Sterilising baby bottles

Ways to sterilise

Illustration of person boiling a large pan of water

Sterilising by boiling

Illustration of sterilising fluid and sterilising tablets

Sterilising liquids or tablets

Illustration of large steam pot with baby bottles inside it

Steam sterilising

Illustration of microwave unit with baby bottle next to it

Microwave units

All the things that need sterilising

Bottles, teats caps, and dummies

Baby bowls, cups, and spoons

Breast pump

Toys, rattles and teethers

Sterilising by boiling

Put washed bottles and teats in a large pan of cold water with a lid.

Illustration of person putting items into a boiling pan

Make sure there is no air in the bottles. Hold them underwater until the bubbles stop.

Illustration of large pot with lid on top stove with flame underneath

Bring to the boil.

Illustration of timer set for 10 minutes

Boil bottles for 10 minutes.

Boil teats for 3 minutes.

Illustration of pan with food in with a big red cross over

Keep the pan for sterilising only.

Sterilising liquids or tablets

Illustration of sterilising unit and plastic container with lid

You can buy a sterilising unit or use a clean plastic container with a lid.

Follow the instructions on the sterilising liquid or tablets.

Illustration of sterilising unit with items in and lid on top

If you’re using a bucket, keep the bottles, teats, and lids underwater. Put a plate on top.

Steam sterilising

These sterilisers work quickly. You can buy them from large chemist shops.

Microwave units

You can use your microwave to sterilise your baby’s things. You will need to buy a special microwave unit from large chemist shops.

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Disclaimer

Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.

0-19 Neonatal Surgical Unit Children, parents and carers Strategies Article

Resource number: NSU16

Resource Type: Article

Sterilising baby bottles

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