how long to bottle nipples and pump parts last?

fusionbride · February 2016

I had my first baby 3 years ago-- anyone know if bottle nipples (assuming they feel and look fine) can be sterilized and re-used a few years later? Or do I need to re-buy everything?
Reading BabyCenter, that looks to be the case...

Same question with pump parts. I'm buying new valves and membranes, but am assuming the tubing and shields etc can all be re-used (i'll resterilze obviously).

Thanks!

skruhmin · February 2016

Nipples should be fine. I would get all new pump parts. FYI pumps are only meant to be used a year, I would look into getting a new pump along with all new parts. If you're in the US, insurance will cover the cost of a new one.

g8trkim · February 2016

I've never heard that pumps only last a year. I could see getting new tubes and membranes, but the shields should be fine. I kept the bottles/nipples that came with our pump because I didn't use those much, but I tossed the larger bottles she used consistently when she got bigger just because she chewed on them and we washed them in the dishwasher so they got kind of hazy.

taysun · February 2016

Pumps are recommended to be replaced because after a lot of use the mechanisms can wear out and become less effective at emptying your breasts.

JennyS86 · February 2016

also ask for a new set of pump parts at the hospital - they will be new and sterile.
I think I am going to save the bottles from last time, but buy new nipples. They look beat up.

Achae · February 2016

I bought new nipples for the bottles just because we never went past the newborn flow and used them for over a year so I wanted to make sure i had the slowest flow. Pump parts I just replace as needed for auction. My insurance only covers a manual pump so I'm out of luck with a new one.

2-Step · February 2016

I think pumps only being used a year is a marketing ploy! Our society is so quick to toss things out and replace them just because some manufacturer recommended it. Unless you see a significant decrease in milk being pumped I would not worry about it.

I had a pump that I used 3-4x a day for two years including sometimes on business trips for days and nights at a time. It never lost any functionality and all it ever needed was valve replacement every so often.

I would just inspect your nipples to make sure they don't show any signs of wear or cracking and go ahead and use those too. No need to throw out perfectly good things!

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how long to bottle nipples and pump parts last?

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