How to Wash and Sterilise Baby Bottles: Keep Your Baby's Bottles Clean at Home and Ensure Baby's Safety

Do you have to wash baby bottles after every use? How should I wash my newborn’s bottles? Can you just rinse baby bottles? What kind of washing liquid do you use for baby bottles?

Regardless of whether you plan to feed your baby expressed breast milk or you opted to give them newborn formula milk, one important aspect that should not be taken for granted is how you wash and store your baby’s feeding bottles.

If you are wondering, then worry not. We’re here to answer these burning question for you. 

How to Wash Baby Bottles 

Both your stored breast milk and formula are susceptible to bacterial contamination, which is especially true if you do not store them properly in sterilised bottles. 

This can also cause a stomach infection in your baby. That’s because his immune system and gut are not strong enough to fight off infections. 

That’s why you need to sterilise and wash baby bottles thoroughly right from when you first purchase them. Let’s begin with how you should sterilise a brand-new baby bottle. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should still wash and sterilise (or place them in boiling water for at least 5 minutes) these brand-new baby bottles before letting your child use them.  This is to make sure that it is free from any lingering dirt or bacteria that may be acquired during production.

How Often Should I Wash Baby’s Bottles?

The only thing you need to remember is to do it immediately after every use.

If your baby doesn’t finish their bottle in 2 hours, it’s best to toss out what’s left and rinse your baby’s bottle right away (you still need to wash them with water and soap after). Why? Because germs can grow fast if you just add more breast milk or formula to a bottle that’s already been used, or if you only rinse it instead of giving it a good clean.

Now that we’ve stressed the importance of washing your baby’s bottle after every use, let’s get into the specifics.

As far as cleaning and washing of baby bottles are concerned, you need to bear a few things in mind. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Baby Bottles

In order to keep your baby bottles clean and sanitised, you need to keep a few key points in mind. 

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean the bottle using warm water and soap after each use. Do not let the bottle sit with milk in it. Leftover milk can curdle and stick to the bottle, which will make cleaning it again harder. It will also increase the possibility of germs infesting in the bottle. 
• Try to use fragrance-free and dye-free soap in order to wash baby bottles. 

• Disassemble the bottle completely before you clean it. So remove the nipple as well as any other equipment you have to clean. Don’t put them in the sink. Put them in a clean basin or container that you only use for your baby’s stuff. Avoid washing them directly in the sink to keep away germs. You can use either warm or cold water.
• Washing the bottles with warm water and soap will be sufficient to kill germs immediately. After disassembling the bottle, you can wash it using soap and warm water. 
• Keep a separate bottle brush and drying mat. Scrub the items with a clean brush that’s only for baby feeding items. This will ensure that grease or residue from other utensils is not passed on to the baby’s bottles. 

Once you have washed the baby bottles, the next step is to rinse. 

• When you rinse the bottle, make sure there is no trace of soap left behind. Even minuscule specs of soap can curdle the milk and cause accidental soap poisoning.  Make sure to squeeze water through the nipple holes to clean them out.
• Rinse everything again under running water or dip them in fresh water in another basin. If you notice any discolouration of the bottle, it’s best to discard it already. Usually, discolouration indicates accumulation of milk fat due to inadequate rinsing.  
• Let the bottles dry completely before use or before you put them in storage in the fridge. Let everything air-dry on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel away from dirt and dust. Don’t use a dish towel to dry the items as it might add germs.

For this purpose, you can place each piece of the bottle under a fast yet clean water source. If the water is also boiled, it is even better. 

Make sure that the bottle feels and looks clean, and that it is soap-free.

Once the bottles are rinsed thoroughly, place them on a clean mat or towel for air drying. This way you make sure that in a sleep-deprived state you do not knock over any parts. You should also make sure to wash these towels and mats regularly. 

Only when the bottles are completely dry should you store them away. This way you ensure that no microbial growth or moisture gets trapped within the baby bottles.

How to Sterilise Baby Bottles

While sterilising a bottle you essentially kill any existing germs. This procedure is a must for the first 12 months of your baby’s life.

So irrespective of whether you use expressed breast milk or formula, you must make this a practice and sterilise and wash baby bottles before each use. 

Let’s take a look at some of the common methods of baby bottle sterilisation. 

1. Boiling

By boiling baby bottles you can kill any harmful germs. The high temperature doesn’t allow these tiny organisms to survive, and it leaves the bottle clean. You can follow the method listed below.

• Place the baby bottles, nipples and caps in a big saucepan on the back burner.
• Add water to the saucepan, enough to cover up the bottles and their additional parts. Make sure that no air bubbles form in this process. 
• Bring the water in the saucepan to a boil, and rapidly boil for about five minutes.
• Now turn off the stove and let it all cool down for a few minutes. 
• With clean and sanitised hands, you can pick up the bottles from the cooled-down saucepan. Make sure that the area where you plan to assemble the bottles is also clean and sanitised. 
• Take the equipment and shake off excess water.
• If you do not wish to use the baby bottles immediately, you can assemble them (place the nipple and the lid) and store them in a container in the fridge. 
• If you are using it again after 24 hours, make sure to follow the same procedure again.

2. Chemical sterilisation

In this method, chemical disinfectants that are available as tablets and liquids are used to sterilise and wash baby bottles. Here’s how you use this method.

• Clean the bottles, cap, nipples and the utensil you plan to do this in before you begin. 
• You will get a manual along with the chemical steriliser that will guide you on the preparation of the liquid. Use that to prepare the mix. 
• Again, similar to the boiling procedure, immerse the bottle and the rest of the accessories in the solution. Make sure there are no bubbles. 
• Leave the equipment in the solution for about 30 minutes or as indicated by the manufacturer.
• You can leave the bottle in the solution until you use it next.
• If you use it immediately, take the bottle and other parts out and rinse and dry them completely with a clean cloth. Store it in the fridge the same way as before. 
• Make sure you throw away the solution after 24 hours. Clean the container with some warm water and soap to remake the chemical solution.    

3. Steaming 

The final method to wash baby bottles is by steaming them. Much like the boiling method, in this method also you will use high temperatures to sterilise and clean the bottles. Here’s how you can use this procedure. 

• For this purpose, you need to have steam (microwave or electric steriliser). These are available in the market and even online. 
• Clean the bottles, lids as well as nipples before you begin. Place the equipment with the opening facing down into the steriliser. 
• You will find instructions about the amount of water you need to add and how long you need to keep it on. Follow them to a tee.
• If you are using them immediately, follow the instructions to check how to drain or rinse and dry them. 
• Alternatively, if you want to store them, you might want to check how to reuse the electric steriliser again.

4. Sterilising Baby Bottles with UV Steriliser

UV sterilisers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and germs, keeping your baby’s bottles clean and safe.

Opting for a UV steriliser brings some perks to the parenting table. First off, it’s speedy and efficient when it comes to getting things sterilized – a real time-saver for busy parents. Another plus is that you don’t need water or extra chemicals in the mix. The UV magic takes care of killing different bacteria and viruses, adding an extra layer of protection.

However, there are a couple of cons to keep in mind. The upfront cost is a bit higher compared to other options, and you’ll need to stay on top of regular maintenance, like changing UV bulbs. Plus, it might not be the best at tackling stubborn milk residue. In the end, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your baby!

Wondering how to use these nifty invention to sterilise your baby’s bottles? Here’s a simple how-to:

1. Clean Bottles First: Before sterilising, make sure bottles are washed with mild soap and water.

2. Assemble Bottles: Put the bottles, nipples, caps, and any other parts inside the UV steriliser.

3. Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Different UV sterilisers have varying instructions. Check the manual for specific details on the duration and settings.

4. Place in the Sterilizer: Arrange the bottles inside the steriliser, making sure they are not overcrowded for effective sterilization.

5. Run the Cycle: Close the steriliser and start the UV cycle. This usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes.

6. Wait for Completion: Once the cycle is done, wait for the product to cool before opening.

7. Remove Items Carefully: Take out the sterilised items using clean tongs. Avoid touching them with your hands to maintain cleanliness.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your baby’s bottles germ-free with the power of UV light!

In all these methods, you are essentially killing the germs and removing any unwanted organisms present on the bottle and its equipment. 

How to Sterilise Baby Bottles When Travelling

Traveling with a bottle-fed baby? Remember, it’s still important to sterilise their bottle each time you use it. Here’s a handy tip: Carry some sterilising tablets with you. Just add water to the tablet in a resealable bag – you can ask the flight crew for water if you’re on a plane.

Or, you can use microwaveable disposable sterilising bags if you have access to a microwave. These bags are super convenient; they get the job done in just 15 minutes with cold water sterilising. This way, you can make sure your baby’s bottle is always clean and safe, no matter where you are!

When Can I Stop Sterilising My Baby’s Bottles

Wondering when you can finally bid farewell to the bottle sterilising routine? Good news – as your baby hits the one-year mark, you can ease up on the sterilising process. At this stage, their immune system is more robust, and they’re exploring the world around them.

While washing bottles thoroughly with hot, soapy water becomes sufficient, it’s still crucial to keep things clean. Give those bottles a good wash after each use to ensure they’re free from any lingering germs. It’s a step towards more independence for both you and your little one!

How to Prolong the Life of Baby Bottles (and Keep Them in Good Condition)

Shelf-Life of a Baby Bottle

As far as the shelf-life of the baby bottle is concerned, check the condition of the nipple and the bottle. Usually, after three to four months you can change the nipples and use a fresh one. If you use bottle liners, make sure to toss them out after each use. Check for the following signs of wear and tear:

• Discolouration of the nipples and the bottle.
• If the breast milk or formula comes out as steam.
• Thinning of the nipple. This means the nipple is weakening and needs to be changed.
• Cracks and tears. These are a clear sign in both the nipples and the bottles that they need to be changed.

Just remember, like every sensitive object, your baby’s bottle also needs extra love and care. So make sure you are careful and thorough when it comes to cleaning those baby bottles. 

Keeping those bottles in tip-top shape is not only hygienic but also budget-friendly. Here are some simple tips to make those baby bottles last longer:

1. Regular Checks: Inspect bottles for any signs of wear, tear, or cracks. If you spot any, it’s time to retire them.

2. Gentle Wash: Use a soft bottle brush to clean the inside and outside of the bottle. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can damage the material over time.

3. Avoid Microwaving: While it might be tempting to zap that bottle in the microwave for a quick warm-up, it’s better to opt for a bottle warmer or warm water bath. Microwaving can weaken the bottle and cause it to break down.

4. Air Dry: After washing, let the bottles air-dry thoroughly. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria that might thrive in damp environments.

5. Store Safely: When not in use, store the bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade the bottle material.

6. Rotate Bottle Nipples: If your baby tends to favor one side of the nipple, consider rotating it regularly. This ensures even wear and tear.

Remember, a little care goes a long way in making those baby bottles last through countless feedings. Happy sipping!

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