Bottles and all bottle feeding accessories need scrupulous cleaning followed by careful
sterilising after every use. Regular users of bottles will find a custom-built steriliser
invaluable. As the purpose of a steriliser is to make your baby’s feeding equipment
free from bacteria, it is essential to follow the user instructions to the letter.
There are three types of steriliser. All take different numbers of bottles (from two to
ten) and accessories, depending on the make:
Electric steam steriliser A freestanding unit that plugs in. All the items for
sterilising are stacked inside with a specified amount of water (but no chemicals) and it
takes around nine minutes to sterilise. Items remain sterile for several hours (this
differs according to unit) as long as the lid isn’t lifted. You need to be careful as
hot steam escapes when the lid is lifted.
Microwave steam steriliser This works in the same way as an electric steriliser
except that it goes in the microwave, usually for around 10 minutes, and keeps items
sterile for two or three hours, as long as the lid isn’t lifted. Very convenient,
cheaper than the plug-in sterilisers, but you do need to check that it will fit into your
microwave cavity before buying, and that all items you sterilise in it are microwave-safe
(ie no metal parts).
Cold water steriliser This is a container with a holding rack and lid. You mix a
sterilising tablet or liquid with cold water and then fully immerse all the items in it.
It takes 30 minutes to sterilise and then all items must be rinsed with recently boiled
water before use. The solution needs changing every 24 hours and items remain sterile as
long as they are not touched. This type of steriliser is often sold complete with feeding
bottles, sterilising tablets and bottle brush for cleaning. Cold water sterilisers leave
the equipment smelling, and tasting of chemical sterilising solution, but as long as
everything is well rinsed, this does no harm to your baby.
Disposable sterilising bags These are useful when you’re travelling. You add a
sterilising tablet, fill with water, immerse the items you’re sterilising and hang the bag
up.
