Feeding goes smoothly when the flow rate matches the age and sucking strength. Flow sets milk speed, shapes breathing rhythm, and supports comfortable intake. A slow flow supports new coordination. A faster flow later on prevents hard work and long feeds. Mismatch shows as fussing, coughing, wind, or quick overfilling. Read cues first. Age bands guide; your baby leads. This practical guide gives clear steps you can try at home. You learn how flow affects feeding at each stage and how to change safely. We keep actions simple and tools familiar: bottle angle, vent checks, and single-step changes. The test changes calmly.

Flow rate basics for bottle feeding

• Flow rate = milk speed through the teat, set by hole size, cut design, and venting.
• Common labels on packs: slow, medium, fast, variable; Y-cut for thicker liquids on clinical advice.
• Venting stabilises pressure and reduces air intake to support a steadier pace.
• Age bands guide, though cues matter more: rhythm, breathing ease, and comfort during and after feeds.
• For side-by-side options across brands, browse Bottle Feeding on Astir Care.

How flow rate change the feeding mechanics

• Early months need a slow, stable stream to support suck–swallow–breathe coordination.
• Too slow: long feeds, hard sucking, early fatigue, lip blisters, limited intake, unsettled periods soon after.
• Too fast: gulping, coughing, milk at the corners, more spit-up.
• A well-vented system helps prevent teat collapse and keeps a calm rhythm.
• A good match shows relaxed hands, steady swallows, and easier wind relief.

Age-by-age flow guidance

0–3 months: slow flow supports coordination

• Start with slow flow to build a calm pattern while coordination matures.
• Good signs: steady rhythm, minimal dribble, feeds of roughly 20–30 minutes.
• If the teat collapses, re-seat parts and check vents and angle before any switch.
• Pick slow-flow teats within the same brand system in Bottles & Accessories.

3–6 months: many move to medium

• Sucking strength rises; medium flow often gives efficient transfer without gulping.
• Signs to step up: repeated pulling off, clear frustration, strong effort with little transfer.
• Keep the bottle more horizontal to moderate speed; invite brief pauses, so your baby leads the pace.
• Find age-labelled medium flow teats in Bottles & Accessories.

6–12 months: faster or variable for efficiency

• Volumes grow and mealtimes gain structure; fast or variable helps maintain pace.
• Watch for coughing or wide-eyed gulping; step down if those signs appear.
• When a clinician advises thicker feeds, a Y-cut or variable teat supports that plan.
• Compare bottle systems and compatible teats in Bottle Feeding and Bottles & Accessories.

12–18 months: late-stage bottle users

• For ongoing bottle use, fast or variable often suits lines labelled 6–18 months.
• Keep mealtime structure; offer water in open or 360 cups as part of a gradual transition.
• Check availability of 6–18 months teats within brand systems on Astir Care.

Quick check-signs the flow is wrong

• Too slow: feeds exceed 45 minutes; strong suck with little transfer; clear frustration.
• Too fast: spluttering, coughing, arching; milk at the mouth corners; more regurgitation.
• Reassess latch, position, bottle angle, and vent integrity before changing flow.
• Speak with your health visitor or GP if problems continue.

How to step up flow safely

• Change one variable at a time; trial the next flow during a calm daytime feed.
• Hold your baby more upright; keep the feeding bottle more horizontal to control speed.
• Pause for burps; allow self-paced rests to keep satiety cues clear.
• Observe over 24–48 hours; step back if coughing or gulping appears.
• Source age-matched replacement teats in Bottles & Accessories so you switch cleanly.

Dummies vs Teats

• A dummy (pacifier for newborns) soothes; it does not deliver milk or test flow.
• Offer dummies between feeds, not to mask clear hunger cues or extend gaps rigidly.
• Pick age-matched one-piece designs and replace them on wear.
• For age-specific soothers, browse Soothers & Dummies (labelled Soothers & Teethers on site).

Micro-troubleshooting-fast fixes before changing flow

• Re-seat the teat and screw ring, so vents work as designed.
• Adjust the bottle angle to moderate stream speed without extra effort.
• Replace sticky, stretched, or cracked teats; worn parts change flow.
• Keep one brand system per set so vents, rings, and teats align and flow stays predictable.

Shop Feeding Bottles & Accessories

Choose flow with confidence and keep feeds calm. Compare bottle systems and pick teats by stage, from newborn slow flow to fast or variable options for older infants. Start in the Bottle Feeding category to view bottle and teat families side by side. Add compatible spares from Bottles & Accessories, so you step up or step down cleanly. Plan dummy use with age-matched options in Soothers & Dummies. Need guidance before you buy? Message our team for practical advice. We serve UK parents with reliable stock and clear, fair pricing. Response times stay fast during peak seasons.