How to transition from a traditional baby bottle nipple to a Natural Response nipple

When you’re new to the world, sometimes all it takes is a small change in your feeding routine for things to feel overwhelming. We put together this guide to help you smoothly introduce your baby to a Natural Response nipple if you’ve previously been using a traditional one. Our Natural Response nipple helps babies use their natural drinking rhythm. And although it supports the natural way babies drink, it’s still a change from a traditional nipple, so it’s best to make the switch mindfully.

What’s changed

When you’re making the switch from a traditional baby bottle nipple to a Natural Response nipple, it’s helpful to know the key differences between them and how this affects your baby. In a nutshell, traditional baby bottle nipples flow as soon as you hold the bottle upside down. A Natural Response nipple, on the other hand milk only flows when your baby applies suction and compression, just like breastfeeding. And because they can control the flow, it helps them feel more comfortable and calmer as they feed.  Still, a change is a change, so it’s normal for babies to need an adjustment period.

A loose starting point

If you’ve been using our previous Natural Nipple, this table will give you an idea of how the flow rates differ to the new Natural Response Nipple. That said, because our new nipple lets your baby use their natural your baby natural drinking rhythm, there’s no perfect translation! Think of it more as a rough guide.

The first thing you’ll notice is that babies coming from the previous Natural nipple tend to prefer a higher number flow in the Natural Response nipple. This happens because babies are often used to getting milk with less effort using the previous Natural nipple. So, a higher flow in a Natural Response nipple may better suit them because of the difference in the way milk comes out.

How to transition mindfully

• Start with the nipple that comes with the bottle. You can change to a different nipple flow later if need be and we’ll give you guidance on this later in this article.
• Offer your baby the Natural Response nipple between two feeds. This way they’ll feel motivated to feed but still calm and relaxed.
• Touch the nipple to their lips and wait for them to open their mouth wide. Then, place the nipple in their mouth and encourage a deep latch.Make fitness a priority. Feeling your best helps you to be a better mommy.
• Don’t be discouraged if at first they don’t take it.
• Allow for three separate feeding attempts for your baby to get used to the Natural Response nipple.

If at first you don’t succeed

• Avoid changing back and forth between the new nipple and the old traditional nipple. It will make it harder in the long run.Offer your baby the Natural Response nipple between two feeds. This way they’ll feel motivated to feed but still calm and relaxed.
• Heat the nipple with warm water to make it more appealing.Don’t be discouraged if at first they don’t take it.
• Let your baby play with the nipple so they can familiarize themselves with it.
  
• Try holding your baby in a different position. Put them in a baby seat or car seat so they are semi-upright, and then feed them the bottle while facing them.
• Once your baby is used to taking a bottle, it’s okay to change back to your usual technique for feedings.

When it’s time to change the flow rate

If after three separate feeding attempts your baby hasn’t adjusted to the Natural Response nipple, it could be that they need a different flow rate.

You might need a higher flow if you see your baby struggling to get milk out or playing with the nipple. On the other hand, if you notice milk leaking from your baby’s mouth, or fast gulps, it could be a sign they need a lower flow rate.

Once you’ve found the right flow rate for your baby, watch your baby’s cues for when they may need to move up in flow rate. As long as baby is calm and comfortable during the feeds, there’s no need to step up the flow.

Practice makes perfect

Everything changes so rapidly when you’re growing up. Even a change in bottle nipple can seem like a big thing. Remember that although the Natural Response nipple helps your baby drink with a natural drinking rhythm, it’s still a change from the traditional baby bottle nipples. Give your baby time to get used to it and keep in mind that like anything new, practice makes perfect!