Feeding a baby can be a challenge. They can get fussy and refuse to grab the bottle. They may latch onto the bottle but not drink the milk. They may not lie still enough for the mom or anyone to feed them. Once the battle of the feeding is over, the need to sterilize the equipment arises. While sterilization may not seem as much of an uphill battle as feeding does, it is still quite a daunting challenge. This is due to the frequency of the sterilization process. The caregivers are supposed to clean the bottles and all other feeding equipment after each feeding session. New-born babies are fed 8-12 times a day. So that means that the feeding equipment is sterilized 8-12 times a day. The process of sterilization after every feed must be carried out for at least 12 months due to the baby’s immature and still developing immune system.
Why is Sterilization Absolutely Necessary?
The process of sterilization after every feed is absolutely necessary because babies have underdeveloped immune systems. This makes it difficult for them to fight off any infections they might encounter. Milk is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. In order to prevent the babies from getting infected, caregivers and parents are advised to sterilize the feeding equipment after every feed.
What Equipment Requires Cleaning?
All the feeding bottles, teats, and screw on caps have to be sterilized.
The Know How.
- Remove the teat from its screw top and separate all elements of the bottle.
- Dishwashing detergent and hot water are recommended.
- With a bottle brush, clean all surfaces of the bottle, including the thread where the cap screws on.
- With a teat brush, remove any remaining milk in the teat or hole.
- After squeezing hot, soapy water through the teat hole, rinse the teat with clean water.
- Make sure the bottles and equipment are thoroughly rinsed.
- When the bristles on your bottle brush become old, replace it with a new one. They must be stiff enough to remove all of the milky residue from the bottle’s interior.
While many parents and caregivers alike like to believe that cleaning the feeding equipment is enough and that sterilization is unnecessary, sterilization is still a vital part of the process. Sterilization removes the germs and the bacteria that is not visible to the human eye.
The Know How- Sterilization.
There are three universally acknowledged and accepted methods of sterilization.
- The Boiling Method.
- In a big pot, add all the elements of the cleaned bottle, including the teats.
- Using tap water, wet the equipment.
- Ensure that all air bubbles have been removed from the bottles and that they are completely submerged in the water.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- 5 minutes at a boil
- Before removing the feeding equipment from the saucepan, allow it to cool.
- Put all of the feeding supplies in a clean container and store it in the refrigerator. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed with a lid.
- Everything can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- The steam Sterilization Method.
- In the steriliser, place the clean bottles and feeding equipment.
- Make sure there’s enough space between each bottle, teat, and screw cap for the steam to circulate evenly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
- To begin, turn on the device and press the start button. If you’re using a microwave steriliser, place it in the microwave and set the timer for the appropriate amount of time.
- Wait for the sterilisation cycle to complete and the light to turn off.
- All sterilised feeding equipment should be kept in the fridge in a clean, covered container.
- If you haven’t used your equipment in the last 24 hours, sterilise it again.
- The Chemical Sterilization Method.
- Chemical sterilisation solutions that are antibacterial are available in liquid and tablet form. They must be prepared according to the instructions on the carton.
- Make sure that one has a big enough container to handle their baby’s bottles and feeding equipment.
- To make the sterilising solution, use the recommended amount of tap water.
- All bottles and feeding equipment should be submerged in the solution. Check the bottles for any remaining bubbles.
- After sterilisation, leave the equipment in the solution for the prescribed period. There is no need to rinse the solution.
- After 24 hours, discard the solution and thoroughly clean the container before starting a new batch.
While the sterilization process of a baby bottle and all of its accompanying equipment does seem like a daunting task, it is doable. Baby bottles also make the entire feeding process easier to manage. Pigeon sells baby bottles online. The trusted baby products company makes some of the most reputed products in the market. Check out the official website today!