Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Bottles
• Part 2 of 3: Sterilizing bottles
• Part 3 of 3: Cleaning Bottles When Traveling

Washing baby bottles can seem like a never-ending and boring job, so it's tempting to skip the necessary steps for proper handling. However, proper washing is incredibly important for keeping your baby healthy - his immune system has not yet fully developed, making the baby especially susceptible to diseases caused by bacteria in dirty bottles. To be sure that your baby's health is safe, skip to the first step of the guide - you will receive detailed instructions on how to wash baby bottles correctly.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Bottles

1. 1 Rinse bottle immediately after use. Once you've finished feeding your baby, rinse the bottle in the sink.
   • Later, when you have more time, you can wash the bottle more thoroughly, but this initial rinse will prevent dried milk and dirt from accumulating on the bottom and sides of the bottle.
   • Try to use hot water during rinsing - this will make cleaning more effective.
2. 2 Prepare the necessary cleaning supplies. When washing baby bottles, the right products will help you. Make sure you have:
   • A bottle brush to clean the bottom and sides of the bottle, and a rubber teat brush, which tends to collect bacteria.
   • Means for washing baby bottles. This product is very mild, non-toxic and leaves no soapy residue in the bottle.
   • If you are using a plastic baby bottle, make sure it is free of Bisphenol A, an estrogen-mimicking substance banned by the FDA in 2012.
3. 3 Rinse your sink and fill it with hot, soapy water. Before washing the bottle, it doesn't hurt to wash the sink itself to eliminate possible bacteria and chemicals.
   • Use a hard sponge to scrub the sides, bottom, and drain with hot water. If necessary, use baking soda or a natural disinfectant.
   • After washing the sink, fill it with hot water (as hot as your hands can handle) and soap.
4. 4 Disassemble the bottle and wash each part separately. When washing your baby bottle, it is very important to wash all the disassembled parts - bottle, ring and pacifier - separately.
   • This is important because a lot of milk can build up between the ring and the nipple, thus encouraging bacterial growth.
   • Place the bottle parts in hot soapy water and wash each part separately. To clean the bottle, use a nipple and ring brush, also a special brush.
5. 5 Alternatively, you can wash the bottle in the dishwasher. If the bottle says it is dishwasher safe, take advantage of this.
   • Place the bottle upside down on the top shelf of the dishwasher, away from the heating element.
   • You can buy a special basket for washing rings and teats in the dishwasher at a children's store.
6. 6 Let the bottle dry completely. After washing, thoroughly rinse the parts of the bottle under hot running water to rinse off any remaining soap solution.
   • Place the pieces on the bottle drying rack (you can buy them in baby stores in a variety of - incredibly cute - designs).
   • Make sure to leave the bottles to dry in a well-ventilated place to ensure they dry well. In bottles that lie in a damp place for a long time, fungus and mold begin to grow.
7. 7 Wash your hands before feeding your baby. When the bottles are dry, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before handling and feeding your baby.

Part 2 of 3: Sterilizing bottles

1. 1 Keep in mind that you do not need to sterilize the bottles after each use. While parents were once advised to sterilize bottles after each use, this is no longer considered necessary.
   • According to the latest research from the medical community, washing bottles with hot water and soap is a fairly effective way to clean - provided that the water used is safe to drink, of course.
   • However, you still need to sterilize the bottles before the first use after purchase and each time after the bottle has been rinsed with water from a well or well.
2. 2 Use a bottle sterilizer. Whenever you need to sterilize bottles, you can use a conventional electric or microwave steam sterilizer.
   • In both types of sterilizers, the bottle is immersed in steam at a temperature of 100 degrees, which kills all bacteria.
   • In a conventional electric sterilizer, you pour water, put bottles, rings and nipples at a sufficient distance from each other, cover with a lid, plug in and start the sterilizer. The sterilization process takes about 10 minutes.
   • With a microwave sterilizer, the process is essentially the same. After placing the bottles in the sterilizer, put it in the microwave and run it at full power for 4-8 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave.
3. 3 Sterilize bottles in boiling water. The old way to sterilize bottles is to simply warm them up in a pot of boiling water.
   • Bring the water in a large saucepan to a boil, drop the parts of the bottle into it, cover, and simmer for at least three minutes.
   • This method works best for sterilizing glass bottles, but also works with plastic bottles (provided they are BPA-free).

Part 3 of 3: Cleaning Bottles When Traveling

1. 1 Prepare yourself. The best way to handle bottle cleaning while traveling is to be prepared.
   • Always carry a small bottle of soap and a brush with you in an airtight zip bag.
   • Use disposable sterile inserts to carry only one bottle with you. The liners can be changed after each feed, so the bottle only needs to be washed in the evening.
   • If you will be staying where there is a microwave, carry a portable microwave sterilizer with you.
2. 2 Clean your bottles in a hotel sink or public toilet. If you have a dish soap and a brush with you, you can wash the bottle in any sink.
   • Remember to wash your sink first to remove any obvious dirt.
   • After washing, lay the parts of the bottle on a clean towel to dry.
3. 3 Sterilize with a portable kettle. If you use unsafe drinking water while washing, you should sterilize the bottles during your travels.
   • As stated above, the easiest way to sterilize is a portable microwave sterilizer, but if you don't have access to a microwave, you can use a portable kettle and small tongs.
   • Simply fill the kettle with water and bring to a boil. In the sink, pour the boiling water onto the previously washed parts of the bottle. Use tongs to pull them out of the sink and place them on a clean towel to dry.