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Inaccurate baby bottle markings

 
Recent findings show that some of the cheaper baby bottles available on the New Zealand market have inaccurate measurements marked on the side of them, meaning that some babies maybe getting infant formula that’s too concentrated, which in turn could cause possible health issues.
Recent findings show that some of the cheaper baby bottles available on the New Zealand market have inaccurate measurements marked on the side of them, meaning that some babies maybe getting infant formula that’s too concentrated, which in turn could cause possible health issues.

It’s been found that some bottles on the market overestimate the volume by up to 40%. Out of 35 baby bottles surveyed by Consumer Affairs, 15 of them had inaccurate volume markings which were out by more than 5%. These bottles tended to be purchased from discount stores.

Formula that is too concentrated can cause babies to vomit, have diarrhoea or constipation. If left untreated it can lead to dehydration. Overtime, formula that is too concentrated will also provide excess calories and other nutrients which could lead to overweight or obese babies and toddlers. It could also harm vital organs such as the kidneys when they are still immature.

Most feeding bottles are imported to New Zealand. Some of these are imported from Europe and meet a European regulatory standard (the EN14350 standard) which means their measurements are accurate. However these bottles tend to be more expensive than those sold in discount stores.

The survey findings have prompted the Ministry of Health, along with Consumer Affairs and Plunket to develop safe guidelines for caregivers. If you are using infant feeding bottles for your little ones, it is now possible to get the accuracy of the feeding bottles checked. You can take your bottles to your local pharmacy where they will have access to accurate measuring equipment and will test the bottles for you. If necessary they can mark the correct volume measurements on the bottles.

If you are expressing milk to feed your baby and want to know the accurate volume being expressed or given, either use a EN14350 standard bottle or again ask your local pharmacy to measure the bottles for accuracy.

If you are breastfeeding your baby this issue does not affect you.

 
For more information about this issue visit the Ministry of Health website.
 
Check out our other Hot Topics on:
The ins and outs of weaning
Drinks you can give toddlers & pre-schoolers as well as water or milk
Cows milk allergies

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