Used feeding bottles and sterilising systems

[Esme78]

Dear mums and mums-to-be

I've been donated a number of feeding bottles for our new baby (I'm 34 weeks today). I wonder what your views are on using those (rather than new ones) once they've been sterilised?

We have the Avent Microwave Steam Steriliser (second-hand) - is it effective to use?

Finally, what experiences have you had with Medela double electric breast pump which my best friend passed on after using with her third baby, all in original packaging?

Thank you very much.

[Kempton]

I recently read about this as I'm expecting baby number 2 but also getting rid of a few things from baby number 1.

Check the bottles for any damage and if you see any throw them out. If the plastic is damaged it can get into the milk. Otherwise a good sterilise and you're good to go. Always replace any teets though.

I had a single medela and it was great. Will be using again for next baby. You can buy replacement valves as they become less effective. And I'd buy new bottles if it's a hand me down. Try amazon.

Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy

[Lovefood1984]

If I’d got them from a friend I trusted I’d buy new teats and happily use them once sterilised. The microwave steriliser should be perfectly fine, I use mam bottles and they self microwave sterilise and I’ve never had any issues. We spent a small fortune on different teats and bottles as our baby had ‘colic’, turns out it was a cows milk protein allergy 🤦🏼‍♀️ I’ve donated mine to a friend who is hoping to foster so she’ll be using second hand bottles, most got used for 5 days!

For the breast pump I don’t have experience of that one but I did buy one and used it for 4 weeks until I gave up pumping (hard work with a newborn and an unsettled one at that!) I’m hoping I’ll be able to sell it. They come apart and sterilise so if all the bits are good condition then I’d happily use that too as they cost a small fortune and may not get used or not for long.

Enjoy your little one when they arrive, the first few weeks are hard but it gets much better and their little smiles melt your heart ❤️ x

[lou121087]

We got given second hand bottles but got new teats for them, we just sterilised them a couple of times before we started using them and it's been fine so far. Just check there not damaged. X