9 Best Slow Flow Nipples 2024 – Buying Guide & Reviews

Why Use a Slow Flow Nipple?

There are a few main reasons why you should always being with a slow flow nipple while bottle-feeding your child.  Here are some things to keep in mind:

Newborn Bottle-feeding

The number one reason that you should be using a slow flow nipple is if you are bottle-feeding a newborn. Nipples feature little holes at the top which allows milk to flow through. You will choose the size of the nipple depending on the age and size of your child.  Newborns must always start out with a slow-flow nipple.

This is because these specially designed nipples will allow them to drink slowly so they do not get overwhelmed. This helps to ensure that they receive the proper amount of milk during each feeding.

Health Problems

When a newborn is using a nipple that isn’t the right size or dispenses too much milk too quickly, it can lead to some health issues. One problem is the amount of spit-up. Spitting up is completely normal in newborns because they are still learning how to eat properly. Excessive spit-up, however, can be problematic. Excessive spit-up can be due to two things. One of them being the amount of milk your child is drinking at a time.

Newborn’s tummies are sensitive and still developing. When they are overloaded with too much milk too quickly, their digestive systems will reject the milk which will cause your child to spit up. Another problem is acid reflux. The main culprit when it comes to acid reflux is your child swallowing too much air. Both of these problems are a direct result of an improperly sized nipple. So make sure to always start out with a slow nipple to help keep little ones happy and healthy.

Older Babies Need Them Too

Slow flow nipples are not only meant for newborns either! Many older babies suffer from the same common health problems when it comes to improper nipple flow. Many larger-sized nipples still feature special slow flow streams which help to keep their developing tummies safe as well. While the nipples are slow inflow, they still are sized perfectly for larger mouths so that you don’t have to worry about putting your child in a dangerous situation by giving them a nipple that is too small.

If you are just starting your child’s bottle-feeding journey and are lost, don’t worry! You are covered. Here are some of the best slow-flow nipples available today to get you started on the right path.

List of 6 Best Slow Flow Nipples Reviews

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1. Medela 3 Piece Wide Base Slow Flow Nipples

Whether you are transitioning your child from breast to bottle or are starting them off with bottle feeding from day one, the Medela 3 Piece Wide Base Slow Flow Nipples are perfect for you. Medela has been a leading brand when it comes to supporting breastfeeding mothers in their bottle-feeding transition. These nipples were specially designed to give a more natural mouthfeel for the baby so that they can make this transition even smoother.

The secret is in the wide set nipple base that simulated the feel and size of a natural nipple so that your child may be more inclined to latch on. These slow flow nipples are meant to be used right from day one, starting at 0 months all the way up to 4 months.

These nipples fit perfectly onto any Medela breast milk bottle.  These bottles were specifically designed for breastfeeding mothers because they attach directly to Medela breast pumps.  If you are not planning on breastfeeding, however, no worries!  These bottles will also hold formula just fine as well.

You can feed your child worry-free knowing that the Medela Wide Base Slow-Flow Nipples are made out of safe silicone and are never processed with any BPA or other toxins that may be harmful to your child. Clean up is simple with these nipples as well because they are completely dishwasher safe.

Not only does this make cleanup a breeze but also helps you to properly sanitize the nipples after each and every use. These slow-flow nipples are top-rated and have been the number one choice by parents and medical professionals for years.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Medela Wide Base Slow Flow Nipples that other parents had:

Pros:

• Also works with other brands of bottles
• Babies love the more natural shape
• Silicone was durable
• Really easy to clean
• Perfect for “lazy nursing” babies
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Milk still flows too fast
• Not good for preemies
• Nipples leak
• No size indicator on the nipples

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2. Philips AVENT BPA Free Natural Slow Flow Nipples

If you are in the market for one of the best slow flow nipples that also works to help reduce gas and acid reflux, then you should consider giving the Philips AVENT BPA Free Natural Slow Flow Nipples a shot. These slow-flow nipples are soft and flexible so that your child is completely comfortable all throughout feeding time. This is great news for little ones who have a hard time getting latched, and more importantly, staying latched.

This special natural latch-on system also works wonders for parents who are trying to transition their child from breast to bottle. The soft, yet durable, silicone will give your child a more natural mouthfeel. You will also love that these nipples are odorless and tasteless. Sometimes with silicone nipples, there is an odd smell as well as a plastic-type aftertaste, so it’s good to know that these AVENT slow flow nipples are completely clear and clean.

The Philips AVENT BPA Free Natural Slow Flow Nipples work with any type of AVENT bottle and are completely replaceable. This means that you will need one AVENT bottle system to get your child started on their bottle-feeding journey. These slow flow nipples are perfectly designed for children starting at 1 month and up. While they are not meant for fresh newborns, they are a great option for older children.

Best of all, because of the special venting that is located at the base of the nipples; you are actually working to reduce colic and acid reflux all together making these nipples a great one-stop shop when it comes to the health of your child’s tummy.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages as seen from parents who have used the Philips AVENT BPA Free Natural Slow Flow Nipples:

Pros:

• Offers a perfect latch every time
• Easy to steam and sterilize
• Last for a long time
• Nipples are super soft
• Silicone is clear which makes it easy to spot clean
• Perfect level of milk flow

Cons:

• Packaging is confusing
• Too messy
• Doesn’t fit bottles well
• Not easy to install

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3. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Slow Flow Nipples

The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Slow Flow Nipples was developed and designed by breastfeeding experts, so you know that you are getting a quality product that is beneficial to your child. These slow-flow nipples are made with more natural flexibility that allows them to stretch, bend and twist for a more comfortable range of motion during feeding time.

This is one of the many advantages of these nipples that help to ensure that your little one is not swallowing too much milk too quickly while also not swallowing air. These two instances are what can lead to painful discomforts like an excess build-up of gas and acid.

The slow flow feature is the true star of these nipples. They are perfect for infants with sensitive tummies because the specially designed valves perfectly eliminate any excessive airflow while dispensing the perfect amount of milk in every single gulp.

When it comes to a natural feeling nipple, the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Slow Nipples cannot be beaten.  This soft silicone feels more like real skin which will help to encourage your child to latch on and stay latched through the whole feeding.

The nipple pulls and elongates like an actual nipple will also help them to learn how to eat properly while helping their reflex muscles grow strong.  Once your child outgrows the newborn-sized nipples, you can easily replace them for more age-appropriate slow-flow nipples so that you can continue to encourage their growth and development.

Here are some key points that help to make the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Slow Flow Nipples one of the best slow flow nipples available on the market today:

Pros:

• Perfect flow each and every time
• Great for longer feeding periods
• Helps with tongue thrusting
• Fits perfectly on smaller sized bottles
• Flexes more naturally than other slow flow nipples

Cons:

• Hard to use
• Too expensive
• Leaks a lot

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4. Playtex Nipple Variety Kit, Slow Flow

Having options when it comes to the type of nipple you are using for your little one does not mean that you have to spend a great deal of money. That is exactly what Playtex has set out to do with the Playtex Nipple Variety Kit.

This is a perfect option for parents who are still unsure about what type of nipple they want to use for their child because this kit will help you find the perfect one through trial and error. In this kit, you will find four different nipple shapes for you to choose from.

Each of these nipples has not only a different shape but also a different texture so you can find the right one that your child will latch on to perfectly. Each of the nipples in this trial kit is a slow-flow type of nipple so you don’t have to worry about testing them out on your newborn.

The natural latch nipple bends and flexes for a more natural mouthfeel while the angled nipple is slightly bent for a more upright feeding position. This angled nipple is perfect for children who suffer from colic and have a hard time eating in an upright position.

The other two nipples that are featured in the Playtex Nipple Variety Kit are also amazing. The full-sized nipple is great for babies with larger mouths so that you don’t want to worry about leaking, while the breast-like nipple allows for a more natural mouthfeel which is perfect for babies who are transitioning from breast to bottle.

No matter which slow-flow nipple you eventually settle on, each one has been specially raised to ensure a perfect match each time. Best of all, this whole kit is priced perfectly for families on a budget who don’t want to spend a great deal of money trying to find the perfect slow-flow nipple for their newborn.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Playtex Slow Flow Nipple Variety Kit:

Pros:

• Perfect for fussy babies
• Great way to customize each bottle
• Reduces spit-up
• Makes the transition to bottle smoother
• Dishwasher safe is a major plus

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with caps
• Flows too fast for a slow flow
• Packaging is confusing

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5. Similac Slow Flow Nipple and Ring

Another great option when it comes to the best slow nipples is the Similac Slow Flow Nipple and Ring set. This set is unlike any other on this list because these ones are disposable.  Being a disposable product makes these perfect for families who travel often and don’t have a way to clean regular slow-flow nipples.

This is also a good option for little ones who seem to get sick often and parents who would prefer to use a one-time use nipple to keep contamination down to a minimum.

Each slow-flow nipple in this set come individually packaged and ready to use so that you don’t have to worry about wash and sanitizing them each time you need one. Unlike other nipples, the Similac Slow Flow Nipples only feature one tiny hole at the top.

Many other slow-flow nipples use a cluster of holes to control the flow but Similac believes that one single hole is the best way to ensure that your baby isn’t receiving too much milk at a time.

The Similac Slow Flow Nipples will work with any standard bottle. Best of all, these nipples will attach directly to the Similac premixed bottles. These premixed formula bottlers are often used in pediatrician offices and hospitals, so you know you can trust them when it comes to the safety and health of your child. Unlike other slow flow nipples on this list, these also come standard with their own attachment ring.

Many replaceable nipples are used by simply removing the existing silicone nipple from the ring and placing it in the new nipple. With this nipple set, however, you don’t have to worry about fussing with messy rings and extra attachments.

The best way to know if these slow-flow nipples are right for you is to check out what other parents who have used them have to say about them. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

• Perfect amount of milk flow
• Doesn’t disturb breastfeeding
• No washing is a plus
• Perfect for tiny newborns
• Fit snug in pre-owned bottles
• Great if you are pumping

Cons:

• Seems wasteful
• Off-putting yellow color
• Expensive to repurchase

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6. Brown’s Original Nipple, Level 1

Dr. Brown’s brand has been the number one go-to brand for parents who have little babies who suffer from severe acid reflux and colic. This is because Dr. Brown’s products have been developed and designed by an actual pediatrician so you know that you are getting quality.

This is exactly the case when it comes to Dr. Brown’s Original Nipple. The internal vent system is what helps to make this product a best seller.

This vent works to push air away from your child’s mouth which will not only reduce colic but will lessen the chance of spit-up, burping and gas. The nipples themselves are extremely flexible for an extremely comfortable mouthfeel.

This is also because Dr. Brown’s Original Nipple set is constructed 100% out of silicone which is not only soft but also makes the nipple durable and strong. These nipples are also dishwasher safe which will make clean up and sanitizing a breeze.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Dr. Brown’s Original Level One Nipples:

Pros:

• The best flow of any nipple
• Easy to clean
• Doesn’t build up grime
• Works perfectly with bottles
• Silicone is super soft

Cons:

• The label is hard to read
• Expensive

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FAQ

How to know if a baby needs slow flow nipples?

If your baby shows up any of these signs while eating: gulping, hard swallowing, coughing, choking, milk dripping from the mouth, refusing the bottle then you should try slow flow nipple.

Can breastfed babies use slow flow nipples?

A slow-flow nipple is best for breastfed babies because it mimics the natural flow of milk from the breast.

When to switch nipples on your baby’s bottles?

These are the common signs that you should switch nipples on baby’s bottles: your baby seems frustrated at feeding time, a feed is taking a really long time, your baby is falling asleep while feeding and the bottle never gets finished.

What material are slow flow nipples made from?

Slow flow bottle nipples are either made from latex or silicone. There are a few cons of nipples made from latex material. Though the latex nipples are softer than silicone models, they break down faster. Latex may also cause allergic reactions for some babies. On the other side, silicone nipples are firmer and can withstand teething with greater longevity than latex-made slow flow nipples.

Conclusion

Before you set out to buy the best slow flow nipples for your child, there are the last few things you should consider.  Here are some key points:

Cost

The price point of slow-flow nipples depends on the brand and the quality of the nipples you are purchasing.  While some higher-end brands may seem too expensive for a temporary baby item, you should consider what you are using it for.

Bottle nipples are one of those rare items that you really shouldn’t skimp on. This is especially true if you are transitioning your child from breast to bottle. To ensure that you are getting a good price, however, check to see if you can find bulk purchasing options that allow you to buy several sized nipples all in one shot.  By purchasing them together, you can find that you will actually save money in the long run.

Reusable vs. Disposable

There is a big debate about which one of these two options is the best.  With disposable slow flow nipples, you are guaranteed a clean and fresh nipple each and every time, but you do need to worry about trash build-up as well as the high cost of having to re-purchase a new set every week or so.

With reusable slow flow nipples, you get the convenience of saving money and waste but you also will have to put the extra work of cleaning and disinfecting them in.  It comes down to your personal preference.

Easy to clean

Some slow-flow nipples are flexible enough to invert the nipple for quick and easy cleaning.  This is perfect if you are worried about properly cleaning out all the hidden little creases of the nipple. Make sure to fully read the package on whichever slow-flow nipple you choose to make sure they are dishwasher safe and BPA-free.

As you know, BPA is an additive found in plastic and silicone that can be harmful when exposed to extreme heat, like those you may find in a dishwasher. Whether or not the nipple is BPA-free will also determine whether or not you can clean them using boiling water, so this is a very important feature to take note of.

Whichever of the best slow flow nipples you choose to go with for your little one, as long as you stay true to what features you want, you cannot go wrong. It is important to keep in mind, however, the age and size of your child before making this purchase.

This is the only way to be sure that you have truly found the best size, as well as milk flow, for your little one. Good luck!

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