My sitter attributes a leaky bottle to old nipples. What's the general lifespan of nipples? Does it change based on type? Does it change based on how you wash it (dishwasher vs. handwashing)? My daughter uses the Soothie silicone nipple. Since she's outgrowing her Medela bottles, I was going to switch to larger Born Free bottles. Or, is my sitter mistaken?
Ladies,
Thanks so much for all the information. Since my daughter just turned 4 months yesterday :), I'll just replace all of her nipples. Its amazing the things a first-time mom doesn't know!
Nipples only last three months, you ahve to change them every three months and buy new ones. My kids are three and still on the bottle and the dr and the company told us to do this
J.
I had problems with the AVENT bottles, but learned they need loosened about a quarter of a turn after they are tightened. It helps, try it before investing in new.
i dont think it is the washing but rather the chewing that wears them out. yes your sitter is correct, they can wear out so that they are pretty leaky. My daughter loves to tip hers upside down and see the milk come out and then she shakes it some more to get even more of a good splash. I think their lifespan depends somewhat on the child. I would just look at the hole to see if they are cracked and if so go and get some new ones at Dominicks or whereever. I just get some variety that they sell at the grocery store as my little one isn't very fussy about much of anything. If you aren't sure, just pick up one pack and try them and then on your next trip you can get more or a different type.
Geraldine,
when my boys where little i used to boil their bottle nipples or put them in a diswasher so they got very clean, but with this i found they "wore" out quicker. Changed color, became thinner etc. I found myself buying new nipples every couple months....Good Luck
I asked my doctor this very question a few months ago. He told me that the rule of thumb for all silicone nipples and paci's is to replace them every three months. Apparently the silicone deteriorates and can actually break apart in their mouths. Ingesting this can lead to not only choking, but a lot of other hazards. Im generally not really paranoid, and really try to go for an old fashioned approach with my kid, but with this one, I just thought its better to be safe than sorry. It's not that expensive to just keep changing them all out because anyway who wants to keep sucking on a cruddy old nipple?
I also know that washing in the dishwasher does make them deteriorate quicker. At least that's what it said on the package of Doc Brown ones I bought.
No she is not! About every 3 monthes. The back of the nipple backage will also tell you for that specific nipple. They need to be sterilized before use!
Breast milk or formula should drip steadily out of the nipple. If it pours out in a stream, the hole is too big and the nipple should be replaced. Check nipples periodically for signs of wear, such as discoloration or thinning, and replace worn ones, which could break and become a choking hazard.
Be sure to buy the right nipple for your child's age. Shift to 8- or 9-ounce bottles at about 4 months (or whenever your baby's growing appetite makes bigger bottles more practical).
Really, the lifespan just depends. It depends on how often and how aggressively your child sucks. It depends on how you wash them (hand washing will preserve the life a bit longer). It depends on whether or not your child chews in it or just drinks from it. It also depends on the brand and you'll always get conflicting opinions about that, too.
Just look at the nipple. If it looks like the hole is now getting bigger or cracked, or if the nipple itself looks worn, it's time for a new one. Our pediatrician always said as a rule of thumb to change them out every two to three months, but we used them a tad longer since neither of our daughters chewed, sucked aggressively, used them often, etc. And, make sure that the brand of nipple you're using works w/ the brand of bottle you're using. Sometimes they just don't fit together right.
As your baby gets older and learns to suck/swallow more affectively she could use a bigger hole, too (that's what the "Stages" mean on some bottles).
Geraldine ~
VERY VERY TRUE. Nipples / THREE in a PACK can have different lifespan, you have to take each one separately and examine each one after each feeding and washing. Be VERY carful with any brittle, hard, soft / cracked ~ anything like that. BUY NEW. Not worth a child choking on a small piece!!! You won’t even know it is in their MOUTH – as many times they go to sleep during feedings!!
BTW ~ now, a SAHM of six: Age range – 22 to 5, grandchildren on the way!!
