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.