Sterilising Avent bottles and dummies: Do I need a bottle steriliser?

Getting your home ready for your baby: It’s an ever-growing list of nice-to-haves and must-haves. And sometimes it’s a little hard to distinguish one list from the other! Take the humble bottle steriliser, for example. You might be wondering if your kitchen counter really needs another appliance. Or, if this is the best thing since the toaster was   invented.

 

We’re here to help! Learn more about the ‘when’ and ‘how’ to sterilise dummies and bottles, and find an answer to the question, ‘do I need a bottle steriliser?’. This article will talk you through the different ways to sterilise different baby items, with or without a dedicated appliance, and when to consider getting one based on your lifestyle.

Do you even need to sterilise breast milk bottles? Why is it important

 

First, an important question: why do you need to sterilise dummies and other baby items? The answer lies in your baby’s developing immune system. Unlike adults, babies aren’t yet able to protect themselves from harmful bacteria. So, it’s important that items like bottles, nipples, toys and dummies are bacteria-free. That’s where sterilising comes in. Unlike cleaning with mild dish detergent, sterilising specifically eradicates bacteria. The result? A safer environment for your baby. Nonetheless, cleaning your baby’s essentials is also key to keeping them happy and healthy. Learn more about this topic here.

 

Sterilising can be done in different ways and is made easy with the new Philips combo bottle warmer and steriliser.

 

• Using a steam steriliser: Those appliances are great for peace of mind and easy use. Using a Philips Avent steriliser to sterilise Avent bottles is as easy as pressing a button.
  
• UV sterilisers: UV or ultra-violet light sterilisers are an alternative to electric steam sterilisation. You’ll enjoy the same ease as electric steam, though keep in mind that UV light can’t penetrate all surfaces, so it’s not as safe or effective as steam.
  
• Boiling: Wondering how to sterilise pacifiers (dummies) and bottles without a separate tool? Think of this as the most traditional method, and the most cost-effective. By placing items in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, you can remove any harmful bacteria.
  
• Sterilising tablets: Tablets are an easy way to sterilise on-the-go because there’s no need for an appliance. That said, you’ll need to pay a little more attention to the details, like making sure you’re using the correct amount of steriliser and rinsing items afterwards. Also, be mindful that this involves using chemicals, so it’s less safe than steam, UV and boiling.

 

To learn more about different sterilising techniques, why not check out our article dedicated to that topic here.

Do you need a bottle steriliser? How to sanitise baby bottles¹

 

Before you get into sterilising Avent Bottles (or other bottles you may use), it’s important to clean them with hot, soapy water. Make sure everything is rinsed well before moving on to sanitising. A detailed breakdown of how to sterilise is available here.

 

When can you stop sterilising baby bottles? It’s advised to keep sterilising your baby’s feeding bottles until they are at least 12 months old and their immune system is stronger. So, if you wondered if you need to sterilise bottles after 6 months, the answer is yes.

How to sterilise dummies: Let’s take a closer look

 

Cleaning and sterilising dummies should not be neglected. An overview of different options to sterilise your baby’s dummy can be found here. As a summary, the most recommended option is to sterilise pacifiers in boiling water, but you can also use a Philips Avent steriliser if you already have one to sanitise baby bottles.

 

Are you wondering how often to sterilise dummies? As a general rule, it’s advised to:

 

• Clean and sterilise new dummies before their first use
  
• Clean dummies every day for the first six months
  
• Clean dummies twice a week for babies older than six months
  

Do you need a steriliser? When to invest in one

 

If at the moment you don't really need a dedicated steriliser, when should you consider getting one? It all depends on your lifestyle and how you’d like to set up the house so others can easily help out.

 

An electric steam steriliser works best for families who want to simplify their feeding and cleaning routine and make it easy for other caregivers to help out.

 

By taking away the guesswork and keeping it all at the touch of a button, you’ll give yourself peace of mind, and anyone else helping out as well.

 

Sterilisers are also a way for you to safely store items so as to avoid contamination. So while you might lose counter space, you often gain more peace of mind and time.

 

In the end, it’s entirely up to you! Do what works best for your family as you navigate the wonderful world of parenting. Sterilising included!