New born babies are particularly vulnerable to infection – especially gastrointestinal infections leading to diarrhea and vomiting. Ensure that baby bottles are 100% sterile before use is therefore very important. Baby milk (human or formula) is a great growth medium for pathogenic bacteria to grow in. You therefore need access to a baby sterilizer to ensure that bottles are sterilized properly.

When choosing a baby sterilizer you need to think carefully about what’s right for you. Although there are many makes and models available these all fit into one of three categories – electric steam sterilizers, microwaveable sterilizers and chemical sterilizers. In terms of the type that you actually go for there is no right or wrong decision. It all depends on how you want to use the device.

One of the big advantages of steam sterilizers is that they have their own heating element. All you need to do is add a small amount of water and push a button. The sterilization cycle is 100% automated and bottles remain sterile for some time after the cycle is complete (provided that the compartments are not opened). If you are away from home they can be taken away with you. Some of them are however quite big and bulky and may be more expensive in comparison to the alternative options.

Microwavable sterilizers do not come with a heating element and you need access to a microwave in order to use them. This can occasionally be a problem if you are using the microwave for cooking food or are visiting a friend without a microwave. However, in terms of the latter this is rarely a problem as most modern households now have one. You do of course have to add water to the device. However, once again they are very easy to use.

If you spend a lot of time away from home or want the freedom to be able to sterilize your bottles without access to electricity or a microwave then a chemical sterilizer is the obvious choice. However, you need to consider whether you want to risk exposing your baby to synthetic chemicals.

When making you decision remember the advantages of sticking to a well known brand in terms of reliability and after sales support. Also think about the capacity that you require – for instance if your baby is normally breast fed then a small device will probably suffice. When choosing also think about the quality of the bottles that come with the product. For instance, some will come with highly advanced teats manufactured using medical silicone to mimic the structure and function of the human breast.

In an article published by the BBC the the baby steriliser has been listed as a must have for parents with babies.  The article aimed to evaluate the the cost of a baby revealing that it costs £180 000 to raise a child from birth until the age of 21.  However, with a view to minimising the costs the article aimed to review what baby products are must haves and which baby products are a luxury.  For feeding your baby it the key products for bottle fed babies were a set of 6 bottles, a steriliser and infant formula.  Other important areas that the article aimed to address where sleeping/bedding options, clothes, getting out (prams, carriers and pushchairs), nappies and child care.  You can read the full article here.  Also on the new recently we note that Tom Harris (MP for South Glasgow) had his wrists slapped for putting in an expenses claim for a baby steriliser which was rejected by the fees office.

It is important to use a baby steriliser until your baby’s immune system is fully developed and is able to afford sufficient protection against any harmful microorganisms.  During breastfeeding, antibodies are passed from the mother to child to provide protection against a broad variety of infections.  For babies who are bottle fed with formula ensuring that feeding equipment is adequately sterilised is therefore even more important.  Once you baby is mature enough to provide his or her own protection against infection then it is possible to stop using your baby steriliser and just clean off dummies and feeding equipment via washing in the dishwasher.  Your baby will generally be ready for this when he is about one year old.

One of the most common questions is why is it necessary to use a baby steriliser bearing in mind all the other junk that babies put into their mouth over the course of the day.  Well, the answer to this is two fold.  Firstly, for what is just a little inconvenience, why take the risk?  Secondly, when feeding babies could potentially ingest a lot more microorganisms that when just sucking or chewing on things.

If you are finding that sterilising your baby feeding equipment is a hassle then it could be that the baby steriliser that you have selected is not the right choice for you.  Have a look a the various options available to you summarised on our home page.  Generally speaking we find that the electric steam steriliser is the option for most parents are they are so flexible and so easy to use.