4 Feeding Bottle Sterilization Methods For Babies


The truth is, whether you like it or not, you have to use for a specified period until your baby is old enough to eat some solids. Like other baby accessories, it is imperative to clean and sterilize the baby bottles and nipples thoroughly and on a regular basis to keep your baby healthy. Here we are going to unravel the 4 Feeding Bottle Sterilization Methods For Babies.

Why should I sterilize feeding bottles?

Admit, we all do this. You might neglect some leftover milk in the feeding bottle, or do not timely clean the bottles. In this case, washing the bottles with just water is not enough. You have to sterilize the bottles at least once in a day.

You may think that cleaning is enough to keep the bottles safe from germs, but that is not the case. Also, the new bottles that you buy from good brands are also not safe using for feeding directly without sterilizing.

Sterilization is a process to kill the majority of the germs that develops from the leftover milk or cleaning solutions or tap water which we use for cleaning bottles. Even the new bottles are made in factories, packed and transported a long way to the shops.

Bacteria – which are microscopic organisms, is the responsible majority of the diseases. They have a characteristic to grow faster especially in accessories that involves food. Bacteria can grow in even in cleaned bottles if you don’t sterilize them.

How to clean and sterilize bottles properly?

Your baby’s immune system is not developed sufficiently in the early years. Therefore., protecting them from the bacteria is very important as their body cannot protect themselves from it. Feeding bottles are great places for bacteria to grow and contaminated bottles can cause diseases like diarrhea in babies.

Feeding Bottle Sterilization Methods :

  1. The traditional way of sterilizing in boiled water

It is the best and the traditional way to sterilize a feeding bottle with boiling water. You don’t need any specialized equipment for this method, just a utensil, and fresh drinking water.

  • Open and separate the parts of a feeding bottle first.
  • Take a clean utensil and pour some drinking water in it.
  • Drown the bottle parts into the water.
  • Place the utensil on the stove and let it heat until the water reaches its boiling point.
  • Boil the parts of the feeding bottle for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the utensil from heat and let it cool down.
  • Remove the bottle parts and clean them again with cold water
  • Let them dry before you start feeding with the bottle back.

You use just fresh water for your baby bottles to be sterilized therefore it is considered to be the best method for sterilization of baby bottles.

  1. Chemical solution based sterilization with cold water

Boiling bottles for sterilization is good. But, today it is considered dangerous according to some researches. Regular boiling is good for a container which is made of glass generally. But, the bottles we use nowadays are plastic-based.

Though the manufacturers mention on the packaging that the bottles are boil-safe, still normal boiling can break the chemicals present in the plastic material which can be dangerous and poisonous for a baby.

Therefore, sterilizing these type of feeding bottles with sterilization solution is recommended. You can use both times to time to keep the feeding bottles clean and germ-free always.

  • Take a large container and pour some fresh water.
  • Add the recommended quantity of the sterilizing solution in the water.
  • Separate the bottle parts and submerge them in the solution
  • Keep the components in this solution until the duration recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Take out the bottles and again clean with fresh water and bottle cleaning brush.
  • Leave the parts to air-dry.
  1. Sterilizing bottles in with electric steam producer

Steaming is a great way to kill germs, and it is more effective than boiling the bottles directly. If you are using baby bottles regularly and are planning to use it for at least 2-3 years, you may want to invest in a good electric steam sterilizer.

  • Separate the parts of a baby bottle.
  • Insert them in a steam sterilizer.
  • Switch it on.
  • Always check there is sufficient water in the sterilizer before start steaming.
  • Remove the parts after the sterilization.
  • Air dries the bottle parts.
  1. Sterilizing the bottles in the microwave

If you do not have steam sterilizer, do not worry. You can sterilize your bottles in the microwave too.

  • Separate the bottle parts.
  • Start with a thoroughly cleaned microwave.
  • Fill the bottle with halfway with drinking water and keep it inside the microwave oven.
  • Microwave it high for 1 minute and then remove it.
  • Remember not to microwave the nipples.

Although this seems to be an easy way to sterilize the feeding bottles, many pediatricians do not recommend microwaving feeding bottles for babies below six months. The reason behind this is, microwave and high temperature can also break the chemical in the plastic body and become poisonous.

There are other ways of sterilizing feeding bottles are thoroughly cleaning them using boiled water, mild detergent, and hands or sterilizing them with sterilizing tablets.

Some additional tips:

  • Clean the feeding bottles thoroughly before using sterilization methods.
  • After sterilization, leave the bottles to dry naturally in the air.
  • If you are using chemical solution or sterilizing tablets, make sure to rinse the containers again in fresh, running cold water. Then air-dry them before using the bottles for the next feeding session.
  • Use bottle cleaning brushes when cleaning the bottles to clean them thoroughly.
  • Clean and sterilize the bottle cap and nipple holder as well.
  • Clean your steam sterilizer, utensils, bottle cleaning brush and the container for keeping the baby bottles, regularly.
  • Do not use harsh detergents to clean your baby bottles. Invest in a baby bottle cleaner or make a mild solution with a small amount of your detergent and water.
  • Clean the bottles just after you finish a feeding session to avoid cross-contamination.

Cleaning and sterilizing your baby feeding bottles on a regular basis will keep your baby colic free, healthy and free from diseases always.

 

<< Check out this article — > Sterilizers for Baby Bottles – Which is The Best? >>

 

 

 

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