How to clean baby's toys, dummies, and bottles

Baby gear. It’s the extra arrival that your home wasn’t quite prepared for. There’s also the cleaning of said gear, which is where things become unexpectedly complicated. On the one hand, you want to make sure that you’ve removed any germs that could harm your baby. On the other hand, you don’t want to use any harsh chemicals that might harm your little ones. So how can you keep your baby safe and eradicate all those germs?

 

Well, you’re definitely in the right place: We’ll take you through all the best ways for cleaning dummies and cleaning baby bottles in this article. And if you want to take it to the next step and learn more about sanitising your baby’s essentials, why not check out our other articles?

 

Also, don’t forget to check out our new Philips combo bottle warmer and steriliser for easy cleaning and sterilisation for busy lives with little ones around.

Why it’s so important to clean safely

 

First, let’s answer what at first seems to be a rather obvious question: why do your baby’s items need to be cleaned so thoroughly? The answer lies in how young they are and their immune systems. As your baby grows, their immune system develops, and they become more able to fight off germs. In the meantime, it's important to keep all those daily items they encounter, like bottles and dummies, extra clean and germ-free.

Cleaning tips for specific items

 

Now, let’s take a look at the cleaning needs for individual items. Depending on the item, the cleaning options, frequency, and intensity may vary.

 

How to clean baby bottles and nipples?

 

• Clean them after every use with warm water and mild dish soap
  
• Make sure to rinse them thoroughly at the end to remove all soap residue
  
• Sterilise after cleaning by boiling items, or using steam sterilisation (electric or microwave)
  
• Replace nipples every 3 months, or sooner if you notice signs of wear and tear

 

That’s it. Cleaning baby bottles isn’t a difficult task, but definitely one you shouldn’t forget about after every feed to make sure clean bottles are always at hand. If you’re wondering about the best way to clean Avent baby bottles, have a look at this page.

 

How to clean a pacifier?

 

• Rinse with warm water after each use
  
• Sterilise by using a sterilising appliance, like a steam steriliser, or by boiling 
  
• Store in a clean, dry container to avoid contamination
  
• Replace pacifiers every 4 weeks, or sooner if you notice signs of wear and tear

 

The best way to clean dummies is to do it regularly, and don’t forget to replace them after a few months of regular use. More information can be found here.

 

Cleaning baby’s toys the right way

 

If you’re wondering how to clean newborn toys – especially bath toys and soft toys – we’re here to help.

 

• How to clean bath toys: Most bath toys can be cleaned just like other toys using soapy water and a sponge or brush. For deep cleaning, you can also use a vinegar solution or bleach if absolutely necessary. Always make sure to check product and toy labels to make sure the cleaning solution is safe to use around children and won’t break the toy. With bath toys, it’s especially important to watch out for signs of mould and replace them as needed.
  
• How to wash a soft toy: Cleaning your little one’s favourite teddy or plushie depends on its material, size, and features (e.g. batteries, glued-on eyes, etc.). We therefore recommend carefully checking its care label to make sure it survives its bath or washing machine adventure. Some toys may only be suitable for wiping clean with a damp cloth.

 

There we have it – different ways to keep your baby’s environment safe and clean – from baby bottles and dummies to plushies and bath toys.