How to Sterilize Water-Filled Teethers

When stored in the refrigerator, the liquid inside water-filled teethers becomes cold, which helps soothe and numb your baby's gums to ease teething symptoms. Unfortunately, after spending a bit of time in your youngster's mouth, the teether will need to be sterilized to keep it clean and safe for continued use. Once your infant reaches six months of age, your doctor may give you the okay to stop sterilizing, provided he suffers from no immune problems or other health conditions.

Read the sterilizing instructions on the packaging of your water-filled teether. While some teethers are designed to withstand normal sterilization procedures, others may not be able to withstand the heat and require special care.

Wash the water-filled teether with hot soapy water and rinse well. Use a bottle brush to remove any hardened food or milk that does not wash away easily.

Place the teething ring in a sterilizing basket and sterilize it the next time you run your dishwasher. Make sure the ring is secure inside the basket and cannot fall out while your dishwasher is running.

Allow the ring to cool completely before giving it back to your baby. The water inside may remain hot even after the outside of the ring feels cool to the touch.

Sterilize water-filled rings in cold water when the packaging instructions say to avoid steam sterilization. Cold-water sterilizing involves submerging the ring in a container of cold water, dropping in a sterilizing tablet and letting the ring sit for the required amount of time before removing and rinsing.

Check the water-filled ring for cracks or leaks before giving it back to your child. If you see or suspect the ring may be broken, replace it with a new one.

Tips

Use water that is at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit to sterilize your baby's teething rings.

Rings that are dishwasher-safe are generally also approved for bottle sterilizers. Read the instructions on your specific teething ring to determine the ideal method of sterilization.

Warnings

Never boil water-filled teething rings because they may break and leak.