How to Sterilize Baby Bottles & Pacifiers

Babies have vulnerable, developing immunity systems. Don't tax them with unnecessary bacteria and pathogens. Sterilizing baby bottles and pacifiers will kill any invisible germs on the surface of these items. A simple cleaning may not thoroughly remove all parasites. Use a sterilization method regularly on baby bottles and pacifiers to ensure all germs from the environment or the baby's own body will not be reintroduced to his system.

Things You'll Need

• Sink
• Dishwashing soap
• Sponge or washcloth
• Deep pot
• Stove
• Clean tongs
• Clean dish rack

Instructions

1. Fill a sink with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing soap.

2. Scrub the bottle parts and pacifiers with a sponge or washcloth in the water, removing any food or liquid residue.

3. Fill a deep pot with water and boil on the stove.

4. Drop the pacifiers and bottle parts into the boiling water and leave for 5 minutes.

5. Remove the pacifiers and bottle parts with clean tongs and set them to dry on a clean drying rack.

6. Put together the bottle parts, once they are dry, to prevent germs or pathogens from entering the bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• Some dishwashers have a sanitizing function, which may work to clean bottles and pacifiers of all pathogens and bacteria.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Food Safety
• Clemson University Extension: Food Safety for Mothers and Babies