Questions and Answers

The main difference is that latex is a natural product whereas silicone is synthetically produced. As a result, both materials have their own special characteristics.

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Latex rubber is particularly flexible, bite and tear-resistant. Since latex is a natural material, edible fats and exposure to direct sunlight may cause it to deteriorate faster than silicone. You should replace a latex teat when it becomes sticky to the touch.

The material utilized in NUK Latex Teats comes from the sap of the rubber tree, a resource that we monitor closely, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices are in place at every step. Each soother undergoes individual inspection by our team!

On the other hand, NUK Silicone Teats are crafted from a premium synthetic polymer. This clear silicone is resistant to heat and aging and is very easy to clean. However, silicone may lack the softness and flexibility of latex and is susceptible to cracking. It is crucial to replace a silicone teat at the first indication of damage.

In general, irrespective of whether teats are made from silicone or latex, it is advisable to replace them every 1 to 2 months.

Your choice of material should depend on your personal preferences as well as those of your baby. You are welcome to switch from one type of teat to another at any time.

With an array of brands and options available, selecting the right bottle and teat can indeed feel overwhelming. Here’s a helpful roundup to guide you in finding the perfect fit for your baby.

How Many Bottles and Teats Do I Need?

Your requirement for bottles depends on how often you plan to feed your baby using them. Newborns typically feed around 10 to 14 times within 24 hours, with feeding frequency declining as they grow. For exclusive bottle feeding (whether with formula or expressed breastmilk), starting with around four to six bottles and teats is often recommended. This number allows for effective sterilization between feeds.

If bottles are used occasionally or just once a day, investing in a single bottle and teat may be sufficient.

For those planning to breastfeed, purchasing bottles in advance isn't necessary. More than 90% of maternity units in the UK have earned Baby Friendly Accreditation, meaning midwives on the infant feeding team can assist with any breastfeeding challenges right after birth (UNICEF). They can guide you through processes like expressed colostrum feeding using spoons, syringes, or feeding cups (Unicef). Check if your maternity unit holds accreditation here.

If your maternity unit isn't accredited, engaging with their infant feeding lead or contacting the NCT infant feeding support line at 330 could be beneficial.

What Size Bottle Will My Baby Need?

Bottles are available in two sizes: small (holding 150ml or 5 fl oz) and large (holding 250ml or 9 fl oz). In the initial weeks, newborns feed little and often due to their small stomachs (Unicef). Therefore, smaller bottles are typically more suitable during this stage. As babies grow, they may transition to larger bottles for increased milk intake, which can sometimes lead to overfeeding (Wood et al).

As a parent bottle-feeding, you might find that larger bottles are required as your baby grows and their milk consumption increases. Each baby is unique, so there isn't a fixated age for this transition (Unicef). Pay attention to your baby's feeding cues, such as finishing their feed and appearing to want more (NHS, Unicef).

What Type of Feeding Bottle is Best?

Since the European Commission prohibited the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles due to concerns about leaching into the milk, there are now plenty of BPA-free options available for parents in the UK (NCT).

Many parents inquire about which brand of baby bottle is superior. The absence of independent research demonstrating significant differences in feeding effectiveness among various brands makes this decision highly personal. Experiment with different brands to see what best suits you and your baby. Below is a summary of popular bottle types:

Basic Bottles

These standard bottles are commonly cylindrical in shape, typically coming with matching teats and lids. They are affordable and widely available, despite the challenge in filling narrow-necked bottles (Which?).

Anti-Colic Bottles

More expensive bottles designed to minimize colic symptoms often incorporate air vents or tubes to limit air swallowing during feeding. However, independent efficacy studies on these designs are limited.

You might have heard advice to keep the teat full of milk to prevent air intake. However, if milk flows too quickly and beyond your baby's control, it can increase the chances of indigestion or gas (Kellymom). Parents using paced feeding methods report lower occurrences of gas-related issues (Herman).

Nevertheless, anti-colic bottles are not guaranteed solutions; some parents find them effective while others do not. Cleaning these bottles can also be a bit more challenging (Which?).

Wide-Necked Bottles

These bottles tend to be wider and shorter than the basic ones while holding the same volume of milk. Often, they feature silicone teats and come with self-sealing lids.

Advantages include easier filling and cleaning; however, they may require more space in a sterilizer, limiting how many can be cleaned at one time (Which?).

Ready-to-Feed Bottles

Powdered formula is not sterile, necessitating water heated to approximately 70 degrees to eliminate bacteria while preserving the nutritional component of the formula (NHS, a). Ready-to-feed bottles, which contain pre-sterilized milk, can be a practical short-term solution if parents are advised to use formula (NHS, Unicef).

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While ready-to-feed bottles can be convenient if your baby is on formula for medical reasons, they are often more expensive and not environmentally friendly (NHS, Unicef).

For parents who opt for formula from the beginning, check with your local hospital, as they may request these bottles since they often lack the means to sterilize bottles themselves (NHS, Unicef).

What Teat Should I Use?

Teats can be made from either silicone or latex, where silicone tends to be less flexible but offers increased durability compared to latex, which requires more frequent replacement (Which?).

Parents might be apprehensive about latex teats due to potential latex allergies, particularly with a family history of such issues (Kimata).

With numerous teat options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. They vary not only in base width and nipple length, but are also marketed as mimicking breast-like feeding experiences—though independent evidence for this is lacking (Which?).

Opt for teats that accommodate paced bottle feeding, where the teat remains filled with milk when held horizontally, eliminating the need to tip it up for access.

If you're combining breast and bottle feeding, select a teat that encourages your baby to open their mouth fully and take the whole teat in, rather than just the tip. Teats with medium widths and short to medium nipple lengths typically promote this behavior (Pearson-Glaze, Bahr).

When Should I Change Bottle Teat Size?

Teat flow rates, determined by the size or number of holes, dictate how quickly milk flows into your baby's mouth. Flow rates are categorized as slow, medium, or fast.

Slow flow is advisable for newborns while learning to feed, as overly quick flow can disrupt their ability to pace feeding. Fast milk flow can lead to coughing or overfeeding, resulting in discomfort and fussiness (NHS).

As your baby grows comfortable with bottle feeding, transition to medium flow teats, monitoring your baby's preferences. Some may prefer to stick with slow flow teats for months, while variflow teats are also available, allowing flow adjustments by altering the angle (Which?).

Regularly replace teats and inspect them for any damages, as chewable teats can pose choking risks, especially as your baby's teeth begin to emerge (Which?).

Why Is It Important to Sterilize Bottles and Teats?

Sterilizing bottles is highly recommended for babies under one year because bacteria can thrive in leftover milk on teats and bottles (Unicef). Young babies are especially susceptible to these bacteria.

Before sterilization, ensure all bottles and teats are thoroughly washed, either by hand or dishwasher (NHS). When washing by hand, using a dedicated brush for bottle cleaning is necessary (NHS).

When Should I Throw Away My Baby's Bottle?

It is strongly advised to replace bottles that appear damaged, scratched, or cracked.

Additionally, parents are encouraged to discontinue bottle usage with teats once their baby reaches one year old, as prolonged exposure to milk through teats can contribute to tooth decay (NHS Choices, Oral Health Foundation). For further reading on this topic, explore here.

This page was last reviewed in December.

Further Information

Our commitment extends to all parents, regardless of their feeding choices. Should you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out for guidance, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula. Our breastfeeding counselors, trained extensively, provide non-judgmental assistance and relevant suggestions. For more useful articles, click here.

If you are interested in learning more about silicone feeding bottles, do not hesitate to contact us today to secure an expert consultation!