Description
NUK’s unique orthodontic shape was developed over 50 years ago by two orthodontists, who developed a teat that would mimic the natural sucking action of breast feeding as closely as possible.
Their research found that prolonged use of conventional round teats and soothers could cause oral abnormalities like open bite. They therefore decided to develop a teat that is based on the shape of a mother’s nipple during breast-feeding.
By closely mimicking the sucking action of breast-feeding, NUK teats encourage the correct oral development for your baby.
To help with the birthing process, all babies are born with under-developed jaws. The mouth, tongue and jaw muscles are then developed by the natural sucking action used in breast-feeding, which makes the baby ‘work’ for his feed. By developing these muscles correctly, there will be sufficient space for correct development of the teeth.
It is this natural sucking action that the NUK teat mimics, so feeding from a NUK teat will encourage healthy oral development – which is why the NUK teats are approved by the British Dental Health Foundation. And because the NUK teat is based on the shape of a mother’s nipple, it will also make switching between breast and bottle easy. This is because all babies are actually born with a natural instinct to suck. Some even suck their fingers or thumbs in the womb.
NUK teats are used in many maternity and neonatal wards throughout the UK. In fact, NUK is currently used in over 200 hospitals, including Great Ormond Street, Alder Hey and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The NUK orthodontic teat is recommended by 93% of paediatricians and 87% of midwives and is the only teat approved by the British Dental Health Foundation.
NUK latex teats are made of natural latex, a high-quality, natural material. As latex is a soft material, it is more nipple-like than silicone, so if you are planning on combining bottle- and breast-feeding, a latex teat may make this easier.
Latex is particularly durable; it has excellent resistance to pulling, helps prevents tears from splitting further and is elastic. As latex is a natural material it contains fat, which can cause it to age.
Guidelines
To prevent the teat aging too quickly, store away from direct sunlight and at room temperature. Latex teats should be replaced every 4-8 weeks, as soon as they become sticky.
The feed hole sizes of NUK First Choice teats can be easily identified by the marks on the base of the NUK Air System valve.
- M = Medium hole – for breast or formula milk
- L = Cross hole (latex) – for hungrier babies or thickened feeds
NUK teats only come in 2 sizes; Size 1 for babies from 0 to 6 months and Size 2 for 6 to 18 months. Toddlers of 18 months and older are usually able to feed themselves. These ages are only meant as a guide; you and your baby will know what suits you best..
Can NUK latex teats turn white at the tip even when they are new?
Yes, if the teat has been placed in boiling water for too long, or has been sterilised upside down. Both of these will cause the latex to absorb water, which causes the change in colour; therefore, once the teat has dried it should return to its normal colour.
Why are my NUK latex teats becoming sticky?
If a NUK latex teat starts to become sticky and swell up, it is a sign that the teat is beginning to age (typically after 4-8 weeks of use) and that it should be replaced. This is because latex is a natural material. The life of a latex teat will depend upon a variety of factors, including the fat content of the feed being given and the teat’s storage conditions. For this reason we recommend storing latex teats away from direct heat and sunlight.
Which way round should my NUK teat be when I’m feeding my baby?
Always ensure that the NUK Air System vent is pointing upwards when feeding, otherwise milk will leak out.
Do I have to use a NUK teat with a NUK bottle?
Because the NUK teats and bottles have been designed to work together, we do recommend that you use them this way.
When should NUK teats be replaced?
For hygiene reasons, we recommend you replace NUK teats and soothers after 4-8 weeks of use, or as soon as they show signs or wear or damage. Please check teats before use.
