Can You Reuse Baby Bottles For The Second Baby?

When we start to envision having a second child, one question that often comes to your mind is what kind of things can be reused from your first child. One baby essential that comes to my mind is a baby bottle. Baby bottles are very durable baby products that last a long time, so can you reuse a baby bottle for a second baby? Yes, you can… in some cases! Baby bottles are plates just like any other utensils in your kitchen cupboards. But reusing bottles isn’t just about saving a few bucks. You first need to make sure the bottle is still safe for your child.

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Is It Safe to Use Old Bottles for the Second Baby?

Parents with only one child will spend most of their money on bottle purchases for the first time. That’s why it’s hard to let them go, because you can’t let them go to waste. Plus, all the baby bottles you buy are still usable and functional. That’s why moms often ask if you can bottle-feed your second baby.

To illustrate this once and for all, I’ve rounded up some thoughts on the matter. Experts say it’s fine when you’re using a bottle for the second time for your soon-to-be baby. She even said that baby bottles are like dishes that you can sterilize and clean once your first child gets too big.

To give you a clearer understanding, if you can reuse baby bottles for a second baby, you may or may not sterilize them when the second baby is born. However, it is entirely up to the parents. But for me, thoroughly sterilizing and cleaning a used baby bottle is the key to reusing it again and again.

Can You Reuse Baby Bottle Nipples? 

The pacifier part is another important concern for parents because if you can reuse baby bottle pacifiers, there are many more. In most cases, you can easily get pacifiers at your local store and they are very cheap. When reusing a bottle, it is important to take care to ensure that the bottle does not have discoloration or other forms of cracks and various conditions associated with the bottle.

Always choose old bottles that are functional and without any wear and tear. Of course, nipples are spotty and have a tight bite, which is why it’s important to replace nipples because they’re cheap and easy to replace.

Nipples can easily degenerate over time because babies chew and bite at any time. Sometimes, the nipple is cut open and the milk spills more than normal. That’s why you should always keep the label on your bottle nipple. Especially with newborns, you’ll want the milk to flow slowly to overwhelm them.

Finally, when your child gets older and stops using the bottles, you’ll want to keep them if they’re still in good working order and without any form of wear and tear. There are so many things you can still reuse for your second child, not just baby bottles!

How to Clean Baby Bottles For Reuse

Old baby bottles may have been in storage for a while. Cleaning them properly will ensure they are ready for your child to use. Your child’s immune system isn’t fully developed, making your little Munchkin vulnerable to food poisoning. These cleaning tips are useful for both new and used baby bottles.

1. Use hot soapy water

Instead of washing the bottle directly in the sink, pour some water in, or fill it with, a clean basin. After washing all cups, bottles, rings and nipples, rinse under running water. The nipple should be thoroughly scrubbed with a nipple brush. Always squeeze warm, soapy water through the nipple hole to rinse away any remaining milk.

2. When to use the dishwasher

It’s generally safe to wash your baby’s utensils in the dishwasher, but be sure to check that the utensils are safe first. Before putting the bottle in the dishwasher, be sure to separate and rinse the parts of the bottle. Smaller items are best placed in a closed top basket, but a mesh laundry bag will do. This prevents smaller items from getting into the dishwasher filter. Run the dishwasher on a hot water and heat dry cycle. If your washing machine has a sanitize cycle, you can also run it to kill more germs. Always wash your hands before removing bottles and baby gear from the washing machine.

3. Sanitary treatment

Sterilizing the bottle after each use is essential for babies, but if your child is older and in good health, you can skip this stage. This is especially important if your baby was born premature, three months or less, or has a weakened immune system. Disinfection will provide additional protection for your happiness. Boiling is the easiest option for most parents. Once the bottles and baby utensils are clean, place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for at least five minutes. Remove it with tongs and place it on a clean towel. Dry parts thoroughly and store in a clean, dry place.

Things To Keep In Mind When Reusing Baby Bottle

Here are some tips for reusing baby bottles:

Always check that the bottle is still in good condition.
Make sure they are BPA free.
Do not reuse pacifiers, pacifiers and teeth.
Thoroughly wash and sterilize bottle before use.
Avoid heating while there is milk in the baby bottle.
You should also avoid pouring hot water directly into the bottle to cool the bottle. Doing so significantly increases the chances of microplastics entering the water (source), research shows
Check the bottle frequently for wear.
Be sure to check that these used bottles have never been recalled since your last use.

Things You Can Still Reuse for Your Second Baby

So you know, a lot of stuff may still be available for your second child. Now that you know you can reuse baby bottles for your second child, here are other items you can reuse. This part is where you’ll be most practical and save hundreds of dollars in the process as well.

crib

Almost all cribs are reusable, depending on how many children you want. They’re durable and strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of baby disasters. However, it’s important to remember that changing a crib mattress is critical as it may accumulate unwanted organisms.

wanderer

Like cribs, strollers are highly reusable due to their sturdiness and overall durability. It’s important to wash its outer covering so that bacteria don’t multiply in the area. Put them in the sun and wash them whenever needed.

car seat

When your older baby grows out of the car seat, it’s time for the second baby to announce that he/she is in the car seat. Just like strollers, they are built to last! However, if your first child still has access to the old car seat, you may need to provide another car seat for safety and protection while driving.

baby clothes

If they still look good, why not? If your first child is already outgrown in baby clothes, it might give it a second. It’s worth noting that reusable clothing should also be well cleaned and sanitized when stored for extended periods of time. Still, they’re a good investment because they can be passed from baby to baby.

change form

They can be used as a replacement for a small table, but can also be used when a second baby is born. They are more than willing to do their jobs again as long as every part of the replacement table is working properly.

swaddling blanket

Blankets are hard to put down. Not only are they cute to wear, but they also help your second child get comfortable. Fortunately, they’re still reusable, and in most cases, they’re pretty handy and durable. Watch out for blankets that have loose threads. Make sure they are still intact.