Introduction: Modifying Baby Bottle Nipples for Adult Use

I made this instructable to go with some bottles I sell on ebay for adult babies. It could also be used for adults with special needs and even pets. This tutorial was made for Nuk style orthodontic nipples but the method will work for any latex nipple (not sure about silicone, haven't tested it but let me know if you do and it works!).

I know all you AB's have experienced this at one point. You're trying to drink from your bottles only to find that your getting almost nothing out of them. You try to cut the hole in the nipple a bit bigger but the knife just won't go through. You push it in a bit harder only to slice the whole nipple apart (and your finger...ouch!) and completely wreck it. After having gone through too many nipples this way myself, I decided to play around a little and have discovered a method that works perfectly.

Step 1: Materials

You will need:


  • The nipple you want to modify

  • A large needle or safety pin

  • A lighter

  • Bottle brush or cloth

  • Dishwasher



Step 2: Warnings

  • DO NOT use a knife or scissors. You may end up wrecking the nipple.

  • Make sure to thoroughly wash the nipple before using it.

  • Be careful not to burn or poke yourself.

Step 3: Where to Poke Holes

You can poke holes wherever you see fit on the nipple but for best results I suggest following these guidelines:

  • For slow flow of liquids, leave the nipple untouched. There is already a hole on the back of the nipple.

  • For medium flow, poke a hole in the front of the nipple. There will be two holes in total counting the one that was already there.

  • For fast flow, poke holes in both the front and the top of the nipple. There will be three holes in total.


    Please note that these guidelines are for orthodontic nipples. For regular nipples I suggest poking multiple holes in the top of the nipple.

Step 4: Poking a Hole Step 1

  1. Heat up the end of the pin with the lighter until it is glowing red hot.

Step 5: Step 2

  1. Quickly poke the pin through the nipple before it has enough time to cool off. You may smell burning rubber, this is normal. Make sure you have a firm grip on the nipple so it does not slide around.

Step 6: Step 3

3.   Give the nipple a couple of minutes to cool off. There may be a black residue around where you poked the hole.Wash off the residue with a bottle brush or cloth.

Step 7: Step 4

  1. Put the nipple in the dishwasher and run it through a full cycle before using it. This step is crucial to get rid of the burnt rubber taste and smell.

Step 8: Step 5

  1. Enjoy your new modified adult baby bottle. I like drinking chocolate milk and beer from mine :)