Quick answer

Choose the Small Size Pigeon cleft lip nipple for newborns, early feeding stages, and babies with a weaker or slower suck. Move to the Regular Size when your baby is finishing feeds faster, getting frustrated by a slow flow, or has grown into a stronger suck. Both are cleft-specific nipples, not standard Pigeon nipples, and both fit compatible Pigeon bottles.

Why cleft-specific nipples exist

A cleft lip or palate changes how a baby seals around a nipple and pulls milk. Standard nipples assume a full seal and strong suction, so a baby with a cleft may tire quickly, take in air, or get very little milk per suck. Cleft-specific nipples are shaped and sized to work with the anatomy your baby actually has, so feeding is calmer and more efficient. Pigeon's cleft nipples come in two sizes, Small and Regular, and the choice is about your baby's current feeding stage, not about which one is better.

Size is about flow and effort, not age alone

Small Size is designed for early feeding stages, when babies need a slower, more manageable flow and tire easily. Regular Size suits babies who have built more suction and can handle a faster flow. Do not size up just because a calendar says so. Watch the feed: if your baby falls asleep before finishing, Small is likely still right. If your baby drains the bottle fast and still roots for more, or pulls hard and seems frustrated, Regular may fit better. Some families keep both sizes on hand during the transition, which is why the two nipples are sold separately.

What to check before you buy

These nipples are made by Pigeon and are compatible with Pigeon bottles, but the bottle itself is not included. Confirm your bottle is a compatible Pigeon model before ordering. Also confirm which size you already own, since the two products look similar and the difference is in the flow, not the branding. If you are unsure, start with Small and keep a Regular on the shelf for when feeds speed up.

  • Check bottle compatibility first: these nipples fit compatible Pigeon bottles, not other brands.
  • Buy one of each size if you are in the middle of a transition, rather than guessing.
  • Replace nipples when they soften, crack, or the flow changes noticeably.

Decision rules for choosing Small or Regular

  • Newborn or first weeks of feeding: Start with Small Size. Early feeding stages are exactly what this size is designed for, and a slower flow reduces tiring and air intake. Buy Small first.
  • Baby falls asleep or stops before the bottle is empty: This usually means the feed is taking too much effort. Stay on Small Size and check that the nipple is not clogged or worn. Do not size up yet.
  • Baby drains the bottle quickly and still seems hungry: A stronger, faster suck is the signal to move to Regular Size. Transition one feed at a time so you can watch for coughing or gulping. Switch to Regular when pace, not age, changes.
  • You are between sizes: Keep both nipples on hand. Use Small for tired feeds such as nighttime and Regular for alert daytime feeds until you know which one your baby prefers. Two sizes is a valid setup, not indecision.

The two Pigeon cleft nipples

  • Bottle Nipple for Cleft Lip/Palate Baby, Small Size: Pigeon Bottle Nipple for Cleft Lip/Palate Baby in Small Size, designed for babies with cleft lip or palate and suited to early feeding stages. This is the starting point for newborns and for babies who tire before finishing a feed, because the slower flow asks less effort per suck.
  • Bottle Nipple for Cleft Lip/Palate Baby, Regular Size: Pigeon Bottle Nipple for Cleft Lip/Palate Baby in Regular Size, also designed for babies with cleft lip or palate and compatible with Pigeon bottles (not included). Choose this when your baby's suck has strengthened and the Small Size no longer keeps up with appetite or pace.
  • Pigeon Mystery Color Pack - Baby Bottle – 5.4 or 8.1 oz (160 ml): Pigeon Mystery Color Pack baby bottle in 5.4 or 8.1 oz, designed for newborns and younger babies and featuring the Pigeon Peristaltic Nipple. If you still need a bottle to pair with your cleft nipple, this gives you a Pigeon bottle option in two sizes, though the nipple included is the standard Peristaltic type, not the cleft-specific one.

Who each size fits

Best for

  • Newborns and babies in early feeding stages
  • Babies with a weaker or slower suck who tire during feeds
  • Parents who want a slower, more controlled flow while learning their baby's feeding pattern

Not for

  • Babies with a strong, fast suck who are already finishing bottles quickly (choose Regular Size)
  • Parents looking for a standard Pigeon nipple for babies without cleft lip or palate
  • Bottles from other brands, since these nipples fit compatible Pigeon bottles