Cleaning and Disinfection of Baby Bottles

I. Cleaning Agents

For washing clothes, there are detergents; for washing dishes, there are also detergents. Similarly, for bottles, there are specialized cleaning agents. Bottle cleaners are categorized into regular and no-rinse types. The regular type is suitable for daily use, while the no-rinse type is convenient for outdoor use. Cleaning bottles with these agents is straightforward; you can either clean them directly or soak them briefly before washing. Direct cleaning involves taking an appropriate amount of sponge or bottle brush cleaner, working it into a rich lather, and then inserting the foamy sponge or brush into the bottle to clean the interior or nipple. In short, soaking involves mixing the bottle cleaner with water, immersing the bottles, nipples, baby's teething toys, etc., rinsing thoroughly with clean water afterwards. It's crucial for mothers to note the water-to-cleaner ratio when soaking. For example, with Pigeon bottle cleaner, approximately 3.5ml (about one pump) is used per liter of water.

II. Disinfection Methods for Baby Bottles

1. Boiling Water Disinfection

After cleaning, proceed with disinfection. Boiling water disinfection has a long history of thousands of years in China. In ancient times, without detergents, boiling water was the healthiest and fastest method for cleaning and disinfection. This practice persists even today, as boiling water is still commonly used to disinfect clothes. Similarly, it can effectively clean and disinfect baby bottles. After removing milk stains, fill a pot with water, ensuring it's deep enough to submerge all feeding equipment. Incomplete submersion or trapped air bubbles can lead to ineffective disinfection. Remember to add bottles in batches, especially glass bottles, which should be heated with cold water to prevent cracking. Once the water boils, add plastic parts like nipples, caps, and holders, cover the pot, and boil for 2-3 minutes before turning off the heat. For plastic bottles, wait until the water boils before adding them.

2. Steam Sterilizer

If boiling water isn't convenient, a steam sterilizer is a great alternative, especially for busy mothers. It utilizes natural steam to eliminate 99.9% of harmful bacteria without damaging the bottles. To use, pour 100ml of tap water into the base's reservoir, place the large steam basket on the base, followed by the small one with bottles. Cover the small basket, plug in the sterilizer, and press the start button. Other heat-resistant items like small towels and nipples can also be disinfected simultaneously. Steam sterilizers offer convenience and automation; mothers can start the process and continue with other chores. It's recommended to purchase a model with a drying function to prevent bacterial growth in damp bottles.

III. Choosing the Right Baby Bottle Material

Different materials have their unique characteristics, and parents should select based on their baby's age and needs.

1. Glass Bottles

Suitable for newborns, glass bottles are safe, non-toxic, and cost-effective. Their smooth walls make cleaning easy, ideal for newborns requiring frequent feedings. Babies cannot break them by suction.

2. Plastic Bottles

Lightweight and convenient, plastic bottles are suitable for babies over three months. PP, PES, and PPSU are common materials. PP is the most popular due to its good performance. PES is similar to PP but easier to clean and more durable, resembling glass but at a higher price. PPSU is less common and seldom chosen by parents.

3. Silicone Bottles

Safe and lightweight, silicone bottles are suitable for babies of all ages. Their soft texture provides added comfort during use.

4. Stainless Steel Bottles

Durable and affordable, stainless steel bottles are suitable for babies over one year old. However, their opacity makes it difficult to gauge milk levels.

Recommendation: When disinfecting newly purchased bottles, always clean them first before disinfection.