The fact about newborns is that they need to be handled with care, which prompts parents to be concerned about how to care for them and raises tons of questions. A common question is “Can You Use Second Hand Baby Bottles?”. They’re delicate, and it’s up to parents to manage them with care, keeping track of their various routines and how they react to various stuff. Some babies have a negative reaction to secondhand goods, while others do not. This is the time to ask, is it possible to purchase used cribs? Etc.
Not all parents have the financial means to purchase new items for their children. Some people believe that if some old baby products are in good condition, there is no need to buy new ones. Most parents, on the other hand, are never sure what to use for their babies that will not harm them.
At this time, parents inquire about buying used baby items and ask questions like: Is it possible for me to purchase a used mattress? Do you have any used cribs? At the very least, it will be inexpensive, and I will save a lot of money.
Are used bottles safe for my baby? Well yes, while purchasing used bottles for your children appears to be risk-free, it does have some negative consequences. You could believe it’s simply baby bottles, though. Yes, it is correct. But that isn’t how it works. Before purchasing old bottles, you should be aware of a few factors. This article will inform you on what you should know about discarded bottles and whether they offer a health danger to your infant.
Moving on, bottles are divided into three categories: plastic, glass, and disposables. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of each category, as well as which one is best for your infant.
Different Types of Baby Bottles
Most of the time, there are three types of baby bottles. Bottles can be made of plastic, glass, or paper. Now we know what’s good and bad about this kind of bottle.
Pros of Plastic Bottles
- Simple to use
- Rigid
- It is a tough material that does not easily break
Cons of Using Plastic Bottles
- It’s possible that it won’t endure as long as glass.
- It’s possible that the plastic contains a chemical called “Bisphenol A,” which is used to harden it.
Pros of Using Glass Bottles
- It will last for a long time.
- It’s possible to boil it for a thorough cleaning.
- Free of BPA
Cons of Using Glass Bottles
- Fragile
- Heavier than plastic
Pros of Using Disposable baby Bottles
- After each feeding, a sterilized liner must be present.
- It’s simple to clean and wash.
Cons of Using Disposable Baby Bottles
- Expensive
- The liners could be harmful to the environment.
- You’ll need an endless supply of costly liners.
Regardless of the bottle categories, the question of “Is It Okay to Buy Second Hand Baby Bottles?” persists. “Yes,” is the answer. You can buy secondhand bottles as long as they are free of Bisphenol A and the teat and nipples are replaced. This is since BPA has been connected to health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and other forms of heart disease. When purchasing secondhand bottles, however, keep the following in mind:
- BPA may have leaked into it if it has been fractured or scraped.
- You may not be able to tell if a bottle is BPA-free unless it is made of glass. Since BPA was outlawed by the FDA in 2012, bottle manufacturers have stopped using it. However, some older bottles may still contain it, so be cautious.
To be extra cautious when purchasing bottles, whether new or old, know how to distinguish between BPA-free and BPA-containing bottles. The methods for determining whether or not a bottle contains Bisphenol-A are listed below.
- A scratch-resistant transparent bottle with a honey-colored tint is BPA-free.
- BPA-free baby bottles are murky and have low scratch resistance.
- BPA-free bottles are transparent and have good scratch resistance.
- BPA is found in a scratch-resistant polycarbonate bottle.
The recommendations above will help you assess the bottles you’re about to buy and select the ideal one for you and your baby.
How to Clean Second Hand Baby Bottles?
- Hands should be washed. For 20 seconds, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Dismantle. All bottle parts should be separated (for example, bottles, nipples, caps, rings, and valves).
- Hold bottle components and any other feeding items under running water to rinse them. Do not immerse them in water. The water temperature might vary from pleasant to frigid.
- Put everything in a clean basin or container that will only be used to clean newborn feeding items. Do not wash straight in the sink because bacteria may be present and contaminate these goods.
- Fill the washbasin halfway with hot water and soap.
- Scrub the items with a clean brush designed specifically for cleaning newborn feeding items.
- To ensure that the nipple holes are clean, squeeze water through them.
- Rinse once more. Rinse objects by holding them under running water or submerging them in fresh water in a separate basin dedicated to cleaning newborn feeding items.
- Allow drying naturally. Place the bottle parts, the washbasin, and the bottle brush on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in a dust-free location. Allow for complete air drying.
- When drying objects, do not massage or pat them dry with a dish towel because this may spread germs to the items.
Should you replace your teats or Nipples?
Yes, you should purchase new. Bottle teats are frequently used, and the silicone can weaken and deteriorate with time, so they should be examined regularly, especially as your baby’s teeth begin to emerge. When used to disinfect teats, boiling water might cause the silicone to become sticky and useless.
A choking hazard might be caused by a broken teat. Experts recommend that you get new teats for each baby you need to bottle feed, due to the product’s short lifespan and the safety of your newborn.
What should you be aware of before purchasing used electronics baby feeding products?
All baby feeding products that require mains power to operate, such as sterilizers or electric breast pumps, must meet current European Standards and carry the BS1363 symbol. This signifies that it has been equipped with the proper sort of plug and hence meets current safety standards.
This information can be found in the box or in the instruction guide. If you want to learn more, the British Standards Institute provides a full section dedicated to the safety of child usage and child care items.
A CE Mark may also appear on the packaging or in the instructions. EU trading regulations need this mark to show that the item has met current safety requirements and can be transferred and sold across the EU.
However, unless you have proof that the item you’re buying has been tested for safety, both marks can only be regarded at face value when a product is brand new.
Conclusion
Buying secondhand bottles isn’t always a bad idea, especially if you want high-quality bottles for your kid but don’t have the funds to purchase them. What matters is that you buy a BPA-free bottle and replace the bottle nipple.
When you’re short on cash and considering buying used products for your baby, keep all of the information above in mind to help you make the best selections and protect your kid from significant health problems.