Babies have bacteria in their mouths just like everybody else, which is why it is always a good idea to throw away any used milk or formula left over in your baby's bottle. In fact, Clemson University Cooperative Extension explains that any bacteria from your baby's mouth that comes in contact with the milk inside his bottle will continue to grow and multiply. For this reason, it is also necessary to wash and sterilize baby bottles in between use. This sterilizing process will kill any bacteria lingering in the bottle, preventing it from re-entering your baby's mouth.
Step 1
Fill a clean basin with water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adding 1 tsp. of household bleach for each gallon of water in the basin.
Step 2
Unscrew the baby bottles from the nipples. Wash the baby bottles and nipples in your kitchen sink using warm water and a squirt of dish soap.
Step 3
Use a bottle brush to remove formula or milk stains inside the bottles and a nipple brush to clean the nipples. Rinse the baby bottles and nipples with a warm water rinse to remove soapy residues.
Step 4
Place the baby bottles and nipples in the basin of bleach and water to sterilize. Allow the baby bottles and nipples to soak for approximately two minutes.
Step 5
Remove the baby bottles and nipples and air dry on a dish rack. Store the baby bottles away in a cabinet or drawer after they dry. Repeat the process after each use.
Tips and Warnings
- Sanitize all teething rings, eating utensils and pacifiers in this manner. Sanitize newly purchased bottles and nipples in the above manner prior to the first use.
- Do not sanitize the baby bottles and nipples without washing them in soapy water first. Remove all bottle contents and debris prior to sanitizing. Do not put the baby bottles and nipples away before they are dry. Doing so can cause mold growth.
Things You'll Need
- Basin
- Household bleach
- Sink
- Dish soap
- Dish rack
