SpecialNeeds® Feeder Troubleshooting
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TEAT NOT REFILLING PROPERLY - SPECIAL NEEDS FEEDER
If you are using thickened feed or additives and the teat becomes floppy, unscrew the collar and check that the airgroove in the disc has not become blocked by sediment. You may need to use finger pressure to help the flow of feed. The teat will also not fill properly if the disc is upside down.
BUBBLES OF AIR IN TEAT - SPECIAL NEEDS FEEDER
If air is entering the teat as you feed, tilt the container a little more so that feed completely covers the valve membrane and disc. Sometimes on maximum flow, the baby’s sucking action may cause an occasional bubble of air to enter via the mouthpiece. If this happens often, set the flow to just below maximum.
FEEDER LEAKING - SPECIAL NEEDS FEEDER
If the feeder leaks, check that the feeder has been correctly assembled. The stud of the valve membrane must be properly inserted through the hole in the disc. The collar must be firmly screwed onto the container. Make sure the feed is not too hot. The feeder is designed for use with room temperature feed and should not be used with hot liquids.
Check to see if either the valve membrane or teat needs to be replaced. Also, if using a container other than the Medela 80ml or 150ml containers, some leakage may occur around the collar and container connection.
FEEDER NOT WORKING - SPECIAL NEEDS FEEDER
Check that the slit in the mouthpiece is opening properly. Hold it vertically between your fingers and squeeze it open. The slit should be about 3mm long. Sometimes, after storage, the slit may close up. If this occurs, apply warm soapy water and gently ease it open. Thoroughly rinse in cold water before use.
TRAVELING - SPECIAL NEEDS FEEDER
To keep the cost of the unit as low as possible, we do not provide a travel lid. Instead, invert the teat and disc so that the teat is inside the container, then screw on the collar. Alternatively, put the feeder inside a sanitized, water-tight plastic container.
BABY REJECTS TEAT - SPECIAL NEEDS FEEDER
If your baby rejects the teat, squeeze a little feed onto your finger and let him taste it.
Touching your baby’s cheek with the teat may encourage him to feed by stimulating the natural rooting reflex.
Remember to be relaxed and patient. The initial success of using this device may not be measured in a large volume of intake, but rather by your baby learning to coordinate a routine of sucking, swallowing and breathing.
IMPORTANT:
Inspect the teats regularly to ensure no tearing has occurred at the opening. Take special care when washing teats as the slit opening can tear if too much pressure is placed while cleaning. A torn teat can result in excessive milk flow to your baby. Please inspect regularly.
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