Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
The health visitors and his GP both advised that we should let go of the bottle as soon as possible and gave the reason i stated above , so I reckon there must be some truth in it.
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
My eldest never took a bottle, was only breastfed, and with my twins, I used the disposable inserts from Playtex so I never really bothered with sterilization. The nipples we would wash in hot soapy water.
As far as the effects on their teeth, I’ve seen it firsthand…my eldest has perfect teeth, but the twins, who took bottles and pacifiers…twin #1 stopped that bottle and paci right at his second birthday and his teeth are okay, but twin #2 who stopped the bottle at 2 1/2 & paci much later (closer to 3), will need braces and orthodontic work soon. The dentist told me the same thing…he can definitely tell with my boys which one took the bottle for too long :hinna:
CB is right, all the ped’s & healthcare professionals here as well advise against letting kids take the bottle for long, as it does create dental issues and can contribute to excessive caloric intake of milk and juice
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
and here i thought hey… so you mess up your kid’s milk teeth.. they will fall out eventually and you can correct yourself 
i think genetics play a major role too.. ¨
as for sterilizing of bottles.. who got time for that? :halo:
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
Yah… it can cause misalignment of the teeth and issues with the bite. As khatti has said, there’s a reason healthcare professionals advise against prolonged bottle feeding.
I don’t think one can say that it’s okay based on an observation of one child.. and an observation that is not a professional one.
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
Pick your battles, folks! For me, it’s toilet training over two bottles a day. He’s 2.5 and he has milk in a bottle once before naptime and once at bedtime. Once we’ve crossed the potty training hurdle successfully, we’ll tackle the bottle. Until then, meh. Do what you feel is right for your child at the right age for them. Every kid is different and that’s ok. 
We we just use the dishwasher- only sterilized the first few months.
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
peds here say the same thing… I tried with munchkin to get her to stop the bottle and ive tried with second one too, but to no avail. We had munchin’s teeth checked out a year ago, and shukar se they’re ok :k: but who knows what’ll happen much later on.
I am pretty sure there is a darn good reason behind why peds advise against taking the bottle for too long, but I unfortunately have been unable to get my kids to stop it… those doodh loving kids of mine… grrrrr
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
Did not sterilise past month three. Once a month I may put bottles in hot water
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
My son was breastfeed till he was 2, and took the bottle only till he was 4-5 months old and then we got rid of the pacifier when he was 6 months old but he ended up needing braces. A lot is genetics too!
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
Thats true genetics play major rule!
Here’s one more proof…my son never took bottle but still docs say he will have some issues with his teeth…
Same happened with me…
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
I sterilised the bottles for a year after each use as this is what is recommended.
My daughter is now 3.5 n still drinks milk in a bottle, as long as she drinks her milk twice a day it doesn’t bother me how she drinks it. I know of 6/7 year olds who still drink from bottles.
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
This - kinda! In my local health centres, they say sterlise up to one year for milk bottles, due to milk bacteria, but not necessarily other drinking cups/drinks and utensils as your child will get used to germs in everyday environments more quickly, and will therefore become less susceptible to them. Besides, your child will probably be putting all sorts in their mouth anyway. They recommend weaning them off bottles from 6 months, and ideally by 18 months, as it damages teeth.
I drank from a bottle until I was 4, and have a misaligned teeth and jaw. My parents and most of my family have perfect teeth.
My son is down to 1 bottle at night (a natural development). If he asks for milk at any other time he’s given it in a open cup.
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
I think she meant, start weaning off a bottle from 6 months (as they should be comfortable sitting upright at that point), not have them stop drinking from a bottle at 6 months. Every child has different, and has different needs - guidelines are just that - guidelines. They make you aware of the issues and then, being fully informed you decide the best approach.
My son is 21 months mashallah, and has only just started dropping bottles and accepting milk from a cup (except for his night bottle). But, even then he usually has 2 sips and falls asleep. A bottle is now for comfort more than anything - a sleep aid. But, now he’s found comfort in his teddy, he’s not as interested in the bottle.
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
Never sterilized bottles, just put them in the dishwasher and assumed the high heat drying did the trick. Lila was done with bottles at 11 months, from then on it was all sippy cups.
Re: Sterilization of feeding bottles
I sterilized religiously till the baby was 5 months. Its been a combination of sippy cups and bf since then. His teeth are okay as of yet. Never gave him a pacifier either. So lets see .