Which steriliser suits baby bottles best?
A microwave steriliser is the most practical choice for most families. It finishes in minutes and takes up very little space. Boiling bottles in an ordinary pan works just as well and costs nothing extra. The best steriliser fits your routine, not the biggest price tag.
Why you sterilise bottles at all
Milk residue is a comfortable home for bacteria. A newborn still has limited natural defences. That is why you clean bottles and teats extra carefully in the first months.
Sterilising always comes after cleaning, never instead of it. Steam does not remove milk that is still stuck. Our step-by-step guide to cleaning a baby bottle sets out the right order.
The methods side by side
A microwave steriliser is fast, compact and affordable. The Difrax microwave steriliser holds four S-bottles plus teats and accessories. The downside is obvious: you need a microwave.
An electric steam steriliser works without one and switches itself off. The downsides: it costs more and takes up counter space.
Boiling in a pan costs nothing and works perfectly well. You do have to stay nearby, and the material wears faster. Read why and how to boil baby bottles for the method.
Only sterilising soothers? Then the pacifier steriliser egg in the microwave is enough. It slips easily into a changing bag.
What to check before you buy
First check whether your bottles actually fit. Tall and wide bottles need a roomy model. Glass bottles sometimes only fit lying down, so look that up first.
Then count how many bottles go in at once. If you feed entirely by bottle, a larger steriliser saves you repeat rounds. Compare sizes across the Difrax baby bottles.
A good brush matters more than any appliance. Without one, milk stays in the neck of the bottle. See which bottle brush works for a glass baby bottle.
How long do you keep sterilising?
Advice differs by country and by situation. Once your baby is a little older, sterilising once a day is often enough. Ask your child health clinic what fits your baby, especially after a premature birth.
Once your child moves on to cups, the focus shifts to small parts. A straw or a valve needs its own cleaning round.
Frequently asked questions
Which steriliser suits baby bottles best?
A microwave steriliser is fast, compact and takes several bottles at once. Without a microwave, choose an electric steam model. Boiling remains a perfectly good alternative.
Do you wash bottles before sterilising them?
Yes, always. Steam kills bacteria but does not remove milk residue. Rinse with cold water straight after the feed, then brush every part clean.
How long does a sterilised bottle stay clean?
It stays hygienic as long as the lid stays closed. Once opened, use it within 24 hours. After that, clean it again before storing.