Alif Khalil
1 month to 1 year is a mild age for a baby that is why this age group of babies needs extra care from parents. Today you are going to get a brief guide on sterilizers for baby bottles. Your baby’s feeding equipment plays a vital role in the nourishment of a baby as the mouth is the common way to enter germs and viruses.
From sterilizing baby feeding bottles to types of sterilizers, we have discussed everything in this article that every parent needs to know.
In this article, we will cover the following points!
· How to clean baby bottle
· When to sterilize the baby bottle
· Why is it necessary to sterilize baby bottles?
· How to choose a baby bottle sterilizer?
a. Types of sterilizers
· Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
· Final thoughts
Easy steps to sterilize a baby bottle
Sterilizer’s machines are very common these days but still there are many parents that rely on old school sterilizing methods. It is one of the easy yet simple ways of cleaning and sterilizing the baby bottle. Also, you can rely on this method completely as it gives satisfactory results every time.
Keep on reading to the easy ways of sterilizing:
FIRST STEP: Disassemble the entire bottle
To clean and sterilize every part of the feeding bottle, you need to disassemble the bottle first. Sometimes, the germs or dirt remain under the parts, which we cannot see. So, to remove those germs from every part of the bottle it is necessary to disassemble the bottle first.
SECOND STEP: Boil the bottle’s components in a pot
As we all know boiling water helps in killing germs and bacteria quickly, so the next step is to boil water. Fill the pot with water according to your need and boil it until the bubbles show up. Then add the disassembled baby bottle equipment and put them into the pot. Keep the stove on for the next 5 to 10 minutes and then turn it off.
THIRD STEP: Clean the bottle’s equipment with a dry towel
The final step of sterilizing is to dry the sterilized bottle parts with clean and dry water.
Why is it necessary to sterilize baby bottles?
As babies have weak immune systems, they get attacked by germs easily. To keep your baby healthy and protected, make the practice of washing the feeder bottle deeply after every use.
There are high chances of growing bacteria in a milk bottle be it breast milk or formula milk. So, after every two hours make it your habit to discard left milk in the bottle and thoroughly wash the bottle after that.
Not sterilizing your baby bottle is an indirect way to introduce viruses and bacteria to your baby’s tummy. If you do not sterilize the feeding bottle when it is needed to be then it causes diarrhea, food poisoning, vomiting, and hepatitis to your baby. They can be life-threatening to your baby and can severely affect your baby’s health. Besides, not sterilizing the baby bottle can make your baby’s tummy upset and unhealthy.
How to choose a baby bottle sterilizer?
From functional dryers to storage capacity, there are many things that you need to consider when you buy a sterilizer machine for a baby bottle.
For those who are wondering what features and things need to consider when you choose a sterilizer for a baby bottle, we have got you covered! Let’s check them out!
Storage capacity
If you want to sterilize 2 to 3 bottles at a time then go for the one that has a large capacity. Different capacity sterilizers are available in the market but, getting one with great storage capacity is a wise decision. You can once sterilize all the bottles in a week then you are free from this tension.
Compatibility
Compatibility is one of the important factors to consider when you are choosing a baby sterilizer. Check the sterilizer you choose that is compatible according to your needs.
Set your budget
There are many options available in the market that are the best and come with many great features. It is a real task to choose the machine that matches your budget as every other sterilizer machine attracts you. Sterilizing machines usually are not very expensive but it is important to set your budget first and then choose the product accordingly.
Types of sterilizers
There are three types of baby feeder sterilizers available in the market and can be found easily.
· Electric sterilizer
Electric sterilizers are the most common type of sterilizer that is used by parents as it does not require any additional work from your side. You just need to put water in accordingly and set the machine. Every machine comes with an instruction booklet, which is easy to read and understand, so you do not need to worry about its working.
· Coldwater sterilizer
This method is just opposite to the steam sterilizer method but equally effective as a steam sterilizer. It uses cold water for the sterilization process. Coldwater sterilizers are suggested for those parents who travel often as this method is very handy and travel-friendly.
This method uses a non-toxic liquid or tablet solution, which is used to kill germs and bacteria. They are a very effective solution and kill 99.9% of germs
· Microwave sterilizer
Microwave sterilizer kills bacteria and germs by raising the temperature of boiling water. Just like the old-school method, you need to add water in a pot that is given with the microwave and set the temperature. In this method, you need to add water to a pot, disassemble the feeder bottle parts and set the temperature of the microwave accordingly.
Two to three minutes are sufficient for sterilizing baby bottles by using a microwave. Besides, if you want to disinfect the baby bottle, you can add one tablespoon of vinegar to a water pot.
When is it necessary to sterilize a baby bottle?
To keep your baby’s tummy protected from harmful bacterial infections and germs never compromise on cleaning baby feeding bottles. Experts say in the following conditions it is great to sterilize your baby bottles and other feeding equipment.
Let’s have a look!
1. When using for the first time
It is advisable to sterilize and disinfect the baby bottle when you are using it for the first time. Brand new bottles come from factories where they use chemicals, so it is advisable to sterilize it first and then introduce it to the baby.
2. Taking your baby home from daycare
Whenever you take your baby home from daycare or anywhere, always try to sterilize all the baby types of equipment first. You never know when your baby’s bottle catches germs. In a daycare center, it goes in many hands so, the chances of catching bacteria and germs are high.
Wrapping up the article!
Never compromise on the cleanliness of the feeding equipment of your baby, especially the baby bottle. It is one of the ways that stop the potential spread of deleterious bacteria. Only washing baby bottles is not enough, sterilizing is important as it gives extra protection to your baby against germs.
We hope the above guide helped you to get your answer on when and how to sterilize a baby feeding bottle.
New parents should sterilize the baby bottle before using it for the first time. It is not necessary to sterilize the feeding bottle after every use. It is enough to sterilize it twice a week or it depends on the immune system of your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it necessary to sterilize a baby bottle daily?
Keeping a baby safe from germs and sickness, you should sterilize a baby bottle daily. But it is not necessary to sterilize it after every use.
Can we use a regular dishwasher for washing baby bottles?
Yes, regular dishwashers can also be used for washing baby bottles but, it is advisable to use baby dishwashers, which are specifically made for washing baby feeders and bottles. Regular dishwashers can contain harsh chemicals that are not suitable for babies.
For how long a baby bottle can be kept in a sterilizer?
A baby feeding bottle can be stored in a steamer sterilizer with a closed lid for up to 24 hours.
Which is the best way to sterilize a baby feeding bottle?
There are two main ways of sterilizing a baby bottle one is regular in which you sterilize by boiling water in a pot and the other one is by using an electric sterilizer. Both ways are correct and give satisfactory results.
Which is the best sterilizer for baby bottles?
Dr. Browns is one of the best sterilizers for baby bottles. Many features make this product every parent’s number one choice. It features an auto shut-off, cycle indicator and has a built-in accessory tray that is used for holding baby bottle parts.
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