Sterilizing Hospital Bottles: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sterilising baby bottles is essential to protecting newborns from infections, particularly diarrhoea and vomiting. Hospitals typically recommend sterilising baby bottles every 24 hours, and this can be done using various methods, including boiling water, steam sterilisers, bleach solutions, or dishwasher settings. Sterilisation is crucial for newborns and premature babies, as they are highly susceptible to infections due to their developing immune systems. Proper hygiene practices, including handwashing and the use of separate brushes and basins for cleaning, are also vital to prevent the growth of harmful germs and bacteria.

Sterilisation methods: boiling water, steam, bleach solution, UV, or dishwasher

Sterilisation Methods

Boiling Water

To sterilise baby bottles using boiling water, disassemble the bottles and accessories and place them in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Let the items boil for at least 5 to 10 minutes, making sure they stay under the surface. Remove them with clean tongs and place them on a clean drying rack.

Steam

Electric steam sterilisers are a convenient and easy way to sterilise baby bottles. They use high temperatures and steam to kill germs. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions. They typically take less time than boiling. Microwave sterilisers are also quick and effective. Add water to the steriliser, place the bottles inside, and microwave for several minutes. Allow the items to cool before handling.

Bleach Solution

If you don't have access to hot water or steam, you can use a bleach solution to sterilise baby bottles. Follow the directions on the bleach bottle for preparing a diluted solution. If there are no directions, mix 4-5 teaspoons of bleach per quart of room temperature water or 1 teaspoon of bleach per 4 cups of water. Submerge the items in the solution for at least 2 minutes, then remove them with clean tongs and let them air-dry completely.

UV Light

UV light is a chemical- and water-free method used in hospitals to sterilise rooms, equipment, and medical instruments. Portable UV sterilisers can kill 99.9% of bacteria in just 3 minutes. Simply place the bottle into the compact unit, zip it up, and press the button to start the UV cycle. No cooling-off period is needed as no heat is used.

Dishwasher

You can also put baby bottles in the dishwasher to clean them. However, it's important to note that the dishwasher will clean but not sterilise the bottles. If possible, run the dishwasher using hot water and a heated drying cycle, which can help kill more germs. A separate sanitising step is usually not necessary unless your baby is younger than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system.

Cleaning before sterilising: disassemble, rinse, wash, and dry

Cleaning baby bottles is an important step before sterilising them. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning baby bottles:

Disassemble

Before cleaning, it is important to disassemble all the parts of the bottle, including the bottle itself, nipples, caps, rings, and valves. This ensures that all the components are thoroughly cleaned.

Rinse

Rinsing helps remove any milk or formula residue from the bottle parts. Hold each component under running water, ensuring that the water reaches all surfaces. The water used for rinsing can be warm or cold.

Wash

After rinsing, place the bottle parts in a clean basin or container dedicated solely to cleaning infant feeding items. Avoid washing them directly in the sink, as it may harbour germs that could contaminate the bottles. Fill the basin with hot water and add a suitable cleaning agent, such as soap or dishwashing detergent. Use a bottle brush to scrub the bottles and their components, paying particular attention to areas like caps, rings, and screw-top areas, as bacteria are more likely to accumulate in these places. For teats, squeeze hot, soapy water through the teat holes and then rinse with clean water. Ensure that all traces of milk, grease, and dirt are removed.

Dry

After washing, thoroughly rinse the bottle parts with hot water at least twice to remove any soap residue. Place the clean components on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in an area protected from dirt and dust. Allow the items to air-dry completely before storing them. Avoid using a dish towel to rub or pat the items dry, as it may transfer germs to the clean bottles.

It is important to note that proper cleaning and sterilisation of baby bottles are crucial to prevent the growth of harmful germs, which can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, and other infections in infants.

Sanitising: extra germ removal for babies under 2 months old, premature, or immunocompromised

It is important to sterilise all your baby's feeding equipment, including bottles and teats, until they are at least 12 months old. This will protect your baby against infections, in particular, diarrhoea and vomiting. Here are some detailed steps to sanitise bottles for babies under 2 months old, premature, or immunocompromised:

Firstly, take apart all the bottle parts, including bottles, nipples, caps, rings, and valves. Rinse the bottle parts and other feeding items by holding them under running water, which can be warm or cold. It is important to ensure that all the equipment is thoroughly rinsed.

Next, place the bottle parts and feeding items in a clean basin or container used only for cleaning infant feeding items. Do not wash them directly in the sink, as it may contain germs that could contaminate the items. Fill the wash basin with hot water and add soap. Clean the bottles, teats, and other feeding equipment in hot, soapy water as soon as possible after feeds. Use a clean bottle brush to scrub the bottles and a small teat brush for the inside of teats. Turn the teats inside out and wash them in hot soapy water. Rinse all the equipment in clean, cold running water before sterilising.

After rinsing, you can put the feeding equipment in the dishwasher, ensuring that the bottles, lids, and teats are facing downwards. If possible, run the dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle or a sanitising setting to help kill more germs. If you do not have a dishwasher, you can boil the feeding equipment in a large pan of water for at least 10 minutes, ensuring that all the equipment stays under the surface. Set a timer so you do not forget to turn off the heat.

Finally, when removing and storing cleaned items, wash your hands with soap and water. If the items are not completely dry, place them on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel to air-dry thoroughly before storing them in a clean and dust-free area. It is important to note that wash basins and bottle brushes should also be cleaned and sanitised after each use, especially when caring for high-risk babies. Sanitising methods include boiling, steaming, or soaking in a bleach solution if recommended by the manufacturer.

Sterilising frequency: at least once daily, and after every feed

Sterilising baby bottles and feeding equipment is crucial to protecting newborns from infections, especially those caused by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It is recommended to sterilise bottles at least once daily and after every feed. Here is a detailed guide on how to sterilise bottles effectively:

Cleaning Before Sterilisation:

Before sterilisation, it is essential to clean the bottles and their components thoroughly. This involves disassembling the bottles into their separate parts, including the bottle itself, nipples, caps, rings, and valves. Rinse these parts under running water, which can be warm or cold.

Washing with Soap and Hot Water:

After rinsing, wash the bottle parts and feeding items in hot, soapy water. Use a clean bottle brush dedicated solely to cleaning bottles to scrub the inside of bottles and around caps, rings, and screw-top areas. Squeeze hot, soapy water through the teat holes, then rinse with clean water to ensure all soap residue is removed.

Sterilisation Techniques:

There are several techniques to sterilise bottles, each with its own advantages:

• Boiling: Fill a large pot with water, ensuring all bottle parts are covered, and bring it to a boil for at least 5-10 minutes. This method is simple and reliable but may damage teats faster.
• Steam Sterilisers: Automatic units that heat equipment to high temperatures to kill bacteria. These are popular due to their quick operation and low cost.
• Bleach Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach with 16 cups of water. Submerge the cleaned items for at least 2 minutes, then remove them with tongs and let them air-dry completely.
• Dishwasher: Place bottle parts in the dishwasher, preferably with hot water and a heated drying cycle or a sanitising setting, to clean and help kill germs.
• Antibacterial Solution: Use a liquid or tablet form of antibacterial solution, following the manufacturer's instructions for correct dilution and submersion duration.

Drying and Storage:

After sterilisation, allow the bottles and components to air-dry thoroughly before storing them in a clean, dust-free area. Avoid using a dish towel to dry the items, as it may transfer germs. Ensure hands are washed before handling the sterilised bottles to prevent contamination.

By following these steps and maintaining a frequent sterilisation routine, hospitals can ensure that baby bottles and feeding equipment are safe and hygienic for newborn patients, reducing the risk of infections and associated complications.

Sterilisation duration: at least 2 minutes, up to 24 hours

Sterilising baby bottles is crucial for ensuring your baby's safety and health. It is recommended to sterilise baby bottles and feeding equipment until the baby is at least 12 months old. This is because babies have immature immune systems, and milk is a medium in which bacteria can easily grow. Therefore, it is important to clean and sterilise equipment that has been in contact with milk to prevent harmful germs from causing illnesses.

There are several ways to sterilise baby bottles and feeding equipment, including using an electric steriliser machine or boiling the equipment. If you are using a steriliser machine, prepare a sterilising solution by diluting a solution like Milton Sterilising Fluid. Disassemble the bottles, ensuring there is no milk or formula residue, and place the bottles and their parts in the solution, ensuring they are completely covered and that there are no air bubbles. Run the machine for the recommended time, typically around 10-15 minutes.

If you are boiling the equipment, put all parts of the cleaned bottle, including teats, in a large saucepan, adding enough water to cover the equipment. Ensure there are no air bubbles, bring the water to a boil, and boil with the lid on for at least 10 minutes. Let the equipment cool in the pan before removing it and allowing it to air dry. It is best to leave bottles and teats in the steriliser or pan until you need them.

Regardless of the method used, it is important to clean the bottles thoroughly before sterilisation. Wash the bottles in hot, soapy water, rinse them well, and then let them air dry. If you lack access to hot water or steam, you can use a bleach solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach with 16 cups of water and submerging the items for at least 2 minutes.

It is recommended to sterilise bottles and feeding equipment after each use, and if the bottles have not been used within 24 hours, they should be sterilised again. Additionally, the sterilising solution should be changed every 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions