How to Sterilize Feeding Bottles: 5 Methods with Tools

As a new parent, there is nothing more important than looking after your baby's health and safety. One big part of that is the cleanliness of your little one's feeding gear. But how do you sanitize those bottles for daily use? Let us learn more details about bottle sterilization and look at the best methods for keeping your baby's feeding gear spick and span, and germ-free.

Why Sterilize Baby Bottles?

Before getting into the how-tos, let us first spend some time trying to understand why baby bottle sterilization is so important. Newborn babies and infants have very delicate, yet immature immune systems. This predisposes them to infections that could result from some harmful bacteria, which multiply quickly in milk residue left behind in bottles.

Sterilizing does much more than just washing – it kills almost all the microorganisms that may harm your baby. This extra step provides peace of mind, knowing you're giving your little one the safest start possible.

5 Methods to sterilize feeding bottles

Now that we know why it's so important, let's explore the 5 different ways to sterilize those very precious feeding bottles.

Method 1: Using a Steam Sterilizer to Wash Bottles for Newborns

Of the most frequently used and efficient ways to clean a baby bottle, steam sterilization ranks high. Here is a step-by-step procedure using the example of the Momcozy BS03 bottle washer.

Step 1: Prepare the Bottles

First, disassemble all bottle parts, then give them a good rinse with warm soapy water. This breaks down any kind of residue, which appears cleaner.

Step 2: Load the Sterilizer

Carefully position the cleaned bottle parts in the sterilizer. This would provide that the steam is able to move around freely around all items.

Step 3: Add Water and Start

Now, add the amount of water as required into the reservoir of the sterilizer. Close the lid and, finally, start the cycle by hitting the start button.

Step 4: Cool and Remove

Once the cycle has completed, switch off the device and then allow it to cool. Afterwards, take out items using clean tongs, trying to keep everything as sterile as possible.

This bottle washer also has a heat preservation function. If you want to know the benefits of a bottle warmer and how to choose one, check out our other blog.

Pros of Steam Sterilization:

• Fast and effective
• 9% kill rate of harmful bacteria
• No chemicals needed
• Multiple items can be sterilized simultaneously

Cons of Steam Sterilization:

• Requires a specific device
• Cost of purchasing a baby bottle sterilizer
• Counter space is taken up
• Requires regular descaling to remain effective

Method 2: Boiling Water for Bottle Sterilization

This way is time-tested, yet simple and effective. Here's how to sterilize bottles in boiling water:

1. Fill up a large pot with enough water, so that all the parts of the bottles are completely submerged in it.
2. Get the water to full boil.
3. Carefully drop the parts into the boiling water, after dissembling and pre-cleaning them properly.
4. Let the items boil for 5 minutes.
5. Use clean tongs to remove the parts and set them out on a clean dry towel to air dry.

How long to boil bottles for sterilization?

The general guideline is to boil bottles along with their parts for 5 minutes. The time is long enough to kill the bacteria but not harming to the materials of the bottles.

Pros of Boiling:

• No special equipment needed
• Does kill the bacteria
• Inexpensive

Cons of Boiling:

• Time-consuming
• Needs constant supervision
• Might damage some bottle materials if used continuously
• May get burn if handled appropriately not done

If you want to know how often you should change the bottle, check out this blog:The baby's bottle will also expire.

Method 3: Sterilization through Chemicals

Sterilization by chemicals means using specific solutions that kill bacteria. This is how you clean baby bottles using this method:

• Clean each bottle part well using hot soapy water, then rinse.
• Fill a clean container with cold water by the directions of the solution to be used for sterilizing.
• Add the recommended amount of sterilizing liquid or tablets to the water.
• Dip the parts of the bottle in solution, ensuring no air pockets and let them soak in the solution for the suggested time, usually half an hour.
• Take out the items using clean tongs and then rinse thoroughly using boiled water that has cooled before use.

What soap is safe to wash baby bottles in?

For initial cleaning before sterilization, a mild, fragrance-free dish soap is ideal. You want to steer clear of harsh detergents and soaps with added fragrances because these deposit residues that are likely to irritate your baby's sensitive system.

Pros of Chemical Sterilization:

• Convenient for travel
• Does not require any electrical equipment
• Items can be kept in the solution for as long as 24 hours to maintain sterility

Cons of Chemical Sterilization:

• Requires measurement of chemicals with great accuracy
• Sterilizing solution must be purchased on a regular basis
• Chemical taste if not properly rinsed
• Not the most environment-friendly method

Method 4: Microwave Sanitizer for Bottles

A microwave sterilizer is another fast and convenient way to sterilize for the majority of parents. This section will help you in microwave sanitizing your baby bottles.

• Clean the bottles and other parts thoroughly with soap and water.
• Place the items in a microwave-safe sterilizer bag or container.
• Add the recommended amount of water to the sterilizer.
• Microwave on high following the manufacturer's directions (usually 3-8 minutes).
• Last, let the sterilizer cool down before removing items cautiously.

Pros of Microwave Sterilization:

• Very quick process
• Kills 99.9% of harmful bacteria
• Compact and portable option
• No chemicals involved

Cons of Microwave Sterilization:

• Requires a microwave-safe sterilizer
• Sterilizes only microwave-safe items
• Needs to be cautious of burns from steam
• May not fit larger bottles or more than one at a time

Method 5: UV Bottle Sanitizer

UV Sterilization is a state-of-the-art way to kill bacteria without the use of chemicals by utilizing Ultraviolet Light, which is particularly useful in learning how to sterilize a feeding bottle. Here's how to do it with a UV light bottle sterilizer:

• Clean the bottles and parts in soapy water.
• Arrange the items inside the UV sterilizer; make sure not to bunch them up.
• Close the lid and begin the sterilizing cycle.
• Allow the cycle to complete; this usually takes 5-10 minutes.
• Take out sterilized items, which are now ready for use.

Pros of UV Sterilization:

• Fast and effective
• No water or chemicals used
• Can often be used for other items such as pacifiers or toys
• Compact and space portable

Cons of UV Sterilization:

• Higher upfront cost
• If items are stacked, UV may not reach all surfaces
• Does not remove physical debris-pre-cleaning is still necessary
• Needs electricity or power from a battery

Frequently Asked Questions Sterilization Feeding Bottle

Q1. How often should I sanitize the baby bottles?

Sterilize all equipment for feeding before its first use. In newborn babies and those under 3 months, or with a weak immune system, continue to sterilize after each use. As your baby grows, you can gradually reduce the frequency of sterilization, but always keep good cleaning.

Q2. When Should I sterilize baby bottles?

Sterilize bottles after every use for new babies and young infants. By the time your baby is 3 months, provided you clean rigorously after every use, you can start sterilizing less frequently – perhaps once a day. Always sterilize if your baby has been ill or if bottles have been stored for a while.

Q3. What parts need cleaning?

Sterilize all equipment used for feeding that comes into contact with milk or your baby's mouth. This will include:

• Bottles and nipples
• Caps and rings
• Mixing spoons
• Formula containers
• Breast pump parts if used

Sterilization: Different Methods, Same Goal

Sterilization of your baby's feeding bottles is one of the most important steps towards the good health and well-being of your child. Be it steam, boiling, chemical, microwave, or UV sterilization, the trick lies in how persistent and regular you can be with it. Each method has its share of advantages and disadvantages, so pick the one that works best with your lifestyle and needs.

Always keep in mind that with the growth of your baby and the maturing of their immune system, you can reduce the sterilization frequency. Of course, cleanliness regarding feeding equipment is always taken care of. With these directions, you will be giving your little one a healthy start and peace of mind for yourself.