Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Bottle-feeding: When To Replace Nipples and Bottles (birth to 12 mo.)

Signs a nipple should be tossed
Check your nipples often (at least every two to three months) for these signs of wear and tear:

• Formula pours out in a stream. Formula should drip steadily out of the nipple — if it comes rushing out, the hole is too big and the nipple should be replaced.

• Discoloration — this could be a sign that the nipple is deteriorating.

• Thinning — this an early sign that the nipple is weakening. To test a nipple's strength, pull hard on the bulb. The nipple should rebound into its original shape. If it doesn't, throw away the nipple.

• Stickiness or swelling — this could be a sign that the nipple is deteriorating.

• Cracks, tears, or breaks — pieces of the nipple could break off and become a choking hazard.

Signs a bottle should be tossed
You should replace your baby's bottle if you notice:

• Cracks, chips, or breaks — Your child could cut, pinch, or otherwise injure himself. This is especially dangerous if you use glass bottles.

• And remember, if you use bottles with disposable liners, you should throw away the liner after each use.


source from http://www.babycenter.com

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