How to clean baby bottles and keep the germs at bay

So you’ve got everything you need to bottle feed your baby? Now it’s time to brush up on your bottle-cleaning skills to make sure they’re squeaky clean before each feed. Here’s how to clean your baby’s bottles.

There are two steps parents need to take to keep baby bottles clean: cleaning and sterilising. 

Read our best baby sterilisers list to find the most popular products according to parents.

How to clean baby bottles

After each use, parents should clean the bottle, teat, and any other equipment with hot soapy water – using a brush can help to remove any remaining milk residue. Rinse and leave to dry.

Unfortunately, hot soapy water won’t remove all germs and bacteria from your baby’s bottles, so it’s time sterilise! 

Pregnancy Birth and Baby says, “It is important to sterilise baby bottles before each use, for at least the first 12 months of your baby’s life.”

How to sterilise baby bottles

There are a couple of methods you can use to sterilise baby bottles and feeding equipment.

Boiling 

Sterilising baby bottles when you don’t have a steriliser can be done using boiling water.

Here’s how to clean baby bottles using the boiling process. 

• Read the manufacturers guidelines for cleaning your bottles to make sure they can be boiled safely. 
• Submerge all items in a large pot of water, making sure there are no air bubbles inside the bottles.
• Bring to the boil and boil for 10 minutes. 
• Cool and air dry. 
• Use all equipment within 24 hours of boiling.

Chemicals

A disinfectant solution that’s diluted in water is another option for cleaning baby bottles. All you need is the solution, some water, and a large bowl. This method is also convenient for cleaning baby bottles while camping. 

Here’s how to clean baby bottles using the chemical method.

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before making up the solution. 
• Submerge the bottles in water, making sure there are no air bubbles inside the bottles.
• Add the solution according to the instructions.
• Without rinsing, store baby’s bottles in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours or leave in the solution. 
• If you leave bottles in the solution, tip the water out after 24 hours.  

Steam sterilisers

Similar to boiling, steam sterilisers use high temperatures to kill germs and bacteria. When it comes to choosing a steam sterilisers, parents are spoilt for choice. Read our baby steriliser comparisons to find top-rated products according to parents.  

Electric steam steriliser

An electric steam steriliser, like the Philips Avent 3 in 1 Electric Steriliser, is a stand-alone unit that can be kept ready for use.

Using an electric steam steriliser is as easy as adding your bottles with water and turning the machine on.

Microwave steam steriliser

Alternatively, a microwave steam steriliser, like the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Microwave Steam Steriliser, sterilises as fast as 4-8 minutes. Conveniently, bottles remain sterile for 24 hours if you leave the lid shut.

Steriliser bags

For something less bulky, many brands are now making steriliser bags, like these Munchkin LATCH™ Sterilise ™ Bags.

Pop your smaller items in the bag with water and put them in the microwave. Don’t worry; you can use each bag about 30 times. 

Here’s how to clean bottles using the steam method.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully.
• Check your microwave wattage.
• Don’t put anything other than your baby feeding items in the steriliser bags.
• Never use a steam steriliser without water.

If you are formula feeding your baby and need help finding the right formula for you, read our ultimate guide to newborn formula.

Read more:

• 5 best bottles for newborns
• 5 best breastmilk storage bags and bottles
• How to make bottle feeding more comfortable for your baby