When to change bottle teats and how to tell

Caring for baby bottles is an important task for mums and dads, as poor hygiene or improper use of the teats can have negative consequences for your baby's health. But, how often should bottle teats be changed? In this article, as midwives with expertise in breastfeeding and founders of the Happymami project, we will tell you everything you need to know about changing your baby's bottle teat

I will tell you about the importance of changing teats regularly, how to identify when the right time to do it is and some practical tips for properly caring for your baby's bottles. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to keep your baby healthy and happy!

How long do bottle teats last?

The teats and bottles available today are designed to last as long as possible. They are made from resistant materials and are generally compatible with intensive use.

That is why, at Happymami, when developing our bottles we look for the best material for both our teats and bottles, finally using top-quality silicone for both the teat and the container, which gives our custom-designed Happymami bottle extra safety for prolonged use.

But even if the materials are the best, the recommendation of clinical guidelines and European regulations is to replace teats and bottles after a maximum of 90 days, with four to eight weeks of use being optimal, whichever bottle we use.

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When should the bottle teat be changed?

The recommended frequency for changing bottle teats varies depending on the material they are made of. Silicone teats usually last longer than latex ones, as they are more resistant and do not deteriorate as easily, which is why our Happymami teats and bottles are made from top-quality medical-grade silicone.

But you should know that scientific studies and the current European regulations drawn up by the childhood technical committee CTN 172 recommend that we, regardless of the bottle brand we use, change teats and bottles, for safety and hygiene reasons, ideally between 4 and 8 weeks, with 90 days being the maximum recommended period of use.

In addition, it is important to check the teats regularly for any sign of wear or breakage, and to replace them immediately if any problem is detected. It is also advisable to replace the teats after any illness, as germs can accumulate on the teats and cause infections in your baby.

Why should I replace the teats and the bottle?

Replacing teats and bottles is important for several reasons. Firstly, with repeated use, both the teats and the bottle can wear out, crack or break, which can cause liquid to leak and increase the risk of suffocation or choking in your baby.

In addition, teats and bottles can also accumulate bacteria and other microorganisms with frequent use, even after proper cleaning and disinfection. These recommendations have been based on biodurability (maximum time without deteriorating); biocompatibility (capacity to induce reactions or toxicity), tendency to encrustation (precipitation of mucoids and crystalloids) and tendency to bacterial adhesion.

How can I tell when to change the bottle teat?

The signs that a teat needs to be replaced vary depending on the type of material and the use it has been given. In general, it is important to watch out for the following signs:

1. Wear: The teat can wear out over time and with use, which can lead to holes or cracks. If you notice that the teat looks worn or damaged, it is time to replace it.
2. Loss of elasticity: The teat must be elastic enough to allow your baby to suck it correctly. If the teat feels stiff or has lost its elasticity, it may need to be changed.
3. Leaks: If the teat does not seal correctly, liquid may leak. This may be due to wear or to the teat not being correctly positioned. If the leaks persist, you probably need to replace the teat.
4. Colour change: If the teat has changed colour, it may be due to the accumulation of residue or the ageing of the material. If you notice that the teat has changed colour, you should consider replacing the teat.
5. Baby's refusal: If your baby shows resistance or refusal towards the teat, it may be time to try to change the current teat.

In general, it is important to check the teat regularly and renew the teat when necessary to guarantee your baby's safety and comfort.

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What happens if I do not change the bottle teat?

If the bottle teat is not changed, there can be several safety and hygiene problems. On the one hand, the teat can wear out or crack with use, which increases the risk of it coming loose and becoming a small piece that your baby could swallow or inhale.

In addition, teats that are not changed regularly can accumulate residue and bacteria, which can cause infections and illness in your baby. Therefore, it is important to change bottle teats regularly according to the recommendations of clinical guidelines and European regulations to guarantee the safety and hygiene of babies.

How can I tell when my baby needs a faster or slower flow teat?

It is important to pay attention to the signals your baby sends you while feeding to know whether they need a faster or slower flow teat. If your baby is taking the milk with difficulty, running out of breath or having to make a great effort to suck, this may be an indicator that the teat is too slow for their feeding pace.

On the other hand, if your baby takes the milk too quickly, you will notice because they may choke, cough or get hiccups during the feed. In this case, you may need to switch to a teat with a slower flow. Remember that every baby is different and what works for one may not work for another.

In addition, each brand develops flows based on its own studies. In our case, to obtain the flows of our Happymami bottles, we study breastfeeding as a whole: the ejection of breast milk, the outflow, the suction and the baby's needs at each stage, possibly obtaining the best result.

Can I use different teats on the same bottle?

Although it is possible to use different teats on the same bottle, it is important to bear in mind that each brand of bottles and teats has its own compatibility recommendations. Therefore, it is always best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and not to mix teats and bottles from different brands.

In the case of Happymami teats, all our teats are compatible with our bottles, which means that you can swap teats of any flow with any Happymami bottle.

In addition, to ensure safe and effective feeding for your baby, it is advisable to have at least two bottles for each flow stage and to change the teats every month. This will allow you to always have a clean bottle available when you need it and to make sure that your baby is always receiving the best option for their feeding.

Is there any way to prolong the useful life of bottle teats?

Yes, there are some measures that can be taken to prolong the useful life of bottle teats. Firstly, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the cleaning and disinfection of the teats and the bottle. Remember that there is no need to sterilise the bottle unless your baby is premature or has an immune problem, washing it with water and soap after each use is enough.

In addition, it is important not to leave the teats exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat, as this can accelerate the deterioration of the material. It is also advisable not to use damaged or worn teats, as this can compromise the safety and hygiene of the bottle and your baby's feeding.

In general, by following these recommendations, the useful life of bottle teats can be prolonged and safe and healthy feeding for your baby can be maintained.

Is it necessary to sterilise bottle teats before using them?

There is a lot of controversy on the subject, and we carry with us a sterilising culture that is difficult to eradicate. But there is no need to sterilise the teats, washing them with water and normal soap will be enough, and you do not even need to use a special soap.

The only sterilisation recommendation in the clinical guidelines is when our baby is premature or has an immune problem. However, it is important to mention that if tap water is not drinkable or is contaminated, both the teats and the bottles should be sterilised, which is why our Happymami bottles and teats are compatible with sterilisation.

What materials are best for bottle teats?

The most common materials for bottle teats are silicone and latex. Both are safe and durable materials, but there are some differences between them.

Silicone is a more resistant and durable material than latex, and it is also easier to clean. It is also less likely to cause allergic reactions in babies.

In addition, latex is more likely to wear out over time and to accumulate bacteria, which is why it is important to replace latex teats more frequently than silicone ones.

In short, both silicone and latex are safe and durable materials for bottle teats, the choice will depend largely on personal preferences and your baby's needs.

At Happymami, when developing our bottles, we decided to make them from top-quality medical-grade silicone due to the advantages mentioned above.

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Is there any brand or type of teat that is better than others?

There is no brand or type of teat universally considered the best for all babies. Each baby is unique and may have different preferences. However, it is important to look for high-quality teats made from safe and durable materials. It is also advisable to avoid generic teats that are different from your breast, to avoid nipple confusion in your baby and protect your breastfeeding.

That is why, as midwives, we created the Happymami project, because we saw how generic bottles made mothers lose breastfeeding. So we created the only bottle in the world custom-designed by each mum for her baby. Giving you the possibility of obtaining the teat that is most representative of your unique anatomy, preventing nipple confusion in your baby and protecting your breastfeeding.

How do I clean and store bottle teats properly?

To clean bottle teats properly, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands with water and soap before handling the teats.
2. Detach the teat from the bottle and wash it with water and soap. You can use the dishwasher with your Happymami bottle if you find it more convenient.
3. Rinse the teat with hot water to remove any soap residue.
4. If your baby is premature or immunocompromised, you can use a bottle steriliser or boil the teats in water for a few minutes.
5. Let the teats dry in the open air or dry them with a clean towel. Do not use dirty cloths or towels to dry the teats.
6. Once the teats are completely dry, store them in a clean, dry place until you need them again.

It is important to bear in mind that teats should be replaced regularly regardless of the bottle brand, every 4-8 weeks according to the recommendations, a maximum of 90 days or sooner if signs of wear or damage are observed.

What should I do if my baby refuses a new bottle teat?

If your baby refuses the bottle teat, the first thing we should think about is whether that teat is similar to your breast. If you use a generic bottle with a teat that is different from your breast, your baby may become overwhelmed by so much palate stimulation and refuse the bottle. So, to increase bottle acceptance rates, using a custom-designed Happymami bottle will be the best solution.

In addition, when you receive your bottle we will give you guidelines on how to offer the feeds to increase acceptance rates, all while preventing nipple confusion in your baby and protecting your breastfeeding.

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Conclusion: changing bottle teats

In conclusion, replacing bottle teats is essential to guarantee the safety and health of our baby. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the duration and the replacement of the teats, as well as proper cleaning and storage.

As midwives, and based on the evidence and on the materials we offer you with our top-quality Happymami bottle, we recommend that you have two bottles per flow stage and change the teats every month. Ensuring you offer your baby the best option during feeding.

Bibliography: changing bottle teats

1. UNE CTC 172. Spanish Standard UNE-EN 14350. Child care articles, articles for liquid feeding, safety requirements and test methods. Génova 6, 28004 Madrid; Mar. 2021.

2. Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification. AENOR SOOTHER STANDARD AENOR SOOTHER STANDARD. C Génova, 6 28004 Madrid: AENOR; 2003.

3. UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF FOOD HYGIENE . Fao.org. 2011 . Available at: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/sh-proxy/es/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fsites%252Fcodex%252FStandards%252FCXC%2B1-1969%252FCXC_001s.pdf

4. de Andalucía J. Recommendations on child care articles . Consumo Responde. 2015 . Available at: https://www.consumoresponde.es/recomendaciones-articulos-puericultura

5. Light child care articles . Farmaceuticos.com. . Available at: https://botplusweb.farmaceuticos.com/documentos/2019/2/25/131500.pdf