Are you a new mom and you want to know how often to change baby bottles and pacifiers? Changing baby bottles and pacifiers can be a confusing issue, and the hygiene aspect can be a concern. In this article, we’ll give advice on what to look for and when to change baby bottles and pacifiers.
Table of Contents
How Do Baby Bottles Go Bad?
There are two main parts to look out for when checking a baby bottle for spoilage. bottle and pacifier.
- plastic bottle
Plastic bottles eventually break.
This can be achieved by sanitizing and dishwasher. If you notice that the plastic has become cloudy and no longer easy to clean, you should replace your plastic baby bottle.
This is because of the micro scratches that form in the plastic after cleaning. Even when cleaning a baby’s bottle, these tiny scratches can leave room for bacteria to attach.
Washing and sterilizing heats the plastic of the bottle too high temperatures. This can lead to an increase in temperature, sometimes affecting the sealing of the lid. Warped baby bottles can leave room for milk to escape, cluttering the home, but also allow excess air to easily enter the baby’s bottle, creating gas.
- glass bottle
Glass Baby Bottles – Since glass is harder to break down and contains bacteria, these bottles can last longer without problems.
However, they can still be damaged and need to be replaced.
When inspecting, hold the glass bottle to light each time it is full to check for scratches, chips, or cracks.
If any damage is found, throw the bottle in the recycling bin and replace it with a new one.
- nipple
The nipple that belongs to your baby’s bottle is much more prone to damage than the bottom of the bottle. That’s because they’re made of softer materials that drag when your baby sucks. The soft material is also easy prey for spiky baby teeth, which are quicker than ever.
When your baby’s pacifier is broken, it can become a choking hazard.
The most common damage to baby bottle nipples is when the nipple brush is pushed through the bottle, making the nipple too large for the baby. If this happens, your baby is likely to choke or fuss when the milk comes out too quickly.
Signs A Nipple Should Be Tossed
Check the pacifier frequently (at least every two to three months) for signs of wear:
Breast milk or formula flows into the creek. The fluid should drip steadily from the nipple – if the fluid comes out, the hole is too large and the nipple should be replaced.
Discoloration – This may be a sign of a worsening nipple.
Thinning – This is an early sign of weakened nipples. To test the strength of the nipple, pull hard on the bulb. The nipple should return to its original shape. If not, throw away the nipple.
Sticky or swollen – this may be a sign of a worsening nipple.
Cracks, tears, or ruptures – nipple fragments can rupture and become a choking hazard.
Read More: When to Change Bottle Nipple Size?
Signs A Bottle Should Be Tossed
Glass baby bottles offered by some brands tend to be more durable and more hygienic than plastic. On average, you should change your baby’s bottle every 4 months, but you should change it right away if you notice any of the following:
Fissures, splinters, or ruptures – Your baby could cut, pinch, or otherwise injure himself. This is especially dangerous if you use glass bottles.
If your baby bottle is discolored, that’s another warning sign that it’s time to replace it.
Remember, if you use a bottle with a disposable liner, you should throw away the liner after each use.
How Often Should You Replace Baby’s Feeding Bottles?
How often should I change my baby bottle?
Well, if you notice cloudiness, cracks, warping, or color changes, you should replace the bottle immediately to prevent issues like bacterial growth or leaks.
In general, the bottle should be replaced every 4 to 6 months. When it’s time to change your baby’s bottle, it’s time to assess your baby’s readiness for a nipple size increase.
The nipple of a baby bottle should be replaced every 1 to 2 months, even if there are no signs of damage. This helps prevent unnoticed wear and tear from becoming a choking hazard.
When it comes to your baby’s safety, you should always be cautious.
Conclusion
Once you start weaning, it’s best to help your baby get off the bottle and help him or her sip from a feeding cup or spoon. Never make bottle feeding a habit as it will be difficult to change this in the future. If your baby doesn’t like bottle feeding (which may be due to nipple confusion), don’t force your baby. Instead, serve directly from a cup, spoon, or nurse. If needed, try giving them an occasional bottle to help them get used to it.
