Can Dr. Brown's Bottles Go In The Dishwasher? (Find Out Now!)
If you are a new mom, then you already have heard the name “Dr. Brown.” Dr. Brown’s is a brand that is entirely dedicated to healthy bottle feeding, and they make amazing “natural flow” bottles. Unfortunately, being a new mom also means that you will need to get schooled on how to clean all those new supplies for the kiddo. So, what’s the deal? Can you wash these bottles in the dishwasher?
Dr. Brown’s definitely understands the hassles of being a new mom, which is why they made their bottles dishwasher-safe. This includes all the parts to the bottle—the vent, the nipple, and the caps. To make sure that your items stay secure, it’s best to place them on the top shelf of your dishwasher.
Anyone who’s ever bought bottles for a baby shower will tell you that Dr. Brown’s bottles are pretty pricey. This article’s here to help ensure that you get the most use out of them while still keeping your chore load low.
Are All Dr. Brown’s Bottles Dishwasher-Safe?
Yes, they are. The entire brand is dedicated to be no fuss, no muss feeding tools for moms. If you are not sure about some of the accessories (like nipples or the green vents in some models) the best thing you can do is call up their customer service line to double-check. With that said, anecdotal evidence suggests that dishwashers are totally fine with these bottles.
How Important Is Putting Them On The Top Rack?
The choice to put these bottles on the top rack is an important one, primarily because Dr. Brown’s bottles are plastic. Plastics might seem sturdy, but they are more prone to melting and damage on the bottom rack of a dishwasher. Though there’s no guarantee that the bottles will melt or get destroyed, it’s a major safety precaution.
Can’t You Just Hand-Wash The Bottles?
Hand-washing baby bottles is actually totally okay, as long as you still have some schedule of sterilization alongside it. To make sure that your baby bottles are clean, make sure to scrub them down with soapy water that’s hot to the touch. Once a week, boil your baby bottles to ensure that any remaining buildup goes the way of the dodo.
Due to the increase in clean water standards, sterilizing your baby bottles isn’t really as necessary as it once was. Even so, the practice is a good way to help avoid problems later on.
Important Notes About Washing And Sterilizing Dr. Brown’s Bottles
Babies are not as strong as adults or children are, especially when it comes to their immune systems. This is why parents need to sterilize their baby bottles. Thankfully, there are a lot of things that you can do to make sure your bottles are baby-safe. The tips below can help the most:
- Do use natural dishwasher detergent if you’re using the dishwasher. Extremely caustic substances might be too rough on the bottles, and could actually trigger an allergic reaction in babies.
- It’s good to know that Dr. Brown bottles are also microwave-safe. The company actually sells a microwave steam sterilization kit for parents who need to sterilize their bottles in a flash. The two most popular microwave sterilizing products they offer include a microwave sterilizing bag and a microwave steamer sterilizing kit.
- If you want to keep extra good care of the bottles, it’s worth buying a bottle rack. Dr. Brown’s sells these as a part of their bottle care accessories, and they’re excellent for people who need to have a place to air-dry their bottles.
- Oh, and you might also want to invest in a drying rack. While this isn’t absolutely necessary, most new moms find it to be a good way to keep the bottles organized.
How Long Can You Use Sterilized Bottles For?
The general consensus is that you should use your bottles as soon as they’re done being washed or sterilized. With that said, we all know there isn’t always enough time to make sure that your bottles will be immediately used. It’s typically safe to use them within 24 hours. After that, rewashing the bottles is a smart idea post-sterilization.
Do The Bottles Have To Be Totally Dry Before You Pump?
If you’re new to bottle feeding, you might be pretty tempted to just pour the milk into the bottle as soon as you grab them out of the dishwasher. Don’t! As much as it may seem like a quick shortcut, you need to make sure the bottle is totally dried and clean before you place any milk or formula there.
What Should You Do If A Dr. Brown’s Bottle Gets Damaged?
Though the company makes every effort to make durable bottles and materials, mistakes can happen. It’s not unusual to hear about a bottle that gets melted by a heating element or a bottle cap that ends up getting tossed around until it breaks. There are protocols in place that you can use in regards to this issue:
- First, remove the offending part and any other pieces that got knocked loose in your dishwasher. This is both for the safety of your dishwasher and any other parts. If you notice chips or cracks, manually pick up any shrapnel you find.
- Then check to see which part is damaged. Bottles need to be tossed, but if it’s something along the line of a nipple or vent, there’s something else you can do.
- Call the customer service line at Dr. Brown’s and explain the situation. If it’s a “lost part” or a damaged part, you might be able to get it replaced for free. Otherwise, you will need to buy a new bottle or two.
How Much Do Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottles Cost?
Dr. Brown makes a solid bottle, but that doesn’t mean that they are expensive. A three-pack of Dr. Brown’s bottles can usually go between $10 to $15, depending on where you get them. If you want to get a six-pack, you can expect to pay around $25 for them.
Though it might be possible to get individual bottles for sale, the truth is that it’s rarely economical in the long run. Bottles break or get lost all the time, so you might as well take this moment to stock up. If you insist on getting a single bottle, expect to pay between $5 and $8 for a single one. (Told you it wasn’t economical!)
Related Questions
Can you use Dr. Brown’s nipples with other baby bottles?
You can, but you probably shouldn’t. Dr. Brown bottles are some of the few that are designed with venting in mind, which means that the baby bottle nipples are made to be used on vented bottles exclusively. This means that babies that feed on the mismatched bottles and nipples are more prone to get gas or feel colicky as a result.While it’s not a lethal thing, it definitely will make your baby feel less comfortable. And that can lead to crying, which can lead to even more sleep deprivation than you’re already feeling.
Do Dr. Brown’s bottles really work for colic?
It depends on the baby, obviously, but for the most part, the answer is yes. Dr. Brown’s bottles are designed by doctors who studied the overall structure of natural breastfeeding. The bottles’ designs are meant to improve airflow and bottle flow. This takes stress off the baby’s digestive tract and body.Studies show that they can be effective at helping reduce the overall occurrence of colic. However, they are not a cure-all by any means if the word. If colic is a regular issue, you might want to call the doctor.
How long can you use Dr. Brown’s bottles for?
Baby bottles are not meant to last a lifetime, at least not those that are made from synthetic materials. Dr. Brown bottles will last for about two to three months on average. If you haven’t used them at all, then you can store them indefinitely. Dr. Brown baby bottles do not have a shelf life, so you can store them for as long as you need to until you actually have to.
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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