How Often Should Bottles Be Sterilized?
In the days before dishwashers and reliably safe water, manually sterilizing baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers after every use was essential. This was the only way to protect bottle-fed infants from feeding-related illness. In today’s world, access to clean water and/or a dishwasher makes adequate bottle cleaning much less of a chore. This doesn’t mean sterilization isn’t necessary, though, according to Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLC, founder of Best Milk LA, a private lactation consulting practice based in Los Angeles, and member of Verywell Family’s Review Board. Unless you live in an area with well water or have a contaminated city water supply, you only need to sterilize new bottles and nipples before the first use. After the first sterilization, a good cleaning in hot, soapy water is sufficient. If the bottles and nipples are labeled “dishwasher safe,” you can also run them through the dishwasher. For all infants, initial sterilization of baby feeding items is vital to ensure your child is drinking from safe and clean bottles. Read on to learn the basics of effective sterilization techniques.
Bottle Sterilization Methods
There are plenty of options when it comes to sterilizing baby bottles and nipples before their first use. Note that these same techniques can also be used for sippy cups and pacifiers.
Boiling Water
Submerge bottles, nipples, caps, and rings in a pot of clean boiling water for at least five minutes. Ideally, this pot should only be used for sterilization or, at the very least, cleaned thoroughly prior to adding the baby bottle.
Cold Water
Adding a sterilizing tablet or solution to a container filled with tap water is another easy method. Wash equipment with warm, soapy water, rinse with cold water and submerge in a container with lid for 15 minutes.
Alternatively, you may use 2 teaspoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Submerge all items for 2 minutes, then allow to air dry.
Electric Steamer
Available in many different shapes and sizes, electric bottle sterilizers use high-temperature steam to kill any bacteria or germs on your baby’s feeding equipment. It’s as easy as plugging it in, loading the equipment (with openings facing down), and pressing a button.
Microwave
You can also purchase a microwave steam sterilizer to wash your bottles. Fill halfway with water and microwave for about about two minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Nipples and rings can be placed in water in a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure your microwave is clean and free of any food residue before sterilizing bottles.
Routine Sterilization
Some doctors may still recommend routine sterilization of baby bottles and nipples. If your healthcare provider recommends this, don’t be afraid to ask why. While some doctors may know that the water supply in your area is not safe, others may be advising sterilization out of habit. In most cases, unless there is a specific issue with your local water supply or a concern about your child’s health, routine sterilization is unnecessary.
Safety Precautions
In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration effectively banned the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups after the chemical was linked to developmental problems in young children. New bottles bought from reputable retailers should be BPA-free, but hand-me-down or used bottles may not be and should be avoided. When heated, these older plastic bottles can leach BPA into your baby’s formula or milk.
A Word From Verywell
In most cases, deciding how (and how often) to sterilize your baby’s feeding equipment is up to you. The important thing to know is that there is no need to routinely sterilize your baby bottles and nipples unless there is a medical reason or your baby is still a newborn (under 3 months). If you have any lingering concerns, talk to your pediatrician. They can provide guidance on what method is right for your family, lifestyle, and comfort level.
