STMs: replacing bottle nipples?

kepper6000 · August 2014

I've read a few times that people are going to replace bottle nipples and couldn't find anything online explaining why. Is the general idea just that after a few years they are pretty likely to have gotten weaker/deteriorated? Obviously it's no big deal to do it--I was just curious about the reasoning.

meeshybee · August 2014

Yes over time the material can deteriorate and is more likely to break, causing a choking hazard. Plus older babies tend to chew on the nipples (at least mine did) so that breaks them down too.

MrsDL · August 2014

It's a wear and tear thing, they're relatively inexpensive to buy so I think a lot of moms just toss them and start fresh rather than worrying about it or inspecting them. I found this if you want to keep what you have, it says to inspect every 3 months for the following:

Breast milk or formula pours out in a stream. Liquid 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.

mb314 · August 2014

I am, because I used the slow flow too long, and DS1 chewed through them. I'll probably reuse the bottles and buy new nipples (assuming DS2 takes the Tommy Tippee brand).

stacyslo · August 2014

I am getting new bc they are cheap and even sterilizing doesn't make me comfortable. My ds had pneumonia several times before his first bday and bc we are having a new baby at the height of germ season, I'm just not willing to take any chances.

mamatohne · August 2014

We are only because ds was notorious for biting through them

kepper6000 · August 2014

thanks for the answers everyone! off to buy some...

2ndGeneration · August 2014

In my experience they get gunky inbetween kids.

hidingangel82 · September 2014

So, I'm sorry to resurrect, but wanted to ask: we got a bunch of bottles from a friend, should I change out those nipples, or is sterilization ok?
Then dumb question... are nipples interchangeable between bottle brands?
Thanks!

AnnieRoo13 · September 2014

hidingangel82 said:
So, I'm sorry to resurrect, but wanted to ask: we got a bunch of bottles from a friend, should I change out those nipples, or is sterilization ok?
Then dumb question... are nipples interchangeable between bottle brands?
Thanks!

I would replace the nipples for sure.

FTM here, but as far as I know nipples are not interchangeable. You need to buy specific ones for specific bottles, you even have to be careful that the nipple of the same brand will fit as some bottles have wider openings than others.

meeshybee · September 2014

Some brands are interchangeable but I wouldn't assume all were. Some brands have small vents in the tops that will leak if the nipple is not correct. Best to just buy the matching brand.

hidingangel82 · September 2014

Thank you ladies!

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