Washing a baby's bottle can seem like a never-ending chore, so you may be tempted to take it lightly. However, washing baby bottles properly is very important because the baby's immune system is not yet fully developed. This makes babies more prone to getting sick from bacteria from dirty milk bottles. To make sure your baby is safe and healthy, start with Step 1 below for detailed instructions on how to properly wash baby bottles.
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Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Bottle
Step 1. Wash baby bottles immediately, after use
After you finish feeding your baby, immediately wash the bottle in the kitchen sink.
- This will prevent old milk or dirt from accumulating in the bottle, but you can wash the bottle in more detail later, when you have time.
- Try using hot water when washing the bottle, as hot water cleans the bottle more effectively.
Step 2. Gather the right ingredients for washing
When cleaning baby bottles, it is helpful to use the right materials. Make sure you have:
- A bottle cleaning brush that helps you clean the bottom and sides of the bottle, a rubber nipple brush that helps clean teats that are prone to bacteria gathering.
- Washing liquid specially designed for your baby's bottle. This liquid is very gentle and non-toxic, and will not leave soap residue on the bottle.
- If you use a plastic feeding bottle, make sure it is free of Bisphenol-A, an estrogen-like chemical that was banned by the FDA (Federation and Drug Administration), the food and drug regulatory agency in the United States, in 2012.
Step 3. Wash your kitchen tub and fill it with hot soapy water
Before washing bottles, it's a good idea to clean the sink you're going to use first to remove any bacteria or potential chemicals.
- Use a sponge to scrub the bottom and sides of the sink, and around the drain hole, and apply hot water. Use a small amount of baking soda as a natural disinfectant, if needed.
- Once the sink is clean and dry, fill it with dish soap and hot water (as hot as your hands can comfortably hold).
Step 4. Open all the parts of the bottle and wash each part separately
When washing a baby bottle, it is important to remove the parts and wash each one - the bottle, the nipple ring, and the nipple rubber separately.
- Removing these parts is important because a lot of old milk collects on the nipple ring and nipple rubber, which can cause bacteria to grow.
- Put all parts of the bottle in hot soapy water, and wash them separately. Use a bottle brush and a rubber nipple brush for plastic teats and nipple rings.
Step 5. Alternatively, wash the bottle in the dishwasher
If your bottle is labeled dishwasher safe, you can continue washing it in the machine.
- Place the bottle upside down on the top rack of the washing machine, away from the heating element.
- You can purchase a dishwasher safe basket at a baby supply store, where the pacifier and nipple rings can be placed.
Step 6. Allow the bottle to dry completely
After washing, rinse the bottle parts thoroughly under hot, running water to remove any suds or soap residue.
- Place the bottle parts on the drying rack (available at baby supply stores in a variety of cute designs).
- Make sure the bottles are dried in a well-ventilated location to ensure they are completely dry. Bottles that are still damp for too long can grow mold.
Step 7. Wash your hands before feeding the baby with the bottle
As soon as the bottle is dry, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, before giving the bottle or feeding your baby.
Part 2 of 3: Sterilizing Bottles
Step 1. Understand that you don't have to sterilize bottles after each use
While it was once recommended to sterilize bottles after each use, this is no longer considered necessary.
- According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, washing bottles with warm, soapy water is effective at cleaning them-as long as the water is safe to drink.
- However, it is important to sterilize new bottles before using them for the first time, and properly sterilize bottles that have been washed with water after each use.
Step 2. Use a bottle sterilizer
When you need to sterilize your bottles, you can do so using an electric steam sterilizer or a microwave steam sterilizer.
- With both types of sterilizers, bottles are immersed in steam at a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit (or 100 degrees Celsius), which kills all bacteria.
- With an electric sterilizer, all you have to do is add water, arrange the bottles, nipple rings, and rubber nipples (spaced apart), cover the appliance with the lid, plug the appliance into the power supply, and turn it on. The sterilization process takes 10 minutes.
- With a microwave sterilizer, the process is actually the same. Once the bottle is in the sterilizer, place it in the microwave, and heat it on full heat for 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the wattage or power of your microwave.
Step 3. Sterilize the bottle in boiling water
This is the old way of sterilizing bottles by simply boiling them in a pot of water.
- Take a pot of water to boil, then add the bottle halves, cover the pot, and boil for at least three minutes.
- This method is best for sterilizing glass milk bottles, but it's also good for sterilizing plastic bottles (provided they don't contain BPA).
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning Milk Bottles When Traveling
Step 1. Get ready
The best way to deal with bottle washing on the go is to prepare.
- Carry a small bottle of dish soap and a bottle brush in a sealed plastic bag at all times.
- Use single-use bottle liners, so you only need to bring one bottle. The plastic lining can be changed after each feeding, so the bottle only needs to be washed at night.
- If you live somewhere with a microwave, take a portable microwave sterilizer with you when you're out and about.
Step 2. Wash the bottle in a hotel sink or communal kitchen sink
If you have made preparations and have dish soap and a bottle brush, you can wash the bottles in the sink provided.
- Just make sure you wash the tub first to remove all the dirt.
- After the bottle is washed, place the parts of the bottle on a clean towel to dry.
Step 3. Sterilize using a travel kettle
If you have used a sink with water that is not safe to drink, you may need to sterilize the bottle while traveling.
- As noted above, the easiest way to do this is with a portable microwave sterilizer, but if you don't have one, you can do this with a travel kettle and a pair of bottle clips.
- Just fill the kettle with water, plug it into the mains, and let it boil. Pour the boiling water over the parts of the bottle that have been washed in the sink. Use tongs to scoop out the bottle parts from the sink, and place them on a clean towel to dry.
