If you’re a Mom who is STUCK with a stock of AVENT (non BPA-free) bottles like me, have no fear. Hey, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right?
Since I cannot throw them away (I have 4 more new 9 oz bottles to go) and neither will I pay for the expensive shipping involved in buying BPA-free ones, I’ve figured out a way to use them safely.
According to the World Health Organization’s guide on preparing infant powdered formula, the boiled water should be allowed to cool to around 70 deg C (Check out the PDF guide in English or Chinese).
Since the safety issue of BPA in baby’s bottles is because
“the chemical leaches OFF the bottle into baby’s milk when boiling hot water or liquids (100 deg C) are poured into a polycarbonate bottle…”
just make sure you don’t have boiling hot water in your baby’s bottle!
Here’s how you can do this:
1. Prepare a bottle of milk safely. Since the boy drinks 7 oz of milk each feed, I’ll first pour 5 oz of cool water and then top up with 2 oz of hot water. Then, scoop in the milk powder, put on the cap and shake. DO NOT POUR HOT BOILING WATER INTO THE BOTTLE FIRST.
2. Do not use a hard bristle brush. Use a sponge/soft bristle brush instead. Because hard bristles scratch the inner surface of the bottle, I try to minimize the damage by using a sponge brush.
I’d got a NUK bristle brush with a curved head, which is quite handy to use, but since the bristles are quite hard I’m using it to wash plates instead! I had one from Disney or Anakku (for RM3.50 or something) with really soft bristles but its handle broke after wear and tear.
Now, I’m using a Made in China 100% sponge bottle brush that gently cleans the insides of the bottle. I still use the small bristle brush to wash the nipples and bottle covers.
Pardon the handle-less sponge brush – Hubby broke it just after using it one time!!! You can imagine my grumbling and grouching since I had to get a new one (with a stronger handle the next day).
3. Sterilising with hot water. According to AVENT, sterilising bottles this way is still OK as long you throw away the hot water used to sterilise the bottles.
Now, I can’t guarantee that the above methods will prevent 100% BPA leaching but it’s how I’m living with my AVENT bottles.
If you’ll excuse me, this pregnant woman has to look for her lunch 
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Really? I’ve been making milk that cold water-hot water way all this while. Ha ha ha… Guess, my ignorance of this BPA thingy paid off! HAHAHAHAHAAHAH!
*runs away*
May I suggest that you try using glass baby bottles instead? I’ve used it exclusively for my youngest son and although it takes some getting used to (it’s heavier and needs more care in handling), the bottles give very good value for money because they lasts like forever and cleaning and sterilising them is a breeze. You might be able to find them at speciality baby stores.
Now that my baby has outgrown his bottles, I’m still using them for measuring liquids in the kitchen!
smart move…how come u got so many new bottles?
u know, u can also use them 2 pump milk later (jst use the bottles while pumping but not for storage) but u may not need to since u wont be pumping alot this time?
Mott – I learnt it from my Mum and Chinese grandmother ma. And we learnt it in Science class also…remember the hot water in the glass experiment? It cracked unless you placed a spoon in it to help cool it down. Boy, I love Science
AM – Thanks for the suggestions. I’ve thought of it but my boy is EXTREMELY active plus he’s 100% attached to his AVENT bottle now. He refused to try other brands I’ve bought. Maybe I’ll it for the next baby but fear I’d drop the glass bottle and will have to deal with broken glass! Unless it’s tempered?
Syn – I’d bought one box (3 bottles) earlier during a sale in Penang and another in HK
You’re right, I don’t think I’ll be pumping that much this time and you know how much I hate it…
So I guess sterilizing by way of boiling the water or using a steam sterilizer is not that ‘safe’ anymore huh? Maybe just use sterilizing tablets instead?
I meant by way of boiling the bottles in a pot of boiling water…. not safe anymore.
Health Freak – Only for non-BPA-free bottles. I don’t like to use sterilizing tablets because they have a chemical-ly smell. I like things simple and fuss-free items
Health Freak – Only for non-BPA-free bottles. I don’t like to use sterilizing tablets because they have a chemical-ly smell. I like things simple and fuss-free
Since learning about BPA, I’ve always poured in cold water first, followed by hot water. Those day, anything goes
And I’ve stopped sterilising the bottles since she started taking outside foods, coz I’m sure those foods contain more contaminants than her bottles…haha.
A Mom’s Diary – Hahaha same here! Anyway, my paed told us that it’s wise not too be too ‘clean’ either because our bodies need some germs to keep our immune system in working order
I just bought 3 BPA free milk bottles branded Bumble Bee? Is it safe to feed baby? I am currentlt using AVEN(non-BPA) bottle? Besides,i am looking for sip cup & bowl with lid & teether which are BPA free,any recommendation?
KittyCat: Shirlyn, be careful that many, many baby bottle brands are jumping onto the “BPA-free” bandwagon because they know Mums are concerned. As I’m not familiar with Bumble Bee, I couldn’t say…
Personally, I’m reverting straight to PP bottles (soft, opaque plastic) instead of PC (hard, transparent plastic) because they were BPA-free right from the straight. Does Bumble Bee state what type of plastic is used?