$Unique_ID{BRK00610}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Is it All Right to Heat a Baby Bottle in the Microwave?}
$Subject{microwave newborn bottles}
$Volume{Q-23, Q-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it All Right to Heat a Baby Bottle in the Microwave?


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QUESTION:  I greatly appreciate the convenience that a microwave oven can
provide a homemaker.  However, where my baby is concerned, I am a fanatic
about details, and so want to know if is it all right to heat a baby bottle in
the microwave?

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ANSWER:  To properly respond to your question, I must use "Yes and No" as my
answer.  Using a microwave to heat a baby bottle or baby food doesn't make the
food dangerous nor does it destroy any nutrients in the food (or at least no
more than heating on a stove would).  The hazard in using a microwave comes
from the fact that the food gets hot but the container often stays cool to the
touch.  If you take what feels like a comfortably warm bottle out of the
microwave, you may not realize that the milk inside may be near boiling unless
you test it.
     There have been several incidents where small children have scalded their
mouth and face with hot liquids right out of the microwave.  In some cases,
the extremely hot liquid causes internal burns, as well.  In these situations,
the container was not as hot as the liquid and the child didn't feel the heat
until too late.
     "Yes", you can use a microwave to heat a baby bottle, but "No" unless you
use caution and test the heat of the contents of the bottle yourself.  Try
sprinkling a few drops on your wrist, just to be sure.  In similar fashion,
keep small children away from microwaved foods until you check to see that
they are the right temperature for safe eating.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
