A special breastfeeding-compatible nipple is a nipple that allows you to bottle-feed your child occasionally without having to stop breastfeeding. In fact, this is a mission fulfilled by many nipples nowadays, with most manufacturers thankfully offering nipples that are compatible with breastfeeding.
These nipples are designed to mimic the breast as closely as possible and make it easier to introduce the bottle without creating nipple confusion.
To achieve this, the sucking experience for your baby must feel just as pleasant as if they were nursing at the breast! Combination feeding has many advantages, such as being able to share responsibility for feedings, so it would be a shame to jeopardize it.
It's important for mothers to rely on nipples that won't risk compromising the breastfeeding relationship they sometimes struggled to establish.
Since nipples available on the market have some characteristics that are similar and others that differ, we decided to introduce you to the most important ones to focus on in your search. The goal of this article is to help you choose the best nipple to continue your breastfeeding journey.
CONTENTS:
- Should the nipple shape resemble the mother's breast?
- A nipple with a soft texture helps maintain combination feeding
- A nipple should allow for a flow suited to the child, just like breastfeeding
- Why choose a breastfeeding nipple with an anti-colic system?
- Are grooves on the nipple necessary for combination feeding?
- Conclusion
Should the nipple shape resemble the mother's breast?
A so-called anatomic nipple is often wider at its base and tends to narrow slightly toward the tip, thereby imitating the shape of the nipple. Some nipples feature a rounded tip, close to the shape of the natural nipple.
The main thing is that latching should be as easy as possible!
The breastfeeding nipple should be quick and easy to latch onto for your baby. It shouldn't be too long or too short, nor too wide, as this would make sucking difficult or uncomfortable and could trigger accidental air intake.
Of course, a nipple will never look 100% like the natural breast! But it can try to get as close as possible.
A nipple with a soft texture helps maintain combination feeding
A soft silicone nipple or one made of gentle latex is preferable, as it provides a sensation closer to that of the breast. A texture that is too hard or rough can make sucking uncomfortable for your baby, who may then refuse to feed.
If that's the case, check that there isn’t another reason for this refusal before investing in another nipple.
It’s hard to know in advance if the nipple you choose will be soft enough for your child.
- On the one hand, because nipples you buy are packaged and you can't touch them in the store to assess their texture.
- On the other hand, your taste and impressions are, in any case, different from those of your child. In other words, if the nipple feels soft to you, your baby might not agree!
A nipple should allow for a flow suited to the child, just like breastfeeding
The flow of the milk should be adaptable to your baby's sucking strength. With breastfeeding, milk flows on demand, depending on the pressure applied. A variable-flow nipple mimics the way breast milk flows from the breast.
This also prevents overfeeding or frustrating your baby.
You can also choose to change nipples as your baby grows. Nipples are available with slow, medium, or even fast flow for babies who are more demanding or already older! In general, manufacturers offer various nipple sizes suited to baby's age, such as:
- newborn,
- 0-3 months,
- 3-6 months,
- etc.
Why choose a breastfeeding nipple with an anti-colic system?
Breastfeeding your baby at the breast presents a lower risk of developing colic. The milk flow is indeed slower when nursing at the breast.
Using a nipple with a variable flow or one suited to your baby’s age can, as mentioned, reduce air intake and the formation of colic. But to ensure that switching from breast to bottle doesn't result in tummy aches for your baby, it's preferable that the nipple includes an anti-colic system.
This is basically a valve placed at the base of the nipple. It is particularly effective in preventing digestive issues during feedings.
Are grooves on the nipple necessary for combination feeding?
Some parents believe that having grooves or ridges on the nipple encourages more natural or, in any case, more effective sucking.
However, many don't realize that these grooves, intended to mimic the milk ducts in the mother’s breast and help guide the milk flow, are actually not necessary! There’s no proof they play a major role in nipple acceptance.
Their impact on the acceptance of the nipple by the baby is actually not clearly established. As for saying it's just a marketing argument or a trendy design effect, that's another story.
Smooth, groove-free nipples are also well-liked by babies, for that matter. And as far as we know, a child "rejecting" a nipple can have plenty of other reasons for doing so:
- colic and stomach discomfort,
- inappropriate flow,
- cracked nipple,
- nipple texture uncomfortable for the baby,
- sucking problems due to coordination difficulties,
- etc.
Every baby is different, and it's possible that one baby may prefer a smooth nipple over grooved (or vice versa).
Conclusion
- Nipples for babies have many features. So it's recommended to be patient and persistent when introducing a nipple, and observe your baby’s reactions carefully. Some of these features may appeal to one child while another may not seem entirely satisfied.
- Generally speaking, remember that a nipple should allow you to feed your child without jeopardizing your breastfeeding. It should be soft, pleasant, and its flow should be adapted. Silicone is a material that meets these first two criteria. Additionally, an anti-colic system is highly recommended. Grooves, on the other hand, are not essential.
- If you encounter persistent problems, we advise you to consult with a lactation consultant or pediatrician to get advice tailored to your situation. You can also read our other articles on the topic:
- 7 reasons explaining why baby refuses to take a bottle
- 7 gentle tips to get a breastfed baby to accept a bottle
Or visit our store to discover our range of nipples, training cups, and bottles!
