What type of nipples are recommended for feeding babies with cleft lip?

Feeding babies with cleft lip requires special consideration to ensure that they can receive adequate nutrition without complications. The recommendation for large-holed, soft nipples is based on their design, which allows for better flow of milk and easier suction.

Babies with a cleft lip may have difficulty creating a vacuum needed for suctioning milk effectively, so a large-holed nipple helps by allowing milk to flow more easily, which can prevent fatigue during feeding. Additionally, soft nipples are more pliable, making it easier for the baby to compress them and obtain milk, accommodating their feeding capabilities and limitations.

In contrast, standard nipples may not provide sufficient flow or may require more effort than the baby can manage comfortably. Nipples with a one-way valve may limit the flow of milk and could complicate feeding. Small-holed, hard nipples would present even more difficulty, as they would require stronger suction and could lead to frustration for the baby. Thus, the choice of large-holed, soft nipples directly addresses the feeding challenges posed by a cleft lip and promotes effective feeding.