PRODUCT CARE & USAGE
BOTTLES
Assembly
How to assemble a Hegen Feeding Bottle?
Step 1: Before feeding, gently squeeze the anti-colic air vent to ensure it is open.
Step 2: Place the Collar over the Teat, ensuring that the Hegen logos on both items are aligned.
Step 3: Pull the Teat through the Collar until it is snugly fitted.
Step 4: Turn the Collar up and press on all four undersides of the Teat to ensure that it is fully secured.
Step 5: Place on the Transparent Cover for hygiene purposes.
Step 6: Press-To-Close to assemble the PPSU bottle to the Feeding Head (the assembled collar, teat and transparent cover).
For a leak-resistance experience, tighten the collar by turning it clockwise to secure the bottle.
Now your bottle is ready for use!
How to assemble a Hegen Storage Container?
Step 1: Fit the grey silicon seal over the Storage Lid. Ensure that all four sides of the seal is sitting snugly on the grooves of the lid.
Step 2: Press-To-Close to assemble the PPSU bottle to the Storage Lid
For a leak-resistance experience, tighten the collar by turning it clockwise to secure the bottle.
Now your Storage Container is ready for use!
Help! How do I differentiate the teats?
There are currently 5 different types of teats for you to choose from!
In order to identify the teats, you may look for the number that is embossed on the right-hand corner of the teat beside the anti-colic vent. The number will indicate the type of flow the teat is based on:
“0” represents the Extra Slow Flow Teat (Suitable for use from birth)
“1” represents the Slow Flow Teat (Suitable for use from the first month)
“2” represents the Medium Flow Teat (Suitable for use from the third month)
“3” represents the Fast Flow Teat (Suitable for use from the sixth month)
“Y” represents Thick Feed Teat (Suitable for thick or semi-solid feeds during the sixth month weaning stage)
Why do I need to lock the bottle?
Great question! In order to have a leak-resistance experience, it is important to lock the bottle prior to feeds as the incomplete closure of the bottle may allow liquids to escape. This will also be useful when warm milk (breastmilk or powdered milk) is administered as there may be a built-up of air pressure pushing liquids out of the bottle.
To secure the bottle, gently twist the collar/lid in a clockwise direction and you are all set!
How do I assemble and remove the food storage converter?
In order to assemble the food storage converter, gently insert the converter into the Hegen 5oz/150ml PPSU container. To remove, ensure that all items in the converter have been emptied before gently pulling upwards to disassemble it from the container.
How do I connect and disconnect my storage containers?
The containers can be connected by snapping on the interconnecting buttons found on the Storage Lids. Do ensure that you connect the male and female buttons together until a “click” sound is heard.
Gently lift the storage container to disconnect the container. Kindly refrain from pulling or tugging the storage lids as that may damage the interconnecting buttons.
Usage
How often do I need to change the Hegen PPSU bottle and Hegen teats?
For safety and hygiene reasons, it is international standard recommendation to replace baby products such as silicone teats and replacement seals every 3 months and the other plastic parts such as feeding bottles, collars and storage lids every 6 months or if there are any signs of wear and tear.
However, as our products are designed to grow with your child, you may convert your feeding bottles into snack or semi-solid cups to store purees and soup stock. Superb for the weaning phase and food prep, we say!
What can I use the bottles for?
The feeding bottles can be used for milk feeds as well as the administering of thickened feeds when used with the Hegen Thick Feed teat during weaning.
As your child grows, you may easily convert them into storage cups for stashing away snacks and puffs or even use them for meal prep (i.e. purees and soup stocks). Perfect for every stage of your child’s growth!
For more ideas on how you can repurpose your bottles/containers, do check out our social media pages:
Which steriliser/warmer is Hegen bottles compatible with?
Our bottles are able to fit most brands' sterilisers / warmers as long as it is designed to fit wide neck feeding bottles. As a gauge, Hegen bottles measure 7cm in diameter.
You may wish to join in the chatter on Telegram at https://t.me/s/hegenofficial to meet other fellow Hegen mummies to check out what are the sterilisers / warmers they are currently using.
Can I use the Straw Cup with warm drinks and/or carbonated beverages?
We would recommend using the Straw Cup for beverages <40°C and non-carbonated drinks only. This is because beverages >40°C and carbonated drinks may cause some liquid to escape from the Upper Straw due to the build-up of air pressure.
This is to ensure the safety of your little ones during feeding as liquids tend to travel faster when warmed and could potentially cause scalding from the hot liquid.
Feeding
When should I progress to a faster teat flow?
As a general guide, you may wish to introduce the relevant teat according to your child’s age and observe if the teat flow is appropriate for him/her first and adjust accordingly.
If the following signs are observed, it may be an indication to progress to the next teat flow:
1. Baby becomes fussy or irritated while drinking
2. Takes longer than usual to finish drinking
3. Falls asleep mid-feed
4. Chews or tugs the teat
As every baby feeds differently, do feel free to reach out to us via the chat below or drop us an email at cs@hegen.com should you require more assistance on this.
When should I offer a slower teat flow to my baby?
As a general guide, you may wish to introduce the relevant teat according to your child’s age and observe if the teat flow is appropriate for him/her first and adjust accordingly.
If the following signs are observed, it may be an indication to offer a slow teat flow:
1. Baby chokes or coughs
2. Gulps or swallows hard
3. Regurgitates a lot of milk
4. Milk is overflowing from the sides of the mouth
5. Refuses the bottle
As every baby feeds differently, do feel free to reach out to us via the chat below or drop us an email at cs@hegen.com should you require more assistance on this.
When should I transition from a feeding bottle with teat to a Straw Cup?
Whilst there is no specific period to wean your child from a feeding bottle, we would recommend introducing the straw cup from 9 months of age. Introducing a straw cup at this age may assist in preventing tooth decay and is the first step towards teaching your child how to sip and eventually drink from a normal cup.
As every baby feeds differently, do feel free to reach out to us via the chat below or drop us an email at cs@hegen.com should you require more assistance on this.
Cleaning
Before first use, how should I clean my bottles?
Before first use, dissemble all parts of the bottle and wash with undiluted baby bottle detergent and rinse in clean water thoroughly before sterilising. Depending on your preferred method of sterilisation, do ensure that the sterilising instructions of the sterilisation device should be carefully observed.
Do note that our PPSU bottles are able to withstand -20°C up to 180°C in temperature while PP and Silicone parts are able to withstand up to 110°C, please do remember to check that your steriliser does not exceed the aforementioned temperature range.
After each bottle use, what do I clean?
As every component of the bottle comes into contact with milk, ensure that all components of the bottle are cleaned with undiluted baby bottle detergent immediately. When using a dishwasher (top rack only), avoid high-heat settings like"sanitary clean"or"heat boost"which may damage components of the bottles.
What can I use to clean my bottles?
We would highly recommend using theHegen Bottle Brush and Teat Cleaner with undiluted baby bottle detergent to clean all components of your bottle. We would discourage the use of cleaning with a wired bottle brush as this may cause scratches to form. Chemically aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents, solvents or anti-bacterial cleaners are also not recommended as this will damage the product.
What is the recommended cleaning method for bottles and teats?
We would highly recommend using undiluted baby bottle detergent together with a baby bottle brush, thoroughly wash and clean the bottles and teats (includes the crevices) to remove all forms of milk.
Do note also that as breast milk has been stored in the fridge, the composition of the breast milk may get segregated after some time. As such, do swirl the content to ensure that the breast milk is well mixed after warming up as this will help to prevent fats in the breast milk from clinging onto the bottle and harder to be washed off effectively.
Check out our video tutorial here for a step-by-step visual guide HERE.
How often should I clean the bottles and teats?
For hygiene and safety reasons, we would recommend cleaning the bottles immediately after every feed.
This will greatly help in preventing any build-up of bacteria and dirt and also ensures the easy removal of milk fats that may have been left behind after the bottle has been used.
How do I remove milk or oil stains in bottles and teats?
In order to remove milk or oil stains, do use undiluted baby bottle detergent with the Hegen Bottle Brush and Teat Cleaner as this would aid in the breaking down of milk fats. The stains may sometimes be hard to remove if they have been left there for a period of time.
As such, ensure that cleaning takes place as soon as possible in order to avoid tough stains.
Note also that as breast milk has been stored in the fridge, the composition of the breast milk may get segregated after some time. As such, do swirl the content to ensure that the breast milk is well mixed after warming up as this will help to prevent fats in the breast milk from clinging onto the bottle and harder to be washed off effectively.
What should I do if the teats collapsed?
A blockage in the anti-colic air vent usually happens due to the washing and/or drying process. To prevent the air vents from getting stuck, do gently massage the vents with undiluted baby bottle detergent during washing in order to remove any milk residue. Alternatively, you may also try massaging them immediately after washing, prior to sterilisation, so that water trapped in the vent would not cause the vent to be stuck together upon drying.
Subsequently, we would encourage also a quick massage on the anti-colic air vent to ensure that it is not stuck together before assembling it to the collar for feeds.
Check out our video tutorial here for a step-by-step visual guide HERE.
Sterilising
How often should I sterilise the bottles and teats?
As babies do not have a fully developed immune system yet, we would highly recommend sterilising the bottles and keeping them in a clean, sterile environment for the first 6 months of life. Doing so will prevent a build-up of germs and bacteria, which may cause your baby to be more susceptible to falling sick.
Once the bottles and teats are sterilised, do avoid leaving them in the steriliser as repetitive heat treatment to the plastic parts may cause some premature aging of the product.
What methods of sterilisation can I use on your bottles?
Our PPSU bottles can be sterilised via the boiling, steam, ultra-violet ("UV") and sterilising tablet method.
For sterilisation by boiling: Bring the water to a boil, turn off the gas/induction, submerge components in the boiled water for no more than 5 minutes.
Do note that our PPSU bottles are able to withstand -20°C up to 180°C in temperature while PP and Silicone parts are able to withstand up to 110°C, please do remember to check that your steriliser does not exceed the aforementioned temperature range.
What is the recommended method of sterilisation for Hegen Bottles and parts?
No, there is not! Our bottle and parts can be sterilised via the boiling, steam, ultra-violet ("UV") and sterilising tablet method.
We understand that sterilisation methods differ according to one's lifestyle and personal preferences. Do feel free to choose from either one of the sterilisation methods mentioned above!
Does ultra-violet ("UV") sterilisation affect the quality of the bottle and parts?
The UV sterilisation method does not affect the quality of the product, however it may subject the product to premature aging. This is especially if the product has been repetitively subjected to heat treatment.
As such, we would recommend replacing products made of silicone every 2-3 months and other plastic parts every 6 months or at signs of wear and tear.
PUMPS
Sterilising
How often should I sterilise the bottles and teats?
As babies do not have a fully developed immune system yet, we would highly recommend sterilising the bottles and keeping them in a clean, sterile environment for the first 6 months of life. Doing so will prevent a build-up of germs and bacteria, which may cause your baby to be more susceptible to falling sick.
Once the bottles and teats are sterilised, do avoid leaving them in the steriliser as repetitive heat treatment to the plastic parts may cause some premature aging of the product.
What methods of sterilisation can I use on your bottles?
Our PPSU bottles can be sterilised via the boiling, steam, ultra-violet ("UV") and sterilising tablet method.
For sterilisation by boiling: Bring the water to a boil, turn off the gas/induction, submerge components in the boiled water for no more than 5 minutes.
Do note that our PPSU bottles are able to withstand -20°C up to 180°C in temperature while PP and Silicone parts are able to withstand up to 110°C, please do remember to check that your steriliser does not exceed the aforementioned temperature range.
What is the recommended method of sterilisation for Hegen Bottles and parts?
No, there is not! Our bottle and parts can be sterilised via the boiling, steam, ultra-violet ("UV") and sterilising tablet method.
We understand that sterilisation methods differ according to one's lifestyle and personal preferences. Do feel free to choose from either one of the sterilisation methods mentioned above!
Does ultra-violet ("UV") sterilisation affect the quality of the bottle and parts?
The UV sterilisation method does not affect the quality of the product, however it may subject the product to premature aging. This is especially if the product has been repetitively subjected to heat treatment.
As such, we would recommend replacing products made of silicone every 2-3 months and other plastic parts every 6 months or at signs of wear and tear.
Assembly
How do I assemble the Electric Breast Pump?
To get started, do check out the step-by-step tutorial video below:
How do I assemble the Manual Breast Pump?
To get started, do check out the step-by-step tutorial video below:
How do I activate the Kneading Ring?
To get started, do check out the step-by-step tutorial video below:
Usage
How do I activate the Manual Breast Pump?
To get started, do check out the step-by-step tutorial video below:
How do I activate the Electric Breast Pump?
To get started, do check out the step-by-step tutorial video below:
How often should I replace my pump parts?
It is critical that breast pump parts are replaced regularly to maintain optimum and effective performance. As frequent use, cleaning and sterilization may cause the pump parts to wear out or become stretched out over time, this may result in a low or suction during pumping.
As a general guide, we would recommend making a replacement for your:
Valves
- Every 4-6 weeks – if you pump more than twice a day
- Every 2-3 months – if you pump only once a day or less
eCap & eDiaphragm
- Every 2 months – if you pump more than twice a day
- Every 3 months – if you pump only once a day or less
Tubings
Every 6 months or at signs that wear and tear has occurred.
Symptoms of wear and tear for tubings include:
1. Tubings have become stretched out and slides off pump device
2. Moisture has been observed in the tubings
3. Tubings have become sticky
Pump Module
- Every 6 months – if you pump more than twice a day
- As and when needed – if you pump only once a day or less
Note: Discoloration may occur from frequent sterilization, however this does not affect the function or usability of the pump module. As such, replacements may not be necessary in such circumstances.
Cleaning
Before first use, how should I clean my pump parts?
Before first use, remove all pump parts from the breast pump box and wash them with undiluted baby bottle detergent. Rinse the pump parts in clean water after and proceed with your preferred method of sterilisation. Now you are all set!
After each pump use, what do I clean?
For safety and hygiene reasons, we would highly recommend cleaning the following after every pump session:
- Pump module / flange
- Valves
- eDiaphragm and eCap / Manual Diaphragm with Stem
- Grey silicone seal
- Hegen Bottles
It is also encouraged to sterilise these items after cleaning in preparation for subsequent uses.
Note: The silicone tubings and the Electric Breast Pump device do not need to undergo washing as they do not come into contact with milk.
What can I use to clean my pump parts?
We would highly recommend using the Hegen Bottle Brush and Teat Cleaner with undiluted baby bottle detergent to clean the pump module, grey silicone seal, eCap and eDiaphragm. As the valves are delicate, we would highly encourage you to gently massage them with your fingers using undiluted baby bottle detergent to break down any milk residue.
We would discourage the use of cleaning with a wired bottle brush as this may cause scratches to form. Chemically aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents, solvents or anti-bacterial cleaners are also not recommended as this will damage the product.
How do I remove milk or oil stains in pump parts?
In order to remove milk, do consider using undiluted baby bottle detergent with the Hegen Bottle Brush and Teat Cleaner as this would aid in the breaking down of milk fats. The stains may sometimes be hard to remove if they have been left there for a period of time.
As such, do ensure that cleaning takes place as soon as possible in order to avoid tough stains.
Sterilising
What methods of sterilisation can I use on your pump parts?
Our PPSU bottles can be sterilised via the boiling, steam, ultra-violet ("UV") and sterilising tablet method.
For sterilisation by boiling: Bring the water to a boil, turn off the gas/induction, submerge components in the boiled water for no more than 5 minutes.
Do note that our PPSU bottles are able to withstand -20°C up to 180°C in temperature while PP and Silicone parts are able to withstand up to 110°C, please do remember to check that your steriliser does not exceed the aforementioned temperature range.
What is the recommended method of sterilisation for Hegen Pump parts?
Our pump parts can be sterilised via the boiling, steam, ultra-violet ("UV") and sterilising tablet method.
We understand that sterilisation methods differ according to one's lifestyle and personal preferences. Do feel free to choose from either one of the sterilisation methods mentioned above!
What parts of my pump can I sterilise?
You may be glad to know that every item of the Manual and Electric Breast Pump can be sterilised, except for the Electric Pump Device.
Depending on your preferred method of sterilisation, do ensure that the sterilising instructions of the sterilisation device should be carefully observed.
How often should I sterilise the pump parts?
As babies do not have a fully developed immune system yet, we would highly recommend sterilising the bottles and keeping them in a clean, sterile environment for the first 6 months of life. Doing so will prevent a build-up of germs and bacteria, which may cause your baby to be more susceptible to falling sick.
Once the bottles are sterilised, do avoid leaving them in the steriliser as repetitive heat treatment to the plastic parts may cause some premature aging of the product.
Does ultra-violet ("UV") sterilisation affect the quality of the pump parts?
The UV sterilisation method does not affect the quality of the product, however it may subject the product to premature ageing. This is especially if the product has been repetitively subjected to heat treatment.
As such, we would recommend replacing products made of silicone every 2-3 months and other plastic parts every 6 months or at signs of wear and tear.