What nipples are compatible?

• Merevivi bottles are compatible with Como Tomo nipples, Boon Nursh nipples Haakaa Gen 3 Silicone Bottle Anti-Colic nipples, and Olababy Gentle Bottle nipples.

What do the different nipple sizes mean and which one should I use?

• If you’re breastfeeding, start with a Level 1, slow/low flow nipple.  These nipples are closest to breastfeeding and will likely reduce the chances of nipple confusion.  If you’re not sure, it’s best to start with a lower flow nipple and then work your way to a faster flow nipple based on what your baby does best with.

When should I change nipple size?

• Every baby is different.  Your baby may be ready to move to a faster flow nipple if he/she is taking longer to finish eating, gets fussy while eating when they wouldn’t have been fussy before, or there is fast sucking with not as many swallows.  Conversely, the nipple flow rate may be too fast if your baby is gulping, choking, hard swallowing, coughing, or refusing to eat.

How do I pump directly into the Merevivi bottle?

• If you’re using a Specta pump, you can use a Specta - Boon Nursh adapter to pump directly into the Merevivi bottle (found here).  If you’re using a Medela pump, you can use a Medela - Boon Nursh adapter to pump directly into the Merevivi bottle (found here)   

What adapters work?

• Any pump adapter compatible with Boon Nursh, Como Tomo, Haakaa Gen 3 Silicone bottles, or Olababy Gentle bottles will work.  Example pump adapter compatible with Medela pumps can be found here.  An adapter compatible with Specta pumps can be found here

How do I clean the Mervivi bottle?

• Merevivi bottles can be cleaned by hand with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher.  Note that if you put the bottles in the dishwasher, they may take on a yellow cast and this is normal.  Soaking them in a 50/50 vinegar/warm water bath for a few hours will clear this up.
• We recommend a long silicone bottle brush to keep your Merevivi bottles clean.

Can I put them in the dishwasher?

• Yes!  You can put your Merevivi bottles in the dishwasher.  All plastic components should only go on the top shelf of the dishwasher.

I used the Merevivi bottles for baby food / sous vide cooking / other food and now there are food stains.  How do I get rid of those food stains / odors?  

• Mix together one part white vinegar, one part lemon juice, two parts baking soda to form a paste.  Apply the paste to the bottle, giving extra attention to the stained areas and then let it sit for 15 minutes or so.  Rinse and wash with warm soapy water and let dry.

How do I get rid of the greasy buildup from breast milk?

• Soak the bottles in warm/hot water.  While it is soaking, make a paste of baking soda and water to the consistency of toothpaste.  Remove the bottles from the water, shake out as much water as possible, and apply the baking soda paste.  Let it dry in the sticky areas (approximately 1 hour).  Rinse and wash with warm water, pat dry.   

Can I write directly on the bottle?

• Yes!  You can write anywhere on the bottle with a Sharpie or Marksalot pen.  Remove with a little rubbing alcohol or acetone.

How do I get rid of the writing?

• Remove labels/writing made with a Sharpie or Marksalot pen with a little rubbing alcohol or acetone.

What’s the best way to organize my breast milk in the freezer?

• According to the CDC, breast milk can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months, but using it within 6 months is best.  The best way to organize your breast milk is by date and by volume.

What is the bottle made of?

• The Merevivi bottle is made from 100% food grade silicone and passes all FDA requirements for contact with breast milk.   

Why is silicone better than plastic for a baby bottle?

• Silicone resists degradation of sun and sea, so it won’t end up as micro fragments that litter our oceans.  It’s food safe, durable, dishwasher and oven safe.  In addition, its unique properties allow it to bend, so we were able to create a shape that folds flat to minimize storage space while also transforming into a bottle that stands up and fits with multiple nipples in the market so that it works with the nipple that works best for your baby.  

Can I recycle it?

• Silicone is recyclable if you are able to find a recycling facility that will accept it.  We are working on a more scalable recycling program so stay tuned!

Why use plastic at all?

• We needed to find a material that was strong enough to hold up to the every day use of baby feeding, could withstand temperatures of dishwasher cleaning, cooking, and freezer storage.  Currently, the only materials that met our performance and cost requirements were plastic.  We worked to select plastic materials that are 100% recyclable by most recycling programs, and designed the product so that the plastic components could be easily separated from non plastic components for easy recycling.  
• Note that we need you to help us make sure these plastics are recycled!  Please make sure that you put them in the recycling bin when they’ve reached the end of their useful life.