When it comes to the health and safety of your baby, you can never be too careful. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable and effective baby bottle sterilizer and dryer. This will make or break your breastfeeding journey so choose wisely!
In this article, we will guide you through the different types of baby bottle sterilizers and dryers available in the market today. We will also provide a buying guide to help you choose the best one for your needs.
What is a baby bottle sterilizer and dryer?
A baby bottle sterilizer and dryer is a device that helps clean and disinfects baby bottles, nipples, and other feeding accessories. It uses either steam or ultraviolet light to kill harmful bacteria and germs. A sterilizer also helps remove any residual milk formula or food particles that may be stuck on the bottles.
Why do you need a baby bottle sterilizer and dryer?
A baby bottle sterilizer and dryer is an essential piece of equipment for all breastfeeding mothers for the following 5 reasons;
- It helps keep your baby’s feeding accessories clean and free from harmful bacteria and germs.
- A sterilizer also allows you to reuse bottles and nipples, which can save you money in the long run.
- It is a quick and easy way to clean baby bottles, nipples, and other feeding accessories.
- Sterilizing your baby’s bottles also helps extend their shelf life.
- Using a baby bottle sterilizer and dryer can give you peace of mind knowing that you are doing everything you can to keep your baby safe and healthy.
Types of baby bottle sterilizers and dryers
There are two main types of baby bottle sterilizers and dryers available in the market – steam sterilizers and ultraviolet (UV) light sterilizers.
Steam sterilizers:
Steam sterilizers use high-temperature steam to kill harmful bacteria and germs. They are the most common type of sterilizer used by mothers. Steam sterilizers come in either electric or microwaveable models.
UV Light Sterilizers:
UV light sterilizers use ultraviolet light to disinfect and sanitize baby bottles and other feeding accessories. They are a newer type of sterilizer on the market but are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and effectiveness.
Bottle sterilizer vs dishwasher vs boiling vs Microwave:
A bottle sterilizer is the most convenient (albeit, expensive) option in those early days when you have a high volume of dirty milk bottles. The dishwasher–with a simple bottle bin or basket–works great once that daily volume decreases after a few months.
Boiling is an inexpensive way to sterilize bottles, but it demands extra time and attention. Plus, you have to wait for everything to cool down before using it which can be a pain when you have a screaming baby on your hands.
You can also use the microwave to sterilize your bottles. Microwaveable bags filled with water can be placed in the microwave for quick sterilization. However, you have to be careful not to overheat the water as it can damage the bottles.
Choosing the right baby bottle sterilizer and dryer – factors to consider:
Now that you know the different types of baby bottle sterilizers and dryers available, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Size/number of bottles:
The first factor to consider is the size or number of bottles that you need to sterilize. If you are only sterilizing a few bottles at a time, then a small, compact sterilizer will suffice. But if you have a large number of bottles to sterilize, then you will need a larger capacity sterilizer. Most brands in our list have a capacity of 6 bottles but Papablic Baby Sterilizer can load up to 11 bottles.
Time to sterilize:
Another important factor to consider is the time it takes to sterilize the bottles. Some sterilizers can take up to 30 minutes, while others only take 5-10 minutes. If you need a quick and easy way to sterilize your baby’s bottles, then choose a UV light sterilizer like Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Sterilizer or Baby Brezza’s Electric Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer.
Ease of use:
You also want to consider how easy the sterilizer is to use. Some models require you to add water and bottles, while others come with a pre-filled water reservoir. Choose a sterilizer that is easy to use and fits your needs.
Mode of heating -UV or Steam:
You also want to consider the mode of heating. Some sterilizers use UV light while others use steam. I find UV light sterilizers to be more convenient as they don’t require you to add water. Steamers are also a good choice as they can double as a dryer.
Digital timer:
Some sterilizers also come with a digital timer. This is a handy feature to have as it allows you to set it and forget it. The Baby Brezza Electric Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer and Pura UV-Clean Baby Bottle Sterilizer both come with this feature.
Drying function:
Some sterilizers also come with a drying function. This is handy if you want to kill two birds with one stone. The Wabi Baby Steam and Baby Brezza both come with this feature.
Portability:
If you are looking for a sterilizer that you can take on the go, then you will want to consider a portable option like the Munchkin Steam Guard Microwave Sterilizer or the Philips AVENT 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer.
Safe from harmful chemicals: Go for brands that use BPA-free and PVC-free materials like The First Years American Red Cross Baby Bottle Sterilizer or Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Electric Sterilizer
Automatic shutoff:
Some sterilizers also come with an automatic shutoff feature. This is a handy safety feature to have as it prevents the sterilizer from overheating. Philips Avent3-in-1 and Baby Breeza are some top-rated brands that have this auto shut-off feature.
Cost:
Baby bottle sterilizers and dryers can range in price from $30 to $200. Choose one that fits your budget but also keep in mind that cheaper models may not be as effective or durable as more expensive ones. I think the Munchkin Microwave for less than $20 is probably the cheapest in the market today.
In this review, we will be discussing the different types of sterilizers in the market, how to use them, and we are confident that after reading through, you can identify one that suits your needs.
Comparison Table of Our Top Bottle Sterilizer Brands
Image of Baby Bottle Sterilizer | Name of Baby Bottle Sterilizer | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
No products found. | Best Sterilizer-Dryer Combo: Wabi Baby Steam | Fits up to 8 bottles; Easy to operate; Has drying capability; Automatic shutdown sensorSterilizes in 8 minutes; Digital timer | No products found. |
No products found. | Best All-In-One: Papablic Baby | Large loading capacity(11 bottles); Easy to use; Fast sterilizing and drying cycles | No products found. |
No products found. | Best Value For Money:Philips Avent Microwave | Sterilizes in less than 2 minutes; Holds up to 4 bottles | No products found. |
No products found. | Best Electric Sterilizer: New Timmee Tippee | Fits 6 bottles; Removable trays to fit taller items; Sterilizes in 5 minutes; Includes pacifier and nipple tongs | No products found. |
No products found. | Best For Small Space: Philips Avent3-in-1 | Great for small kitchen counters; Easy to use; Packs 6 bottles; Sterilizes in 6 minutes; Automatic shut off | No products found. |
No products found. | Best UV Sterilizer: Wabi Baby Touch | Most expensive option; Uses UV to sterilize and dry; Multipurpose sterilization; Digital timer; Multiple setting options; | No products found. |
No products found. | Best For Breastfeeding: Baby Brezza | Fits up to 6 bottles of all shapes and sizes; Takes 8 minutes to sterilize; Drying capability; Automatic shut off; Multiple setting options; Digital countdown timer | No products found. |
No products found. | Best Steam Sterilizer: The First Years | Fits up to 6 bottles; Accommodates all types of bottles; BPA free | No products found. |
No products found. | Best Microwave Sterilizer: Munchkin Microwave | Most affordable option; Easy to use; Fits 4 bottles and 2 breast shields; Fastest sterilization-2 minutes; Open-away latch and heat resistant handle | No products found. |
No products found. | Best Steam Bags: Medela Micro Bags | Affordable pricing; Portable; Convenient and easy to use; BPA free; Takes 3 minutes to sterilize; Bag reusable 20 times | No products found. |
No products found. | Most Adaptable Sterilizer: Baby Bottle Sterilizer Chicco 3-in-1 | 3-in-1 operation modes; Combined electric and microwave system; Large loading capacity; Sterilizes in 4 minutes; Portable Fits 6 bottles; Multiple options for different needs | No products found. |
Our Reviews of The Best Baby Bottle Sterilizers in 2022
Wabi Baby Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer
Our overall best baby bottle sterilizer in this 2022 list is the Wabi Baby Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer which can guarantee you to kill 99.9% of harmful germs using a unique toxin-free sterilization system. While being a complex device, this sterilizer is super easy to use and can pack up to 8 bottles into a container made of FDA food-grade approved material complex that is safe.
If you want a unit that can sterilize and dry many bottles at once, the Wabi Baby electric sterilizer is perfect. It can fit up to 8 standard-size bottles.
While this brand is smaller than Papablic brand below which holds up to 11 bottles, Wabi sterilizes fast in just 8 minutes compared to Papablic’s 65-mins process to sterilize and dry.
It is also straightforward for anyone to operate; just fill the water to the recommended level, put it in the bottles, and press a button to start the steaming cycle. Sterilizing takes between 8 to 15 minutes. You can set the drying option to run between 10 to 60 minutes, and it has a smart sensor to turn the unit off automatically when it is finished. Plus, it has a countdown timer to know how much time is remaining for a cycle.
Wabi electric sterilizer is an expensive option (retails at $130). If you are a momma who needs to use many bottles throughout the day, this model is spacious so you can fit many items in and is very efficient in drying.
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Pros
- Very efficient in drying
- Has a large capacity
- It autosaves your last user setting, making it convenient for next time
Cons
- It is expensive, costing more than six times of some microwave sterilizers
- It is bulky hence not fit for smaller kitchen counters
- It takes a long time to dry the items completely
Papablic Steam Sterilizer and Dryer.
Second on our list of top baby sterilizers is the Papablic.
If you want a sterilizer that also dries and can handle lots of bottles, pump parts, and more, you need to get your hands on the Papablic steam sterilizer. This model also beats others in terms of capacity. You can fit up to 11 bottles, and it does not even take up much of your countertop since it is taller rather than wider. The trays inside are removable so you can arrange to be able to fit in taller items.
It is also simple to use. Simply add 100 ml of water (preferably filtered to prevent mineral deposit), pack in your bottles, turn the dial to start a cycle – 45 minutes later, you will have your bottles sterile and dry to use immediately. Or leave the lid on to have you keep them sterile for up to 12 hours.
You will be pleasantly surprised that this amazing handy gadget also comes along at an affordable pricing of $70 compared to other electric models.
Pros
- Large loading capacity (highest on our list)
- Efficient drying capability
- Easy to operate
- Affordably priced
- Does not take much space
- High quality and durable
Cons
- Considering the price, it should have a digital timer
- COMPLETE CLEAN: Penetrating steam at a higher temperature than your dishwasher for reliable sanitization.
- 3-IN-1 DESIGN: With one twist of a dial, you can sterilize with steam, dry completely with hot air, and deodorize to clean from start to finish.
- LARGE CAPACITY: Set-up the sanitizer with three different stacking options to clean up to 11 bottles and accessories like teethers, pacifiers, and plastic toys at once.
- CLEAN STORAGE: Keep sanitized bottles and accessories safe for over 12 hours.
- EASY TO USE: The ergonomic shape makes it easy to carry the machine and take it apart for occasional cleaning, plus it features an intuitive timer design and safe auto shut off.
Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer
Philips Avent microwave steam sterilizer is a highly effective and fast operating machine. Coming at just a fraction of other sterilizers’ price at just $17, this is one of the most inexpensive sterilizers you can find.
It holds up to four bottles (standard and wide-necked)or other items like breast pump parts, pacifiers, milk storage cups, etc, and sterilizes them in just 2 minutes, killing 99.9 percent of the germs. If you leave the lid on, your items can stay sterile for up to 24 hours.
It is easy to use. Simply add the recommended amount of water, secure the lid, put it in the microwave, and heat to the recommended time.
You will also love how convenient this model is. It operates inside your microwave, so it does not take any space on your countertop. It is also lightweight and compact, which is easy to pack whenever you need to travel.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Can sterilize four bottles at once
- Space-saving and portable
- Fast operation, sterilizes in just 2 minutes
Cons
- Might not fit in some microwave
- Some customers report that the lid melts
Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Sterilizer
If you need to sterilize many bottles in just under five minutes, the Tomme Tippee Electric Sterilizer will do just that. It has a large loading capacity to hold up to six bottles, pacifiers, breast pumps, and more. It has two stackable trays so you can pack all the items you want to sterilize. If you have taller bottles, you can remove the upper tray to create space.
With this sterilizer, you can be in peace of mind knowing that it eliminates 99.9 percent of the germs from your baby’s feeding items. And when it is done you can leave the lid closed to keep the items sterile for 24 hours.
It is just as easy to operate as our previous models. Just fill water into the plate up to the recommended level, load up your items, press the button to start the cycle.
As a bonus, it comes with a newborn pacifier and nipple tongs.
- KILLS VIRUSES* AND 99.9% OF BACTERIA: Viruses & bacteria dont stand a chance against our Steam Sterilizer. This sterilizer uses steam to kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria & viruses without chemicals
- QUICK STERILIZATION CYCLE: The Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Sterilizer delivers 6 sterile baby bottles in just 5 minutes
- TIME-SAVING: Use this baby bottle sterilizer to sterilize your bottles and other feeding accessories in advance as contents are kept sterile for up to 24 hours with the lid closed**
- EASY TO USE: One-button-start and auto shut-off for safety. The easy-lift handles keep hands away from steam and 2-tier stackable tray can also be used as drying rack
- COMPATIBILITY: Use this electric sterilizer with baby bottles from other brands as well as soothers, breast pumps and other feeding accessor
Pros
- Very spacious
- The new version is smaller, hence doesn’t take a lot of your counter space
- Easy to operate
- Easy to clean
Cons
- You can’t leave items inside after sterilization to dry because it collects a lot of condensation.
Philips AVENT 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer
If you are short on counter space and need a fast operating sterilizer, you might want to try the Philips Avent 3-in-1 electric sterilizer. It uses heated steam to kill up to 99.9 percent of harmful germs from your baby’s bottles, pacifiers, pump parts, and the like.
As you can see above, it has a tall slim design, so it takes minimal space in your kitchen counter. We also love its unique modular design, making it easy for you to organize your bottles and other items when loading and unloading.
To operate, you add water to the base, fill the compartment and secure the lid, then press the button, and it’s ready to get to work.
You can pack up to 6 standard or wide-necked bottles and sterilize them within six minutes. When it is done, the unit is designed to shut off automatically to save energy and prevent your items from melting from the heat. It also keeps your bottles sterile for up to 24 hours if you leave the lid closed- just leave it running when you go to sleep and wake up to sterile bottles.
- Uses natural steam to sterilize baby bottles and other baby products, killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria without chemicals
- Sterilizes in just 6 minutes; then automatically shuts off for energy savings and safety
- 3-in-1 adjustable modular design fits a variety of bottles, pacifiers, pumps and accessories and takes up minimal countertop space
- 3 in 1 adjustable modular design allows you to fit a variety of bottles, pumps and accessories
- Holds up to 6 Philips Avent bottles at once; compatible with both standard and wide neck bottles
- Keeps contents sterile and ready for their next use for up to 24 hours if the lid is unope
Pros
- A compact design ideal for small spaces
- Shuts off automatically
- Straightforward to use
Cons
- It leaves the items wet due to condensation and also makes a mess when you take the lid off
Wabi Baby Touch Sterilizer & Dryer
Wabi Baby Touch Sterilizer and Dryer may be an expensive option ($288), but it is an excellent handy gadget. It uses dual UV lamps to eliminate 99.9% of germs from items efficiently. It has combined functions of a sterilizer and dryer, cutting down your chores, which is a huge plus. You can also leave the items inside to act as a handy storage unit.
In under 30 minutes, once you place your bottles inside the unit and press the button, you will have them sterilized and dry, ready for immediate use. All you have to do is wipe them down with a clean cloth after removing them. And by the way, you are not limited to just baby feeding items with this unit; since it does not use steam, you can even use it to sterilize electronics, jewelry, kitchenware, toys, and just about anything.
It also gives you the option of choosing various sterilizing and drying settings from the easy touch panel on top of the unit.
If you are the type of mom who needs to keep everything sterile around the house (considering we are stuck indoors with COVID-19), this is a great investment. Plus, it has a sleek design that would look nice on your counter if you are willing to trade space for convenience.
Pros
- Offers multipurpose sterilization for many items
- Option to select from various settings
- Very efficient sterilization and drying
- It is spacious inside to fit many items
- Can serve as storage
- Has a digital timer, so you know how much time is remaining for the cycle to end
Cons
- Not the fastest option
- It is not great for small spaces
- It is pricey
Baby Brezza Baby Bottle Sterilizer
Most breastfeeding moms have to keep pumping and storing the excess milk to feed the baby later and keep their milk supply up. It also helps relieve engorgement and prevents a painful infection called mastitis.
If that is your case, Baby Brezza is perfect for you because it can sterilize and dry all your nursing accessories from bottles, pump parts, caps, etc. You don’t need to be selective on which bottle to fit because it takes up to six regardless of size and shape.
It takes up to 8 minutes to sterilize and dry the cycles running from 30 to 60 minutes. When it finishes sterilizing, it starts the drying cycle automatically, and you can leave it closed to keep your items sterile for 24 hours.
You will also love that you can select from four functions using the easy-to-use control panel. Choose from sterilizer, sterilizer, and dryer, dryer only, or storage. Read about how to clean this sterilizer here.
- Automatically sterilizes and dries bottles, pump parts and other accessories in 1 easy step – saving you time
- Uses natural steam to effectively sterilize; Products stay sterile for up to 24 hours when left in the unopened sterilizer
- 4 in 1 functionality: Use as Sterilizer Dryer, Sterilizer Only, Dryer Only or Storage System
- Large capacity and universal – holds up to 6 bottles, pump parts and accessories and works with all brands/si
Pros
- It sterilizes and dries perfectly
- Easy to use
- Fits bottles of all shapes and size
- Offers wide range of settings to choose from
- It has a countdown timer
- It starts drying cycles automatically
Cons
- Some customers complain that it leaks even with the water added to the recommended level
- Not the best option for a small counter
- Even if it can handle different parts, it is hard to arrange items without crumbling over.
The First Years Germ Killer Electric Sterilizer
First Years Electric sterilizer is an efficient machine designed to kill all the germs lurking in your baby’s bottles, pacifiers, toys, pump parts, and more. Its unique design ensures that the heated steam reaches deep into the bottles hitting every spot for extra thorough sterilization.
The racks inside are very useful, allowing you to arrange many items, and it is spacious besides fitting up to six bottles.
You will also love that you can wash this machine by hand or the dishwasher. And it is BPA free so you can also be confident that no harmful chemicals will be transferred to your baby’s milk.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Adjustable racks help to fit different items easily
- It is fast in operation
Cons
- It leaves items wet after sterilizing
Munchkin Steam Guard Microwave Sterilizer
The Munchkin sterilizer is one of the most loved microwave sterilizer options and for obvious reasons. First, it is very affordable, coming at less than $15. It is also simple to operate and gets the job done fast and efficiently.
This simple machine is spacious enough to fit up to 4 bottles, standard and wide-necked, and other items like breast shields at once, and in just less than two minutes, they will be free of up to 99.9 percent of germs that can make your baby sick.
You will also appreciate how this model is made to provide safe operations. It has an open-away latch at the top to prevent steam burns and a heat-resistant handle to keep your hands from getting burned as you remove it from the microwave. It also includes tongs so you can fish out the hot bottles safely once sterilizing is finished.
Pros
- Fast operations
- Simple to use
- Affordable pricing
- Offers various sterilizing settings so you can choose your preferred timing from 2, 4, and 6 minutes
Cons
- The lid is poorly designed, so it leaks hot water at the point where it meets the base
- It is a large model that requires quite a bit of space on your counter
- It might not fit some microwaves
Medela Microbags
There is a reason why hundreds of parents are raving about (has a 4.9 out 5 rating on Amazon) the Medela Micro bags. These bags are super convenient when sterilizing your baby bottles.
If you are a working mama who needs to pump at work or are frequently on the move or short on counter space, these bags are easy-pack and small in size (like a Ziploc bag).
The Medela Quick Clean Micro Steam Bags are also the easiest for anyone to use. Put your bottles, nipples, pacifiers, pump parts, cups, and the likes in the bag, add water, and microwave for roughly 3 minutes to have sterile items you can use. You can also rest assured that these bags are BPA-free so your baby will not be ingesting harmful chemicals.
You can get these bags in various package sizes depending on the price (which is very affordable by the way). For example, the package above has 4 boxes with a total of 20 bags, and each bag can be reused up to 20 times before it loses its seal integrity, so that’s real value for money too.
Pros
- Fast in sterilizing
- Easy to use
- Great for traveling
- Great pricing
Cons
- It does not have much space, so you will need to use multiple times if you have many items to sterilize
Baby bottle sterilizer Chicco 3-in-1
If you want a sterilizer that can be used for various functions, the Chicco 3-in-1 sterilizer is designed for just that. It is primarily an electric steam sterilizer with three functional modes.
First is the full-size model which conveniently sanitizes up to 6 bottles along with nipples, caps rings, and lids in under 12 minutes. The second is the compact Eco mode, which is ideal if you are on the move or you want to sanitize only a few items. This mode uses 30% less time and energy than the full-size mode.
The last mode is the microwave mode, which is even more compact and sterilizes your bottles in less than 4 minutes- a lifesaver if you chance to run out of sterile bottles with your hungry baby in your arms. To switch to all these modes, it’s very easy, with just a push of a button.
You will also love that it is designed to shut off automatically once it is done sterilizing, so you don’t have to hang around to watch, and if you don’t open the lid, your bottles can stay sterile for up to 24 hours. The Full size and Eco modes have a digital display countdown timer that lets you track the remaining time in a cycle.
Pros
- Combined electric and microwave steam systems
- 3-in-1 operation modes for different needs
- Spacious interior to fit many items at once
- Has the ability to sterilize in less than 4 minutes
- Provides storage for up to 24 hours
- Compact and ideal for travel
- Easy to use
- Fits different bottle brands
Cons
- Customers wish it could also dry
Baby Bottle Sterilizers Buying Guide
Do I Need to Sterilize My Bottles?
Washing the bottles with warm soapy water is excellent for cleaning, but it is not enough to get rid of all the germs. Sterilizing is an important step you need to take, especially if you have a preemie, a newborn below three months or your child is recovering from an illness to make sure all the items are germs-free. Even if your child does not fall in those categories, sterilizing is still a plus.
Different Ways to Sterilize a Bottle
- Using Electric steam
These sterilizers sit on your countertop and need to be plugged in. They work by using high-temperature steam to kill all the bacteria and germs. This is the best option if you need to sterilize your bottles frequently.
- Microwave steam
Microwave steam sterilizers also use steam to sterilize, but you put your bottles inside the microwave.
They are a cheaper alternative to electric sterilizers and faster.
- UV light
Ultraviolet light is commonly used in the medical field to kill bacteria and germs. Now, bottle sterilizers are using this technology, and it is highly effective and fast. The unit has a bulb that radiates ultraviolet light to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and dry your bottles. They come in various models and sizes. You can use the larger models at home or smaller portable models for while traveling.
- Cold-water sterilizing solution
This method requires you to wash the bottles or other feeding items with warm soapy water and rinse. Then, immerse clean items in the sterilizing solution, which is dissolved in cold water for the recommended duration. You can get the sterilizer either in solution form or tablet form. Of course, you will need to change the sterilizing solution every 24 hours or according to the manufacturer’s instruction.
Choosing the Best Baby Bottle Sterilizer (what to look for)
Ease of use
Baby bottle sterilizers should be simple to use. Choose a brand that is straightforward to operate.
Size/capacity
If you use a lot of bottles, probably because you formula feed or you have multiples, you would be better off with a unit that can handle many bottles. If you are a breastfeeding mother who uses bottles only occasionally, a smaller unit may be suitable for you.
Drying capability
If you want a unit that lessens your workload, choose a sterilizer that can also dry your bottles. Microwave sterilizers are very fast in operations, but they leave the bottles wet, requiring you to dry hence adding to your workload.
Kitchen space
If you prefer an option that won’t occupy much space on your kitchen counter, go for a microwave option. You can keep these sterilizers in your cabinet and remove them on a need basis. Plus, they don’t require an outlet to work. On the other hand, electric sterilizers are large and require to be plugged in.
Cost
If your budget is already stretched thin with all the stuff you need to buy with a newborn, you can opt for microwave sterilizers cheaper than other sterilizers.
Portability
This may not be a deal-breaker for most people, but it is a nice option to have. Sometimes you will want to go out with your baby visiting friends, family, outings, etc. A portable model will ensure your baby’s stuff are sterile at such times. You can get a compact UV sterilizer that uses batteries, which can be used anywhere, anytime.
Baby bottle sterilizer vs boiling
Boiling is a common method used by many parents to make their baby bottles safe for their babies to use. While it is a great method to kill many household germs and bacteria, it is not enough to eliminate some heat-resistant bacteria and their spores. On the other hand, sterilization is very effective in getting rid of all these harmful microbes and their spores.
The second reason why you should choose sterilizing over boiling poses a much higher risk of getting burned accidentally. Imagine having a pot of boiling water every day, several times a day, for ten minutes with your toddler running around the kitchen-not a very safe feeling. Sterilizers are well covered and do not pose the risks of open fires and spluttering boiling water.
Thirdly, sterilizing is faster than boiling. The time it takes for the water to begin boiling is longer than the time some sterilizers take to finish sterilizing (microwave sterilizers, for example). If you have a newborn, you will appreciate that sterilizers can save you so much time since some even can dry your items, affording you more time to rest or attend to your baby.
The final reason is that boiling wears your items much harder than sterilizers. If you choose to boil, it will not be long before the nipples and bottles start to crack. Sterilizers will not damage your items if you adhere to manufacture instructions.
Baby bottle sterilizer or dishwasher?
A dishwasher is excellent in getting your dirty dishes and bottles sparkling, but it does not eliminate the germs that could make your baby sick unless your dishwasher is optimized for sterilizing.
Most dishwashers use water temperature of between 54 to 76 degrees Celsius to kill most germs the water has to get to at least 100 degrees Celsius. Sterilizers use steam at high temperatures to kill germs and bacteria.
The other disadvantage of using a dishwasher is that even if it can sterilize, you have to transfer the items to a sterile container to keep them sterile. With a bottle sterilizer, you can leave the items tightly sealed and they will remain sterile for 12 to 24 hours.
FAQs
How do I clean baby bottle sterilizer?
Your sterilizer will come with a manual detailing the care instructions, but generally, most require just simple hand washing or dishwashing with mild soap and water for the removable parts. For the rest of the unit, you can wipe with a wet kitchen towel.
If you are not using distilled water, limescale (white chalky deposits) will start accumulating on your sterilizer unit’s heating pad. You need to remove these frequently to prolong your unit’s user life, and it’s really simple to do. Just fill the pad with a white vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes or more (even overnight), rinse with cold water followed by an empty cycle to dislodge any remaining particles. You can also use lemon water or buy descaling sachets, which are also effective.
How do I use a baby bottle Sterilizer?
It depends on the type of sterilizer you have. You begin by cleaning all your bottles and parts with warm soapy water. Then load the clean bottles in the sterilizer and add the recommended amount of water to the unit.
If you are using a microwave sterilizer, place the unit inside the microwave for the recommended time. After it finishes the cycle, let the steam disperse before removing it from the microwave to prevent getting burned. Leave the bottles to cool before using them. Use a clean cloth to dry the bottles if you need to use them immediately. You can also keep the lid closed to keep the bottles sterilized for use later.
If using an electric sterilizer, you will need to fill with water to the recommended level and plug it in. When arranging your bottles and nipples, ensure that the mouth faces downwards so that the steam can hit every spot efficiently.
When can you stop sterilizing bottles?
There is no harm in sterilizing for as long as your baby is using bottles, but it may not really make much of a difference once your baby can crawl around and is putting stuff in their mouth. Chances are that they will pick more germs that would be present in their bottles. That said, always ensure you thoroughly clean all their feeding accessories, teethers, and toys with hot water and mild soap. Also, sterilize whenever your child is recovering from an illness, so you don’t get the same microorganisms the immune system is working hard to fight are reintroduced.
Which baby bottle sterilizer is for a microwave?
Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer
Munchkin Steam Guard Microwave Steam Sterilizer
Medela Microbags
Which baby bottle sterilizer comes with a dryer?
Wabi Baby Touch Sterilizer& Dryer
Papablic Steam Sterilizer & Dryer
Wabi Baby Electric Steam Sterilizer & Dryer
Baby Brezza
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Sandra W. Bullock is a grand-mom to two boys and is part of the review board here at Motherhoodhq.com. She is responsible for the quality control of content and is among our most experienced moms. She has over 20 years of writing parenting content online focussing on baby safety indoors and outdoors. She has written widely on babyproofing nurseries and homes for infants and toddlers and published work on privacy and the safety of baby monitors. She is a renowned advocate for non-wifi baby monitors that cannot be hacked and spends a lot of time educating parents on how to secure their homes – including ways to secure the baby from harm in and around homes. Sandra is a native of Atlanta where she also works. She can be reached using her email, Sandra.w(at)motherhoodhq.com
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API