Baby’s Milk Choking May Be Due to the Wrong Nipple! Age-Appropriate Flow Rate Is Crucial

Posted by

Le good baby

September 1, 2025

On April 25, 2023

When choosing bottles for babies, parents often focus on "material safety" but overlook the "invisible factor" of nipple flow rate. In fact, many cases of babies choking on milk or crying are caused by a mismatch between the flow rate and the baby's age.

For newborns aged 0-3 months with weak swallowing ability, a "slow-flow nipple" (usually 1-hole design) is a must. The slow milk flow gives the baby enough time to swallow, preventing milk from being aspirated into the trachea.
Babies aged 3-6 months have improved swallowing ability and are suitable for a "medium-flow nipple" (2-hole design), which can meet their milk intake needs without requiring too much effort to suck.
For babies over 6 months old who have started eating complementary foods, their demand for a faster milk flow increases. A "fast-flow nipple" (3 holes or more) can be used instead; otherwise, the baby may get frustrated and cry because they can't get much milk even after sucking for a long time.

It's also important to note that nipples are consumables. Even if they aren't broken, they should be replaced every 3 months or so — aging nipples may have enlarged holes and abnormal flow rates, which increase the risk of milk choking. Parents shouldn't delay replacement just because the nipples "aren't broken"!