Which steriliser?

There are various methods of sterilisaton. Different methods will suit different parents. Frequency of sterilising and overall cost are two of the factors involved in choosing. Manufacturers will have their own specific instructions but the following is a rough guide.

Boiling

Sterilising by boiling is inexpensive and needs little in the way of equipment – just a hob and a dedicated pan but it is relatively slow and does involve boiling water so there may be safety issues. Not all equipment is suitable for boiling.

METHOD

1. A large, clean pan that has not been used for cooking should be filled with water.

2. Immerse all the equipment – avoiding air bubbles

3. Put the lid on and boil for a minimum of 10 minutes, making sure items remain under boiling water at all times

4. Turn off the heat and let the contents cool slightly. Keep the lid on

5. Assemble bottles and teats using tongs to avoid contamination

6. Items should stay sterile for 3 hours under water with the lid on

Chemical/Cold water

Cold water sterilizing is also inexpensive and items kept in the solution will remain sterile for 24 hours. This system also allows for other items like dummies and teething rings to be easily sterilised but does need sterilising liquids or tablets and rinsing with boiling water.

METHOD

1. Follow manufacturers’ instructions and fill the sterilizer with the recommended amount of water

2. Add the required tablets or liquid

3. Immerse all the equipment avoiding air bubbles and using a float tray if necessary.

4. Put the lid on and leave for at least 30 minutes

5. Before using, all items should be rinsed thoroghly in cooled, boiled water

6. Items should stay sterile for 24 hours immersed in the solution.

7. Discard the solution after 24 hours

Microwave steam

This process is more expensive but at 5-10 minutes, it is also the quickest and needs no liquids, tablets or rinsing. However, items may not stay sterile for as long as with other methods and metal items cannot be sterilised.

METHOD

1. Follow manufacturers’ instructions and add the recommended amount of water to the steriliser

2. Place equipment in the sterilizer ensuring items cannot fill with water and put the lid on

3. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and put the sterilizer in the microwave at the required setting and for the required time

4. Allow the contents to cool slightly. Keep the lid on

5. Assemble bottles and teats using tongs to avoid contamination

6. Items should stay sterile until the lid is removed

Electric steam

Electric steam sterilizing is also more expensive and almost as fast as microwaving at 8-10 minutes. It usually holds more items than microwave sterilizing but may need descaling more often – on average once a month.

METHOD

1. Follow manufacturers’ instructions and add the recommended amount of water to the steriliser

2. Place equipment in the sterilizer ensuring items cannot fill with water and put the lid on

3. Switch on the sterilizer for the recommended time

4. Allow the contents to cool slightly. Keep the lid on

5. Assemble bottles and teats using tongs to avoid contamination

6. Items should stay sterile until the lid is removed