Sterilising is an important step in your baby’s feeding routine. Knowing how to correctly sterilize baby bottles and teats will help you ensure that you protect your baby’s delicate immune system in their early stages of development. In this article we’ll run through the best approaches to take and some of the equipment you can use to make this process quick and easy.
How long do baby bottles stay sterile?
Although sterilising can take just a few minutes, it can last for up to 24 hours, if bottles are properly stored. Once you have sterilised your bottles, keep them safe from germs and bacteria by leaving them in in your steriliser.
How to sterilise bottles when travelling with baby?
You may be used to using a plug in or microwave steriliser when you are at home, but what about when you are on the move? A Portable UV Steriliser is a quick and practical way to sterilise bottles when you are travelling with baby.
If you’re not familiar with UV sterilisers you might be scratching your head right now. Ultraviolet light (UV) is commonly used in hospitals and other medical settings – it’s electromagnetic radiation that kills microorganisms quickly and safely.
The Portable UV Steriliser is lightweight and comes in an attractive, easy to clean bag with an over the shoulder strap, making it a cinch to carry. It will sterilise bottles and accessories, killing 99.9% of bacteria in under 3 minutes, with no need for water and with no cooling time or drying needed.
The extra storage compartment means that you can also use the UV steriliser bag to transport items that are already sterilised, so that these are ready for you when you need them.
Microwave Sterilising Bags are another simple, space saving way to sterilise bottles when you are away from home. Easy to store and carry with you for emergencies, these come in packs of six and each bag can be used up to 30 times. That’s a total of 180 bottles!
When to stop sterilising baby bottles
We mentioned earlier on that sterilising is important to protect your baby’s immune system during those early months. By keeping up with a regime of sterilisation for the first year of your baby’s life you will be protecting them from the effects of germs and bacteria – including diarrhea and vomiting.
Based on NHS advice, we would recommend that you continue to sterilise all of your baby’s bottles and teats until they are 12 months old.
Does the dishwasher sterilise baby bottles? (cleaning vs sterilising)
This is a really common question, so you are not alone if you are wondering about this. The simple answer is: no. Running your baby’s bottles and teats through the dishwasher will clean them, but it won’t sterilise them.
Though cleaning does remove dirt and germs from items, sterilising removes these completely, in addition to killing germs and other bacteria. Sterilising is always better than cleaning on its own and is a vital step in keeping your baby bottles safe and germ free.
After cleaning in a dishwasher, you should always sterilise your baby’s bottles using your preferred method.
Is it necessary to sterilise baby toys?
As your newborn grows and starts to explore the world around them they will put toys in their mouth. We would recommend that all of these toys are sterilised before giving them to baby to keep them germ free.
No matter what your preferred method or budget the Nuby sterilising range includes an option that will suit you.
Microwave sterilisers:
The Nuby Microwave Steam Steriliser is a quick and easy way to sterilise up to 4 bottles at home. It takes just 4 minutes to complete a cycle meaning your bottles are ready in super quick time. Doubling up as a storage container, once cooled, the steriliser can be popped into the fridge keeping the contents safe and germ free for up to 24 hours.
Microwave sterilising bags:
Nuby Microwave Sterilising Bags are available in packs of six, providing up to 180 uses. Small and easy to pop in the pocket of your baby bag, these offer a practical option for sterilising when you are out. Perfect for when you decide to stay longer on a visit, for when you are on holiday or as a back up for when things don’t go according to plan.
Electric steriliser dryers:
Our Electric Steriliser and Dryer include a range of settings and room for up to five bottles, with the option to sterilise, dry and store bottles.
UV Sterilisers:
Our UV Sterilisers are a superfast and effective way to kill 99.9% of bacteria without the need for water or chemicals. With both electric and portable options available and just 3 minutes sterilising time, with no need for drying or cooling, we have you covered whether at home or travelling with baby.
Although the science behind them may seem complex, the Nuby UV Baby Bottle Steriliser and Nuby Portable UV Steriliser are extremely simple to use. Featuring modern, wipe-clean fabric these items are an attractive addition to your kitchen or luggage.
The Nuby UV Baby Bottle Steriliser holds up to two bottles per cycle. The plug in unit is fitted with a handle, its lightweight design means that it’s easy to take out and pack away or take with you if you are going away.
The Portable UV Steriliser holds one bottle per cycle and is powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 17 cycles before it needs recharging. Great for if you’re camping overnight or have a long way to travel between stops! What’s more, their versatility doesn’t stop with baby bottles. Because they are waterless and chemical free, you can sterilise everything from your breast pump to your mobile phone or car keys. All they need by way of a clean is a quick wipe and they can be packed away ready for next time.
Because we understand the stress of a dropped dummy or soother we have also included a UV Dummy Steriliser in our range. With a handy strap to clip to your bag or buggy, this award winning steriliser will sterilise that dummy in just a minute, saving on tears and toddler tantrums.
Which sterilising method is best?
All of these methods will give you a safe outcome, killing 99.9% of germs. The method you choose is up to you and depends on your needs and your budget. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the sterilising method that suits you from within the Nuby range. Browse our range of sterilising products here.
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