What to Do with Your Feeding Gear After the Formula Recall
Don’t Panic. If you’re wondering if you need to toss your formula maker or sterilize every bottle, here's what to do next.
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If you’ve been using ByHeart formula and were impacted by the recent recall, you may be juggling two big questions. The first: What should I feed my baby now? (FYI: You’ll want to switch formulas immediately—we have guidance on how to make the transition and what options are similar in our How to Switch Baby Formula guide). And the second: What do I do with all the gear that came in contact with that formula? Many parents are understandably worried about what to do with the feeding gear that’s come in contact with the recalled formula—especially given that the recall was related to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism.
Can you still use the bottle you have after sterilizing? How should you clean them? What about your formula maker, bottle washer or warmer?
We checked the latest guidance from health authorities (like the FDA and CDC) and spoke with pediatric experts to help you figure out what’s safe to keep—and what might be worth replacing.
We checked both the FDA and CDC’s guidance and talked to Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified pediatrician, IBCLC and founder of PedsDocTalk, where she helps parents navigate parenting’s biggest questions.
What Experts Say About Cleaning and Reusing Your Gear
We know this recall news can feel overwhelming. First things first: while botulism is a serious illness, it’s important to understand the context.
“Clostridium botulinum is naturally occurring in our environment,” explains Dr. Max Goldstein, a board-certified pediatrician. “Infant botulism only occurs if spores colonize the infant’s gut or if toxin is present in sufficient concentration in formula or food.”
This type of contamination in formula is extremely rare, and this is the first time it’s ever been linked to a formula recall. “There isn’t a long history of guidance to lean on,” adds Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified pediatrician, IBCLC and founder of PedsDocTalk, saying she prefers to err on the side of caution in situations like this.
Most experts—including Dr. Max, Dr. Mona, and the CDC—recommend washing any gear that came in contact with the recalled formula using hot water and soap, followed by a sterilizer cycle, when possible.
Dr. Mona also points out one important exception: “For newborns under three months or babies with any health concerns, I would lean even more toward tossing and replacing,” she says. “The risk of illness is still very low, but this is one of those situations where keeping things simple and safe matters.”
As always, be sure to reach out to your baby's pediatrician with any questions or concerns.
Bottles and Nipples
If your bottles were used with recalled formula, you can still use them—as long as they’ve been thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. Check the brand’s sterilizing instructions first—protocol differs depending on whether you’re using glass, plastic or silicone bottles. If you don’t have a sterilizer, that’s okay. Most of the time, boiling for 3-5 minutes or using a microwavable sterilizing bag (like these ones from Dr. Brown’s) will also work.
While bottle nipples can also be sterilized, you may want to just replace them if your budget allows.
Formula Makers and Warmers
These can usually be kept too, but it depends on the design. For machines with internal tubing or hard-to-clean parts, check the manufacturer’s instructions or contact their support team. If you can thoroughly clean all parts that came into contact with the formula, you’re likely safe to continue using it.
Mixing Pitchers and Storage Containers
These are generally fine to continue using once cleaned. Again, hot soapy water is sufficient, but if you’re able to, Dr. Mona recommends tossing anything that’s come in contact with the recalled formula to be extra safe.
The FDA also recommends thoroughly wiping down any surfaces (like your counter) that may have come in contact with the formula. Dr. Mona says, “The goal is simply to remove any spores so there’s no chance they end up in a baby’s mouth.” Any household disinfectant or hot soap and water will work.
🧽 When in doubt, focus on any part that came into contact with the formula—and clean it thoroughly.
What to Toss or Replace
While most gear can be safely cleaned and reused, there are a few exceptions:
Cracked or cloudy bottles and nipples. These may be harder to sanitize properly and could harbor bacteria. If they’re showing wear or damage, it’s a good time to replace them.
Parts with stuck residue. If you can’t fully clean a surface—especially inside formula makers or warmers—it’s safest to stop using those items.
We know tossing things feels frustrating, but when it comes to your baby’s safety, Dr. Mona says it’s important to err on the side of caution.
Still Not Sure? Here’s What You Can Do
If you're unsure about whether something’s safe to keep using:
Check with the manufacturer for cleaning guidance or safety notices
Ask your pediatrician if you’re concerned about exposure
If replacing gear is part of your plan, we’ve pulled together a few helpful resources:
The Best Bottles According to Parents, Experts and Picky Babies
The Best Bottle Warmers to Quickly (and Easily) Warm Milk For Baby
Expert Sources
Babylist uses high-quality subject matter experts to provide accurate and reliable information to our users. Sources for this story include:
Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of PedsDocTalk.
