The Essential Guide to Cleaning and Sanitizing Baby Bottles

Hillary Sadler, RN, MSN, IBCLC

This blog was written in paid partnership with Dr. Brown's.

As parents, we want the best for our little ones, and that includes keeping their feeding items safe and clean. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines best practices for cleaning and sanitizing baby bottles, it's also important to approach this topic with a sense of practicality. This comprehensive guide aims to share evidence-based information, empowering you to make informed decisions about cleaning and sanitizing your baby's bottles.

Understanding the Importance of Cleaning Baby Bottles

Keeping your baby's feeding items clean is crucial for their health and safety. Germs can thrive in leftover breast milk or formula, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues and other health problems. Following proper cleaning and sanitization practices can help reduce these risks and ensure your baby’s wellbeing.

Cleaning Bottles: The Basics

According to the CDC, all bottle and pumping parts should be cleaned after each use, and they recommend sanitizing all parts before the first use and at least once daily for extra germ removal. Here's a breakdown of the essential steps to ensure your bottles are safe for your baby.

1. How Often Should Baby Bottles Be Cleaned?

Bottles should be cleaned after every feeding. If your baby doesn't finish a bottle within two hours, discard the remaining breast milk. For formula, if you do not start to use the prepared bottle within two hours, store the bottle in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Germs can grow rapidly if breast milk or formula is added to a partially used bottle or if a used bottle is simply rinsed instead of thoroughly cleaned.

Establishing a routine for cleaning your baby's bottles can help ensure that this essential task doesn't slip through the cracks. Consider designating a specific time each day to focus on bottle cleaning, such as after the last feeding of the day.

2. How to Clean Infant Feeding Items in the Dishwasher

If your bottles are dishwasher-safe, follow these steps for effective cleaning:

• Disassemble: Take the bottle apart, separating all components (bottles, nipples, caps, rings, vents).
• Rinse: Rinse all parts under running water. This helps remove milk residue and debris before they enter the dishwasher.
• Wash: Place the bottle parts in the dishwasher, using a closed-top basket or bag for small items. Opt for a hot water cycle with a heated drying option, which helps kill more germs and bacteria.
• Remove: Wash your hands before taking out the clean items. If they're not completely dry, place them on a clean towel to air-dry thoroughly. Avoid using a dish towel to dry them, as this can transfer germs.

3. How to Clean Infant Feeding Items by Hand

For those who prefer hand washing, here's a step-by-step guide:

• Wash hands: Start by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds to reduce the risk of contamination.
• Disassemble: Separate all bottle parts.
• Rinse: Rinse under running water using a wash basin, not the sink, to avoid contamination.
• Wash: Fill a clean basin with hot, soapy water. Do not soak them. Use a clean brush designated for baby items to scrub all components, ensuring to squirt water through nipple holes for thorough cleaning. Rinse items under running water or in a separate basin.
• Air-Dry: Place items on a clean, unused towel or paper towel to dry completely. Clean the wash basin and bottle brush regularly to prevent the buildup of germs.

4. Cleaning Brushes and Basins

You can clean brushes and basins in the dishwasher or wash them by hand with soap and hot water. For sanitization, consider boiling, steaming or using a diluted bleach solution as recommended by the manufacturer. Regularly cleaning the tools you use for washing bottles is just as important as cleaning the bottles themselves. This helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures that all feeding items are safe for your baby.

5. Do I Need to Clean Infant Formula Containers?

According to the CDC, there's limited evidence that babies get sick from contamination on the outside of formula containers. If desired, wipe the outside with a disinfectant before opening but avoid submerging or rinsing the inside of the container. This helps maintain the integrity of the powdered formula and prevents contamination.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes the importance of proper handling and storage of infant formula to prevent contamination. While the AAP does not specifically address the cleaning of the exterior of formula containers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides detailed guidelines on this matter. According to the FDA, powdered infant formula is unlikely to become contaminated if it remains dry. To clean an unopened powdered infant formula container, use a disinfectant wipe or a paper towel sprayed with disinfectant to clean the outside of the container and lid before opening. Avoid submerging the container or placing it under running water. Ensure all surfaces are completely dry before opening the container. It is also important to never clean the inside of the container.

6. Do I Need to Clean Infant Formula Scoops?

If a formula scoop becomes soiled, wash it with soap and water and allow it to dry completely before placing it back in the formula container. Keeping the scoop clean ensures that no residue contaminates the powdered formula.

The Importance of Sanitizing Baby Bottles

While cleaning is crucial, sanitizing provides an additional layer of protection against germs. According to the CDC, if you're using a dishwasher with a heated drying cycle, a separate sanitizing step may not be necessary. However, sanitizing can be beneficial and crucial for extra germ removal, especially when your baby is younger than two months, was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system.

1. How to Sanitize Infant Feeding Items

To sanitize effectively:

• Boiling: Place disassembled items in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil for five minutes. Use clean tongs to remove the items safely.
• Steaming: Use a microwave or plug-in steam system, following the manufacturer's instructions for sanitizing, cooling and drying the items.

After sanitizing, air-dry items on a clean towel or paper towel. This ensures that they are safe for your baby to use.

2. How Often Should Baby Bottles Be Sanitized?

For babies under two months old, those born prematurely or babies with weakened immune systems, daily sanitization is crucial. For older, healthy babies, daily sanitization may not be necessary if items are cleaned thoroughly after each use. It's essential to assess your individual situation and decide based on your baby's health and any recommendations from your pediatrician.

Practical Tips for Keeping Baby Bottles Clean and Safe

1. Establish a routine: Create a cleaning schedule that works for you. Make it a habit to clean bottles immediately after use to avoid any buildup of bacteria.
2. Use the right tools: Invest in bottle brushes specifically designed for cleaning infant feeding items. Ensure they are sanitized regularly to prevent contamination.
3. Store bottles safely: After cleaning and sanitizing, store bottles in a dry, dust-free area. Avoid placing them in areas prone to contamination, such as near the sink.
4. Monitor for wear and tear: Regularly inspect bottles, nipples, and other feeding items for signs of wear and tear. Discard any items that show signs of damage or deterioration to ensure safety.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining the cleanliness of your baby's feeding items is essential for their health and well-being. By following these best practices, you can ensure that you’re providing a safe feeding environment for your little one. For further information, refer to the CDC's guidelines on cleaning and sanitizing feeding items.

If you're looking for high-quality feeding solutions, Dr. Brown's offers a variety of products designed to meet the needs of your growing baby. With proper care and cleaning, you can create a safe feeding experience that supports your baby's health and development.

---

About the Author

Hillary is the CEO and founder of Baby Settler, the founding provider at Baby Settler Charleston, and an accomplished author. As a labor & delivery nurse, lactation consultant, and mom of four, she is passionate about supporting new moms through the rollercoaster of early motherhood. As the host of the Early-Momming Podcast, she dives into topics like birth, breastfeeding, postpartum life, and real-life early motherhood for millennial moms. For daily tips and community, follow her on Instagram @babysettler. Visit babysettler.com for more resources.