Washing Bottles & Sterilizing

Hey S. :)
I only sterilized the bottles and pumping bottles once, before using them. Then I would wash them with special detergent we bought (some kind of organic frangrance free thing) and using washing brushes only for the bottles (not for rest of the dishes) and then I would let them air dry. I never put in the dishwasher. We also use glass bottles. :)

On another note, I also only sterilized her pacifier once before first use, then if it falls I just rinse it with water. If it falls somewhere really dirty I wash with soap. :)

I only sterilized my pumping parts before using them the first time. Since then, I run everything through the dishwasher every night.

By the way, I got a great tip from the Olympic swimmers on cleaning the tubes for your pump. They said they use it to keep water out of their ears. They use vinegar to disinfect and alcohol to dry their ears. Soak the tubes overnight in distilled white vinegar to clean and disinfect, rinse with fresh water, and pour some rubbing alcohol through them to dry them out. I used a hanger to let them dry for another day (I have two sets of tubes so I was able to use the second set while I cleaned the first). I did this with the tubes last month and they came out looking like new.

As a first time Mommy, I went nuts and bought one of the microwave steamers and sterilized every night. But, the nurses in the NICU told me washing with a good detergant soap, no anitbacterial, was all you needed. Just make sure they get dry!

Good luck!

Hi S.,

First of all CONGRATULATIONS! Yeah, how exciting for you... Well, I was a clean freak I must admit I did use glass bottles only and sterilized daily in one of those steamers for about the first 3-4 months, lol! Then it went down to once a week and after that it was like monthly. BUT I do recommend glass over plastic still!!! HOWEVER, I do have some advice when it comes to what KIND of detergent (and all other cleaners for that matter) you use to wash the bottles as well as clean your home! Watch this video http://www.ToxicFreeFamily.net
I'd love to offer you a safer alternative for your family!

C.~

you can buy a sterilizing machine(we have a first years one) and you just wash the bottles, nipples etc. and put inside with a little bottle and it steam sterilizes it. I heard so many schools of thought on the topic but i figured while he was a newborn better to be safe than sorry. the machine was a shower gift and they are reasonably priced($40 or so)...that's the easiest way. they also make dishwasher baskets to put the bottle parts in..hope this helps :) i am a first time mom too...last oct. congrats!

With my first I sterilized everything all the time.
BTW -- she was born 10 years to the day of your little one! (August 26, 1998).

With my second/third they were twins and born 1 year 2 mos after their sis it seems like I was lucky if I got their bottles washed. (I'm kidding) I don't remember sterilizing at all after the first week or so.

Do what you feel comfortable with and don't beat yourself up if you don't sterilize this or that time. It's a hard transition to new mommy-hood, and being that you asked shows you are a terrific mom.
If your really worried, ask your pediatrician what he/she recommends.

The first time the bottles and nipples were out of the package I soaked everything in boiling water. It's not realistic to do that every time. I handwashed with very hot water and soap after each use then ran through the dishwasher every few days. Make sure you have a bottle rack where they can dry properly and not sit in puddles of water. You can purchase little baskets that fit in the dishwasher for lids and nipples.

I sterilized everything, every use, for the first 90 days with my first child and then...reality set in, and I just washed everything really well every time after that. With my second child, not a single thing was ever sterilized, sometimes things just got some hot water run over them...not necessarily proud of that...but just an example of how tough those little babies are! (and how sometimes you have to let go of some of the things that are just TOO much when you have a little baby and a toddler!)

Do what you feel good about - if you are concerned - sterilize...until you feel like you need to run away...then just wash. :)

Hello S.,

I have 4 kids and I did all the sterilizing and washing for the bottles and such, and I only sterilized the first 2 weeks with my last chid ! :) And he is NORMAL, and healthy, so whatever kind of cleaning is being done is worthy, right ? Why don't you call the Ped. office and ask him or her what they recommend ?
Best of luck too you and the baby !!