Just got 4 year old bm storage bags, teats, milton etc out of loft - will they be OK?

[MyOtherNameIsBetter]

In had DS 4.5 years ago and am due again in March. I have just got all my old baby stuff down from the loft. I breastfed last time and plan to do again but want a few bottles for expressed milk.

The breast milk storage bags don't have a use by date on them and should still be sterile shouldn't they? The breast pump I have looks slightly yellowed but should be OK with a good wash and sterilise shouldn't it?

The milton (I only ever used one tablet!) is a few months out of date but I can't see that being a problem can you?

The bottles look fine but the teats look like they could probably do with replacing so I'll get some more. Do they still do Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles? Could someone remind me what teat size I will need please - I think maybe 1? Thanks!

As to the breast pump - it depends on if it is a manual or electric and if electric whether it is a closed or open motor.

If it's manual check the flange (soft rubber part that moves when pumping) hasn't rotted/degraded as the pump won't work without it. Spares can be bought for most of the major brands (though may need to go to manufacturer).

If it's an electric pump with an open motor (Medela have open motors and possibly others too) milk can be sucked back into the motor where they can grow mould - this mould could then contaminate any milk pumped in the future. Closed pumps can't get milk in the motor so would be fine. You'd need to check the flange on an electric pump too.

I wouldn't use the teats though as they are very old (in teat terms!) and could have degraded.

That's great information, thank you! It's a manual pump and there is a spare unused flange which although 4 odd years old looks fine

I have replaced the teats thank you. I found some Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature vari-flow which have an x in the top as well as a hole and are from birth on so look more cost effective than buying 0, 1, 2, 3 etc