Sterilizing baby bottles is certainly helpful in protecting your baby from germs. It is not necessary to do this after each use; generally, one cycle in the dishwasher with very hot water is sufficient and in any case you should always wash them before sterilization. However, it is a process that should be done from time to time, especially after a child's illness. You can boil them, use steam or a specific solution; all methods are equally effective.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: with boiling water
Step 1. Put the bottles in a pot
Pour some water into a very large pan and add the bottles, making sure they fill up as you go; you can also insert teats.
- Check that the material is heat resistant before proceeding. This method is perfect for glass bottles, but you can also use it for plastic ones, as long as they are resistant to boiling.
- Choose a pot that you only use for this procedure.
Step 2. Bring the water to a boil
Put a clean lid on, place the pan on the stove and turn it on over high heat; pay attention to when the water starts to boil, as you need to keep track of the time.
Step 3. Boil the bottles for 15 minutes
When the water reaches a boil, let it sterilize the containers and wait a quarter of an hour before turning off the heat.
Step 4. Take them out with sterilized kitchen tongs
You don't have to use your hands because they are not disinfected; Instead, dip the tips of the tongs into the water as it boils and let the heat kill all bacteria. When they have cooled down a bit, you can use them to take the bottles out of the pot.
Step 5. Dry them
You can simply use a clean tea towel to wipe off excess water; turn them upside down so that the inside dries well as well. When finished, snap the teats back onto the bottles to use them again.
You can also shake off the water. Place the teats on the containers and store them in a clean container inside the refrigerator to prevent germs from contaminating them
Step 6. Inspect the teats
Over time, boiling damages the material; check them to make sure there are no breaks or cracks, as germs proliferate in these crevices.
Method 2 of 3: with Steam
Step 1. Return the clean bottles to the sterilizer
For this method you need a device that emits steam; take care to place the bottles and teats upside down, so that the steam reaches every crevice and niche.
- You can buy this tool in most baby supply stores; many models must be connected to the mains, although there are some devices that are used in the microwave.
- Before using this method, make sure that the material that the bottles are made of is resistant to heat.
Step 2. Pour the water into the machine
Once the containers are arranged, the water creates steam; each tool is slightly different, so consult the user manual to understand which tank you need to fill.
Step 3. Start the sterilization cycle
Once you have established where to pour the water, you can close the device and turn it on according to the specific instructions; usually, you just need to press a button.
Step 4. Pull out the bottles as needed
Make sure the machine has cooled down to avoid burning yourself with the steam; it is recommended to leave the bottles inside until you need them.
The instruction booklet should state how long you can safely leave them in the device before another sterilization is required
Method 3 of 3: with a Specific Solution
Step 1. Dilute the chemical in the water
Baby bottle sterilization solutions contain chemicals that are safe to kill pathogens. In most cases the package includes a special container to be used during the process. You must mix a dose of substance in the water inside this container respecting the instructions on the box.
You can buy these kits online or at childcare stores; remember to use them only for baby bottles
Step 2. Put the bottles in the liquid
Submerge them entirely with the teats, making sure they fill with disinfectant solution. Most trays are equipped with a device that keeps items below the water level.
Step 3. Wait about half an hour
Usually, bottles must remain in the liquid for a certain period before they are considered perfectly sterilized; most of the chemical solutions used need 30 minutes to perform their function effectively.
Step 4. Make a new solution every day
Although you can leave the bottles in the liquid, you must replace it every 24 hours; take out the bottles and discard the water, clean the tray with soap and water and start the process all over again.
While you don't have to sterilize bottles every day, it's often easier to leave them in the solution to keep them clean
Advice
- Some experts recommend sterilizing bottles after each use, although others find it only necessary to do this from time to time, especially after a baby's illness.
- Some dishwashers have a specific high temperature program for sterilizing baby bottles.
- Sterilize pacifiers regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria, especially after a baby's illness.
