nipples.fyi logo

The Best Slow Flow Nipples

When selecting the right nipple for your baby, it’s important to choose one that closely mimics breastfeeding while catering to your baby’s specific needs. With so many options available, each designed to address different feeding challenges such as nipple confusion, colic, or flow preferences, the decision can feel overwhelming. Below is a comparison of five popular nipples that aim to make transitions between breast and bottle feeding easier. Whether you're focused on reducing colic, encouraging a natural latch, or managing flow rates, there's a nipple that suits your baby’s developmental stage and feeding needs.

1. Philips Avent Natural Response

Best For: Parents seeking a natural feeding rhythm that mimics breastfeeding.

  • Pros:
    • Mimics breastfeeding by releasing milk only when the baby actively sucks.
    • Anti-colic valve reduces discomfort.
    • No-drip design prevents spillage.
    • Multiple flow rate options (1-5) adapt as your baby grows.
    • Supports easy latch-on.
  • Cons:
    • May be challenging for babies accustomed to continuous milk flow.
    • Some babies may not like the slit opening.
Product Image

Philips AVENT Natural Response Baby Bottle Nipples Flow 1

A favorite for breastfed babies

2. Pigeon SoftTouch Wide Neck

Best For: Babies transitioning between breast and bottle.

  • Pros:
    • Soft, flexible silicone mimics a mother's nipple.
    • Supports natural sucking movements with Peristaltic Plus Teat.
    • Integrated anti-colic system minimizes gas and discomfort.
    • Easy latch-on with a visual guide.
    • BPA-free and durable.
  • Cons:
    • Larger nipple size may not work for all babies.
    • Latch guide may not suit every baby.
Product Image

3rd Gen: Pigeon Silicone Nipple Size S

Based on natural sucking movements

3. Dr. Brown's Natural Flow

Best For: Babies prone to colic, gas, or spit-up.

  • Pros:
    • Unique anti-colic vent system reduces gas and discomfort.
    • Nutrient preservation for vitamins A, C, and E.
    • Positive-pressure flow mimics breastfeeding.
    • Adaptable to baby’s growth.
    • BPA-free options available.
  • Cons:
    • Vent system requires extra cleaning care.
    • Some parents find vent components cumbersome.
Product Image

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Level 1 Nipple

Clinically proven to reduce colic

4. Comotomo Slow Flow

Best For: Newborns and breastfed babies transitioning to bottles.

  • Pros:
    • Soft, squeezable silicone mimics breastfeeding.
    • Dual anti-colic vents reduce gas and discomfort.
    • Non-collapsing nipple ensures consistent flow.
    • Easy to clean with a wide neck.
    • Made from 100% medical-grade silicone.
  • Cons:
    • Limited flow options may not suit growing babies.
    • Soft material may wear over time.
Product Image

Comotomo Silicone Nipples Slow Flow

Mimics breastfeeding to reduce bottle rejection

5. Tommee Tippee Slow Flow

Best For: Newborns transitioning to bottles with a breast-like design.

  • Pros:
    • Award-winning, breast-like design promotes easy latch and reduces nipple confusion.
    • Anti-colic valve helps reduce discomfort.
    • Slow flow ideal for newborns.
    • Soft silicone for comfort.
    • BPA-free.
  • Cons:
    • Slow flow might not meet the needs of babies with a higher feeding demand.
    • Some parents find the anti-colic valve prone to clogging.
Product Image

Tommee Tippee Silicone Replacement Nipple Slow Flow

Encourages a natural latch

Why Choose a Slow Flow Nipple?

Slow flow nipples offer several advantages:

  • Mimicking Natural Breastfeeding: These nipples encourage babies to actively suck, similar to breastfeeding. This helps babies feed at their own pace while promoting a more natural experience.
  • Oral Motor Development: Slow flow nipples support the development of oral motor skills by encouraging babies to work for their milk, which is important for proper feeding.
  • Preventing Feeding Issues: Slow flow nipples can prevent problems like:
    • Aspiration risks
    • Overfeeding
    • Difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing

Signs Your Baby Needs a Slow Flow Nipple

Look for the following signs that a slow flow nipple might be needed:

  • Baby sucks more than three times before swallowing.
  • Baby gets frustrated during feedings.
  • Feeding takes longer than 20-30 minutes.
  • Baby falls asleep before finishing the bottle.

Especially Beneficial For:

  • Premature babies
  • Babies transitioning from breast to bottle
  • Babies with respiratory issues

What to Look For in a Slow Flow Nipple

When selecting a slow flow nipple for newborns, keep these factors in mind:

  • Flow Rate: Aim for nipples with a flow rate under 10 mL/min for true slow flow. Extra slow options are great for newborns and premature babies.
  • Consistency: Nipples with low variability (CV < 0.1) offer more consistent flow, important for fragile infants.
  • Labeling: Flow rates vary between brands, so always check the specific flow rate, even for nipples labeled "newborn" or "slow."
  • Brand Consistency: Different nipple types within the same brand may have different flow rates, so verify this before choosing.
  • Design Features: Look for nipples that:
    • Mimic natural breastfeeding
    • Have anti-colic features to reduce gas and discomfort
    • Are easy for your baby to compress and extract milk from
  • Baby’s Needs: Consider your baby’s age, condition (e.g., premature), and transition needs when selecting a nipple.

For more on how to choose the right flow rate, check out our article on How to Choose the Flow Rate.

In-Depth Nipple Reviews

Philips Avent Natural Response:

Philips Avent's Natural Response nipples are designed to mimic breastfeeding, with milk flowing only when the baby actively sucks. This controlled feeding pace reduces milk loss and prevents overwhelm. The anti-colic valve minimizes discomfort, and the wide, flexible design promotes an easy latch. With five flow options, it adapts as your baby’s needs change, making it ideal for combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

Pigeon SoftTouch Wide Neck:

The Pigeon SoftTouch Wide Neck nipples feature soft silicone that mimics a mother’s breast, supporting natural sucking movements. The Peristaltic Plus Teat encourages instinctive feeding motions, while the anti-colic system reduces discomfort. The wide neck design makes cleaning and filling easy, and the nipple grows with your baby through different sizes.

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow:

Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow bottles are known for their anti-colic vent system, which eliminates air bubbles and vacuum pressure, reducing gas, burping, and spit-up. The system also helps preserve nutrients in breast milk and formula. The positive-pressure flow mimics breastfeeding, ensuring a smooth feeding experience. These bottles are adaptable, growing with your baby’s feeding needs.

Comotomo Slow Flow:

Comotomo Slow Flow bottles are designed to mimic breastfeeding with a soft, squeezable silicone nipple. The anti-colic vents reduce gas and discomfort, and the non-collapsing nipple ensures consistent flow. Easy to clean with a wide neck, these bottles are perfect for newborns and breastfed babies making the transition to bottle feeding.

Tommee Tippee Slow Flow:

Tommee Tippee Slow Flow nipples feature a breast-like shape that promotes easy latch-on and reduces nipple confusion. The soft silicone provides a skin-like feel, encouraging natural feeding motions. The anti-colic valve helps reduce discomfort, making this nipple ideal for newborns. Compatible with Tommee Tippee bottles, it’s a top choice for smooth transitions from breast to bottle.

Related Articles