Different customs are passed down from generation to generation without much questioning, and this is also true for the care and hygiene of the objects we use to feed our babies, such as bottles and nipples. Much is said about what to do in terms of hygiene, and in this sea of opinions, it is very easy to feel confused and without a clear idea of what to do.
For these reasons, here we tell you all about how to sterilize your baby's bottles, and even if this practice is really necessary and in which cases.
Should I sterilize bottles?
First of all, it is best to know if you should be concerned about sterilizing your baby's bottles or if it is just an unfounded fear that has been inherited from previous generations. Nowadays, there are several health associations and organizations that recommend sterilizing bottles, but in general, there is a consensus that washing them with hot water and soap before each use is more than enough.
There are practices such as boiling bottles, using bleach solutions and other products, among many others, but in general these practices are not necessary for most full-term, healthy babies.
When is it necessary to sterilize bottles?
As mentioned above, most babies can be safe if you just wash bottles with soap and hot water, but there are cases that require more care. If your baby was born prematurely, is immunocompromised, is undergoing chemotherapy, is sick or has any condition that weakens their immune system, it is highly recommended to sterilize their bottles daily.
These babies usually get sick much more easily, so preventing infections by sterilizing bottles is a crucial step in the daily routine. This, in addition, should be consulted with a pediatrician, who will be able to give the green light to a sterilization method suitable for your baby's case.
How to sterilize bottles?
As we have already seen, in most cases it is not necessary, and just washing the bottles properly is enough, but if your baby is susceptible to diseases or you just want to be extremely cautious, you can do it in the following ways. Keep in mind that none of these methods is more effective than others, and it will often depend on what the manufacturer states for the particular product.
a) Boiling the bottles is the simplest method, and consists of washing the bottles thoroughly beforehand, separating the different parts and cleaning them, then immersing them in water and heating the water to boiling, leaving them to boil for 5 minutes.
b) You can also use the dishwasher if you have one, using the hot water or sanitize function.
c) You can also use a solution of cold water and bleach, using one teaspoon of bleach for every 8 cups of water, and completely submerging the parts of the bottle.
In all cases you should wash your hands carefully before starting and let the bottles and their parts drain on a clean cloth or a clean paper towel, try not to rub them dry. As for cleaning before sterilization, hot water and soap is enough, but it is recommended to use a specialized brush to get rid of any milk residue.
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