How to Sterilize Infant Bottles

Prepare infant bottles by sterilizing them.

Parents should sterilize baby bottles before using them for the first time. A physician may recommend that parents continue to sterilize baby bottles in some situations, such as for homes with well water. Sterilize infant bottles before filling them with formula or breast milk. Once sterile, you will know that the bottles are clean and ready to use to feed the baby.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwashing soap
• Bottle brush
• Nipple brush
• Tall stockpot
• Metal tongs
• Wire rack

Instructions

1. Wash all bottles, nipples, collars and caps in soapy water. Wash the metal tongs you will use to remove the bottle parts from the water also. Use the bottle brush and nipple brush to wash the insides and outsides of the parts thoroughly. Rinse all pieces well with warm water.

2. Fill the stockpot about two-thirds full of water and place the bottles, nipples, collars and caps into the water, submerging them completely.

3. Boil the bottles in the water on the stove top for five minutes.

4. Remove the stockpot from the heat.

5. Remove the pieces from the water with the tongs and place them onto the wire rack to dry.

6. Fill the bottles with formula or breast milk.

References

• WIC Infant Nutrition: Infant Formula Preparation