When cleaning your baby's bottles, have you ever wondered why you should sterilize them? It's actually really important to properly sterilize your baby's bottles to keep him or her healthy. Most people assume that bottles just bought from the store are clean. They've never been used, why wouldn't they be clean? They actually aren't clean, because during the process of making the bottles and nipples, they are coated in all types of different chemicals. After that, they are packaged by people, sent to stores, and then stocked on the shelves by people. Who knows what these people may have touched before they touched your child's bottle?
Another important reason to sterilize your infant's bottles properly is bacteria. Have you ever forgotten about a bottle in the diaper bag, or had to leave one in there dirty until you got home to wash it? Well, here is something that is going to terrify you. Bacteria can grow in these bottles very easily, due to the milk particles left in the bottle, the warmth inside of the bottle, and the dampness inside. If you just give these bottles a quick wash before feeding your child, there is a chance that your baby could develop a bacterial infection. Aaaaghhh! All from a bottle? Unfortunately, yes. Here are some tips to help you sterilize your baby's bottles.
Gather all of the bottles you will be sterilizing. Fill a pot about halfway to three fourths full and put it on to boil. Make sure to take apart all the pieces of the bottles, including removing the nipple from the top of the bottle. (Bacteria love it in here!) Wash these bottles in warm, soapy water. Make sure to use a nipple and bottle brush to get all the way in there. After rinsing, your water should be boiling. Make sure you have a pair of tongs or something similar that you can use to remove the bottles when they have been sterilized. Drop two or three bottles and pieces into the boiling water at one time. Allow them to boil for about three to five minutes, and then remove them. You can set them in a strainer or dish drainer to cool, and then dry them with a clean towel or paper towel.
If you're able to wash your baby's bottles directly after you are finished with the feeding, you shouldn't have to sterilize the bottles every time you want to use them. If they have been dirty for a couple of hours, though, it's a good idea to go ahead and sterilize them. Feeding your baby is a bonding experience and a special time. You don't want to be wondering if the bottle you are feeding him or her with is truly clean enough! Following these tips will ensure that your baby's bottles are clean and sterilized, and give you peace of mind!
