Cleanliness is important. Before preparing and filling bottles, wash your hands thoroughly.
Bottles DO NOT require sterilization before first use. AFTER FIRST USE, follow these instructions for preparation and use:
- Wash bottles and caps in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly; or wash in top rack of dishwasher.
- Your healthcare professional may recommend that you sterilize bottles before filling them with breast milk.
- Fill bottles with breast milk. Cap and refrigerate or freeze them promptly. If bottles are not filled immediately, replace caps until needed.
Rinse bottle and cap following use to prevent milk from sticking to bottle.
Filled bottles should be stored in refrigerator and used as directed by your healthcare professional. Discard after 72 hours. If breast milk is to be frozen, chill and freeze it immediately after filling bottles. Leave at least a quarter of the bottle as air space, because the milk will expand. Label all bottles with name, date, and time. When ready to use frozen breast milk, swirl bottle under warm tap water to thaw. Feed thawed breast milk right away or refrigerate; do not refreeze.
WARNING: Never use a microwave oven to thaw or heat milk. Serious burns can result.