Cracked bottles

[TheLadyP]

I was mortified to discover that all four of DD2's Avent feeding bottles had cracks - I have no idea for how long. Obviously I've now bought new ones, but is this normal? I don't remember this happening the last time and I've only been using them frequently for two months (although some were used for DD1 also) I have been washing them in the dishwasher though - could this be the problem? Could any harm have been done to DD2? I have a vague recollection that some bottles have a not very nice chemical that can leach out if the bottles are cracked. Oh God - can't believe I didn't notice sooner. I knew I shouldn't have stopped bf - rueful

Mine have never cracked and I never put them in the dishwasher, not because I love the misery of washing them by hand but because occasionally things come out of our dishwasher not-quite-clean.
The chemical you mean is BPA which is found in most makes of bottle. There is conflicting evidence on this, some say it's safe, others say it's not. AFAIK, it could be harmful only if you heat it to very high temperatures with liquid in it.
MAM bottles are BPA-free and take avent teats. Also the Avent magic cups also take the teats and are BPA-free.
I wouldn't worry too much, the chances of your dd having been harmed sound minimal to me.

Second that chipmonkey.
I think I'd be inclined to contact Avent though. I've never dishwashed mine, but they were used by my Ds and he's almost 10. Dd didn't take to bottles, so only used a few times, but the point is that they are old and yours aren't. Get in touch, they may be a bad batch...and they aren't cheap!

do you use anti-bacterial washing up liquid on the bottles at all? - it can cause cracking of the plastic apparently.

This happened to mine, and when i contacted Avent they told me it was because of using an anti bacterial product, in my case cleaning the table top they stand on with an antibac spray.

Don't put bottles on kitchen counters when they have been cleaned with antibacterial sprays. Not good for the bottles.

Thanks all - I think it could have been the anti-bacterial spray - they all cracked near the bottom so that would make sense

Blimey! you'd think there'd be a warning about that!

I knew about this 6 years ago so I agree, it should be passed on. Maybe it is on the small print on the packaging?

If that's the case, it should be in bigger print! It's a very important point surely? I always used Avent bottles and express kits and they seem to be a good manufacturer, so I'd personally expect more from them.

I am sure it does say somewhere on the packing (I know the tommee tippee closer to nature ones had a warning about it somewhere)

Mind you, I doubt that anti bac was invented when I had Ds and bought mine