How to Sterilize Baby Bottles

Introduction

Parenthood can be confusing enough without having to worry about bottle sterilization. Unfortunately, it's something all parents will have to encounter if they choose to bottle feed a child with formula or pre-pumped breast milk. Part of the bottle sterilization confusion begins with the fact that there are many schools of thought for when and how often the bottles need to be sterilized. Always consult your pediatrician for advice on how often to sterilize bottles, as many preterm infants or other conditions may cause sterilization to be done on a daily basis over an extended period of time. For full-term and healthy infants, many pediatricians suggest initially sterilizing bottles, nipples, breast pump equipment and pacifiers, and then washing these parts after every use in soapy hot water. Other doctors may still suggest regular sterilization until 6 weeks of age when the immune system is better equipped for handling germs.

There are actually many ways to sterilize bottles. Dishwashers can sterilize baby bottles as long as it is recommended by the manufacturer, and many manufacturers market sterilization systems. However, a cheap and efficient way to sterilize bottles is by doing it the old fashioned way; in a pan of boiling water for 3 minutes. As a side note, most bottle manufacturers are now BPA-free so that boiling and sterilizing techniques should not cause BPA to leech out. The boiling method can be used for glass or plastic bottles as long as the manufacturer instructions specifically state not to heat sterilize.

Instructions for Sterilizing Baby Bottles and Other Items Using Boiling Water

1. Fill a pan about 3/4 full with warm water.
2. Place the pan on the stove and have the baby bottles and nipples on the stovetop nearby. It's fine to place the items in after the water begins to boil, but this may crack cold glass or create invisible tears in the nipples if they are cool before placing them in the hot water.
3. Turn the stove to high heat and bring the water to a boil, making sure the plastics are not left in one place at the bottom of the pan for too long. Consistent stirring is recommended.
4. After the water reaches a rolling boil, let it continue boiling for 3 minutes.
5. Take the bottles and any other items out and place them on a clean towel. Cover the items with another clean towel or place the items in a plastic container. Make sure the items are cool before using them to feed an infant. Most sterilization lasts for approximately 24 hours.