Why and how do you boil the baby bottles?

It is important to sterilize baby bottles to remove bacteria and fungi that can remain in the bottle. This can occur if there is milk residues. Since babies have a vulnerable immune system, boiling bottles can help prevent infections.

The boiling of baby bottles is also called sterilization. Sterilizing can be done with boiling water but you can also use a microwave sterilizer or an electric steam sterilizer. First, wash the bottle thoroughly, take the bottle apart and dry all the parts on a clean cloth In this way, the bottles remain hygienically clean so that you can use them safely. Clean the bottle thoroughly with water and washing up liquid.

How often do you have to boil your baby bottles?

When your baby is newborn and for the first few months, it is important to sterilize baby bottles after each use, as your baby's resistance is still low. As your baby gets older and his/her immune system gets stronger, it is enough to sterilize once a day. Normally, this happens after about six months. Always sterilize the bottle after use if your child is sick, when using new bottles or if the bottle falls on the ground. That way, you know for sure that the bottle is clean and your child is safe.

Which methods are there to safely sterilize bottles?

There are different ways to sterilize baby bottles. Most parents choose steam sterilization. An electric sterilizer or microwave sterilizer removes virtually all bacteria in just a few minutes. No need to boil the different parts separately. When sterilizing this way, there is no need to take the bottle apart.

A different method is boiling: put the bottles and teats in boiling water for about five minutes. This works well but the drawback is that the bottle doesn't last as long. Are you out and about or is there a power cut? In this case, you can use sterilization tablets that can dissolve in cold water.

Regardless of which method you use, the most important thing is that the bottles are completely clean and dry before they are used again.

How do you keep the baby bottles clean without boiling them?

Rinse baby bottles in warm water immediately after feeding so that milk residue doesn't dry and gets absorbed into the plastic. Use a bottle brush to clean the rims of the bottle and the teat thoroughly.

Would you rather use the dishwasher? In that case, always put the bottles in the top rack. Put the temperature on a high setting and let all the parts of the bottle dry on a clean cloth or a drying rack. In this way, the bottles get clean so that they are safe to use next time without having to boil them.

What is the difference between boiling and sterilizing?

When you boil the baby bottles, they are cleaned when you keep them completely immersed in boiling water for five to ten minutes. The heat kills bacteria and mold effectively but since the bottle often is in contact with hot water, the material becomes more compromised and dull after a while.

A steam sterilizer uses hot steam instead of boiling water. The steam reaches all corners of the bottle and teat without having to leave them in hot water for an extended period. This means that this method of cleaning is better suited to the material. The cleaning is also faster. A steam sterilizer switches off by itself when the sterilization is done, which is very practical.

What are the best sterilization methods according to paediatricians?

Paediatricians emphasize how important good hygiene is when bottle feeding. They recommend sterilizing the bottles regularly, preferably with steam, particularly when the baby has just been born. This is fast and safe and removes bacteria without chemicals.

The boiling of bottles also works well but this method can have an effect on the plastic after a period of time. When your baby gets older, usually after six months, it is enough to wash the bottle well. This must be done as soon as the baby has stopped feeding.

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