When it comes to bottle feeding your baby, it can be tricky to figure out which nipple type and size to choose for your little one, or when it might be time to move up to the next nipple level. 

We’ve put together this handy ‘asked and answered’ guide for parents to help you understand the different sizes, styles, and flow rates of baby bottle nipples so you can cater to your baby’s unique feeding style.

What nipples size should I be using for my baby? 

Most baby bottles offer varying nipple levels for different age ranges (usually slow flow for 0+ months, medium flow for 3+ months, and fast flow for 6+ months), meaning you can approximately judge which nipple size might be the best based on your baby’s age. All of Tommee Tippee bottles come with a size 1 slow flow nipple, designed to suit a newborn baby. Having said that, every baby is different, so it’s a good idea to base your decision on a mix of the above, and your baby’s own unique eating habits. 

Different types of nipples for different circumstances

Baby bottle nipple categories tend to fall into one of the following categories:

• Slow flow
• Medium flow
• Fast flow 
• Variflow (flow rate can be changed)

Flow rates of each nipple refers to the size or number of holes in the nipple, affecting how quickly milk flows into your baby’s mouth. For newborn babies, a slow flow rate is recommended while your baby gets used to drinking milk from a bottle.

Discover our range of baby bottle nipples.

How do I know when to change bottle nipple size?

You can use the age brackets of each nipple size to gauge when it’s time to move up a size and/or flow rate, but your baby will also let you know when it’s time to change, or even if you’ve moved up too quickly.

Baby signs that it’s time to move up a nipple size:

• Becoming impatient or aggravated when eating
• Taking longer than 20 mins to finish a feed or they fall asleep on the bottle
• Sucking hard and/or the nipple collapsing in on itself

Baby signs that the teat you’re using is too big:

• Gulping or hard swallowing
• Coughing
• Choking
• Excess milk dripping out of the mouth
• Refusing to eat

More FAQs

See what else other parents have asked.

Does nipples size really matter? 

To some babies, yes nipple size matters. This is because the size and flow rate of different sized nipples might not always suit your baby’s feeding habits. But it’s pretty common for a baby to be perfectly content with one nipple size the whole time they’re bottle feeding, but the flow rate will need to change over time as they develop. All Tommee Tippee nipples are the same size, but with different flow options.

Can a faster flow nipple make reflux worse?

If the hole in a baby bottle nipple is too large and the flow rate is too fast for your baby, then it is possible for excess air to flow through with the milk and increase the likelihood of reflux.

Find out more about baby bottle nipples.

How long do nipples last?

Nipples take quite a lot of hammering from little gums and teeth, so they need to be changed regularly. We recommend replacing nipples every 2 months or at the first sign of any damage or weakness.

Can I buy bottles with faster flowing nipples?

All of our bottles except the 11 oz. version come with slow flow nipples as standard, as they’re best for newborns and most parents generally stock up on bottles before baby arrives. Our 11 oz. bottle comes with a thick feed nipple.

As your baby grows and can feed more quickly, you can buy faster flowing replacement nipples.

We have medium flow nipples, which most babies are ready for at around 3 months, and a fast flow nipple which is best from around 6 months. The ages are only guides though - you know your baby better than anyone and will be able to tell when they’re ready for a faster flow.