Impact of venting, caloric density, and formula type on flow rates from bottle nipples

Abstract

PurposeTo determine whether flow rate from the bottle nipple is impacted by a venting system, caloric density of the infant formula, or by milk type of the formula (i.e., standard cow's milk, hypoallergenic cow's milk, or soy protein). MethodFlow rates were tested of six nipple types with and without a venting system. Separately, five nipple types were tested for flow rate with formula at caloric densities of 20, 22, 24, and 30 calories per ounce. Then, two nipple types were tested with six infant formulas of different milk types. ResultsFor two nipple types, flow rate was faster with the venting system compared to without. For three of the nipple types, flow rate increased as caloric density increased. There were no significant differences in flow by milk type. ConclusionsVenting systems and caloric density may impact flow rate from the bottle nipple, but not consistently across nipple types.