Is It Safe To Buy Secondhand Baby Bottles? (Explained)
Buying baby equipment is quite expensive, so considering second-hand options is perfectly reasonable. However, you should know which used things are okay for your baby, and which you need to buy brand new. The most common question asked by parents is whether it is safe to buy a second-hand baby bottle.
It is safe to buy second-hand baby bottles as long as you make sure that they are BPA-free and not damaged. If you are sure that the used baby bottle is in a good condition, without any scratches, you should make sure to sterilize it and wash it with hot water and soap. In addition, you will need to buy a new bottle nipple for hygiene purposes.
If you want to be economical when it comes to baby equipment, you need to know what is okay to be reused with your newborn. In this article, I have focused on second-hand baby bottles and their safe use. Keep reading to find out what you need to take into consideration before buying a used baby bottle!
Should You Go For Secondhand Baby Bottles?
Many parents are trying hard to make the conditions for their baby as safe as possible, but they also try to be economical and not spend a fortune on baby equipment. It is a fact that this kind of equipment is quite expensive, and you need a lot of things for your newborn.
Luckily, there are things you can do to save some money while keeping your baby safe at all times.
Baby equipment is not usually used for a long time, so buying second-hand is quite practical. However, when it comes to baby bottles, parents might get quite skeptical, which is not at all strange. Baby bottles need to be kept clean and in good condition, because that is the main container from which your newborn gets their meal.
Nonetheless, it is perfectly safe to go for second-hand baby bottles, but you need to consider several factors before doing so. You will have to ensure that the bottle is entirely safe. There are a few things you need to do and think about before choosing a second-hand bottle for your baby:
- Check whether the bottle is BPA-free.
- Check the condition of the bottle.
- Sterilize the baby bottle.
- Buy a new bottle nipple.
#1 Check Whether the Bottle Is BPA-free
A very important feature in a baby bottle is whether it has a BPA-free stamp. This is an important trait of baby bottles both in new and second-hand ones, so make sure that you check this out. If you are wondering why this is so crucial, you should learn the issue that occurs with BPA.
Namely, research has proven that when plastic bottles are scratched or damaged in any way, pouring hot water in them can cause BPA leaks. For instance, when you are making formula or you are sterilizing the bottle, BPA can leak into the milk. One easy way to check whether the baby bottle is BPA-free is by checking for the BPA stamp on the packaging.
However, if there is no stamp or anything to signalize that the bottle is BPA-free, then you can look into several features. That is, there are ways to determine when bottles are safe even without the stamp.
Since there are different kinds of bottles, I have created a table, so it will be easier for you to make a distinction.
| Type of bottle | Look of the bottle | Scratch resistance level |
|---|---|---|
| PES (polyethersulfone) BPA-free bottle | Transparent with honey-colored tinge | High |
| PP (polypropylene) BPA-free bottle | Slightly cloudy color | Low |
| Glass bottle – BPA-free | Transparent | High |
| PC (polycarbonate) bottle (Contains BPA) | Transparent | High |
#2 Check the Condition of the Bottle
It goes without saying that it is of crucial importance to check whether the bottle is free of any scratches or damage. This is necessary because that is how you determine whether the bottle will be safe for your baby. In other words, that is how you make sure that there will be no BPA leaks into the baby food.
While this might be easy when you are buying from a second-hand store, it may be quite difficult if you are making your purchase online. Even though the seller might provide pictures, you will never be sure whether there are scratches or damages on the bottle. That is why it is important to know who you are buying from, and to ensure that refunds will take place if something is not right.
#3 Sterilize the Bottle
Sterilizing is a necessary step in keeping high hygiene levels, no matter whether the bottle is new or used. For sterilizing, you will need a soap that is safe for babies and hot water. This step should not be skipped and should be done at least once a week.
Another thing you have to pay attention to is the way you are cleaning the bottle. Usually, during cleaning and sterilizing you can cause scratches and damage to the bottle, so you need to be careful.
#4 Buy a New Bottle Nipple
After you make sure that everything is alright with the condition of the baby bottle, you will need to buy a new bottle nipple. This is a must, and you should not consider just sterilizing the old one. Bottle nipples should not be shared even between siblings.
This is necessary primarily due to hygiene reasons, but also because the silicone of the bottle nipples gets worn out really quickly. That is why you may even have to change the new one very soon.
Where Can You Buy Secondhand Baby Bottles?
When you plan to stay on a budget when buying baby equipment, you should consider several places where you can find second-hand baby items, such as bottles. However, it is good if you check the reviews of these places to ensure that they sell quality products. Here are some places where you can find second-hand baby bottles:
- Second-hand baby shops: online or local.
- NCT sales or Nearly New Sales are great places where you can buy baby equipment in great condition.
- Family and friends: this might be your safest option, and you will probably get the best deal.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Is It Okay To Use Used Bottle Nipples?
You should never use second-hand bottle nipples on your baby even from a family member or friend. They are prone to tearing and a typical source of bacteria, so you should not take that risk with your baby.
Do Baby Bottles Expire?
Baby bottles have expiration dates, especially if they are frequently used. Usually, the lifespan of baby bottles is around 3 years, and after that they start degenerating due to frequent cleaning and exposure to heat.
How Do You Safely Store Baby Bottles For Your Next Child?
If you intend to use baby bottles with your next child, you should store them with care. First, you will need to wrap them in bubble wrap, and then pad them with baby blankets. You can also use stuffed animals since they make great padding.
Final Thoughts
Buying second-hand baby bottles is a smart way to stay on a budget when buying baby equipment. However, you need to be careful with the condition of the baby bottle since that is how your baby will ingest food in the earliest stages.
Hopefully, my thorough guide will help you choose the right second-hand bottle for your newborn!
Sources
- Pregnancy Magazine: The do’s and don’ts of used baby goods
- Made For Mums: Guide to buying secondhand feeding equipment
In the table of types of baby bottles, glass is listed as no BPA, but high for scratch resistant level. So according to your table, the only safe bottle is the PP—BPA free bottle?
All of the types of bottles listed in the table are considered safe for use with babies, as long as they are BPA-free. Polypropylene (PP) bottles are a popular choice for parents because they are lightweight, affordable, and durable. Glass bottles are another option that some parents prefer because they are easy to clean and do not contain any plastic.