I saw this posted on Nina Ayd Johanson’s Face book page, www.facebook.com/FoodSmartKids, and wanted to share. Great info, thanks, Nina!
Dr. Brown’s® Nipple Level Selection Guidelines for the Specialty Feeding System
https://www.drbrownsbaby.com/medical/sfs-clinical-nipple-flow-guidelines/
SFS-Clinical-Nipple-Flow-Guidelines
Hi Krisi! How do feel about thickening liquids and what nipple would you use if that was the recommendation from the GI or ENT? Do you use this Dr. Brown system? I have an 11 month old who is aspirating, and they have her on a very thickened consistency, which she is not tolerating. I am introducing cup drinking, but it’s not going well.
Hi Julie,
I am not a big fan of thickening for reflux but I know that it is recommended. We definitely thicken liquids for pharyngeal dysphagia to prevent aspiration. It is not an exact science as viscosity changes depending on base fluid (i.e, condensed formulas will be slightly thicker) and the material used to thicken (powdered rice cereal, oat meal flakes, etc).
With thickened formula we typically use a faster flow nipple; example would be level 2 or 3 for nectar and level 3 for honey. Some children need a Y cut or variable flow nipple for honey or thicker consistencies. We do use the Dr. Brown system but also use Even flow and other brands depending on the parent’s preference. Sometimes cost is a factor as well. We never cut nipples.
hope that helps. Krisi