I think this should be tempered by the bottle itself. The "disposable" bottles given by formula companies are not meant to be re-used. I've tried to have them autoclaved and they shrunk. The indentations do not lend themselves to easy cleaning.  If a re-usable bottle (such as a Special Needs Feeder or other commercial product) is used, that IS washed and reused. We use a microwave sterilizer to sanitize daily and wash between uses. I think in NICU settings, it would be a good idea to get away from free formula bottles and nipples and go to ones that could be passed to mom at discharge. I see way too many moms that come back still using the non-reuseable bottles and nipples and the nipples are literally shooting across the room because they have broken down! JMHO. And wouldn't that help the baby-friendly process? 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Pamela Murphy, PhD, MS, CNM, IBCLC
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 3:22 PM
Subject: Re-using bottles in NICU

I work for an institution who is trying to cut costs and this question arose:

Does anyone re-use bottles in their LII or NICU settings? If so, what is your process?

We are thinking of giving moms their bottles back to wash after the milk has been used to feed the infant.

Please email [log in to unmask]

Thank you.
Pamela Murphy, PhD, CNM, IBCLC
Medical University of South Carolina
www.breastfeedingconferences.com

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