How to Choose the Right Teat Flow for Your Baby

Quick answer

Start with a slow flow teat for newborns and switch to a faster flow only when your baby shows signs of frustration, such as longer feeding times or collapsing the teat. For Dr Brown's bottles, the Level 1 teat is the standard starting point for newborns, and you can move up as your baby's feeding skills develop.

Understanding teat flow rates

Teat flow rates determine how quickly milk comes out of the bottle. Slow flow teats are designed for newborns and younger babies who need more control, while medium and fast flow teats suit older babies with stronger sucking skills. Choosing the right flow helps prevent overfeeding, choking, and frustration during feeds.

Dr Brown's teat levels are numbered from Level 1 (slow) to higher levels for faster flow. The specific level your baby needs depends on their age, feeding ability, and any signs of discomfort. Always watch your baby's cues—if they gulp, cough, or leak milk, the flow may be too fast. If they take a long time to finish a bottle or seem frustrated, the flow may be too slow.

Signs your baby needs a different flow

Switching teat flow is not about age alone—it's about your baby's feeding behavior. Look for these signs: if your baby finishes a bottle in less than 10 minutes, the flow might be too fast. If feeding takes longer than 20 minutes, the flow might be too slow. Other signs of a too-fast flow include coughing, gulping, or milk leaking from the mouth. A too-slow flow often leads to frustration, pushing the bottle away, or collapsing the teat.

When you change to a new flow, give your baby a few feeds to adjust. Some babies prefer a slightly slower flow even when they are older, especially if they are transitioning from breastfeeding. Trust your baby's cues over a strict age chart.

Choosing the right teat for your baby's age and stage

For newborns, a slow flow teat is almost always the right choice. It matches their immature sucking pattern and reduces the risk of overfeeding. As your baby grows, you can move to a medium flow, usually around 3-6 months, and then to a fast flow when they can handle a quicker milk flow without choking.

Dr Brown's Options+ bottles come with a Level 1 teat included, making them a good starting point for newborns. If your baby is older or has specific feeding needs, consider a teat level that matches their current skills. Always check the teat for wear—replace it if it becomes sticky, cracked, or if the hole enlarges, as this can change the flow rate.

Decision rules for choosing teat flow

• Newborn (0-3 months): Use a slow flow teat (Level 1). This matches their weak suck and prevents overfeeding. Start with Level 1 and watch for signs of frustration.
• 3-6 months: If your baby finishes bottles quickly or seems impatient, try a medium flow. But if they are happy with slow, keep it. Move up only when feeding time drops below 10 minutes.
• 6+ months: Fast flow may be needed if your baby is a strong sucker and feeds quickly. But some babies prefer slower flow for comfort. Observe for coughing or gulping—if present, step back a level.

Teat flow products from Dr Brown's

• Dr Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Baby Bottle, 5oz/150ml, 2-Pack - Designs: Dr Brown's Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Baby Bottle, 5oz/150ml, 2-Pack includes bottles with the anti-colic vent system and comes in jungle or woodland designs. The wide-neck bottle is easier to fill and clean, and the anti-colic system helps reduce wind and discomfort, which is especially useful when you are introducing a new teat flow.
• Dr Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck Triple Pack 250ml: Dr Brown's Options+ Narrow Neck Triple Pack 250ml includes 3 bottles and 3 Level 1 Narrow Neck Teats. This pack gives you a full set of bottles with the slow flow teat included, so you can start with the right flow for a newborn and have spares ready for rotation.

Which teat flow fits your baby?

Best for

• Newborns and younger babies who need a slow, controlled flow
• Breastfed babies who prefer a slower flow to mimic the breast

Not for

• Older babies with strong sucking skills who may get frustrated with a slow flow and need a faster option