Skip to main content

It is sometimes said that hygiene is two-thirds of your little one's health. Because babies have a weak immune system, they are less resistant to bacteria and infections than you or I are. That's why it's so important to clean the bottle thoroughly after use. In this blog we will tell you how to clean your bottle properly and which products you should use. Do you want to read it?

During the first six months

For new products such as bottles and weaning During the first six months of your little one's life it is advisable to sterilise the parts of the bottle every day. This will prevent bacterial growth in the bottle and the chance of infections will be almost impossible. You can do this by boiling them in a pan of water for five to ten minutes. Make sure that the parts can withstand the boiling water. Can't they? Then use a microwave sterilizer, sterilization bag or a steam sterilizer (Ouders van nu, 2020). Don't be put off by these terms, they are specifically designed to make sterilizing easier. 

After the first six months

Time flies and not only your baby but also their immune system is growing rapidly. After the first six months, daily sterilising is no longer necessary and once a week is enough. The rest of the week you can simply clean the bottle and nipple by hand or in the dishwasher (Ouders van nu, 2020). 

Cleaning by hand

Rinse the bottle under the tap immediately after use. This prevents milk from sticking to the bottle. We recommend that you clean the bottle thoroughly using a special teat and bottle brush. These products prevent milk from sticking to the teat and the edges. Make sure that the brush fits the bottle and nipple well. Preferably use a natural detergent, so that no harmful substances come close to your baby. Rinse the items thoroughly with water again and allow them to dry. You can do this with a special dish rack or upside down on a dry and clean cloth (Smeets, s.d.) (Voedingscentrum, s.d.). 

Cleaning in the dishwasher

Fan of the dishwasher? We get it! Just make sure your dishwasher has a cleaning program of 55 degrees or higher. Does your dishwasher have that program? Lucky you. Be sure to rinse the bottle under the tap first, as milk residue is a common problem in many a dishwasher. Place the bottles on the top rack or use a special dishwasher basket, so all the parts stay together (Smeets, s.d.). Make sure you rinse the parts under the tap after the program. This removes any residue of dishwasher detergent or rinse aid that may remain (Parents of today, 2020).  

Grandma's tips & tricks

Sometimes the bottle can get a little soggy or develop an unpleasant odor. Fill the bottle with a teaspoon of baking soda, a drop of dish soap and water and leave it overnight. What also helps is the wonder of kitchen vinegar. Clean the bottle and fill it with kitchen vinegar and let it soak for a few hours. You will see that the bottle is as good as new again (Smeets, s.d.)! Do you have any personal cleaning tips? Let us know about it.  

Next time you will read more about ...

In the next blog, we'll take you through How to best bottle your baby. It may sound easier than it actually is. You have different positions and ways to optimize the well-being of you and your baby.

Sources:

Parents Today. (2020, March 24). Cleaning the bottle, how to do it. parentsvannu.nl. https://www.oudersvannu.nl/baby/voeding/fles-schoonmaken/

Smeets, K. (s.d.). What should you watch out for when cleaning your baby bottles? Blabloom online ecological baby shop. https://www.blabloom.com/nl/blog/algemeen/waarop-moet-je-letten-als-je-je-babyflesjes-reinigt/565/

Nutrition Center. (s.d.). How do I prepare the bottle? https://www.voedingscentrum.nl/nl/zwanger-en-kind/borstvoeding-en-flesvoeding/flesvoeding-geven/hoe-maak-ik-de-fles-klaar-.aspx