The size of a teat determines the speed of milk flow; smaller teats have a slower flow and milk flows faster from larger teats. It’s best to start with the slowest flow and work your way up to medium and fast flow as the baby grows. Some babies might be happy on slow or medium flow, while others will progress to fast flow. Take your cues from your baby. The most important thing is to ensure your baby is dictating the pace, through responsive feeding.

When the flow is too slow:

• Frustration while feeding; unlatching from the teat and crying

• Biting the teat

• Taking longer to feed

• Losing interest in a feed

• Falling asleep before finishing a feeding

When the flow is too fast:

• Choking, spluttering or coughing on the milk

• Milk overflowing from their mouth

• Upset during a feed

• Spill or posset milk after a feed