its material, medical grade silicone, is another advantage. Extra soft, it allows your baby to suck effortlessly, for sensations close to breastfeeding.
The extra slow flow physiological nipple provides the added benefit of milk flowing more slowly into your baby’s mouth. And, when the flow is controlled, your baby swallows less air, has fewer colic episodes, and experiences greater digestive comfort.
4 advantages of the extra slow flow nipple for your child
The Élhée physiological extra slow flow nipple provides a gentler milk flow. Like all other models (S, M, and L), it is also equipped with an anti-colic valve. Therefore, it offers many benefits for all babies:
- Less air swallowed during feeding and, therefore, lower risk of infant colic,
- Combination feeding made easier thanks to a slightly flattened shape and an extra soft texture reminiscent of the nipple,
- Reduced risk of choking due to constant flow, for a calmer feeding experience,
- Can be used from birth, even for premature babies, babies with feeding difficulties, picky eaters, and especially for all babies,
- An XS flow nipple is also suitable for water drinking from 6 months.
The extra slow flow nipple: a nipple for premature babies
Beyond issues of milk quantity and feeding frequency, premature babies may encounter difficulties feeding, may have trouble latching onto the breast or suckling, and may fall asleep often before finishing their bottle.
In this case, when possible, an ultra-soft medical silicone nipple can make feeding easier by requiring less effort. In addition, choosing an extra slow flow helps control the quantity of milk delivered, prevents a feeling of choking, soothes infant colic, and reduces the risk of regurgitation.
In addition, using the BibRond, soft and unbreakable, lets you accompany the feeding with gentle pressure from your hand. This always aims to help your premature baby feed more easily.
Nipple and breastfeeding: the benefits of extra slow flow
Drinking from the breast and from a bottle are two quite different activities for your baby. On one hand, baby needs to open their mouth wide to latch onto the breast, while this is not needed with a bottle. At the breast, milk flow naturally varies, while with a bottle, it does not. If the nipple’s flow isn’t right, the milk might flow by itself or not come out at all. This can frustrate your baby.
The physiological extra slow flow nipple provides more regular milk flow and imitates the sucking effort required during breastfeeding. By harmonizing the transition from breast to bottle, the XS nipple supports combination feeding or helps during the weaning process.
When should you change the bottle nipple?
Used several times a day, cleaned, and then chewed on after the first teeth appear, the nipple undergoes tough treatment. This is why you’ll need to change it regularly. Also, when preparing your baby’s bottle, examine it closely.
- If the nipple is worn out or has tears, cracks, or a hole, it’s time to replace it.
- If the nipple is sticky or has changed appearance or color, make things easier for yourself and change it too.
- If the flow is too fast or too slow, choose a different speed—but don’t change the model or brand, as you might disrupt future feedings. To know when to change the nipple flow, watch your baby. If they get fussy, grumble, or cry, or if feeding takes too long, they may not be getting enough milk. Try the next size up. Conversely, if your baby gulps down their bottle, coughs, or chokes, the milk is flowing too quickly. Then try a slower flow.
- Finally, if the nipple is really dirty, put a new one on the bottle. This is one of the reasons Élhée’s physiological nipples are sold in pairs.
Sucking needs and baby’s well-being: a close link to observe from birth
Babies have a major need to suck from birth. Both nutritional, soothing, and pain-relieving, feeding has many benefits, including triggering the release of analgesic endorphins that promote relaxation and well-being. Therefore, it’s vital to keep this moment gentle and calm.
To help your baby feel comfortable, adopt the best positions for bottle feeding. While rocking, face to face, or in bed, a well-fed baby quickly falls asleep, full, after feeding.
Note: if your baby suffers from GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux), it’s best to feed them in a semi-upright position, adding small pauses during feedings to prevent them from drinking too quickly.
That being said, the main obstacle to smooth feedings is colic. Infant colic usually occurs after feeding and is the cause of severe pain with intense crying spells.
Currently, among the most likely causes of colic is an excessive intake of air during feeding. By reducing this, you naturally decrease the discomfort your baby could experience.
What is a physiological nipple?
The physiological nipple differs from the anatomical nipple by its asymmetrical profile—one flat side, one rounded—naturally adapted to the baby’s mouth.
Which nipple for the bottle transition?
To switch from breastfeeding to bottle feeding, choose a physiological nipple made of extra soft silicone with an appropriate flow. Its shape and texture are close to the breast, making the transition smoother.
Can the nipple soothe colic?
The Élhée physiological nipple is equipped with an anti-colic valve that makes it easier for the BibRond to soothe infant colic.
How to prevent baby from swallowing air during bottle feeding?
Because air bubbles can increase the risk of infant colic, choose a physiological nipple with an anti-colic valve and make sure the nipple always stays filled with milk during feeding.
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