Sterilisers

What are sterilisers?

OK, so a steriliser isn’t the most glamorous product you’ll be buying for your baby, but it is one of the most important – even if you’re breastfeeding, and only expressing occasionally.

That’s because dangerous germs and bacteria love a warm, milky environment, so it’s vital to sterilise all feeding accessories and your breast pump. 

It’s recommended you keep sterilising feeding equipment until your baby is a year old – including any bottles or sippy cups used for juice.
There are 3 types of steriliser you can buy:

• Cold water
• Electric
• Microwave

Which steriliser is right for you?

Each system has its pros and cons – it’s really up to your lifestyle and budget:

Cold water steriliser - The cheapest method: you can either buy a special cold water unit or use any strong plastic tub or bucket with a lid. Then all you need are sterilising tablets or liquid to add to the water – and you’re ready to add the bottles. They need to stay submerged for 15-30 minutes (depending on brand, see label for precise time) then they are ready to use. With some brands you will need to rinse the bottles to prevent a nasty taste, but with others you don’t. You can re-use the solution multiple times over 24 hours, and items in the solution stay sterile for 24 hours.
Pros: Cheap; good for travelling when there’s no electricity/microwave; you can keep chucking things in over 24 hours; don’t have to wait for bottles to cool down.
Cons: Rinsing can be a pain; bulky tub takes up kitchen space.

Electric steriliser - These kill bacteria with steam and plug in at the wall; most take 6 bottles and the cycle takes around 5-10 minutes depending on the brand. Bottles will stay sterilised for 24 hours if the lid is kept closed. Most units are around £50-£60.
Pros: No chemicals; quick and easy.
Cons: Expensive; descaling the unit (every 2 weeks in hard water areas); need plug socket; takes up worktop space.

Microwave steriliser - Uses steam just like electric units, but these fit inside your microwave. Cycles often take 4-8 minutes, and units usually hold fewer bottles because they are smaller than electric sterilisers. Contents remain sterile for 24 hours if lid kept closed. Most cost around £20-£28. Some double up as a cold water steriliser when travelling.
Pros: Compact so you can put away when not using; quick and easy.
Cons: No metal; holds fewer bottles; need a microwave!

How much will a steriliser cost?

Cold water sterilisation is the cheapest: a unit will cost around £15 but you can use any plastic tub with a lid and just buy the sterilising tablets. Electric units generally cost £50-£60 and microwave units come in a bit cheaper at £20-£28.

Top tips for buying a steriliser

• Consider how often you’ll use it before buying. Breastfeeding mums will have it running less often than bottlefeeding mums, who will get through 6-8 bottles a day.
• If buying electric/microwave, check your brand of bottles fit in the unit you’ve chosen. Wide-necked and anti-colic bottles take up more space.