How & Why You Need to Sterilize Baby Bottles

New parents may be afraid of making a baby blunder – mixing formula wrong, not burping baby properly, forgetting the words to ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ or any one of a host of other problems that can come from sleep deprivation and inexperience.

But here’s a mistake you may not even realize you were making: skipping baby bottle sterilization.

You might have thought soapy water or a run through the dishwasher was enough to call the bottle squeaky clean.  You may be asking yourself “Do you have to sterilize baby bottles?”, “Who really needs a bottle sterilizer and dryer to add to the collection of baby apparatus and appliances?”

You do – and every parent with a bottle-fed baby.

And here’s why.

WHY A BOTTLE STERILIZER IS IMPORTANT

Every parent wants to give their baby the best possible start in life.

When young, babies are still building immunity to the many contaminants that our adult bodies are accustomed to encountering and warding off.

Give your baby’s delicate digestive tract and immune system a helping hand by keeping harmful bacteria from being transmitted at feeding time with a baby bottle sterilizer.

These are some of the most common sicknesses caused by bacteria that a bottle sterilizer and dryer eliminates:

-Food poisoning

-Diarrhea

-Hepatitis A

-Vomiting

-Rotavirus

-Stomach Flu

While we’re not suggesting that you can protect your baby from exposure to these bacteria forever, a common suggestion is to use a bottle sterilizer until the age of 1. This will allow your little one to gradually develop immunity – hopefully without experiencing the unpleasant (and dangerous) effects of these and other bacteria-borne illnesses.

Of course there is no harm and a lot of benefit to continue using a bottle sterilizer as long as your baby is using a bottle. The bottle sterilizer can eliminate any traces of bacteria and build-up that may otherwise taint your child’s formula or breastmilk.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I STERILIZE BABY BOTTLES?

For proper germ and bacteria removal, it is recommended to sanitize feeding items at least once daily. Sanitizing baby bottles consistently is particularly important when your baby is younger than 2 months, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system. Investing in a sterilizer you will use daily will save parent’s time and give them complete peace of mind.

USING A BOTTLE STERILIZER VERSUS OTHER METHODS OF STERILIZATION

If you’re convinced of the importance of bottle sterilization, you may be wondering how to sterilize  baby bottles.

There are a number of methods of sterilizing a baby bottle, though many parents find it most convenient to use a small appliance known as a baby bottle sterilizer to get the task done thoroughly and efficiently.

IN BRIEF, HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON WAYS TO STERILIZE BABY BOTTLES:

-In the microwave: Some parents fill a baby bottle half-full of water (placing nipples and rings in a bowl covered with water), then microwave the apparatus for about 90 seconds.

Of course, this method assumes that you have a microwave – and that you don’t mind putting plastic in the microwave. You definitely will want to make sure that your bottles are BPA-free if you’re relying on heat to sanitize.

-Cold water method: You can use cold water to sterilize baby bottles, but you’ll need to purchase special tablets to make it happen. This can be inconvenient, and requires remembering to pick up (another) item at the store.

It also is rather time-consuming, since you’ll need to leave items submerged in water for at least half an hour. Then you’ll need to have cooled, boiled water ready to rinse away the solution before using the bottle for feeding.

-Boiling: Some parents boil their baby bottles, but again, you’ll need to first ensure that bottle are BPA-free.

To sanitize bottles, you’ll need a large pot that is only used for bottle sterilizing. Fill it with enough water to submerge bottles and nipples. Then, boil with a lid on for at least 10 minutes. Don’t remove the lid until you’re ready to use the bottles.

Parents who choose this method of bottle sterilization need to keep a close eye on both nipples and bottles to make sure that they are intact and damage-free.

-Bottle Sterilizer: A steam bottle sterilizer is the choice of many parents, thanks to its quick and convenient operation.

A bottle sterilizer can eliminate up to 99.99% of bacteria using no chemicals, soaps, or any other substances – just steam.

This natural cleaning method is safe and efficient. In fact, the Baby Brezza One-Step Sterilizer & Dryer, one of the best baby bottle sterilizers, will sanitize up to 6 bottles in only 8 minutes.

After sterilizing, the machine can be set to automatically dry the items inside with a 30, 45, or 60-minute cycle.

It also multi-tasks. Load it up with any baby gear safe to sterilize, such as pacifiers and breast pump parts.

Plus, the drying function lets you avoid contaminating your bottle on bacteria-laden drying racks. By skipping the drying rack, you're keeping your bottle sterile for baby. It also saves time, as you should be sterilizing your baby bottles daily, so adding a machine to your appliances can allow you to spend more time with your baby

Let it disinfect these items as well!

AVOID BACTERIA BLUNDERS WITH A BOTTLE STERILIZER

Will you make some parenting mistakes on the road of raising your child?

The answer is yes – we all have a few mishaps or “should-have” moments along the way.

But bacteria-borne illness doesn’t have to be one of them.

A bottle sterilizer will make it so easy to keep bottles sanitized and ready to go that you won’t even give it a second thought.

Forget microwaving, boiling, or tablet sanitizing bottles, nipples, and more. Make life easy (and bacteria-free) with the One-Step Sterilizer & Dryer.

If you do, you can rest easy knowing that a bacteria blunder is a baby mistake with big consequences that you won’t be making!