Frequently Asked
Questions

Our Feeding 101 Help Center is a robust content library with easy-to-follow feeding guidance and how-to articles. All of our educational materials are reviewed for accuracy by a medical professional. Parents and caregivers can also follow us on Instagram, where we share helpful graphics and feeding tips, or join our growing community on Instagram.

We carefully developed our nfant® Tracker App to train parents how to read feeding cues, assess their baby’s needs, determine nipple flow rate, choose the right feeding position and time daily feedings. Combining the biofeedback data collected by our Thrive Bottle with the step-by-step guidance in our nfant® Tracker App is the most complete way to adopt a Connected Feeding routine for your baby. However, you can find detailed guidance, feeding tips and other educational materials about Connected Feeding and feeding in general in our Feeding 101 Help Center.

At its core, our Connected Feeding program rejects the idea that babies should adhere to predetermined feeding schedules or one-size-fits-all approaches. Our program teaches you how to identify and interpret your baby’s natural feeding cues so you can devise and implement a feeding routine that is fully customized to your baby’s needs. Read more about Connected Feeding.

You may have heard the terms cue-based, infant-led or demand feeding. These are different terms to describe the same type of feeding approach that lets a baby’s needs and cues determine when feedings happen, how long they last and how much milk is consumed, among other variables. At nfant® we coined the term Connected Feeding to describe our feeding program that takes this same cue-based feeding approach to the next level. We do more than teach parents and caregivers how to identify, recognize and respond to their baby’s feeding cues. We amplify and enhance observations and feeding cues with real-time biofeedback data that helps parents determine if feeding is going well, and see how their baby responds to changes and interventions. Read more about Connected Feeding.

Connected Feeding is what we call our unique feeding program that educates parents and caregivers how to identify, recognize and respond to baby’s feeding cues with the added help of biofeedback data collected by the nfant® Thrive Feeding System. The basis of this feeding approach is letting your baby’s hunger cues determine when they are ready to feed, as opposed to feeding babies on a predetermined or rigid schedule. It also means paying close attention to a baby’s cues during feeds to determine how long the feeding should last and how much volume a baby should consume. Read more about Connected Feeding.

The wireless-enabled Bottle Sensor that clicks into the bottom of your bottle is an electronic device and is not waterproof. Never put it in the dishwasher, place under running water or submerse in water. You should remove it before cleaning your bottle or any of its components. If the sensor gets dirty, it can be gently wiped clean with a cloth or alcohol swab.

The Thrive Bottle itself is dishwasher safe (top rack). As it is a medical device, we suggest hand washing when possible.  Note that the sensor is not safe for the dishwasher. The wireless-enabled sensor that clicks into the bottom of your bottle is an electronic device and is not waterproof. You should remove it before cleaning your bottle or any of its components. If the sensor gets dirty, it can be gently wiped clean with a cloth.

When fully charged, the nfant® Thrive Bottle should last through four to eight feedings. We suggest charging the bottle overnight for use the next day.

You can purchase extra Thrive Bottles, Control Flow Nipples, additional sensors and extra chargers here on our website.

In order to record and track real-time biofeedback data during feedings, you must plug the sensor into your Thrive Bottle and sync it with the nfant® Tracker App at the start of each feeding session. You may use the Bottle without the sensor or app, but no data will be tracked or recorded. Tracking non-Thrive feeding sessions in the app is helpful for improving the algorithm and additional insights.

Our Thrive Bottle sensor is only compatible with the nfant® Thrive Bottle. However, information about a feeding with another bottle can be added manually to the Tracker App.

Yes. We support all mothers and parents in any way they choose to feed their babies. The nfant® Thrive Bottle can be used with pumped breastmilk or formula. It can be used by parents who are exclusively pumping and bottle feeding, exclusively bottle feeding with formula or supplementing with either pumped milk or formula.

Yes. Although we sell individual nfant Thrive Bottles, these are intended as replacements or extras. nfant® Thrive Bottle is a complete starter kit and includes all of the components you need: Two nfant Bottles, a bottle sensor, charger and assortment of Control Flow nipples at various flow rates. Additionally, you will need to download the nfant® Tracker App on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

nfant® Thrive Breast uses bioimpedance to non-invasively measure changes associated with milk flow during nursing or pumping. Small electrodes placed on either side of the breast connect to the Breast sensor, which sends information to the nfant® Thrive Tracker App in real time. The app provides an estimate of the total volume expressed during a feeding session.

The nfant® Thrive Breast kit includes one Breast Link, one Breast Sensor, a wireless charger and cord, 20 reusable electrode sets packaged in two moisture-sealed bags, and 50 Link Stickers. You will also need a compatible mobile device and the free nfant® Thrive Tracker App.

The Breast Sensor is an electronic device and is not waterproof. Never submerge it in water or place it in the dishwasher. If needed, gently wipe the sensor with a damp cloth or alcohol wipe.

The Breast Link should be hand cleaned by wiping it with an alcohol pad. Electrodes should not be reused once removed. However, you may also choose to leave the electrodes on your skin until your next feeding. Once removed from the breast, electrodes should be thrown away.

Clean and dry the areas where the Breast Link and electrodes will be placed. Remove lotions, oils, makeup and dead skin so the electrodes and Link Sticker adhere properly and the sensor can obtain a reliable reading. For best results, clean the skin where the electrodes will be placed with an alcohol swab or electrode prep pad.

Yes. The first time you use Thrive Breast, we recommend completing a pumping session as part of the calibration process. During this session, the app will ask you to enter information such as the amount of milk expressed and when letdowns occurred. This helps customize the experience to you and improves the app’s ability to provide insights during future nursing sessions.

If you are not currently pumping, the demo session will allow you to practice preparing and placing the Breast Link before measuring a nursing session.

Yes. Thrive Breast can measure milk flow during pumping as well as breastfeeding. In fact, a pumping session is recommended the first time you use the product because it allows you to become familiar with the Breast Link, Sensor and Tracker App while helping calibrate the system.

When first using Thrive Breast, we recommend measuring one breast per feeding until you are comfortable with the system. Measuring both breasts during one nursing session is recommended primarily for professional use. To get an estimate of total milk volume per session, use the Breast Sensor on the other breast the next day for the same feeding time.

If you would like to measure both breasts while pumping, place electrodes on both breasts prior to starting the session. Pump each side individually. End the session after the first side, move your Link and Sensor and begin a new session for the second side.

No. Thrive Breast does not need to be used during every feeding for routine use. It is most helpful when you want to better understand milk-flow patterns and feeding milestones. Depending on your goals, the recommended frequency is approximately one to two feedings per day or three to five feedings per week.

Plug the wireless charger into a 5-volt USB connection and place the Breast Sensor on the charging coaster with the logo facing down. The coaster will glow blue when the sensor is positioned correctly. When the sensor is fully charged, the charger’s light will alternate between green and blue. Avoid allowing the battery to drain completely; after a few hours of use or several idle days, charge the sensor for approximately one hour.

A slowly blinking red light means the sensor is awake and ready to connect. A slowly blinking green light means it is connected and ready to stream information. Once a feeding has started, the sensor will pulse purple to indicate that data is streaming to the Tracker App

A Wi-Fi connection is not required while you are feeding, but wireless connectivity must be enabled on your mobile device. An internet connection is required after the feeding so your data can be processed and viewed in the nfant® Thrive Tracker App.

During a nursing session, you can view a live feeding screen that shows your impedance level and Sensor connectivity. Afterward, the app can provide a summary that includes the total feeding time, data quality, and an estimate of the total volume expressed. You can also record observations such as your baby’s feeding cues and post-feeding events.

Bioimpedance readings will typically fall between 60 and 240. A reading outside this range may be caused by movement, oil or lotion residue on the skin, or improper electrode placement. Make sure your skin is clean and dry, check the placement of the electrodes and try to remain still while the sensor begins its measurement. If the issue continues, contact nfant support at [email protected].

No. nfant® Thrive Breast is a health and wellness tool intended to provide general information about milk-flow timing and estimated volume. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, alleviate or prevent any disease or health condition, and its information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact your pediatrician, lactation consultant or other healthcare professional if you have concerns about feeding or your baby’s health.

Yes. You can order extra Thrive Bottles, Control Flow nipples, Sensors and chargers here on our website.

The nfant® No Flow Nipple is a trainer nipple designed for premature infants who are learning and practicing sucking skills before bottle feeding. It looks and feels like a standard nipple but has no opening, so milk does not flow through it.

The No Flow Nipple is intended for use in a hospital setting with infants who are transitioning from tube feeding to oral feeding. It allows babies to safely practice sucking movements without receiving milk, helping clinicians assess and support feeding readiness.

If your nipples came as part of the nfant® Thrive Bottle kit, we recommend cleaning them before first use. To clean, place the nipples in boiling water for 5 minutes. Allow them to cool and dry completely before use. nfant® Control Flow Nipples are also dishwasher safe on the top rack only.

If your nipples were purchased in a 4-pack or Box of 50, they should arrive individually sealed in nfant®-printed packaging. If the packaging is sealed, unopened, and undamaged, the nipples are clean and ready to use. If the packaging is open or damaged, do not use the nipple.

After use, clean the nipples according to the instructions above and follow your facility’s protocols, if applicable.

As with any silicone baby nipple, you should use your nipple until it shows signs of wear and tear. Discontinue use of any nipple that develops a rip, hole or becomes damaged.

Yes. All of our Control Flow Nipples are dishwasher safe on the top rack only.

Read more about How to Pick the Right Flow Rate for Your Baby in our Feeding 101 Help Center.

If you are using the nfant Thrive Bottle with our nfant® Tracker App, you will be guided through the process of selecting the right flow rate for your baby’s age and feeding needs. As a general rule of thumb, nipples with a slower flow rate (such as our Extra Slow Flow Nipple or Slow Flow Nipple) are best for newborns, premature and breastfeeding babies. Read more about How to Pick the Right Flow Rate for Your Baby in our Feeding 101 Help Center.

No. Anyone can use our nfant® Control Flow Nipples. They are compatible with most standard-necked bottles on the market today. We especially recommend our Control Flow Nipples for premature babies transitioning to bottle feeding from tube feeding, and for babies with any diagnosed feeding challenges or disorders.

No, not at all. Many parents may be surprised to learn that there is no standard measurement for slow flow nipples. One brand’s newborn nipple may be faster or slower than the next. In fact, we talked to nurses and clinicians at NICUs and pediatric hospitals across the U.S. and they told us that this lack of consistency is one of the biggest problems they face when working with preemies or infants with feeding challenges. They have found that slow flow rates even vary among nipples manufactured by the same brand!

Our line of nfant® Control Flow Nipples features consistent slow rates you can depend on that are based on clinical testing of flow rates and how babies respond. We developed our nipples on years of scientific data and our team’s deep understanding of how infants feed.

nfant® Control Flow Nipples are designed to offer more predictable flow options for babies with different feeding needs. Each nipple has a defined flow rate, allowing clinicians and caregivers to select an option that better matches a baby’s feeding skills, endurance, and stage of development.

Unlike many nipples that are labeled with general terms such as “slow” or “standard,” nfant® nipples are designed and clinically tested for consistent flow performance in home and hospital settings. This helps clinicians and caregivers select a nipple based on how a baby feeds, rather than relying only on a category name.

The nfant® Control Flow line also includes features designed to support feeding consistency, including self-venting technology and laser-cut openings that help reduce variability in flow. Together, these options give hospitals, clinicians, and families a more precise way to support babies through each stage of oral feeding.

Yes. Users designated as the Primary Caregiver in the nfant® Tracker app can share a baby’s feeding data with a medical professional. If your baby is under the care of a feeding specialist or used our hospital-based clinical product, the nfant Feeding Solution, you may also choose to connect your baby’s provider within the app. This is an optional setting.

Yes. The nfant® Tracker App allows users to create multiple Caregiver Profiles. Both parents or caregivers may connect wirelessly to the same sensor from an app on their own phones or devices. Likewise, you may invite other caregivers, such as a grandparent, nanny or daycare provider, to download the app, set up Caregiver Profiles and sync up with your baby’s profile. This feature allows all of your baby’s feeding data to be tracked and recorded – regardless of who is doing the feeding.

Data entered in the app will be used to provide your feeding insights and tracking analytics. This data will also be used to improve the app, improve predictability, and improve the insights nfant® can share with you about your feeding. If you would like for your data to be shared with a medical professional, you can configure this in the app. Your data may also be used for marketing to keep you updated and share relevant content with you.

A sensor on the Thrive Bottle connects wirelessly to our nfant® Tracker App. During each feeding session, the sensor measures a baby’s suck-swallow-feed pattern and transmits this real-time data to the app.

The nfant® Tracker App trains parents and caregivers in our Connected Feeding approach, which is based on an infant-driven philosophy. We teach you how to read your baby’s feeding cues and combine your observations with real-time feeding data to make real-time changes, adjustments and improvements to optimize your feeding routine to your baby’s preferences and unique needs. Read more about Connected Feeding.

Yes. The nfant® Tracker App can be used with or without the nfant® Thrive Feeding System. The only way to track real-time biofeedback data is by using the app with a connected Thrive Bottle. However, the app allows all users to manually track feeding times and observations, diapers and sleep.

Yes. The nfant® Tracker App will be free to download and free to use once it is available.

The nfant® Tracker App is available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Yes. Users designated as the Primary Caregiver in the nfant® Tracker app can share a baby’s feeding data with a medical professional. If your baby is under the care of a feeding specialist or used our hospital-based clinical product, the nfant Feeding Solution, you may also choose to connect your baby’s provider within the app. This is an optional setting.

Data entered in the app will be used to provide your feeding insights and tracking analytics. This data will also be used to improve the app, improve predictability, and improve the insights nfant® can share with you about your feeding. If you would like for your data to be shared with a medical professional, you can configure this in the app. Your data may also be used for marketing to keep you updated and share relevant content with you.

A wireless sensor on the bottom of the Thrive Bottle connects to our nfant® Tracker App. During each feeding session, the sensor measures a baby’s suck-swallow-feed pattern and transmits this real-time data to the app.

Yes. The sensor is connected to the app wirelessly, but does not require WiFi to transmit data. However, you will need to be connected to Mobile data (wireless or cellular) or WiFi to view your feeding data in the app.

During setup, one app user must be designated as the Primary Caregiver. The Primary Caregiver has full access to control what type of data and information is seen by other caregivers, as well as the power to add or remove caregivers.

If you threw away the box prior to syncing your Thrive Bottle with the Tracker App, you can reach out to [email protected] to get your product serial number. If you have already synced the bottle, everything you need will be available on our website or within the app.

After you have downloaded the nfant® Tracker App on your phone, you will be prompted to create a username/password and complete the account setup process. The final step in this setup process is syncing your Bottle with the app. The app will prompt you to pair your sensor.

The nfant® Tracker App will soon be available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Yes. In fact, when you indicate that you are the parent or caregivers of multiples during the nfant® Tracker App setup process, your content library will automatically be populated with helpful articles and feeding guidance written specifically for twins, triplets or more. You can also browse educational articles and feeding guidance on our website in our Feeding 101 Help Center.

No. You may want to purchase extra bottles or sensors, but you can use the same system for multiple children.

Yes. When you download and set up your nfant ®Tracker App, you will be prompted to set up a separate Baby Profile for each infant. You will be able to seamlessly switch from one baby account to the other. However, we suggest having separate sensors for each baby for ease of use.

Yes. In fact, we developed our nfant® Thrive System to easily adapt to families with multiples. You will need to purchase a separate sensor for each baby. When you download and set up your nfant® Tracker App, you will be prompted to set up a separate Baby Profile for each infant. You will be able to seamlessly switch from one baby account to the other.

Yes. You can order extra Thrive Bottles, Control Flow nipples, sensors and chargers here on our website.

Yes! We partner with Flex to accept HSA and FSA payments for our nfant® Thrive Breast and nfant® Thrive Bottle devices.

The Thrive Breast is HSA/FSA eligible and can be purchased using your HSA or FSA funds.

The Thrive Bottle may also be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). If an LMN is required, Flex will guide you through the process during checkout, so you do not need to obtain one in advance.

We do offer special promotional codes, offers and discounts from time to time. Please check our homepage for current offers. You can also follow us on Instagram or Facebook to see the latest offers.

We do not currently offer payment plans or financing.

We are not covered by insurance at this time. However, you can use an HSA or FSA to pay when checking out on our website. 

Yes. Any doctor or feeding specialist working with you and your baby can prescribe the nfant® Thrive Bottle and the nfant® Thrive Breast.

Yes. You can make a return if you have opened the box, but it cannot be returned if the product or accessories have been used.

The nfant® Thrive Bottle and nfant® Thrive Breast and all accessories may be returned if you are not fully satisfied. You may return for replacement or refund within sixty (60) days of the purchase confirmation date.

Returned products must be unused, in their original packaging, and include all original components and accessories. 

Original shipping charges, expedited shipping fees, and other delivery-related charges are non-refundable. Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the return is due to an error by nfant.

All returned items are subject to inspection upon receipt. Items that are returned used, damaged, incomplete, altered, or not in their original packaging may be ineligible for refund or may be subject to a return processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Please email to [email protected] with your order number to request a return.

Order status and tracking information are available through the channel where your order was placed. Once your order ships, tracking details will be provided through that purchase channel. 

Orders typically ship by the next business day after purchase confirmation. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Delivery timing may vary based on the shipping method and carrier. 

At this time, we can only offer shipping within the United States.