A baby’s immune system is not yet fully developed, and babies are more susceptible to infection and illness than an older child or adult. Give your baby’s delicate digestive tract and immune system a helping hand by keeping harmful bacteria from being transmitted at feeding time with a bottle sterilizer. It is important to sterilize all equipment until your baby is 12 months old, allowing your little one to gradually develop immunity. There are also a lot of benefits to continue using a baby bottle sterilizer as long as your baby is using a bottle. The milk bottle sterilizer can eliminate any traces of bacteria and build-up that may otherwise taint your child’s formula or breastmilk.
Sterilizing baby bottles is an added step beyond traditional cleaning that provides extra protection against germs. An electric or steam steriliser or sterilizer is a quick and easy way to ensure your baby’s feeding bottles are squeaky clean, and free from germs and bacteria. These are some of the most common sicknesses that a feeding bottle sterilizer and dryer help eliminate:
When you first buy bottles, it is important to sterilize them at least one time. After all, you do not know where that bottle was before it was packaged and sold to you, so an initial sterilization is a quick, easy way to ensure baby’s health and safety. There are several instances when you might want to sterilize baby’s bottle including:
Bottles should be cleaned after every feeding. If your baby does not finish drinking a bottle within 2 hours, throw away the unfinished formula. Germs can grow quickly if breast milk or formula is added to a partially used bottle, or if a used bottle is only rinsed, rather than cleaned. If your baby is less than 3 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment, sterilizing feeding items daily (or after each use) is particularly important. If your baby is on formula milk, it is also a good idea to sterilize the feeding scoop that comes with it. You can wash and sterilize it along with your baby's bottles. Sterilization of feeding items after every use may not be necessary for older, healthy babies, if those items are cleaned carefully and properly after each use. It is important to sterilize all your baby's feeding equipment, including bottles and teats, until they are at least 12 months old. This will protect your baby against infections, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Before sterilizing, you need to
Parents should clean their baby’s bottles immediately after every feeding to prevent a build-up of germs and bacteria. After washing your hands, thoroughly scrub bottle parts in warm, soapy water with a bottle brush, then let them air dry. There is a difference between cleaning and sterilizing baby bottles. Cleaning uses soap and water to physically remove germs from the bottle. Sterilizing is an extra step to kill more germs on items that have been cleaned. Sterilizing feeding items provides more protection against all infections.
The most common methods of sterilization include:
It is important to sterilize all your baby's feeding equipment, including bottles and teats, until they are at least 12 months old. Babies are vulnerable to the germs that cause diarrhea and vomiting. These germs can develop very easily in milk. Bottles and teats have nooks and corners that milk can collect in. Washing the feeding bottles might not completely take away all germs stuck on it. Sterilizing is the only way to ensure your baby's bottles are free from harmful bacteria. Once your baby is six months old and has started solids, encourage your baby to use a cup, or a sipper for milk. Cups are better for your baby's teeth than feeding bottles. They also do not need to be sterilized, because they are easier to clean. You can stop sterilizing only once your baby is of at least 12 months of age and does not require milk bottles for feeding at all and has transitioned to using sippers and eating solid food. Bacteria do not breed as easily in your baby's solid food compared to milk. However, make sure to wash all your baby's cups, sippers, bowls, plates, and spoons in clean, hot, soapy water to ensure they are clean and safe to use. You may also choose to sterilize these utensils from time to time if your baby is less than 12 months old.
Please be aware that the information given in these articles is only intended as general advice and should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or your family or your child is suffering from symptoms or conditions which are severe or persistent or you need specific medical advice, please seek professional medical assistance. Philips AVENT cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.
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