Replacing Bottles and Nipples

I started my son on rice cereal around 2.5-3 months because he always seemed hungry at night. He started sleeping through the night and not taking a night feeding around 3 months old. When I went in for his 4 month well child, I told the pediatrician I had started cereal early and she said if he was doing well with that go ahead and start veggies and fruits....he is now in love with all fruits and veggies at almost 5 months old, and doing very well! I also went up to the #2 nipples, because he was working so hard to get formula out that he was falling asleep without being full. I have recently tried to #3's for 3 months and up, but he is too messy with those, formula comes out way to fast! Hope this helps!

I stepped up a nipple size when my son started to fall asleep while he was feeding. He when then wake up a short time later and want to be feed more.

My babies were all 9+ lbs. so I started them on cereal around 3 mos., mixed with formula, to help them sleep through the night. I used the slow flow nipples when they were little, then moved up to 6mo+ size when they were older. There are also two types of crosscuts I've found. I used the smaller for formula/cereal when they were really little, but soon when they could handle the fast flow, I changed to the larger crosscut. Latex nipples seem to breakdown faster, so I have to toss them regularly. Silicone holds up well, although their crosscuts tend to split open after awhile, causing a really fast flow. (My youngest chews and pulls on them, too, which causes splits faster.) Only one of my babies had swallowing issues when tiny, so I kept a closer eye on him. He's also the one that got frustrated later on when the slow flow nipples caused him to work too hard to get his milk!

SAHM of seven

As long as your baby can comfortably fit a bigger size nipple in his mouth, that it is a good idea to get a bigger one that would allow more milk to flow. Honestly, this will help me sleep the night since he'll be more satisfied. My mom did start my brother on cereal when he was 4 months old otherwise he was always hungry. But I wouldn't encourage it unless increasing the size of the nipple does not help -- even just getting a quicker flowing nipple may help him. You don't necessarily have to get a bigger nipple just one that always more milk to flow. A very good brand is NUK, they are very unique nipples but they truly have helped my lil' girl who is now 1 year & 6 months old. She started sleeping through night almost instantly once we started using those nipples because they conformed to her mouth & she could get more out of them. Hope this helps!

Hi, I am also a first time mom and my son is now 5 1/2 months old but I started him on cereal and food at about 4 months. He was watching us eat and always had to be apart of dinner time so we decided to try it and he loved it and did really well with it. I do notice he sleeps a little better with it in his belly. I did ask the doctor and she told me that was fine and mom usually knows best! Doctor also said it was more about the signs he is ready than it is an age. Hope this helps, good luck. I know all to well how hard the sleepless nights can be.
C.

When my daughter turned 6months I went up a size but it was a little too big for her. I inter changed small ones and bigger ones and she just had to get used to the new flow. She is 9 months now and is taking to a sippy cup(for juice)quite well. I still use both size nipples because they are expensive to replace all of them.

We started introducing rice cereal at 4 months and she slept through the night a lot better. It's amazing! I was told not to mix the cereal in her bottle. Try 2 teaspoons and mix with breast milk or formula till it is kind of soupy. Making cereal for your baby is like playing chemestry you have to find the right balance.

Good Luck!

Hi A.,

We changed nipples when she started sucking so hard that they would collapse. Most nipples have certain ages ascribed to them, too, on the packaging.

My daughter was sleeping through the night until a week before she turned 4 months old. She would start waking up at 4-5am hungry. At her four month appt. our pediatrician gave us the green light for cereal. The day after we started cereal she started sleeping through the night again.

good luck,
L.

My son is 5 years old now, but he did start on cereal when he was 4 months old also! Call your pediatrition to find out how they want you to go about the feeding of cereal, and they'd probably have the best info for you as far as changing bottles, and nipples! I breast fed, so I never had that problem! If he seems hungry, he most likely is, and you should take care of this right away!
Angela

at four months old i started all three of my kids on cereal, and changing bottles and nipples,i did it every three months, the packages of nipples tell you the recommended age for child to use . thats what i did and i didn't have any problems

We usually tried the next size nipple every few months. If the formula ended up all over our son's face, we knew he wasn't ready for the new size yet. We never had any issues with choking. As for cereal, we started at 4 months with the rice cereal, but it took until about 6 months before he got the hang of it. Our pediatrician said that adding the cereal didn't usually affect the night wakings much, but every child is different. Good luck!

I can speak from experience on this. My son was not sleeping through the night at the same age, and I was exhausted since I was breastfeeding. It finally dawned on me that his little belly wasn't ever full. I began to incorporate some bottle feeding and started to mix a little cereal in with formula. I noticed immediate change. Both of us began to get full, sound nights of sleep. I've determined that his metabolism is just very high. He is now 2 1/2 years and nothing as changed! He burns alot of energy during the day, so I have to make sure he eats the right types of food and lots of it, being careful not to overfeed him.

My 7 1/2 month old is still using the same nipple as when she was born. I would think the only reason that you would have to change the nipple is if your baby was getting frustrated.. On the cereal, the pediatridions in Iowa have you start your kids on cereal at 4 months, and then jar food at 6 months. But you are to feed them with a spoon. I had to start my son on cereal at 3 months because he was hungry all the time. Now he was my first and that was almost 6 years ago, and I feed him with a feeder bottle, but I guess you are not suppose to do that anymore. Your the parent, and if you feel that your child is ready for cereal, then feed it to him, mothers actually know there kids better then the doctors. Doctors give advise and fix problems, mothers are to love and raise there children as they see fit!! Good luck!!!

he A.,

my name is L. and my son is four now and i gave him a little cereal in his bottle when he was three months old because he could not even last four hours with out a bottle and would get really upset because his belly was empty. As soon as i gave him the little bit of cereal in his bottle it was like magic!!!! and he slept better and his whole dispostion was different. Most people will tell you that u should wait till that they don't need any type of food till ther 6 months, but every babie is different. you have to do what feel right to you. I hope that i have helped a little bit. have a nice day.

L.

Check the bottoms of all of your bottles and make sure none of them are #3 or #7 plastic. I only changed the nipples when I thought they were ready for a faster flow because they don't really wear out that fast.
As far as sleeping through the night. Babies aren't ready to sleep through the night until they are 6 months old. Feeding them cereal too young can lead to diabetes. Follow the instructions of your ped. I'm sure they have told you when to start cereal. I wouldn't put cereal in the bottle unless he had bad reflux. If he is old enough for cereal then feed it to him on a spoon. At 6 months my babies got a bowl of cereal and a bottle at 8 pm and would sleep through the night.
Best Wishes,
J.
Mom to 4 and soon one more through another adoption.

Hi A.!
I am a first-time mom with an 8 month old boy and I did buy #2 nipples (we use Avent brand) when he was about 3-4 months old and he did fine with that. Then, I bought #3's, thinking since he's older he was "supposed" to have a bigger size nipple, and it wasn't worth it! He totally chokes because it comes out too fast. He's perfectly happy with #2 size. I didn't receive any advice from anyone to change nipples, I just thought you were supposed to. Now I know I didn't need to spend the $ afterall. As far as the cereal goes, I think I tried it for the first time when he was around 4 months and he did ok, but then we went through a phase around 6 months he refused to eat any solids. I think if you feel like trying to feed your son cereal, go for it. But if he shows no interest, then wait a week or two and try it again. good luck! hope this helps!

PLease do not give your baby cereal early in hopes that he will sleep through the night. Babies are to have breast milk only until 6 months, and adding cereal to his diet now before he is ready will probably not help him sleep through the night. Please consider what is best for him.

I'm a Mom of 3 and I started my son at about 2 months old on cereal because we couldn't keep him satisfied. My pediatrician at the time said that was fine. Rice cereal to begin with and then when they are older oatmeal is okay. Hope this helps!

I have used Avent bottles since my daughter was born and continue to use the same ones (she is two). I really like them because the nipples are interchangeable, and then you can turn them into sippie cups with different "nipples." It seemed like I went up a size every few months (she was on a sippie cup when she was 9 months) and it worked out great. I just had to remember that for about the first week after I switched, she had to sorta get used to the new size. I did put cereal in my child's milk at around three months (even though you're "not supposed to") because she wouldn't sleep through the night either. Unfortunately, it didn't work for my daughter. She woke up just as often. But, I didn't have any bad consequences from it either, and I have heard that it does work for some children.

Hi,
I have heard that you should change bottles and nipples because of the plastic breaking down or just getting old! As far as switching nipple size, I switched to a #2 and 3 for my 6 month old and he drinks way too fast. If you have the time and your child is not frustrated with drinking from a #1 nipple, then keep him on that! I started cereal at 4 months because my son still dosen't sleep through the night! He wakes up constantly! The cereal did not help us!

A.; yes change nipples from time to time, check for cracking or peeling, they can eventually bite off the tip and swallow it, if in good repair they are ok, if your child cant eat from small nipple sure go up a size, and you can also control the flow by adding more holes or cutting into nipple like putting an x cut in top for more flow,yes i have had a son start eating that early , bottle nor breast was enough for this son, and some kids dont sleep through the night till older. some go for a year or more without sleeping through night, my middle son wanted to eat more more more at 2 months, we added things to his meals, that worked, but however it does change their stools, and can make them harder and make it harder to pass them so caution is to be exercised as well, just keep a watch on things and always use your good judgement, they are made in such a way as to tell you what is right for them, have fun and enjoy , D. s

I haven't heard of changing nipple SIZE, but I did change nipples to ones with a great number of holes in it. The older they get, the more they can suck out of it. They are Avent bottles and nipples.

I started with a small amount of cereal twice a day when my son was 3 months old it seemed to help try it it may help but watch him to see if he spits up

I didn't really ever switch or replace nipples unless they got broke or needed it. I did use the fast nipples when my daughter was older like pushing a year old.

As far as I know you don't need to replace nipples unless they are torn or cracked. If your son is eating ok with the nipples your currently using I wouldn't worry about going up a size. My boys always used fast flow nipples from the start so I never went up a size.

I didn't start my boys on cereal until they were 6 months. With baby #3 due in October I'll probably wait a little longer. There is actually no evidence that cereal helps babies sleep any better and it's a lot harder for their little tummies to digest than formula or breastmilk. I'm actually surprised at how early a lot of moms fed their little ones cereal. Some babies just don't sleep through the night until they're older. My first didn't until he was nearly 10 months old but my second did closer to 4 months and my 4 month old didn't do it because he was eating cereal. He just mature enough to handle going longer between feedings.

I am not sure on the nipple thing. I have heard you should go to a bigger size when your child gets a little older, as the small nipples noramlly are for younger infants so they do not get to much at one time, as they might choke. As far as a baby eating cereal at 4 months, I have 2 children and both of my girls ate cereal at 4 months. My oldest was actually eating people food at 4 months. Things such as mashed potatoes, and stuff that was squisshy enough she did not have to chew. She is now a very big girl and I mean BIG, so I would suggest only using baby cereal on your little one till he gets a little older. Hope this helps. :)

Hi A.,
I don't remember nipples being an issue. I fed my babies cereal at 1 week at bedtime. Never had a problem with sleeping through the night. I know of many moms who feed their babies cereal right away and then slowly work their way to other strained foods.
Nan

My son was born the end of August and by Thanksgiving he had stoped breast feeding because he couldn't get enough, and was hungry so my aunt made me buy cereal, and she mixed it in his bottle and we cut the nipple - after that he didn't want just milk until he was on baby food.
He is now 18 months old - and I haven't had a problem with him from that and the doctor never said anything that it was wrong.
As for the nipples - when I need new one's I bought a bigger size - it just depends on the child. My son still takes a bottle (at bedtime) and has nipple size 3 or 4.
Now that I am pregnant again - I will start the baby on 1. Depending on the brand you use - some have a nipple with a varible flow - so that the baby gets it as fast as they want it.
Good Luck and hope this helps.

A.,
Your baby is so little. Babies that young have super tiny stomachs and most can't go through a whole night without food. I think the rule I've heard is 12mos old before they can really go all night without eating...and that's as long as they aren't having a growth spurt! You didn't say if you are breastfeeding, they encourage you to use the slower nipples with breastfed infants to keep them working so they don't get lazy at the breast and endanger your supply. Obviously if your little one chokes etc while feeding him, he's not ready for the faster nipples.
Good luck!
S.

We went thru the same thing. You could change the nipples now. He's more than old enough. You may want to make a little larger opening just to see if that what's you need before buying more nipples. My husband was always more aware of that part of the feeding and took care of it. We always supplemented with formula for the first three months so I could rest between breastfeedings. :) We started adding cereal to his formula fairly early. I think he was two months. He LOVED his "extra special" bottle we'd make for him. A food coma always followed! :)

I wondered the same thing at about this age. My doctor recommended using the "Variable" flow nipples (MOST bottle companies have these now) It allows the baby to decide how fast or slow he wants to drink, because as I found out with my daughter, it sometimes depended on the time of day.
As for cereal in his diet, we started the day after our 4 month check up (with permission from the peditrician)and now our 6 month old is loving fruits, veggies, crackers, etc! As long as he can sit supported, the general rule is put him in a high chair and let him try solids-don't put it in a bottle, even the first time-mix it to directions and he'll do fine. Just remember to double check with the doctor first! And expect a mess :)

I don't replace bottles or nipples unless something is wrong with them. You can sterilize them in the dishwasher or boil them if you're concerned about bacteria.
My oldest went up to the fast flow nipples around 5 months, I think. My second resisted and didn't make the switch until he was closer to 8 or 9 months. I just wait till they get frustrated or seem to be sucking extra hard.
I started both of my boys on cereal before bedtime at 4 months and then gradually added it to other meals. They were on other baby foods at 6 months.

My youngest began eating cereal at 4 months, she was a very hungry baby, and formula just didn't hold her (amybe for an hour and a half). After mixing cereal with the formula on a 1 part cereal to 4 parts formula and gradually increasing the cereal while decreasing the formula, she began to sleep better and be a happier baby (who is now a relatively happy 18 year old) She suffered no ill effects from being fed before the "mom's handbook" said to feed her. Sorry I can't really help with the bottle/nipple question way too much time has passed, and they probably say something different now. Wonder how we all survived our childhoods by today's safety standards?!

You are to replace them when thay show signs of wear. The nipples inlarging, cracks, tears etc.
I have never heard of a specific time frame. The nipple size depends on the child I think. Mine liked newborn size, the other seemed to have too much milk come out at once. I had my children on cereal about 4 months. Again it depends on your child. If you think your child is ready start him/her-just make sure it's really thin. If he doesn't take to it try again a little later. My oldest was on cereal early and still woke up for a feeding once a night until she was 9 or 10 months old.

Hi A. - Each child is different. We had 2 out of the 4 who were bottle-fed. We only replaced the nipples when they wore out. Bottles were cleaned really super well so they didn't need changing at all. If you are real concerned about it you could go with the disposables such as playtex. Now last time I had a baby Playtex had their own version of nuk-type nipples as well.
As far as cereal goes - each kid varied. First kid needed it by 2 months, youngest didn't need it until she was 5 months.
Dr. said to go by how much they eat per day to let you know when they need to get on cereal. If they eat more than 2 qts of formula a day, they can be put on cereal .... or if they feed more than 8 times a day (newborns up to 1 month an exception).
It could be that your formula isn't satisfying enough though. We used Carnation Good Start for our formula babies and had a lot less problems with the babies than parents who used Similac or the soy.
When we started our bottle babies on cereal we would put just a little in the bottle two feedings before bedtime ... we had to make a very small 'x' in the hole of the nipple (very small or your child gets a milk-bath) It won't take a lot of rice cereal either .... maybe a tablespoon to 8oz formula to start.
Once you start feeding cereal you can expect poo to change, and constipation to begin. Don't be surprised if you child gets massive tummy aches the first few times, food is hard to digest for their little tummies.

With my girls I changed the nipples every few weeks and more frequently when they got sick or where teething. As for bottles I changed their bottle size as they grew ans where eating more. While sick I would sterilize them every other day, and when they where not once a week in hot boiling water for 20 mins. Did the same with sippy cups too once a week in boiling water, But mostly used the take n toss cups furing that time.

Not really sure about the nipple thing, but I started giving my son rice cereal with his formula at 3 mos. My daughter uses both size 1 and 2 at times (just depends on which one I put with the bottle). She uses SOOTHIE bottles and binkys, so I don't think it matters with her...could be wrong, though she doesn't mind.

Hi A.! Use your own judgement when it comes to replacing the bottles & nipples. If they look too worn or "yucky", by all means. Otherwise, there really isn't a need to replace. If you are using smaller bottles, you may want to upgrade to accomodate more ounces. As for the nipples, I think the flow varies with the different brands. I changed flow rates when my daughter began to eat constantly. By going to a higher flow rate, she would go longer in between feedings because she would eat more. I would recommend trying the next step up for the nipples. He might start eating more at one feeding and going longer in between feedings, like my daughter did. That was soooo nice! Maybe he'll even start sleeping through the night for you. Good luck!! Oh, and I started my daughter on cereal at 4 months. Veggies & fruit at like 5 months or so. Everyone has different opinions on this subject. Go with your gut and what feels right for you. :)

I never really worried about going up in size in bottles. A lot of the time, I just went with whatever nipple came with the bottle. :)

As for the cereal at 4 month - my son will be 5 months on the 26th - at his 4 month checkup his doctor told me to start feeding him cereal to hopefully help him sleep through the night. He is also eating too much formula and she thought he needed more calories. We started rice cereal at once a day for a week, then went to twice a day (after 3 weeks she told us to start introducing the stage one baby foods as well). She wanted it to (hopefully) stop at least the 1 and 3 AM feedings. And for the most part it has worked. He LOVES eating too. And it has cut down on formula. That is just the advice my pediatritian gave me. I did get the same advice from my daughter's doctor when she was a baby too (to start cereal at 4 months, she was already a great sleeper though)
good luck!

I'm a Mother of 3 & I DID change the nipple size of the nipples like every 2-3 months & they NEVER had a problem with it. As they get older, their mouths get older & would YOUn want to suck on a Nipple that was TOO small for your mouth? & when your child is 4 months old, you are suppose to start him/her on Baby food, the first syage OR even on baby Cereal & that way you'll child WILL sleep thru the night becuz he won't be Hungry. But, STILL keep on giving him his formula right after. Feed him 2-3 meals a day & you'll son will be Happy, Full, & sleep thru the night.

Hi There,

I have an almost 7 month old. I just looked at the bottle website for advice (in our case Avent). It looks like it is really up to the individual child, some never need a nipple change. I don't know why you would need a new bottle unless the one you are using is not working for Nathan.

With sleeping through the night, he is still young to be doing this really. Try not to expect so much from him. We did start our son on some rice cereal at 5 months at the Dr's advise. He said that at 4 months most babies are too little to be able to digest it properly & to never use it to get the kid to sleep through the night. Our son was eating a TON & he thought that at 5 months it miht help to fill him up some. I still think he was too little, he had a hard time with it until about 5 1/2 months (we were only doing it once a day). What did help our son was offering him the bottle every 2-3 hours even if he was not acting fussy yet. We would offer & if he took it, great, otherwise we did not push it. We found that he was hungry sooner & more than we realized. We fed him every 2-3 hours then & then he started sleeping through the night (until 4-5 am) because he got enough to eat during the day.

Have patience. Just try not to set your expectations to high. I am a 1st time Mom too & I know how hard it is.

Hope this helps!
S.