Which Steriliser?

There are a number of different methods you can choose from to sterilise your baby’s feeding equipment. These include boiling, using chemicals or a microwave and electrical steaming. Below is some information and things for you to consider about each type.

Sterilising By Boiling

• All you need is a large saucepan and tap water
• The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend boiling as the preferred option for sterilising as the results are reliable and consistent
• Once water is brought to the boil, equipment should remain in the rapidly boiling water for 5 minutes
• Sterilised equipment should be allowed to cool, then placed in a clean container in the fridge and repeat every after 24 hours
• Frequent boiling can wear out teats, so these may need to be replaced more often than with other methods of sterilisation
• Care needs to be taken to avoid scalds or burns, especially when children are around.

Chemical Sterilising

• Uses an antibacterial solution, in a liquid or tablet form
• You will need a large glass or plastic container to make up the solution
• Only suitable for plastic and glass equipment, as metal can corrode
• The chemical solution can be used for up to 24 hours. Equipment must be thoroughly cleaned with warm soapy water before making up a new solution
• Although non-toxic, the chemical smell can linger even after bottles have been rinsed
• Chemical tablets or solutions need to be stored out of the reach of children
• The NHMRC suggests this method will not be as effective as boiling unless bottles and other utensils are thoroughly cleaned prior to sterilising.

Microwave Steam Sterilising

• Sterilising units are available specifically to be used in a microwave oven
• Only requires tap water for boiling.

Metal and glass items cannot be sterilised in a microwave e.g. metal knives.

Electric Steam Sterilising

• These are automatic steamers that are plugged into a power point
• As with microwave steamers, they also only need tap water
• Requires cleaning once a day.