Baby Bottles and Pacifiers

Proper care is key

Baby bottles and pacifiers are part of the everyday toolkit of many parents with young children. But each comes with its own risks if not cared for properly. For example, nipples on bottles and pacifier parts can break down over time, creating small pieces that could result in a choking hazard. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Baby bottles

• Inspect baby bottle nipples before and after each use.
• Discard bottle nipples that show signs of wear and tear: a child could choke on broken nipple pieces.
• Don't alter a baby bottle nipple hole -- doing so may make the nipple likely to tear, causing small pieces to break off.
• Clean baby feeding equipment before every use.
• If your child is teething, consider replacing your bottle nipples more often.

Pacifiers

• To avoid the risk of strangulation, never tie or hang a pacifier or any other object around the neck of your baby or child.
• Replace your child's pacifier at least every two months - don't wait for it to start looking worn.
• Inspect your child's pacifier daily:
  • Check the nipple for changes in texture, tears or holes - these can appear with age or exposure to heat, certain foods, or sunlight.
  • Check that the nipple and any ring or handle stays firmly attached when pulled forcefully.
  • Throw out any pacifier displaying signs of breakdown. Broken or loose pieces can be choking hazards.
• If your child is teething and chewing on his or her pacifier, replace it with a teething ring, which is a safer option.