Best way to sterilise bottles?

Dishwasher. Or microwave it’s the easiest

@Gabrielle the dishwasher doesn’t sterilise. It washes.

It does if you have the option. Have you had a chance to look? Sometimes there’s a button but also sterilizing is when it gets to a certain temp and what not so you can look up your brand and see if you can

Cold water seemed to suit us most. Cheap to run, easy and quick to do. And can be used for water bottles etc when they’re older, teething toys etc.

I used the steam steriliser. The cold water ones gave me a rash on my hands. I'm considering next time getting a UV one though as drying them was a pain

I use a steam sterilizer and think it’s the best vs boiling, microwave sterilizing, etc. Steam sterilization is ideal for baby bottles because it uses high heat to kill bacteria and viruses effectively without chemicals, making it safe for babies. It’s also quick (usually 5-10 minutes) and ensures all surfaces, including hard-to-reach spots, are sterilized thoroughly. Plus, steam sterilizers are easy to use, requiring minimal equipment, which adds convenience for daily use. I just wash the bottles, pacis, etc then run it in the sterilizer and it stays sterile in the container til I use it.

Cold water sterilization is less ideal because it relies on chemical sterilizing tablets that can leave residues on bottles. Although these chemicals are generally safe when used as directed, some parents prefer to avoid potential exposure, especially since rinsing might not completely remove the residue. Additionally, cold water sterilization takes longer (usually 15-30 minutes) compared to steam, which is faster and chemical-free.

UV sterilization isn’t necessarily healthier than steam sterilizing because, while it effectively kills germs on exposed surfaces, it may not reach all parts of baby bottles, especially the inside of narrow areas like bottle necks and nipples. Steam sterilization, in contrast, surrounds and penetrates all surfaces, ensuring thorough sterilization. Additionally, UV sterilizers can be more expensive and require regular bulb maintenance to remain effective, whereas steam sterilization is chemical-free, affordable, and reliable without added upkeep.

Microwave bag sterilization can be less ideal because it may not provide even heat distribution, potentially leaving some areas of the bottles less sterilized. There’s also a risk of melting or warping if the bottles aren’t microwave-safe or if the bag is overheated. Additionally, microwave sterilization can release plastic particles if non-microwave-safe plastics are accidentally used. Steam sterilizers or boiling offer more consistent, controlled results without these risks. Sorry for so many comments, I reached the word limit.😬 hope this helps!!

@Tessa Thank you for that very thorough explanation of all the different ways to sterilise baby bottles. 😊 I’m having my second baby next year and it will be my first time trying to combo feed so I was wondering what’s the best way to sterilise the bottles. I completely agree with you about the cold water sterilisation, the milton tablets leave a smell on the equipment and I would not feel comfortable giving my baby a bottle that was soaking in chemicals (although they say it’s safe I don’t believe it. Some mums said their baby was vomiting after being exposed to the chemicals in milton tablets) so I would not use that. I wouldn’t use UV sterilisers either as they’re expensive.

When you say you use the steam steriliser, is that the electric one that you plug in? I know there’s a steam steriliser that goes in the microwave too like the tommee tippee one. Would you say this one is good? As for the sterilising bags, I was thinking they’re cheap and convenient for travelling. I only have glass and silicone bottles, so the microplastics wouldn’t be an issue in that case right?

Yes, I use the Dr Brown’s Sterilizer as it’s cheaper than the Baby Brezza and literally does the same job for a fraction of the price. I do recommend microwave sterilizers when traveling and that’s what I use for traveling. & Yes, using silicone and glass bottles in microwave sterilizing bags is safe if they are labeled microwave-safe and made of high-quality, food-grade materials. Medical-grade silicone is heat-resistant and unlikely to release microplastics, and microwave-safe glass won’t crack under steam sterilization. I personally use silicone bottles and glass bottles as well. I’ll link the bottles I use too. https://amzn.to/3C1QWq9

I use these exact bottles. Silicone bottles are safer than plastic because you’re only using the silicone pouch, not the plastic. So I love threes bottles for that reason. Have been using and haven’t had any leaks or issues. I love them. https://amzn.to/4e7JEOV

@Tessa I’m based in the UK. That Dr Brown’s one is a bit expensive for me. So would you say the microwavable bags are fine to use? They are reusable too. or would you say they’re too small? do they sterilise properly?

Returning to my original point about microwave sterilizing, using microwave bags can be less effective due to uneven heat distribution, which may leave some areas of the bottles inadequately sterilized. There’s also a risk of melting or warping if the bottles aren’t microwave-safe or if the bag overheats. Moreover, microwave sterilization can release plastic particles if non-microwave-safe plastics are used by mistake. Steam sterilizers or boiling provide more consistent and controlled results without these risks. Since you’re using silicone and glass it should be fine and if that’s the only option you have, it’ll have to do.

@Tessa Thank you. What do you think about the Tommee Tippee Electric Steriliser? I read some bad reviews saying the tray at the bottom was collecting brown residue. Have you had this problem with your Dr Brown’s steriliser?

If you mean the metal plate is where the residue is collecting. I’d recommend using distilled or purified water because using tap water will cause that because of the minerals in the water. I haven’t used that specific sterilizer but it appears to have good reviews so I’d try it out. I get my water from primo water so it’s filtered, etc and I haven’t had any issues because I’m using that water instead of the sink water. Or alternatively, you can get the gallon jugs of distilled water and use that. Whatever works best for you.

@Tessa Okay yeah that makes sense. Could I use bottled mineral water too for sterilising?

@Tessa I decided to buy the tommee tippee electric steam steriliser