Is it advisable to use a thermometer to measure the temperature of Comotomo baby bottles?

Preparing baby formula is a daily task for young mothers, seemingly simple yet crucial for a child's health. Cold water might leave the baby unsatisfied, while hot water poses a risk of mouth burns. Many families carefully use mercury thermometers to directly measure the temperature inside the baby bottle, leading to unexpected accidents.

Consequences of using a thermometer to measure the temperature of baby bottles

Mrs. Hoa, with a 6-month-old baby, shared her experience. She was using a Comotomo baby bottle

and a mercury thermometer to measure the temperature. Strangely, the thermometer cracked, and mercury mixed with the milk. Only when the baby almost finished drinking did she notice. Immediate measures to induce vomiting were unsuccessful. Fortunately, after hospital treatment, the child stabilized, returning to normal eating habits.

According to statistics from specialized doctors, there have been cases of mercury poisoning and fatalities due to late detection from drinking mercury in thermometers.

Structure of a mercury thermometer

The essence of mercury in the thermometer is a pure substance that doesn't absorb in the digestive system and poses no harm when swallowed. However, if mercury enters the lungs, it becomes extremely dangerous as children can inhale it directly or accidentally aspirate it during vomiting stimulated by the mother. If a child ingests mercury, it's crucial for parents to stay calm and avoid arbitrarily trying to induce vomiting, as it can be highly hazardous. Instead, parents should take the child to the nearest healthcare facility, where doctors can examine and assess the amount of mercury in the stomach, enabling timely treatment.

Due to being made of glass, thermometers have a delicate design and can only measure temperatures up to 42 ^oC. When exposed to boiling water, the glass is prone to cracking, leading to the leakage of mercury.

In summary:

So, not only Comotomo baby bottles but all other types of baby bottles can encounter accidents like Mrs. Hoa's if mothers don't prepare formula correctly. The simplest method recommended by experts on the packaging is to mix the formula with hot and boiled water, allowing it to cool to a specific temperature, around 40^oC, to ensure the preservation of nutritional content in the milk.

Absolutely avoid using a thermometer directly in boiling water. For bathwater, use your hand to test the temperature first, and for breast milk, pour a small amount onto the back of your hand, feeling for warmth around 37^oC.