NaturalWave Teats vs Standard Teats: A Parent's Guide

Quick answer

If you are breastfeeding and want to introduce a bottle without disrupting latch, choose a NaturalWave teat. Its wide-base, gradual slope and wave-like tongue movement are designed to mimic the breast, and it is clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion. Standard teats often have a narrower shape and a faster, steadier flow, which can suit formula-fed babies or parents who are not combination feeding. For breastfed babies, start with the Extra Slow Flow teat and only move up when feeding cues show it is needed.

How NaturalWave teats differ from standard teats

The main difference is the shape and how milk flows. NaturalWave teats have a wide base and a gradual slope that encourages a deep latch similar to the breast. The teat is extra-soft and stretchy, so it flexes with your baby's tongue rather than staying rigid. Standard teats tend to be narrower and firmer, with a rounder bulb and a more constant flow. That can work well for babies who are exclusively bottle-fed, but it may feel unfamiliar to a breastfed baby who is used to compressing the breast and controlling the pace. NaturalWave teats are also anti-colic, with a venting system that helps reduce air intake. Standard teats vary widely: some are anti-colic, some are not, and flow rates are often labelled simply slow, medium, or fast without a breast-like design.

Flow rates: what the sizes mean and when to change

NaturalWave teats come in three flow rates: Extra Slow Flow, Slow Flow, and Fast Flow. The Extra Slow Flow is the closest to breastfeeding and is the usual starting point for breastfed babies or newborns. Slow Flow is a step up for babies who are feeding well but still taking a while, and Fast Flow suits older babies who are draining the bottle quickly and getting frustrated. Standard teats often use a similar numbered system, but the actual speed can differ between brands. If you are switching from a standard teat to NaturalWave, expect the NaturalWave flow to feel slower at first because it is designed to let your baby set the pace. That is intentional: it helps protect breastfeeding patterns. If your baby takes more than 20 minutes to finish a feed on Extra Slow Flow and seems tired or hungry afterwards, that is a sign to try the next size up.

Latch and nipple confusion: what the evidence says

NaturalWave teats are clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion. That claim comes from the product's own testing and is specific to the NaturalWave design, not to standard teats. The mechanism is the wave-like tongue movement: babies use the same tongue action on the teat as they do at the breast, so the feeding pattern stays consistent. Standard teats do not make that claim. If you are combination feeding and want to protect your breastfeeding relationship, a teat designed for that purpose removes one variable. If you are not breastfeeding, nipple confusion is not a concern, and a standard teat may be perfectly adequate. The trade-off is that NaturalWave teats cost more than many standard teats, and some babies who have only ever used a standard teat may need a few tries to accept the different shape.

Bottle compatibility and cleaning

NaturalWave teats fit all Lansinoh feeding bottles, including the 160ml plastic and glass versions. They are not universal: they will not fit most other brands' bottles unless the collar thread matches. Standard teats are often brand-specific too, so if you already own bottles from another brand, check compatibility before buying replacement teats. For cleaning, all NaturalWave teats can be sterilised by steam, boiling, or cold water steriliser. The wide base means they need a little more room in a steriliser basket than narrow standard teats. Glass bottles are easier to clean and sterilise and are 100% eco-friendly, but they are heavier and can break if dropped. Plastic bottles are lighter and cheaper, but may discolour over time. Neither choice affects how the teat performs.

Trade-offs to weigh before you choose

• Breast-like latch vs flow speed: NaturalWave teats are designed to mimic the breast, which means the flow is slower and your baby works a little harder. Standard teats often flow faster with less effort. If your baby is breastfed, the slower flow is a feature, not a flaw. If you are formula-only feeding, a standard teat may be simpler.
• Nipple confusion protection vs cost: NaturalWave teats are clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion, but they cost more than many standard teats. A pack of two NaturalWave teats is an investment in protecting breastfeeding. If you are combination feeding, the extra cost is usually worth it. If you are not breastfeeding, you can save money with a standard teat.
• Bottle compatibility vs convenience: NaturalWave teats fit all Lansinoh bottles, including the 160ml plastic and glass versions. They do not fit most other brands. Standard teats are also brand-specific. Check your bottle brand before buying replacement teats. If you already own Lansinoh bottles, NaturalWave is a direct fit.

Key product facts

• Pack of NaturalWave® Fast Flow Teats: Pack of NaturalWave Fast Flow Teats: anti-colic, wide-base with gradual slope for a just-right latch. Clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion and preserve breastfeeding patterns. Best for older babies who are already feeding well and need a faster flow without losing the breast-like latch.
• Pack of NaturalWave® Extra Slow Flow Teats: Pack of NaturalWave Extra Slow Flow Teats: same anti-colic wide-base design, clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion. Designed for breastfed babies and newborns. The safest starting point for combination feeding because it mimics the slow, controlled flow of the breast.
• Pack of Feeding Bottles 160ml with NaturalWave® Teat: Pack of Feeding Bottles 160ml with NaturalWave Teat: anti-colic, wide-based, extra-soft and stretchy teat. Fits all 3 sizes of NaturalWave teats. A convenient way to try the NaturalWave system if you need bottles and teats together, and the bottle grows with your baby as you change teat sizes.
• Glass Feeding Bottles 160ml with NaturalWave® Teat: Glass Feeding Bottles 160ml with NaturalWave Teat: easier to clean and sterilise, 100% eco-friendly, supplied with a Slow Flow teat. Size 160ml. A good choice if you prefer glass for durability and environmental reasons, and the included Slow Flow teat suits many breastfed babies after the first few weeks.

Which teat is right for you?

Best for

• Breastfeeding parents who want to introduce a bottle without disrupting latch
• Combination feeding families who switch between breast and bottle
• Babies who need a slower, paced feed to avoid overfeeding
• Parents who want a teat that grows with baby through three flow rates

Not for

• Parents whose babies are exclusively formula-fed and happy with a standard teat
• Babies who refuse a wide-base teat and prefer a narrower shape
• Parents using bottles from a different brand that is not compatible with NaturalWave teats
• Those looking for the cheapest possible teat option