If you choose to feed your baby with a bottle, there are some tips that you should follow. Many parents do not know that they cannot clean the bottles the same way they clean their dishes. Baby’s immunity is very low and he is susceptible to bacteria and viruses. To prevent any contamination you should follow the below steps:
Before using any purchased bottles, nipples or rings you should clean them thoroughly with warm water and soap then emerge them in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Remove them using a clip and put them on a clean towel to dry.
After feeding your baby, you should clean the bottles with water using the bottle brush to reach the bottom of the bottle. Wash the nipple, collar and cap so that every milk trace disappears. Then wash with soap and warm water.
Sterilize the bottles after rinsing them to kill bacteria.
Place the bottle on a surface to dry. Humidity causes the formation of fungus. You can close the bottles after sterilization and place them in the fridge until needed. You can keep them in the electronic sterilizer for certain hours.
Always check your baby’s bottles and nipples for any crack or scratches since bacteria lives in those places. Change them when needed.
Always wash your hands when handling a clean sterilized bottle and before preparing the formula.
Continue sterilizing your baby’s bottle for at least the first year or until he stops using them.
How to sterilize babies' bottles?
There are several ways to sterilize babies’ bottles:
The very old, common used method is to boil the bottles for 5 – 10 min. Remove them from boiled water with a clamp, close them and put them in the fridge until needed.
Some bottles can be sterilized in the microwave. Read the instructions before using this method. Be careful not to close the bottle when you start the sterilization. Pressure may cause the bottle to crack.
The dishwasher sterilization: It is a very limited method since you will have to use a very high temperature and then use the bottle directly.
The electronic sterilization: It is a very efficient method. You place all the bottles and accessories in an electronic container. It needs 10 to 12 min to sterilize them and it keeps the bottles clean for about 6 hours.
Cold water with tablets: You can fill a container with cold water and dissolve a sterilizing tablet in it. You will have to change the water every 24 hours and you have to make sure that you immerge fully the bottle for 30 min in the water keeping no air bubbles inside. Rinse the bottles with drinking water before using it.