When baby bottles are opened out of the package, they are far from being sterilized. The glass has gone from the factory, to the packaging, to the store shelves to then being finally delivered to the customer. Throughout this entire process there are countless hands and exposure to potential germs and bacteria that could be inside or on the baby bottle.
Learning the proper ways to sterilize a baby bottle can ensure that it’s safe before use:
Dishwasher
Using a dishwasher on high temperature is one of the easiest ways that can be used to sterilize a baby bottle. Baby bottles that are placed in the dishwasher should be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher to ensure that they are sterilized without being damaged. Be sure that the dishwasher is on heated dry, or temperature boost – to ensure that the bottle is going to be sterilized effectively.
Baby Bottle Sterilizers
Baby bottle sterilizers can be used to effectively sterilize the baby bottles. Bottle sterilizers can be found through department stores, baby boutiques, baby-supply stores and through online retailers. Baby bottle sterilizers are counter tops units that simply plug into an outlet. The user fills the sterilizer with water and places the bottles that are going to be sterilizer. With the simple touch of a button, the steam will sterilize the bottles that are placed in the sterilizer.
Boiling Method
Baby bottles can be sterilized using a simple stove-top method. Using a large pot of water that has been heated to the boiling point, baby bottles can be placed inside of the pot. The hot water will sterilize the bottles. Leaving the bottles inside of the water for two to three minutes, and removing the bottles to allow air-drying will sterilize the bottles for use.
Baby bottles should be sterilized when they are first purchased from the store, or ordered online. It’s not necessary to sterilize the bottles each time they are used, but they should be sterilized every two to four weeks to ensure that they remain healthy.
