Product Support
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Stuck on how to use one of our products?
Not sure how to clean them?
Find all the useful support information right here.
Getting Started
Parts Guide
Connecting a pouch to your breast pump…
Breastmilk can be expressed directly in to Made for Me™ breastmilk pouches using our breast pump adapters.
- Select the relevant adapter for the brand of breast pump you are using. The product works with all leading brand breast pumps.
- Screw the adapter on to your breast pump.
- Attach the pouch to the pump/adapter and express. Keep the pouch cap in a clean safe place so it can be replaced after expressing.
- (a/b) Once you have finished expressing or when the pouch is full, unscrew from the pump and replace the screw cap.
- Pouches should be marked and dated for reference using a soft tipped marker so as not to damage the bag. Depending on how the milk freezes in the bag, you may not get an accurate read so we recommend recording the volume expressed in the 'notes' section.
How to Use
How to assemble your Breast Milk Starter Set Bottle
Please ensure all pouch holder and teat parts have been washed and sterilised as per guidelines before use.
- Choose the correct adapter for which teat you are feeding with - the product works with most leading brand teats.
- Place your pouch into the holder and close the holder. Then remove screw cap.
- Screw the assembled ring and teat to the pouch and holder.
- (a) The pouch bottle is now ready to use. (b) When ready to feed, remove hood. Once feed is finished dispose of pouch and wash/sterilise all other parts as per manufacturers guidelines.
Please note…
- Inspect each part before each use and pull the feeding teat in all directions.
- Do not store with or allow to contact solvents or harsh chemicals.
- Not suitable for microwave or conventional oven.
- Do not leave a feeding teat in direct sunlight or heat or leave in disinfectant (“sterilising solution”) for longer than recommended, as this may weaken the teat.
- For safety and hygiene reasons it is recommended that the feeding teat is replaced at least every 2 months.
- Not suitable for hot or fizzy (carbonated) drinks.
How to clean and sterilise your Breast Milk Starter Set Pouch Bottle
The following steps apply to all components, except for the pouches themselves as they are pre-sterilised and single use.
- Before first use place all components (except for the milk storage bags – these are pre-sterilised) in boiling water for 5 minutes. This is to ensure that they’re thoroughly clean.
- Always wash all parts before and immediately after use in warm soapy water, and rinse in clean water or use a dishwasher (top shelf only).
- Do not clean any part of the set with solvents or harsh chemicals, and don’t allow any part to contact oil-based foods (e.g. oil/tomato-based sauces) as staining will occur.
- Do not turn the teat inside out for cleaning, damage could result. Use a teat brush to clean your teats.
- Each part of the set (except the pouches) is suitable for sterilisation by UV light, steam (electric or microwave), boiling or cold-water tablet/liquid solution.
FAQs
How many times can I use each storage pouch?
Just once. That’s because they’re pre-sterilised to protect your little one’s tummy.
Can the storage pouches be recycled?
The pouches are made from HDPE, nylon, PE. They’re a composite of a hard plastic cap and flexible plastic bag, which would have to be separated to be recycled. The HDPE is likely to be recycled at your local supermarket. We recommend that you check your local recycling guidelines first as they can differ across the country.
Can I use the pouches in the original Tommee Tippee electric food and bottle warmer?
We wouldn’t really recommend this, but there is a specially designed pouch and bottle warmer that’ll do the job far better!
How long can I store my breastmilk in the refrigerator or freezer?
The ‘rule of 6’ is a handy guide to help you know how long expressed breastmilk can be stored…
- 6 hours at room temperature.
- 6 days in the fridge (0 - 4°C).
- 6 months in the freezer (-18°C or lower).
If you’re storing milk in the fridge or freezer, make sure you write the date on the pouch or bottle so that you can keep track of when each batch was expressed.
The measurements on my breastmilk pouch don’t seem quite right, why is this?
They key thing here is to flatten out the bottom of the pouch, so that the whole pouch gets filled. If you don’t do this, it may look like there’s more milk that there actually is.
Expanding the pouch also helps it stand upright on a flat surface, which is important too – the last thing you want is for it to topple over and spill your precious breastmilk!
Is there a ‘use by date’ for empty, unused storage pouches?
Great question! Each pouch should remain sterile for up to 3 years if it’s sealed and in good condition – i.e. the lid has not been removed and there’s no damage to the pouch.
Can I use any teat with my storage pouch?
Yep! All Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature and Advanced Anti Colic teats can be used with your Breast Milk Starter Set pouches.
Can I sterilise my Breast Milk Starter Set? (Adapters, teats, and pouch holder etc…)
All parts of the Breast Milk Starter Set system can be sterilised either in a microwave or electric steam steriliser – other than the milk storage pouches themselves, as these are already pre-sterilised!
How far can I fill the pouch up to?
No more than 6oz. Make sure that you squeeze out any excess air from the pouch before you place in the fridge or freezer.
Where should the teat’s valve be when I’m feeding my baby?
The best place for the valve is at the top, near your baby's nose.
Can I put my teats in the dishwasher?
Of course! Pop them on the top shelf though. As with all white and clear plastic things they can get a bit stained in the dishwasher. If they do get discoloured there’s nothing to worry about, they’re still perfectly safe to use.
Why is the teat collapsing when my baby is feeding?
This probably means air is not flowing smoothly through your bottle. But don’t worry, it’s easy to fix. You just need to re-open the slit at the tip of the valve by gently manipulating it between your finger and thumb.
You should see it open easily, and air can then flow again, preventing the teat from collapsing.
To be clear, this shouldn’t happen often. It’s due to the specially designed silicone we use. It’s so soft and sheer that it can sometimes stick the slit together if the teat isn’t used for a little while. Nothing to worry about!
If your little one is sucking really hard on the teat, they may want more milk than they’re able to get. If that’s the case, you could try a Vari Flow teat or jump up to the next flow rate.
When will my baby be ready for a faster teat?
There’s no one answer to this as every baby is totally different.
Most babies are ready for a medium flow teat at around 3 months, and by 6 months, they usually move on to a fast flow teat.
Another option is to consider our Vari Flow teat which has an ‘X’ cut at the end so your baby can dictate flow rate.
Most babies will let you know in their own way when they’re ready to feed more quickly.
How long do teats last?
Our bottles will last as long as your baby needs them, but teats take a little more hammering and should be changed regularly. We suggest switching your teats for shiny new ones every 2 months.