28/08/2026
The most expensive mistake you can make when bottle feeding? Sizing up the teat just because your baby got older.
Your breast doesn’t change its flow rate because your baby turns 3, 6 or 9 months old. Your pores on your ni**le don’t suddenly “size up” either. Your baby simply becomes more efficient at removing milk.
So why do we assume bottles need to work differently?
Yes, some babies genuinely benefit from a faster-flow teat, for example, if they are collapsing the teat or becoming frustrated because the flow is too slow.
But if your baby is happy, feeding comfortably and transferring milk well, there is usually no reason to change the flow rate simply because they reached the next age bracket.
In fact, a flow that is too fast can contribute to feeding distress: arching away, dribbling, gulping, coughing, becoming gassy or fussy, and spitting up more after feeds.
So before you buy the “next stage” teat because the packaging tells you your baby is ready…
Ask your baby.
If they’re happy with the flow, save the money and buy yourself a coffee instead. ☕️