From washing tiny baby clothes to scheduling your day around naptime, new babies bring a whole host of new chores and routines. If your baby drinks from a bottle, one of those chores will inevitably be washing and sterilizing baby bottles. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to sterilize baby bottles, plus tools and tips to help you do it.
We asked experts to share their best tips on how to sterilize baby bottles, both at home and on the ... [+]
“Bottles can often pick up many germs as they travel from your child’s mouth to other surfaces,” says Dr. Mona Amin, board-certified pediatrician, IBCLC and Philips Avent Partner. “Bottle sterilizers kill these germs and help prevent the growth of mold or fungi and the spread of infections like thrush, a common fungal infection of the mouth."
The CDC recommends cleaning bottles after every feeding and sanitizing feeding items at least once a day. “Sanitizing is particularly important when your baby is younger than 2 months, was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system,” the CDC says.
In addition to sanitizing your bottles, you should also sanitize the items you use to wash your bottles, such as a bottle brush and a washing basin. Though it can be an arduous task, there are a variety of ways to safely sanitize your baby bottles, so find the method that works best for you to help keep bottles safe and clean for your baby.
Why Do You Need To Sterilize Baby Bottles?
Sterilizing bottles helps keep your baby safe and can prevent germs. “Properly cleaning (or sterilizing) bottles is important to prevent the baby from getting infections (either from viruses, bacteria or fungus). This is especially important in situations where the water supply is potentially compromised or contaminated or the infant is more susceptible (e.g., premature or immune compromised),” says Monica Wonnacott, M.D., and founder of Pediatric Answers.
Regardless of which method you use to sterilize your bottles, be sure to thoroughly wash them first. Sterilization is not a replacement for washing, which should be done after each use.
How To Sterilize Bottles On The Stove
You don’t need to buy any special equipment to sterilize your bottles, provided you already have a suitable pot. Sterilizing on the stove is cost-effective, though it can be a bit more laborious than other methods. If your baby only drinks from bottles occasionally, this might be the best method for you. To sterilize bottles on the stove:
- Disassemble all bottle parts.
- Completely cover items with water in a large pot.
- Bring the water to a boil and boil for five minutes.
- Use clean tongs to remove all bottles and parts.
- Put bottles and parts on a clean dish towel or drying rack to air dry.
While it’s not necessary, many parents find it helpful to get a drying rack designed specifically for baby bottles.
How To Sterilize Bottles In The Dishwasher
If you have a dishwasher, this is another cost-effective method, and it’s also very simple. According to the CDC, using a dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle or sanitizing setting is sufficient to sterilize bottles. To sterilize bottles in the dishwasher:
- Disassemble all bottle parts.
- Put small parts in a dishwasher-safe basket.
- Place larger parts on the rack of the dishwasher.
- Be sure to choose the highest heat or sanitizing settings.
- Run the dishwasher cycle. Don’t open the door until it is completely done drying.
Many bottle manufacturers suggest only washing their products on the top rack of the dishwasher—so it’s a good idea to check or err on the side of caution and place bottles on the top rack if you’re not sure.
How To Sterilize Bottles In The Microwave
There are many products available that can make sterilizing in the microwave very simple, such as the Nanobebe Microwave Steam Sterilizer, our top pick for a microwave bottle sterilizer. Microwave sterilization is also one of the easiest techniques to use while traveling. If you’ll be using a product designed for microwave sterilization, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t want to buy any special products, follow these steps:
- Disassemble all bottle parts.
- Fill each bottle at least halfway with water (do not replace the lid or nipple).
- Microwave on high for one to two minutes.
- Remove the bottles and allow them to air dry.
- Put smaller bottle parts in a microwave-safe bowl and cover completely with water.
- Microwave on high for one to two minutes.
- Carefully dump out the water and let the parts air dry.
How To Sterilize Bottles With A Bottle Sterilizer
The best bottle sterilizers make it easy to sterilize your baby bottles even when you’re only running on a few hours of sleep. A sterilizer like our top pick, the Wabi Baby Electric Steam Sterilizer And Dryer is convenient, and when you’re taking care of a newborn, sometimes convenience is key.
If you purchase a countertop sterilizer, it will come with complete instructions on how to properly use the sterilizer. All you need to do is follow these instructions. Typically, you fill the sterilizer with water, put your bottles inside, and turn the sterilizer on.
Dr. Amin recommends looking for sterilizers that are easy to clean and that don’t contain BPA. “Overall, just make sure that you are looking for a bottle sterilizer that will meet your personal needs and lifestyle. There are a lot of great options out there but not all of them may be best suited for your needs,” she says.
How To Sterilize Bottles With Bleach
Sterilizing bottles with bleach is the least preferred method, per the CDC. However, if it’s the only option you have, it’s better than nothing. To sterilize with bleach, follow these steps:
- Disassemble all bottle parts.
- Combine two teaspoons of unscented bleach with one gallon of water. Make sure you put this in a clean basin.
- Completely submerge all bottle parts and make sure there are no air bubbles in the bottles. Squeeze the bleach mixture through the holes in the nipples.
- Leave all items in the mixture for at least two minutes.
- Remove items and allow them to air dry. There is no need to rinse the bottles (in fact, this could cause germs to get on your bottles). According to the CDC, “Any remaining bleach will break down quickly as it dries and will not hurt your baby.”
How Often To Sterilize Bottles
How often you should sterilize your bottles depends on a few factors. It’s always a good idea to wash and sterilize bottles, pacifiers and other items that will go in your baby’s mouth before the first use. After that, the CDC recommends sterilizing bottles daily for the first two months of your baby’s life.
It’s a good idea to continue daily sterilization for babies with weakened immune systems or babies who were born prematurely. Dr. Amin also recommends sterilizing after illnesses or conditions such as thrush.
How To Store Sterilized Bottles
Once you’re done sterilizing your bottles, it’s important to let them air dry before storing them. Once they are completely dry, put the bottles back together and store them in a clean, protected area. Consider cleaning and designating a shelf in your cabinet just for bottles.
How To Sterilize Bottles While Traveling
While you’re traveling, the easiest method to sterilize bottles is the microwave. If you’re going on a short trip and have the space, you could also consider bringing an extra clean bottle with you for each day of your trip. Then, you can sterilize all of the bottles once you get home.
Dr. Amin recommends steam sterilizer bags, such as the Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags (although the Forbes Vetted team has been unable to find this specific product in stock). “It’s a small, reusable, microwavable bag that can be easily tucked away in a purse or backpack during a day of travel and completes the sterilization process within just 90 seconds,” she says.
How To Sterilize Plastic Vs. Glass Bottles
You can follow the same methods to sterilize both plastic and glass bottles, with a few caveats. If you’re using a sterilizing product, be sure it’s intended to be used with the type of bottles you have. Additionally, when shopping for glass bottles, Dr. Amin recommends looking for bottles that are heat and thermal shock resistant. This will help prevent the bottle from being damaged during the sterilization process.
More Advice On Feeding Babies:
