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Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and joyous experience for any parent. However, when a baby is born with a tongue tie, it can present some unique challenges, particularly when it comes to feeding. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum (a piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) is shorter or tighter than usual, restricting the movement of the tongue.
Feeding a tongue-tied baby can be a struggle, as they may have difficulty properly latching onto the breast or bottle. In such cases, finding the right bottle becomes crucial for ensuring proper nutrition and a comfortable feeding experience. In this guide, we will discuss the 7 Best Bottles for tongue-tied Babies. These bottles are a must-have for parents who wish to navigate this challenge easily.
How to feed the tongue-tied baby?
Feeding a tongue-tied baby with a bottle requires special considerations to ensure their comfort and proper nutrition. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to provide a tongue-tied baby using a bottle:
- Choose the Right Bottle: Select a bottle that is specifically designed to support tongue-tied babies. Look for bottles with specialised nipples that promote a wider latch and mimic the feel of a mother’s breast. This will help the baby to latch onto the bottle more easily.
- Positioning: Find a comfortable and quiet area for feeding. Hold your baby upright or semi-upright, supporting their head and neck with your arm. This position can help reduce the chances of milk flowing too quickly and overwhelming the baby.
- Prepare the Bottle: Follow the instructions provided with the bottle for proper sterilisation and preparation. Use the appropriate formula or expressed breast milk for your baby’s age and nutritional needs.
- Test the Temperature: Before feeding, check the temperature of the milk or formula by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist. To prevent the baby from getting burned, ensure the temperature is warm and not hot.
- Encourage Latching: Gently touch the baby’s lips with the nipple to stimulate their feeding reflexes. Allow the baby to open their mouth and then guide the nipple into their mouth, aiming it towards the roof of the mouth. Ensure the baby’s lips are flanged outward, creating a good seal around the nipple.
- Pace the Feeding: Let the baby set the pace of the feeding. Pause frequently during the feeding to allow the baby to swallow and rest. This can prevent them from becoming overwhelmed or experiencing discomfort.
- Monitor Milk Flow: If the bottle has adjustable flow settings, start with a slower flow to prevent the baby from choking or taking in too much milk at once. Observe the baby’s feeding cues and adjust the flow as needed.
- Burp the Baby: After the feeding or when the baby shows signs of needing to burp, hold them upright and gently pat or rub their back to encourage burping and release any trapped air.
- Watch for Signs of Fullness: Pay attention to your baby’s cues to determine when they are full. They may turn their head away from the bottle, slow down their sucking, or become less interested in feeding. Avoid overfeeding and allow the baby to stop when they indicate they are satisfied.
- Clean and Store the Bottle: After each feeding, wash the bottle and nipple thoroughly with warm soapy water or follow the cleaning instructions provided. Properly sterilise the bottle to maintain hygiene.
Remember, each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If you have concerns or difficulties with feeding, consult a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant who can provide personalised guidance and support.
Dr Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottles
Dr Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottles are designed to reduce colic in babies. The bottles provide a consistent flow rate, resembling breastfeeding, and help preserve milk nutrients for better digestion and sleep.
These bottles have a breast-like nipple shape that promotes a proper latch and a more natural bottle feeding experience. They can be used throughout different feeding stages and are recyclable, making them sustainable.
Dr. Brown’s has also collaborated with Plastic Bank to reduce plastic waste. By purchasing their bottles, you contribute to their commitment to prevent millions of plastic bottles from entering the ocean annually.
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The Comotomo Baby Bottle
The Comotomo Baby Bottle is created to imitate breastfeeding, which helps lessen the problems of rejecting the bottle and confusion with nipples. The bottle’s wide neck design allows easy hand cleaning without a brush.
The Comotomo Baby Bottle is safe in the microwave, boiling water, dishwashers, and sterilizers. It has dual anti-colic vents that prevent unwanted air intake and reduce colic. The bottle and nipple can handle a maximum temperature of 180 degrees Celsius, whereas the cap and outer ring can withstand up to 120 degrees Celsius.
Comotomo aims to provide a natural-feel experience for babies, with a skin-like, soft, and squeezable body that is easy to hold. The bottle’s vents are designed to prevent colic and eliminate leaks.
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The PopYum Anti-Colic Formula Making/Mixing/Dispenser Baby Bottles
The PopYum Anti-Colic Formula Making/Mixing/Dispenser Baby Bottles come in a pack of three, with each bottle holding 9 ounces of liquid. They are designed to make feeding on the go more manageable and convenient.
These bottles have a unique design that stores formula and water separately until you’re ready to feed your baby. With the press of a button, the formula mixes with the water, allowing you to prepare a bottle with one hand quickly. This feature makes it convenient for outings, travel, and night feeds.
The bottles have anti-colic nipples with a medium-flow rate, designed for babies who are 6 months old or older. The nipples are made of stickier silicone that may cause the formula to stick to them. It’s important to note that the nipple flow of the 5-ounce bottle may be too fast for newborns.
PopYum bottles have a simple design with only five parts, making them easy to clean.
Customers have found these bottles convenient for on-the-go feeding, allowing for quick and easy preparation without measuring or mixing formula. Some users have mentioned that the nipple flow may be too fast for younger babies, and a small amount of procedure may be left at the bottom of the bottle after feeding.
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The Lansinoh Baby Bottles
The Lansinoh Baby Bottles for Breastfeeding Babies come in a pack of three and are designed to Assist in transitioning babies from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. Feeding. The bottles feature NaturalWave Nipples, which are clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion in breastfed babies. These nipples mimic natural feeding actions, allowing babies to use the same feeding techniques learned while breastfeeding.
The bottles also incorporate an air ventilation system, which helps reduce the intake of air and potential causes of gas, colic, and spit-up during bottle feeding.
Cleaning and assembly of these bottles are easy, as they only consist of four pieces and are dishwasher-safe. They are also compatible with paced feeding, allowing babies to control the milk flow and promote a similar sucking action as during breastfeeding.
Overall, the Lansinoh Baby Bottles are praised for their effectiveness in reducing nipple confusion, easy cleaning, compatibility with paced feeding, and ergonomic design.
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The Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti Colic
The Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti Colic Newborn Baby Bottle Set is designed to reduce colic symptoms in babies, resulting in less gas, spit-up, and discomfort. It features an award-winning breast-like nipple that promotes a natural latch and guarantees acceptance by the baby. The bottle is equipped with a unique anti-colic venting system that draws air away from the milk, further reducing the likelihood of colic.
The bottle set also includes a heat-sensing technology that changes the color of the straw to pink if the baby’s feed is too hot, ensuring safe and comfortable feeding.
Customers have praised the bottle set for its quality and effectiveness. It is recommended for breastfed babies, and the set is often chosen as a perfect gift for baby showers. The bottles are lightweight, easy to grip, and simulate the feel of breastfeeding. Cleaning the bottles is simple, and they are durable even after sterilization. The set also includes additional items like pacifiers, a brush for washing, and a heater.
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The Boon Nursh Stage 2 Medium Flow Reusable Silicone Baby Bottles
The Boon Nursh Stage 2 Medium Flow Reusable Silicone Baby Bottles with Collapsible Silicone Pouch Design are everyday baby essentials.
These bottles are designed to imitate the shape and texture of a mother’s breast, making them easy to latch onto and promoting correct tongue positioning while feeding.
Parents also appreciate these bottles’ shorter and more comprehensive design, making them easier for little hands to grip.
Compared to other popular bottles like Dr Brown’s, users find these Boon bottles a viable alternative with fewer parts to clean, reducing the risk of hidden mould. They also mention that the bottles are transitional, allowing for easy conversion to a sippy or straw cups by simply replacing the lids.
Overall, customers are pleased with the Boon Nursh Stage 2 Medium Flow Reusable Silicone Baby Bottles and consider them to be great quality products that offer convenience and practicality.
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Philips AVENT Anti-Colic Baby Bottles
The AirFree vent system helps to keep the nipple full of milk, preventing the ingestion of air during feeding. This feature also allows for feeding in an upright position, which can help reduce the risk of colic and discomfort.
Customers have mentioned that these bottles are effective in reducing gas and colic in their babies. The control of milk flow and the prevention of air intake have been appreciated by parents. The clear markings on the bottle make it easy to see the fluid level, and the wider mouth design facilitates easy filling with formula.
Overall, customers recommend the Philips AVENT Anti-Colic Baby Bottles with AirFree Vent for their effectiveness in reducing feeding issues and providing a comfortable feeding experience for babies. The bottles have been praised for their quality, functionality, and ease of use.
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conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best bottles for tongue-tied babies, several excellent options are available in the market. These bottles have been designed to cater to the specific needs of tongue-tied infants, ensuring a comfortable and efficient feeding experience.
Dr Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottles offer a unique vent system that reduces colic and discomfort. At the same time, Comotomo Baby Bottles feature a soft and flexible design that mimics breastfeeding.
For convenient on-the-go feeding, PopYum Anti-Colic Formula Dispenser Baby Bottles provide a built-in formula dispenser, while The Lansinoh Baby Bottles offer a wide, natural-shaped nipple for a better latch.
The Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti Colic Newborn Baby Bottle boasts an innovative venting system, and The Boon Nursh Stage 2 Medium Flow Reusable Silicone Baby Bottles feature a unique pouch design that collapses as the baby drinks.
Lastly, Philips AVENT Anti-Colic Baby Bottles come with an anti-colic valve that reduces fussiness and discomfort.
Ultimately, the choice of the best bottle for a tongue-tied baby will depend on individual preferences and the specific needs of the infant. It is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare expert or lactation consultant to determine the most suitable option for your baby. With the right bottle, feeding time can become a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for both the baby and the parents.
FAQ
Q: What are the best bottles for tongue-tied babies?
A: When it comes to choosing bottles for tongue-tied babies, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help guide you:
Q: What is tongue-tie?
A: Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is tighter or shorter than normal. This can limit the tongue’s movement and lead to issues with breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
Q: What should I look for in bottles for tongue-tied babies?
A: When selecting bottles, consider the following features:
- Nipple shape: Look for bottles with nipples that mimic the shape and feel of a mother’s breast to promote proper latch and tongue positioning.
- Slow flow: Opt for bottles with slow-flow nipples to prevent your baby from getting overwhelmed by a fast flow of milk.
- Anti-colic features: Choose bottles with anti-colic systems or vents that help reduce the intake of air during feeding, as tongue-tied babies may be more prone to colic and gas.
Q: Which bottle brands are recommended for tongue-tied babies?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each baby’s needs may vary. However, some bottle brands that are often recommended for tongue-tied babies include:
- Dr Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottles
- The Comotomo Baby Bottle
- The PopYum Anti-Colic Formula Making/Mixing/Dispenser Baby Bottles
- The Lansinoh Baby Bottles
Q: Should I consult a healthcare professional for advice?
A: Yes, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician or lactation consultant, if your baby is tongue-tied. They can provide personalized guidance and recommend the best feeding options based on your baby’s specific needs.
References
2. Tongue-tie