What happens if you don't sterilize your bottles?

You cannot completely remove any traces of harmful bacteria in your baby bottles, especially without proper sterilization. Harmful microorganisms like E. coli, salmonella, and other disease-producing viruses and bacteria may infect your infants.

Is it OK if I don't sterilize baby bottles?

Unless your water supply is suspected to harbor contaminated bacteria, it is as safe for your baby as it is for you. There is no reason to sterilize what is already safe. Sterilizing the bottles and nipples is also unwarranted. Thorough cleaning with soap and water gets rid of almost all germs.

How important is sterilizing baby bottles?

It's important to sterilise 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, in particular diarrhoea and vomiting.

How often should you sterilize bottles?

According to the CDC, bottles should always be sterilized prior to the first use, even if taken directly out of the package. After that initial use, they should be sterilized at least once daily for babies less than 3 months old, born prematurely, or with a weakened immune system.

Do Dishwashers sterilize baby bottles?

Are your baby bottles dishwasher safe? Good news: Using your dishwasher's hottest water setting and a heated drying cycle effectively sterilizes the bottles! Separate all bottle parts.

How to Sterilize Baby Bottles - Babylist

Can I stop Sterilising bottles at 4 months?

If you are caring for a healthy baby with no medical issues who is living at home (i.e. is not in hospital) then you can stop sterilising bottles and feeding equipment once your baby is over 3 months of age.

How long do you have to sanitize baby bottles?

Put all items in a clean pot and fill the pot with water to where all of the bottle parts are submerged. 3. Bring to a boil and keep at a full boil for 5 minutes. 4.

How long do baby bottles stay sterile?

How long do baby bottles stay sterile? Although sterilising can take just a few minutes, it can last for up to 24 hours, if bottles are properly stored. Once you have sterilised your bottles, keep them safe from germs and bacteria by leaving them in in your steriliser.

When can you stop boiling water for baby bottles?

6 Sterilizing water for healthy term infants has historically been recommended until infants are four months of age. By four months infants are commonly putting many non-sterilized objects in their mouths. Therefore four months has been chosen as the age for discontinuing the sterilization of water.

What happens if you don't boil water for baby formula?

Powdered infant formula milk is not sterile. Even though tins and packets of milk powder are sealed, they can still contain bacteria. Water that hasn't been boiled can also contain bacteria. Formula therefore needs to be made up with water hot enough to kill the bacteria, which is at least 70 degrees C.

What happens if you give babies tap water?

Babies under six months should only drink tap water that has been boiled and cooled down. Water straight from the tap is not sterile so is not suitable for younger babies. Once your baby is six months old, you can offer them water straight from the tap in a beaker or cup.

Can I use sink water for formula?

You can use both tap water and bottled water to make your baby's formula. In both cases, you must sterilize the water by bringing it to a boil — unless you can find bottled water that is specially made for infant formula, but that's just getting fancy!

How long is boiled water sterile for?

Boiled water can be kept in sterilized, properly sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3 days or for 24 hours if kept at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

Do I need to sterilise pump every time?

All breast pump parts that come in contact with breast milk, such as bottles, valves and breast shields, should be cleaned after each use. It is not possible to completely sterilize breast pump parts at home, even if you boil them. However, sterilization is not necessary to keep these parts safe and sanitary.

Do you have to wash bottles before putting them in a sterilizer?

Hot, soapy water is sufficient for sanitizing a bottle, and sterilizing baby bottles on a regular basis isn't necessary. If you opt to let the dishwasher clean your baby bottles, make sure each piece —caps, nipples, sealing rings, valves — are thoroughly rinsed under running water before being loaded.

How often should I sterilize pacifiers?

The Mayo Clinic recommends sterilizing pacifiers for under-6-month-olds before each use, and cleaning with hot, soapy water before each use for children older than 6 months. Other experts feel less strongly about sterilizing pacifiers, but still recommend cleaning with hot, soapy water before each use.