Short answer: replace bottle nipples about every 2 months and bottles every 4–6 months — sooner if you notice cracking, tearing, discoloration, or a nipple hole that's stretched into a steady stream instead of controlled drops. Silicone and latex nipples wear out faster than the bottles themselves because they take the most direct wear from feeding, cleaning, and sterilizing.
What to look for
Bottles and bottle parts should be regularly checked for signs of cracking, scratches, leaking and discoloration. Bottle nipples should be checked for breaks, tears, discoloration, swelling and thinning. A thinning or over-stretched nipple opening will have a forceful (rather than controlled drops) flow when turned over. Breaks or tears can lead to choking hazards. Germs and mold can survive in parts of the nipples or bottles that are damaged even after being sterilized, which can be compromising to a baby's health. Check condition each time you clean the bottle or bottle parts, and discard and replace at the first sign of a hazard.
When should bottles & bottle nipples be replaced?
If you're regularly monitoring your bottles and they're still in good condition, a general rule is to replace nipples every 2 months on average. Nipples need replacing more often because silicone or latex materials are more prone to damage from feeding, cleaning and sterilization. Bottles themselves should generally be replaced every 4–6 months. Glass bottles may not need replacing as frequently if they're in good condition.
Bottle care
Proper maintenance and care can increase the safety and longevity of your bottles. Bottles and bottle pieces should be taken apart and cleaned thoroughly after each feeding. If using a dishwasher, rinse bottles before placing them in. If hand washing, clean bottles & parts with soap and water — avoid soaking bottles or leaving them in the sink, since this can cause mold or bacteria to form. Air-drying is recommended to prevent germs and mold from breeding, and dry bottles should be stored in a clean, closed space like a cabinet. Check the bottle company's website before buying an entirely new set — many, including Olababy, sell replacement nipples and parts separately so you don't have to replace the whole system.
Written by Christine Pollack, OTR/L
References
Cdc.gov. 2020. How To Clean, Sanitize, And Store Infant Feeding Items | Healthy Childcare | Hygiene | Healthy Water | CDC. [online] Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/healthychildcare/infantfeeding/cleansanitize.html> [Accessed 20 December 2020].
Arora, D., 2020. How Often Should You Replace Your Baby's Feeding Bottle? | Thehealthsite.Com. [online] Thehealthsite.com. Available at: <https://www.thehealthsite.com/parenting/how-often-should-you-replace-your-babys-feeding-bottle-d0116-361453/> [Accessed 20 December 2020].
BabyCenter. 2020. Bottle-Feeding: When To Replace Nipples And Bottles | Babycenter. [online] Available at: <https://www.babycenter.com/baby/breastfeeding/bottle-feeding-when-to-replace-nipples-and-bottles_1129505> [Accessed 28 December 2020].
BabyCenter India. 2020. My Baby's Bottle, Nipple And Sipper Have Mould. Is It Safe To Use Them Once Cleaned?. [online] Available at: <https://www.babycenter.in/x1050506/my-babys-bottle-nipple-and-sipper-have-mould-is-it-safe-to-use-them-once-cleaned> [Accessed 20 December 2020].
