10 Questions You Should to Know about Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle

10 Questions You Should Know about Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle

If you’ve been breastfeeding your baby and want to introduce a bottle, here are some tips on how to do this.

Create a smooth transition for your little one by visiting our website for further details.

Introducing a bottle while continuing to breastfeed requires patience and the right technique (University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, 2014). Sometimes, medical or other reasons may necessitate an earlier introduction (NHS, 2017).

Many parents successfully integrate bottle-feeding without impacting breastfeeding, though some babies might find it challenging (Batista et al, 2019).

If you have any concerns, consult your midwife or health visitor. You can also contact our NCT infant feeding support line at 0300 330 0700 and speak with one of our breastfeeding counsellors.

10 Tips for Bottle-feeding a Breastfed Baby

For those balancing both bottle and breastfeeding, these tips can be invaluable:

1. Opt for round teats with a wide base to mimic breastfeeding as it encourages similar tongue and jaw movements

   (Smith et al, 1988)

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2. Avoid long teats which might cause gagging; a shorter teat is often ideal. Babies don't stretch the nipple while breastfeeding, so a wide-open mouth for deeper latching is necessary

   (Mohrbacher, 2010)

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3. Gently brush the bottle teat against their lips to trigger their rooting reflex

   (Unicef, 2019)

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4. Holding your baby upright and maintaining eye contact ensures they feel safe and loved

   (Unicef, 2019)

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5. Using a slow flow teat prevents babies from preferring bottle over breast due to faster milk flow

   (Unicef, 2015; NHS, 2018)

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6. Provide regular skin-to-skin contact and repeatedly offer the breast to encourage breastfeeding

   (UNICEF, 2018)

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7. Soften the bottle teat using warm, boiled water

   (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011; NHS Choices, 2017)

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8. Offer the bottle when the baby is calm but not extremely hungry

   (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011; NHS Choices, 2017)

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9. Try a breastfeeding-like position such as the cradle hold for bottle feeds

   (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011; NHS Choices, 2017)

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10. Let someone else offer the bottle, but keep it to one or two familiar faces to avoid confusing the baby with different feeding techniques

    (Unicef, 2014)

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Alternative Feeding Methods

In addition to bottles, special feeding cups or syringes can be used for feeding expressed breastmilk or formula.

Learn more by visiting HEORSHE.

Benefits of Using Cups or Syringes

These methods are ideal for very new, ill, or premature babies who are still learning to breastfeed (Flint et al, 2016). They are practical for administering small amounts of breastmilk or colostrum.

Using Cups or Syringes

It may be messy as you and your infant learn to use these methods, so swaddling your baby loosely can help. Consult your midwife if you’re unsure.

By four months, many parents switch to soft-spouted beakers or open slanted cups. Ensure your baby is sitting upright and can tilt their head back to stop when needed (Unicef, 2019).

Supplementary Nursing Systems

These systems allow your baby to be close to the breast, stimulating milk supply while also being bottle-fed.

Some babies may never accept a bottle and wait until you are home to breastfeed, known as reverse cycling (Kellymom, 2018).

Further Information

NCT offers support to all parents regardless of their feeding method. If you have questions or need support, call our helpline at 0300 330 0700. Breastfeeding counsellors offer non-judgmental information and suggestions.

Consider joining our NCT New Baby groups where you can discuss parenting challenges with a qualified leader and other new parents.

Connect with local parents through NCT activities in your area for support and friendship.

National Breastfeeding Line (government funded): 0300 100 021.

Healthtalkonline.org offers interviews where parents share their experiences on a range of parenting topics.

NHS Choices provides information on bottle feeding and breastfeeding in public.

Best Beginnings features video clips from the 'Bump to Breastfeeding' DVD.

Bottles for Breastfed Babies (Introducing a Bottle, Part 1)

Nipple confusion is a misunderstood term—babies often simply have a nipple or flow preference. Breastfeeding utilizes specific muscles that are also used in bottle-feeding, albeit differently. Hence, babies often choose the easier option for them.

No bottle on the market completely mimics the breast, despite many claims. The shape, color, or branding does not change the fundamental differences. However, many parents have found success using the Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle. For more information, feel free to contact us.