15 Key facts about bottle and teat sucking : Your online pharmacy selection

What is sucking and why is it important for infants?

Sucking is a natural and vital reflex for infants. Not only does it enable them to feed efficiently from bottle or breast, it also plays a crucial role in their oral and dental development. The act of sucking stimulates the growth of facial muscles and helps to form the arch of the palate.

How to choose the right bottle to promote good sucking?

Choosing the right bottle is essential to facilitate efficient and comfortable sucking. Here are a few criteria to consider:

• Bottle shape: Choose an ergonomic bottle that mimics the natural shape of the breast, for a smooth transition from breast to bottle.
• Material: Silicone or glass bottles are generally preferred for their safety and durability.
• Nipple size and shape: The nipple should correspond to your baby's age and sucking needs. Orthodontic teats or those that mimic the shape of the nipple are often recommended.

What are the differences between orthodontic and conventional teats?

Orthodontic teats are designed to prevent future dental problems. Their asymmetrical shape reduces pressure on the palate and promotes healthy oral development. In contrast, conventional teats often have a symmetrical shape that can potentially exert additional pressure on the teeth and palate.

How do I clean and sterilize bottles and teats to ensure safe sucking?

Maintaining impeccable bottle and teat hygiene is crucial to protecting your child's health. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Cleaning: Wash each bottle and teat with hot, soapy water immediately after each use.
2. Sterilization: Use a steam sterilizer or boil bottles and teats for at least five minutes to eliminate germs and bacteria.

What are the signs of an unsuitable teat?

An unsuitable teat can cause a variety of problems, such as

• Sucking difficulties: Babies can quickly become irritated or tired if they have to fight too hard to suck.
• Leaks: An ill-fitting teat can cause leaks around the baby's mouth.
• Colic: The wrong teat can cause excessive air intake, leading to gas and colic.

Why is it important to change teats regularly?

We recommend changing teats every 1-2 months, or as soon as they show signs of wear, such as tears or a change in texture. Worn-out teats can not only affect sucking efficiency, but also represent a safety risk for the baby.

What impact does sucking have on language development in infants?

Sucking plays an indirect but significant role in language development. It helps strengthen the muscles of the mouth and jaw, which are also used for speaking. Regular, well-supported sucking can therefore facilitate better articulation of words when babies start to talk.

How can I tell if a baby needs a special pacifier for sucking?

Some babies, especially those born prematurely or with certain medical conditions, may require special pacifiers. Signs of this include difficulty in maintaining a continuous suck, loss of fluid around the mouth during feeding, or persistent refusal of the bottle despite hunger. In these cases, it is advisable to consult a paediatrician or a sucking specialist.

Are there any techniques to encourage a baby to accept a bottle after being exclusively breastfed?

To encourage an exclusively breastfed baby to accept a bottle, it may be useful to :

• Introduce the bottle gradually, starting at times when the baby is not extremely hungry.
• Use a teat that mimics the shape and feel of the mother's breast.
• Allow someone other than the mother to give the first bottle, as the baby may associate his mother with exclusive breastfeeding.

When is the best time to introduce a bottle to a breast-fed infant?

Introducing a bottle to a breastfed infant is generally recommended between 3 and 6 weeks after birth. This timing helps to establish an effective breast-feeding routine first, while avoiding breast-nipple confusion. It also helps the baby adapt more easily to both feeding methods.

How to manage night-time suckling in infants?

Nocturnal sucking is a common behavior in babies. To manage it effectively:

• Make sure the baby is well nourished and comfortable before sleeping to reduce the need for nighttime sucking for comfort.
• Consider using a pacifier if it doesn't interfere with breastfeeding, as it can offer soothing without the need for feeding.
• Keep the bedtime routine consistent to help the baby learn to fall asleep without depending on sucking.