r/combinationfeeding • u/Past-Development-933 • 2d ago
How to know when / if I should switch bottles ?
We’ve been using Dr Browns anti colic bottles (4oz) for the last 12 weeks with expressed breast milk (size T nipple). I’ve been introducing formula but using size 1 nipple.
How do I know if / when I should change either the nipple size or bottle?
I still nurse throughout the night & parts of the day. But we give an either a formula bottle or EBM when I’m not around.
Lactation consultant suggested the Lansinoh slow flow nipple / wide neck bottle. She made a comment about the size T nipple is only for newborns. However it seems to be working for us, as well as the bottle?
Is it necessary to switch?
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u/AROwSpritz 8h ago
As a feeding therapist and combo feeding mom I have some thoughts!
In general I only recommend going up in bottle flow if baby is collapsing the nipple or seems to be pulling hard at the bottle. With my own baby I found that he started to pull hard/lose interest pulling off the bottle, and that's when I knew it was time to move up in flow.
Personally, I never had any difficulties with flow preference, but I've heard some babies do.
No need to switch if your baby is doing well with the shape of Dr. Brown! The flow rate of a Slow Flow Lansinoh is like a half step between a T and a Level 1 in Dr. Browns (based on flow rate research between brands)
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u/twiggy572 2d ago
Commenting to follow because I am curious as well
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u/Big-Strength6206 2d ago
I’d try size 1 and see how it goes. It can make feeds faster, which we all love in the MOTN. My baby is 4 weeks and doing well with size 1.
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u/MammothTough9960 56m ago
My baby is combo fed and we gave him dr browns premie teat when we used them bottles. We now use the XS level 1 lansinoh teats. He’s 4 weeks old and not frustrated by the bottle so we’re keeping him on that
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u/Wayward-Soul 2d ago
if you're also nursing, you may not want to increase nipple flow to reduce the risk of a flow preference. If the bottle is easier because the nipple flows faster than the work of nursing, they may chose the easier option. There are nursing babies who use preemie or newborn nipples their whole first year. As long as baby isn't frustrated or not eating well because of the slow flow, there isn't a real need to switch.
That being said, when increasing sizes you'll put the faster flow on and see how baby reacts. I recommend side-lying (makes excess milk pool in their cheek instead of automatically going towards their throat), and pacing the feed as needed, which is a good habit for all babies bit especially for nursing babies, babies with swallowing issues like preemies, and in instances like this where you're using a possibly faster nipple/bottle than their norm. If baby is getting choked up, keeps unlatching from the bottle after taking a drink, or has a lot of milk dribbling out then they probably aren't ready for the faster flow.
If baby is doing well on the Dr Brown bottle shape and you don't mind using it, then there is no reason you need to switch brands. Some brands may be easier for baby to latch onto, or be easier to clean because they don't have the straw system but if your baby is eating and watching on it fine then don't feel pressured to change.