Changing the bottle nipple is a crucial task for mothers caring for infants during the bottle-feeding phase. Many mothers mistakenly believe that the bottle nipple has little impact on the baby's health, but there are numerous hidden bacteria that we cannot see. So, how often should mothers replace the baby's bottle and nipple?
The Role of Bottle Nipples in Baby's Health
Bottle nipples or pacifiers are designed to mimic the mother's nipple, meeting the baby's natural sucking needs even when the mother is not around, aiding in successful weaning. Beyond that, bottle nipples and pacifiers have surprising benefits that we may not be aware of.
Bottle nipples cater to the baby's natural reflexes. Even when full, babies often have the habit of sucking on their mother's nipple. This is why some babies are reluctant to switch to bottle feeding. A soft bottle nipple will make the baby's milk consumption more convenient and effective.
As a daily eating utensil for babies, maintaining the hygiene of the baby's bottle is crucial for the child's health. A bottle nipple with a breathable valve prevents the baby from choking while drinking milk, providing peace of mind for both mother and baby.

How Often Should You Replace Baby's Bottle Nipple and Bottle?
Every bottle nipple, regardless of brand, has its own expiration date. Most modern bottle nipples are made of plastic. Over time, the plastic can affect the baby's health to some extent. Therefore, mothers should pay attention to replacing the nipple and bottle for their baby.
In today's market, baby bottles come in various types, each with its own advantages and different expiration dates. There are two main types of baby bottles: colored bottles and transparent bottles.
Most types of baby bottles are only recommended for use within the first 6 months. Mothers should replace the bottle nipple every 3 months. However, besides the factor of time, there are other reasons to replace the bottle sooner.
When is it necessary to replace the baby bottle?
- A cracked or damaged baby bottle can lead to milk leakage. Tiny cracks around the plastic bottle are challenging to detect as they resemble scratches.
- When the baby bottle is scratched, the bottom can corrode, releasing harmful substances present in the plastic. Although this doesn't cause milk to leak, it poses a significant risk to the baby's health.
- Change in bottle color: Plastic and silicone baby bottles tend to change color over time, shifting towards yellow or brown. This happens due to high temperatures, environmental factors, or purchasing low-quality bottles. Incorrect cleaning can cause dirt to quickly change color, transforming into harmful parasites for the body.
- Bottle deformation: While pouring hot water for formula preparation, the bottle may not deform entirely but can exhibit indentation faults. This indicates substandard plastic, with harmful plastic leakage during the baby's milk preparation. Immediate replacement is necessary to avoid significant impacts on the baby's health.
- Bottle capacity: As the baby grows, the need for more milk intake increases. Therefore, mothers can switch to a larger bottle to reduce the frequency of milk preparation and meet the baby's needs more efficiently.

So when is the right time to replace your baby's bottle nipple?
Baby bottle nipples have a shorter lifespan compared to the bottles. Besides the time factor, here are some issues that mothers should consider when replacing the nipple for a more reassuring experience during the baby's bottle feeding.
- The nipple's output only drips milk when the bottle is tilted. If the milk flows in a stream or more, the nipple is faulty, and the baby may experience milk spilling.
- Ripped or stretched nipples: Young children tend to bite the nipple to soothe teething discomfort. While a nipple made of good-quality, soft rubber is acceptable, if there are visible tears or bite marks, it indicates poor quality and requires immediate replacement to prevent further tearing.
- Milk residue in the nipple's edge can lead to a sour or foul odor if not cleaned thoroughly, providing a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria. Mothers should maintain proper hygiene or replace the nipple when discoloration occurs.
- Adjusting the nipple size to suit the child's age is essential for proper usage.

Best Baby Bottles for Your Consideration
Upis baby bottles are currently a trusted choice for many mothers. Alongside being the top-quality baby bottle from South Korea, the product is known for its unique, modern design and BPA-free plastic, ensuring the safety of your little one's health.
Thanks to its premium plastic material, Upis bottles withstand strong impacts, resist scratches, and minimize the risk of cracking. However, mothers should still replace the Upis baby bottle every 6 months and the Upis bottle nipple every 3 months to ensure the safety of their child's health.
Here are some insights into the question 'when should you replace the baby bottle nipple and baby bottle' that we have compiled in the most comprehensive and detailed manner. Mothers can compare the advantages of Upis bottles with other baby bottles on the Mytour blog for a more confident choice for their child!