Sterilising baby bottles: To steam or cold water sterilise?

Whether breastfeeding or expressing to feed, one thing is certain, sterilising baby bottles, soothers, feeding utensils, cups and equipment is vital to ensuring baby is kept safe from germs and infections.

Bacteria that can be extremely harmful for babies are known to grow rapidly in milk. For this reason, moms are advised to sterilise breast pumps and bottles, and also cups, feeding plates, spoons and forks until baby is at least a year old.

A steriliser helps moms to achieve this quickly and without fuss, which is why it is such an important item on a new mother’s must-have list.

Many mothers do query, however, the benefits of steam versus cold water sterilising. We uncover which method is best suited to the special needs of both moms and their babies.

The Cold Water Steriliser Option

A sterilising liquid or tablet, as well as a sturdy plastic container and lid, is all that is needed for the cold water sterilising method. After washing baby’s equipment, it is submerged in the sterilising solution for a period of 30 minutes and remains sterile for up to 24 hours if left in this liquid.

Rinsing the sterilised bottles, dummies and feeding utensils with boiled water is necessary prior to use.

The benefit of the cold water sterilising option is that the solution can be used as often as necessary within a 24 hour period. One drawback, however, is that the sterilising solution can give off a strange smell, which may be off-putting for baby when it comes to drinking or eating from the sterilised equipment.

The Steamy Alternative

Steam sterilisers, on the other hand, use steam created from the heat of the microwave to disinfect baby’s equipment. The contents of a microwavable steam steriliser also remain sterile for up to 24 hours if the lid is kept closed. Sterilising generally takes between three and eight minutes depending on the brand of steriliser moms choose.

The advantage of steam sterilising is without a doubt the speed at which bottles can be sterilised, but the fact that metal utensils cannot be placed in the microwave does count against this method.

What Size is Best?

It is important to consider the size of steriliser required before making a purchasing decision. Firstly, it is essential to make sure baby’s feeding equipment will fit in the steriliser of choice.

Wide-necked bottles, by way of example, won’t fit in a steriliser designed for narrow-necked bottles.

Furthermore, bottle-fed babies require more bottles than those who are breastfed and so it is a good idea to buy a larger steriliser for infants on formula.

Mother Knows Best

While both sterilising options offer significant benefits, it seems the ultimate purchasing decision is reliant on the unique needs of both moms and their babies. In this case, mother does indeed know best.

About the Author: The Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Steriliser is a good example of a convenient sterilising system for moms. Its compact and lightweight design means that six bottles can be sterilised in two minutes making it an ideal option both in and out of the home.  The steriliser can be found at BabyCity, Baby Boom, Toys R Us and selected Dischem stores at a retail price of R605.29.

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