How to Properly Clean Pacifiers and Bottles

When there is a baby at home, we take all the hygienic measures, especially when it comes to bottles and pacifiers. Parents are often terrified that the baby will put something dirty in their mouth, and there can also be a lot of doubts about the best way to clean them.

5-Minute Crafts wants to share with you some quick and easy tricks to optimize the cleaning of these objects in a practical way.

Wash with detergent

This step is only recommended when the baby is older than 3 months and its immune system is strong enough.

1. To deep clean a bottle or pacifier you only need a mild detergent and you need to disassemble each part after use. Remember to clean first with the water jet and then with the detergent. The parts should be cleaned very well separately.
2. Use a special bottle brush or sponge to scrub anything that may have stuck to the bottles.
3. Drain the objects on a surface and let them dry well.

Dishwasher

Be sure to check the instructions on the bottle or pacifier to see if this option is suitable for the type of material it is made of. It is good to remember that this option is not equivalent to sterilizing the bottle.

1. Disassemble the bottle or place the pacifier in the dishwasher.
2. Use a mild detergent or special dishwasher tablets.
3. At the end of the wash, rinse a little with drinking water so that no detergent residue remains.

Sterilization in boiling water

Remember to always clean the bottle or pacifier before sterilizing it.

For the bottle:

1. Boil a good amount of water in a pot.
2. Disassemble the bottle and introduce all its parts into the boiling water. Do this carefully and leave the parts well immersed in the water. Make sure there is no air left inside the bottle. Boil for about 5 minutes. It is better if the pieces do not touch each other.
3. Add the bottle nipple for the last 3 minutes.
4. Remove from the hot water with caution.

For the pacifier:

1. Boil a good amount of water in a pot.
2. Put the pacifier in the boiling water. Do it carefully and make sure it is completely immersed. If it floats in the water, add extra weight by placing a spoon (also made of silicone) tied to it.
3. Keep the water boiling for about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the pacifier with caution.

Microwave sterilization

The microwave is a very suitable tool for sterilizing baby bottles and pacifiers. Its intense heat helps sterilize them. To use it, you have to specifically use a microwave sterilizer. It can hold up to 4 bottles.

Sterilization with an electric sterilizer

For an easier sterilization, it is better to use an electric steam sterilizer. Simply place the bottle or pacifier in the sterilizer and press a button. Steam is an effective bacteria and virus killer.

Bonus: more useful tips

• Wash your hands carefully before touching disinfected bottles and pacifiers.
• Use tweezers or clothes to pick them up so you don’t burn yourself.
• Turn the bottle upside down after sterilization to allow it to cool and dry. Always sterilize new products that are going to be used for the first time. Before the baby is 4 months old, the products should be sterilized at each use and after 4 months of age it is recommended to sterilize them every 15 days.
• Keep sterilized bottles and pacifiers in a dry, clean place, like a container in the refrigerator.
• The parts of the bottle may change color with use. This does not affect the quality of the bottle.
• Always consult your pediatrician.