Disposable bottles and teats, historically used in hospitals, result in poor feeding outcomes and present many challenges, such as inconsistent teat flow rates, negative pressure and increased waste. While disposables are often treated as a ‘free’ line item, a recently published study in Pediatric Nursing reveals the cumulative impact extends well beyond supply costs; touching clinical outcomes, length of hospital stay and the transition home. Figures from the study show the transition to reusable bottles and teats requires no additional investment, while resulting in meaningful cost savings, along with improved feeding outcomes and environmental benefits. Full details of the study can be found at: https://www.ovid.com/journals/pednu/abstract/10.62116/pnj.2026.52.1.7~impact-of-reusable-bottle-nipples-compared-to-disposable?redirectionsource=fulltextview
An investigation into the cost and environmental benefits of using a reusable bottle and teat versus a single-use disposable bottle and single-use teat has been carried out by Central Medical Supplies (CMS). With the majority of maternity units using single use bottles and teats to feed bottle fed infants, the investigation demonstrates the potential cost and environmental savings that can be made by using the more sustainable reusable option. Findings from the investigation show that over a one month period maternity units could save £237 per bottle fed infant each month, by using a reusable Dr Brown’s bottle and teat. Switching to the reusable option would also reduce the amount of plastic being disposed of by 7kg per month. 1
Central Medical Supplies (CMS) can provide hospital trusts with the Dr Brown’s® range of reusable bottles and teats. Studies show the Dr Brown’s® bottle system provides a consistent flow rate and improved feeding experience. Being a reusable system Dr Brown’s® also helps eliminate waste, is better for the environment and can help trusts achieve the net-zero target the NHS is committed to.
For information on Dr Brown’s®, contact Sarah Ward, Brand and Product Manager at Central Medical Supplies, on 07985 425 397 or email sarah.ward@centralmedical.co.uk. Alternatively, you can find out more by visiting www.centralmedical.co.uk.
- The investigation was carried out by Central Medical Supplies in 2021 and the figures are based on 2021 prices. The calculations used in the investigation were based on an average of six oral feeds per bottle fed infant in a 24 hour period and a 31 day calendar month. The cost of sterilisation bags is included in the calculation, based on three bags being required for one week and ten bags needed per month. It is acknowledged that some assumptions have been made and there are variables that should be considered, which will affect the estimated costs:
Not every baby stays on a unit for an extended period of time
As babies transition onto oral feeds, they may rely on a nasogastric feeding tube for some feeds and won’t take all feeds in a 24 hours period orally
Not every infant is bottle fed
Some infants are both breast and bottle fed
Other reusable bottles are available
