There are many benefits to using baby teats, including helping your baby to transition from breast to bottle and back again. Baby teats can also help to reduce colic and gas, as well as providing a more comfortable feeding experience for both you and your baby. If you are considering using baby teats, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a teat for your newborn is that they will be using it often, so you want to make sure it is comfortable and easy for them to use. A good rule of thumb is to choose a teat that is soft and pliable, yet still firm enough to provide support. You also want to make sure the teat is smooth, so there are no ridges or bumps that could irritate your baby's delicate skin.
The most important thing is to make sure that the teat you choose is the right size for your baby. You can find out what size teat your baby needs by checking the packaging of the formula you are using. If you are unsure, you can always ask your pediatrician. Another thing to keep in mind is the flow rate of the teat. You want to make sure that the teat you choose has a slow flow rate if your baby is younger than 6 months old. If your baby is older than 6 months, you can choose a teat with a faster flow rate. Finally, you also want to make sure that the teat you choose is made from safe materials. You can usually find this information on the packaging as well.
As your baby grows, you may need to change the type of teat you use. For example, you may need to switch from a newborn-size teat to a larger one. Here are some signs that it might be time to make a change:
First, see if your baby is gulping or swallowing a lot of air while eating. This can cause them to be fussy or gassy. Second, take notice if your baby seems to be choking or coughing while eating. This may be a sign that the flow is too fast for them. Finally, pay attention to how your baby is acting after eating. If they seem uncomfortable or have difficulty digesting their food, this may be a sign that the feeding was too fast.
It's not as common as you might think. Most of the time, babies will just chew on the teat and not actually swallow it. But if they do happen to swallow it, there is a risk of them choking on it. To prevent this from happening, inspect the teat before each use and throw it away if it shows any signs of wear and tear. Get some baby teethers to prevent them from biting on teats.
It really depends on your individual situation. If your baby is prone to choking, then a faster teat may be the better option. However, if your baby is generally healthy and has no issues with choking, then a slower teat may be just fine. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what's best for your child. Make sure to have bibs to prevent your baby from getting messy from choking.
There's no hard and fast rule for when babies stop using teats, but most transition to a cup around 12 months old. Some babies may be ready earlier, while others may take a little longer. Ultimately, it's up to your little one to decide when they're ready to say goodbye to the baby bottle.
