Different types of sterilisation methods for baby bottles & equipment

Babies have vulnerable immune systems; they are much more susceptible to everyday germs, including contaminated milk.

It’s important to sterilise until your baby is 1 year old when their immune system is fully developed.

Both expressed breast and formula milk need to be handled carefully to prevent unwanted bacteria growth. Sterilising baby bottles and equipment immediately after use helps protect your baby against any illnesses, keeping them happy and healthy!

How to sterilise baby feeding equipment

There are 5 different methods to sterilise baby bottles, feeding and other equipment:

• The Milton Method (cold water sterilising)
• Microwave steam sterilising
• Electric steam sterilising
• Sterilising by boiling
• UV sterilising

You must always remember to throw away any leftover milk that’s left in the bottle and properly clean your baby bottles and feeding equipment before you sterilise.

The Milton Method (cold water sterilising)

This method of sterilising is quick, convenient and effective. It only takes 15 minutes, so doesn’t take up much time during your busy day. Using water straight from the tap is fine and, with the solution working for 24 hours, you can reuse it multiple times in one day with the reassurance that it kills 99.9% of germs every time.

1. Fill your Milton sterilising unit with 4 litres of tap water.
2. Add 30ml of Milton Anti-Bacterial Solution or 2 Milton Anti-Bacteral Tablets and wait to dissolve. Follow the instructions on the fluid and tablet packaging carefully.
3. Fully submerge your baby bottle parts to remove any air bubbles.
4. Close the lid, press down on the vent and leave for 15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes, items are ready to use.
6. Renew the solution every 24 hours.

Microwave steam sterilising

Microwave steam sterilising is an easy way to keep your baby bottles and feeding equipment sterilised if you have this appliance in your kitchen but may be a bit more limiting due to the size of your microwave. Containers, like the Milton Combi Steriliser, fit 5 wide neck bottles meaning you can sterilise more in one go and it’s super speedy!

Plus, it’s ideal for when you’re travelling with a baby; all you need is the unit and a microwave at your accommodation. When travelling, always keep your bottles clean with Milton Solo Travel Steriliser that can fit all microwaves. However, it’s important to remember that this method is not suitable for metal products.

1. Make sure your microwave is clean before using it.
2. Fill your sterilising unit with 200ml of tap water.
3. Place your bottles in facing down and other parts on top.
4. Close the lid, press down on the vent and put it in your microwave.
5. For 1100-1850W, microwave for 2 minutes. For 850-1000W, microwave for 4 minutes. For 500-800W, microwave for 6 minutes.
6. Once finished, remove from the microwave safely and leave to cool for 3 minutes.
7. After equipment has been taken out, close the lid and the vent so the solution stays sterile for 24 hours.

Electric steam sterilising

Another convenient option for sterilising your baby feeding equipment is the electric steam sterilising units that have been designed as an all-in-one solution. However, this can make them bulky and heavy which poses problems when travelling or if you’re struggling for storage/counter space in your home.

1. Fill the unit with the amount of water stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Plug in the electric steam steriliser and place all parts of the bottle face down in the unit.
3. Put the lid on and switch on the steriliser. Each type of steriliser will be active for different lengths of time, but normally they switch off automatically once complete.
4. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see if you need to rinse after use. Follow cooling time instructions to avoid burns.

Sterilising by boiling

This method is also convenient because all you need is a pan, water and a hob! Only taking 10 minutes and easily accessible in your own kitchen, you don’t need to purchase any extra products. It is ideal if you only need to sterilise occasionally as some items may get damaged when boiled on a regular basis.

1. Before getting started, make sure the items you wish to sterilise are safe to boil.
2. Fill a large pan with water and bring to the boil.
3. Add your bottles and equipment, making sure they are fully submerged.
4. Boil for at least 10 minutes; set a timer so you don’t forget. You need to boil for at least 10 minutes is because this is how long it takes to kill bacteria at a temperature of 100°C.
5. Remove from the heat and keep them covered, taking them out just before use and making sure they are cool.

UV sterilising

Over the years, technology has advanced to introduce a new way to sterilise your baby bottles and equipment – a UV steriliser. Although it doesn’t use heat or water, it is still effective at killing germs. Depending on the size of the unit, there may be limitations to how much can fit inside and how much counter or cupboard space it may take up though.

1. Make sure all items are dry before placing them inside the UV steriliser.
2. Plug in the unit and turn it on.
3. Select the mode you wish to use and start the cycle. Cycle times will differ from model to model.
4. When finished, remove from the steriliser and use straight away.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways to sterilise your baby feeding equipment, so you can see which one works for you. Milton are experts in sterilising and have designed our products around the busy lifestyles of new parents and parents of toddlers.

Shop the Milton range at Woolworths, Coles, Chemist Warehouse, BIG W, Baby Bunting, IGA and other major supermarkets.