Difference between revisions of "Sterilize Baby Bottles"
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#Know when you need to sterilize. Although it never hurts to be extra clean, sometimes going through the work of sterilization is unnecessary. | #Know when you need to sterilize. Although it never hurts to be extra clean, sometimes going through the work of sterilization is unnecessary. | ||
#*Historically, water has never been filtered as much as it is today. That means mothers of the past had to deal with bacteria in the water contaminating their baby bottles. Today, unless you know your water has bacteria in it, you may not need to sterilize it for this reason. | #*Historically, water has never been filtered as much as it is today. That means mothers of the past had to deal with bacteria in the water contaminating their baby bottles. Today, unless you know your water has bacteria in it, you may not need to sterilize it for this reason. | ||
| − | #*No environment is completely sterile. Therefore, although you may sterilize a bottle, it will likely come in contact with bacteria from your hands, air, counters, etc. <ref>http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/should-you-sterilize-your-babys-bottles</ref> | + | #*No environment is completely sterile. Therefore, although you may sterilize a bottle, it will likely come in contact with bacteria from your hands, air, counters, etc. <ref name="rf15703">http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/should-you-sterilize-your-babys-bottles</ref> |
#*Soap and water is often all that is necessary to thoroughly clean a bottle, making further sterilization superfluous. | #*Soap and water is often all that is necessary to thoroughly clean a bottle, making further sterilization superfluous. | ||
| − | #*It is safe to sterilize baby bottles before the first use after purchase from a store, as well as after extended periods of disuse or if your baby was recently ill.<ref>http://www.parents.com/advice/babies/safety/should-i-sterilize-baby-bottles-after-every-use/</ref> | + | #*It is safe to sterilize baby bottles before the first use after purchase from a store, as well as after extended periods of disuse or if your baby was recently ill.<ref name="rf15704">http://www.parents.com/advice/babies/safety/should-i-sterilize-baby-bottles-after-every-use/</ref> |
#Pour water into a pot to boil. You will need to pour enough so that the bottle(s) as well as the nipple(s) are completely submerged. | #Pour water into a pot to boil. You will need to pour enough so that the bottle(s) as well as the nipple(s) are completely submerged. | ||
#Separate bottle parts. Remove the nipples or tops from their bottles. | #Separate bottle parts. Remove the nipples or tops from their bottles. | ||
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#Place bottles and all parts into the boiling water. The bottles should be completely submerged, and left to soak for at least ten minutes. This allows time for the bottles to be completely cleaned of any remaining bacteria. | #Place bottles and all parts into the boiling water. The bottles should be completely submerged, and left to soak for at least ten minutes. This allows time for the bottles to be completely cleaned of any remaining bacteria. | ||
#Remove bottles from the boiling water. Use metal tongs to grab them and place them to dry upside-down on a drying rack. | #Remove bottles from the boiling water. Use metal tongs to grab them and place them to dry upside-down on a drying rack. | ||
| − | #Use the baby bottle. The process of washing and boiling removed any harmful bacteria from the bottles, but being placed back into a natural environment removes any sterility they had. This is fine though, as all homes house bacteria which is important for helping a baby’s immune system to develop. If a bottle is not used immediately, put all the parts back together and store in a covered area to keep from the insides being contaminated.<ref>http://www.babyzone.com/baby/feeding-baby/bottle-basics-advice_65373-page-2</ref> | + | #Use the baby bottle. The process of washing and boiling removed any harmful bacteria from the bottles, but being placed back into a natural environment removes any sterility they had. This is fine though, as all homes house bacteria which is important for helping a baby’s immune system to develop. If a bottle is not used immediately, put all the parts back together and store in a covered area to keep from the insides being contaminated.<ref name="rf15705">http://www.babyzone.com/baby/feeding-baby/bottle-basics-advice_65373-page-2</ref> |
===Utilizing Other Options=== | ===Utilizing Other Options=== | ||
#Use a dishwasher to clean bottles. The heat from the washer is often all that’s necessary to completely clean a bottle. Unlike boiling the bottles, it does not remove all bacteria though. | #Use a dishwasher to clean bottles. The heat from the washer is often all that’s necessary to completely clean a bottle. Unlike boiling the bottles, it does not remove all bacteria though. | ||
#Use a microwave to clean a baby bottle. Wash the bottle parts with soap and water, and place them in the microwave separately. Run for about ninety seconds and allow time to cool. | #Use a microwave to clean a baby bottle. Wash the bottle parts with soap and water, and place them in the microwave separately. Run for about ninety seconds and allow time to cool. | ||
| − | #Use cold water sterilization. Purchase non-toxic sterilization tablets produced by companies such as Milton and dissolve in a container of cold water. Allow bottles to soak in the water for a minimum of thirty minutes. They can be rinsed when finished, but are safe to use immediately afterwards. <ref>http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a554982/sterilising-bottle-feeding-equipment</ref> | + | #Use cold water sterilization. Purchase non-toxic sterilization tablets produced by companies such as Milton and dissolve in a container of cold water. Allow bottles to soak in the water for a minimum of thirty minutes. They can be rinsed when finished, but are safe to use immediately afterwards. <ref name="rf15706">http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a554982/sterilising-bottle-feeding-equipment</ref> |
== Video == | == Video == | ||
