Bottles, pacifiers and teething necklaces
Babies need special attention and care. Learn about safe ways to help feed and soothe your baby.
Parents use specific items when caring for their young child. Each item comes with its own risks. Certain risks can be reduced with proper care and attention.
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Baby bottles and bottle nipples
When taking care of your baby bottles and baby bottle nipples, there are certain safety measures to keep in mind.
- Clean baby-feeding equipment before every use.
- Inspect baby bottle nipples before and after each use.
- Discard baby bottle nipples that show signs of wear and tear. A child can choke on broken nipple pieces.
- Avoid altering baby bottle nipple holes by making them bigger. This can tear the nipple and cause small pieces to break off.
- Be aware that baby bottle nipples can wear out faster when your child begins teething. You may need to replace your baby bottle nipples more often during this stage.
Did you know...
The hard material used to make polycarbonate plastic baby bottles sold before October 2010 may contain the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). In Canada, polycarbonate baby bottles containing BPA have been banned.
Pacifiers
Pacifiers need to be properly used and maintained in order to be safe for your child.
- Never hang a pacifier around the neck of your child. This is a strangulation hazard.
- Replace your child's pacifier at least every 2 months before it starts looking worn.
- Inspect your child's pacifier daily:
- Check the nipple for changes in texture, tears or holes. These changes can be caused by age, exposure to heat, sunlight and certain foods.
- Check that the nipple and any ring or handle stays firmly attached when pulled forcefully.
- Throw out any pacifier showing signs of wear and tear. Broken or loose pieces are choking hazards.
- Replace the pacifier with a teething ring if your child starts to chew on it.
Teething necklaces
Not all teething products are safe for your child. Teething products that tie around the neck can cause serious injury or death.
- Never tie necklaces, strings, ribbons or chains around a child's neck, and never attach them to a crib. These items are not safe for children under 3 years of age.
- Strangulation can happen because these items can become tightly twisted around a child's neck, even during sleep.
- Strangulation can also occur if a necklace or similar item gets caught on a piece of furniture or hook.
- Necklaces can break. The small pieces are choking hazards.