Which bottle teat flow should I use for a newborn?
A slower flow is a common starting point for newborns, but labels vary by brand. Follow the teat instructions and your baby’s cues.
The short answer
NHS guidance says a slower flow teat is generally recommended for newborns. Flow labels vary between brands, so follow the product instructions and watch your baby during feeds. Ask a doctor for advice if your baby was premature or is struggling to feed.
Start with the manufacturer’s newborn option
Bottle teats may be labeled by age, number or flow speed, and these labels can vary between brands. NHS guidance says a slower flow teat is generally recommended for newborn babies because it can help prevent milk flowing into the mouth too quickly.
Use the teat as the manufacturer directs. Don’t cut, stretch or enlarge the opening. A label is only a starting point; it can’t tell you by itself whether a particular teat suits your baby.
Watch how your baby manages the flow
During a feed, hold your baby close and keep the bottle nearly horizontal so milk flows when they suck. Allow pauses and follow their cues. If milk repeatedly spills, your baby coughs or splutters, gulps noisily or pulls away, stop and ask a health professional for feeding support.
Don’t move to a faster teat only because of the age printed on a package. Babies differ, and feeding skills change over time. A midwife, health visitor or feeding specialist can help if a feed feels difficult.
Get advice for your baby when needed
Babies born prematurely or receiving extra medical care may need a specific teat or feeding position. Follow the plan from the neonatal or pediatric team rather than general product guidance.
This article summarizes NHS guidance and doesn’t recommend a brand. The NHS guide to feeding on demand explains how to follow a baby’s cues during a bottle feed.
Sources and further reading
- NHS equipment for formula feeding
- NHS paced bottle feeding
- Cambridge University Hospitals supporting safe bottle feeding
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.