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11 Best Baby Bottle Sterilizers of 2024

Updated
Clean and sterilize baby bottles with the push of a button.

You won’t be able to protect your baby from everything out there, but you can absolutely take steps to make sure they aren’t drinking germs along with their milk.

The best baby bottle sterilizers can kill 99.9% of bacteria in minutes.

To help give you some peace of mind, we’ve rounded up our favorite sterilizers to ensure your baby’s bottles are as germ-free as possible.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Papablic Baby
Best All-In-One Sterlizer
Papablic Baby
  • Can handle very large loads
  • Dries bottles thoroughly
  • Quicker sterilization cycle
Product Image of the Dr. Brown's
Best Easy to Operate Sterilizer
Dr. Brown's
  • Includes several accessories
  • Cycle indicator
  • Comes with an accessory tray
Product Image of the Philips Avent Microwave
Best Value for Money
Philips Avent Microwave
  • Cheaper than other options
  • Sterilize four bottles at a time
  • Sterilizes in under 2 minutes
Product Image of the Tommee Tippee
Best Electric Sterilizer
Tommee Tippee
  • Easy to clean and store
  • Cools down rapidly
  • Has HEPA filter
Product Image of the Philips Avent 3-in-1
Best for Small Spaces
Philips Avent 3-in-1
  • Takes up less kitchen space
  • Kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria
  • Automatic shut off feature
Product Image of the Wabi Baby Touch
Best UV Sterilizer
Wabi Baby Touch
  • Uses UV rays to dry and sterilize
  • Multiple setting options
  • Eliminates 99.9% germs and bacteria
Product Image of the Baby Brezza Dryer Machine
Best for Breastfeeding
Baby Brezza Dryer Machine
  • Fits every size and shape
  • Multifunctional
  • Sterilizes various breastfeeding utensils
Product Image of the Bololo Steam Sterilizer and Dryer
Best Steam Sterilizer
Bololo Steam Sterilizer and Dryer
  • Accommodates variety of bottle brands
  • Fits up to 12 bottles
  • Safe filtration system
Product Image of the Nanobébé Microwave
Best Microwave Sterilizer
Nanobébé Microwave
  • Most affordable microwave sterilizers
  • Multi-purpose steamer
  • Heat-resistant rubber handles
Product Image of the Medela Micro Bags
Best Steam Bags
Medela Micro Bags
  • Very affordable
  • Convenient, compact, easy to use
  • Portable design for trips away

Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, our in-depth analysis and hands-on experience allow us to evaluate the best bottle sterilizers from a user’s perspective. Our team of professionals conduct thorough research, collecting data and comparing various products based on key decision-making factors such as performance, design, and ease of use. We rank and review sterilizers by assessing their effectiveness, safety, and durability, and then provide quantitative measurements of their performance. Our article highlights the unique features that set each product apart from its competitors, as well as the most important factors and criteria for choosing the right bottle sterilizer for your needs. You can trust our recommendations, as they are supported by first-hand evidence and facts.



The Best Baby Bottle Sterilizers of 2024

Here are 11 excellent baby bottle sterilizers to consider.

Papablic Steam Sterilizer and Dryer

Best All-In-One Baby Bottle Sterilizer

If you’re serious about sterilization and your little one is a bottle feeding champ who goes through tons of bottles, you might like the unit from Papablic. It’s a bit like a tiny dishwasher for all your bottles and accessories.

This sterilizer is large and fits up to 11 bottles inside, and the internal trays can be reorganized depending on what you want to clean. Add water, turn the dial, and after 45 minutes you’ll have perfectly clean and dry bottles you can use immediately. There are different settings, however, so you could also opt for a quicker sterilization cycle.

Pros

  • The sterilizer can handle very large loads.
  • Dries bottles thoroughly so they’re ready to use.
  • Just turn on and go with minimal fuss.

Cons

  • This is an extra-large, tall unit and may just be too clunky for many moms.
  • Some feel the quality is lacking for a substantial price.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
4 / 5
Capacity
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

I'm incredibly impressed with the efficiency of this sterilizer, as it significantly reduces drying time and ensures thorough sanitation of baby bottles and breast pump parts. The separate compartments for larger and smaller items have been extremely helpful in organizing and maximizing its capacity. Since using this sterilizer, I've noticed a reduction in paper towel usage and an increase in my own peace of mind, knowing that everything is effectively sanitized. Additionally, the dehydration mode for food is a fantastic bonus feature that I look forward to utilizing in the future.

Dr. Brown's Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer

Best Easy to Operate Baby Bottle Sterilizer

Dr. Brown’s sterilizer takes just around 7 to 9 minutes to sterilize its content.

It’s easy to operate – all you do is add the water and a measuring cup is included in the package too. Put the bottles in and press a button. Moms who go through a lot of bottles may appreciate that it can accommodate six standard-sized bottles at a time. It has a cycle indicator and an auto-shut off feature for safe hassle-free sterilizing.

Pros

  • Includes several accessories.
  • Has cycle indicator.
  • Comes with an accessory tray for easy organization.

Cons

  • Can only sterilize six bottles at max.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Capacity
3.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this sterilizer has been largely positive, as it effectively cleans and sterilizes my infant's bottles. It's important to note that this product is specifically for sterilization, not washing, but it does an excellent job at keeping the bottles clean. I appreciate that it is easy to use and portable, making it convenient for busy parents. One drawback, however, was that I had to manually dry the bottles after the cycle, which could compromise the sterilization process. To address this issue, I upgraded to a slightly more expensive model with a drying cycle.

Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer

Best Budget Baby Bottle Sterilizer

This plastic product is BPA-free, inexpensive and effective. In under two minutes, it kills 99.9 percent of the bacteria that could harm your baby. It can hold bottles, breast pump parts, and feeding accessories. It fits into most microwaves, and if you keep the lid closed until right before you need the items inside, everything will stay sterilized for 24 hours.

Moms will appreciate that this unit is easy to pack for weekend getaways, and it won’t take up much storage space at your house. It doesn’t involve any complicated instructions – anyone can figure out how to use it.

Pros

  • Cheaper than other options on the market.
  • Can sterilize up to four bottles at a time.
  • Sterilizes in under 2 minutes so your bottles are ready to use in no time.

Cons

  • The size of this sterilizer may be too large for many microwaves, at around 11 inches in height.
  • Some moms have reported that the lid melts in the microwave.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Capacity
3 / 5
Compatibility
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

This sterilizer has been a trusty companion since my first child, and now I continue to use it daily for sterilizing bottles and pumping equipment with my second. Despite its compact size, it fits well in a smaller microwave and holds a decent amount of items for sterilization. Although I cannot measure the remaining germs, the heat generated assures me that it effectively cleans the contents. Unfortunately, it struggles to accommodate larger Dr. Brown bottles, but it works perfectly for pacifiers, pump parts, and other baby essentials. The sterilizer is not only easy to set up and clean but also makes sterilizing a breeze compared to boiling water or using disposable bags.

Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Sterilizer

Best Electric Baby Bottle Sterilizer

This unit may be the perfect choice for someone who wants to sterilize a lot of bottles at once. It can hold an entire day’s worth of bottles at one time. In just ten minutes, all the sterilizing you’ll need for any given day will be done.

This sterilizer will kill 99.9 percent of the germs that can harm your baby. Because it has a space-saving design, moms with limited counter space may like that it doesn’t seem too big given how many bottles it holds. Plus, the lid can be flipped over to serve as a germ-free place to prepare bottles.

Pros

  • Easy to clean and store.
  • Cools down rapidly so you can get the bottles right away if you need them.
  • It can clean six bottles at once.
  • BPA-free plastic for the health of your family.

Cons

  • It can get a strong plastic smell when heating up.
  • Needs to be frequently descaled, especially if you’re in a hard water area.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
4 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

For those in need of sterilizing multiple bottles efficiently, this sterilizer has the capacity to accommodate an entire day's worth of bottles and completes the task in just ten minutes. The compact design is perfect for moms with limited counter space, while the lid can be flipped to serve as a germ-free area for bottle preparation. Despite some drawbacks like occasional plastic smell during heating and frequent descaling requirements in hard water areas, this BPA-free sterilizer is easy to clean, store, and cools down rapidly for immediate access to the bottles.

Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer

Best for Small Spaces Baby Bottle Sterilizer

This 3-in-1 sterilizer kills 99.9 percent of harmful germs and bacteria on bottles without using any chemicals that could harm your little one.

It has an adjustable modular design so you can fit a variety of bottles or nursing accessories inside. At most, it fits up to six 11-ounce bottles. We love the design because it takes up less kitchen space.

This machine uses electric steam for sterilization, which only takes six minutes. It also features an automatic shut-off for speed and to prevent overheating. You can even keep the objects sterile for up to 24 hours if you don’t remove the lid after you’ve run it.

To use, just add water to the base, fill the compartment up, shut the lid, and press the button. If you’re limited on space and need a sterilizer that works quickly, this is a great choice.

Pros

  • Takes up less kitchen space and fits various bottle shapes with an adjustable size rack.
  • Uses electric steam to kill 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria.
  • Has an automatic shut-off feature.

Cons

  • Condensation forms during use, so it makes a watery mess when you take the lid off.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

As a new parent, I found this steamer to be a helpful addition to our daily routine. It's easy to use and does a great job sterilizing our baby's bottles, pump parts, and pacifiers. However, the steamer requires some maintenance, such as cleaning the heating plate with vinegar to prevent corrosion. Additionally, it doesn't dry the items, so I still need to towel dry them or let them air dry, which can take hours and might expose them to bacteria in the environment.

Wabi Baby Touch Sterilizer & Dryer

Best UV Baby Bottle Sterilizer

Did you know you can harness to power of UV rays to sterilize almost anything? Well, you can and this special touch panel, dual function sterilizer, and dryer harnesses that power to make your life easier.

Place your bottles inside and with the single touch of a button start the drying and sterilizing process, which takes approximately 30 minutes. After removing the bottles, wipe them down with a clean cloth. The dual UV bulbs eliminate 99.9 percent of E. coli, Salmonella, Staph, and other harmful bacteria safely and efficiently.

One reason we love the idea of UV rays is the versatility. Not only can you sterilize your baby bottles, but you can safely dry and sterilize practically anything, including jewelry, sunglasses, breast pump parts, and even electronic devices.

Choose from a dry setting, a UV sterilizing setting, or both. This is a great investment for moms with a lot they want to sterilize and dry.

Pros

  • Uses UV rays to dry and sterilize, so you can put almost anything in it.
  • Has multiple setting options.
  • Effectively eliminates 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria.

Cons

  • Takes at least 30 minutes to sterilize, so it’s not great if you’re short on time.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Capacity
3.5 / 5
Compatibility
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

This sterilizer and dryer combo has been a fantastic addition to my baby care routine, as it's incredibly easy to use and highly efficient. I've used it to sterilize my newborn's bottles and pacifiers, as well as my breast pump, with no issues arising so far. The convenience of having both a sterilizer and dryer in one unit has been a real space-saver in my already crowded kitchen, and I appreciate how it keeps everything clean and organized. While the price tag may be a bit steep, the peace of mind knowing that my baby's items are properly sterilized and dried is well worth it.

Baby Brezza Baby Bottle Sterilizer

Best Baby Bottle Sterilizer for Breastfeeding

When you breastfeed, a lot of things change. Suddenly, your schedule revolves around your little one. Many moms who breastfeed also use bottles to store excess milk to ensure their production and flow is maintained while preventing infections and swelling.

This baby bottle sterilizer system is perfect for breastfeeding moms because it allows you to dry and sterilize everything. It fits up to six bottles of any size or shape and can also be used on breast pump parts. Sterilization takes only a few minutes and if you can leave it for longer all of the excess condensation will be dried up with one of the multiple drying settings.

All of the parts are 100 percent BPA-free and can keep items sterilized for up to 24 hours if the machine is not opened. It has an automatic drying mode you can set up, as well as an auto shut-off function.

Pros

  • Great for sterilizing everything you use to breastfeed, not just bottles.
  • Fits every size and shape of the bottle.
  • Multifunctional.

Cons

  • While you can put different breast pump parts inside, it can be hard to make things fit properly.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
4 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with this sterilizer and dryer has been fantastic, especially with a 4-week-old baby. I use it several times a day for pump parts, bottles, and pacifiers, and the dryer feature allows me to quickly dry them between uses. The machine also doubles as a drying rack without the lid, eliminating the need for an additional drying rack on my counter. This product has made cleaning much faster and more straightforward, giving me peace of mind knowing my baby's items are clean and dry.

Bololo Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer

Best Baby Bottle Steam Sterilizer

This steam sterilizer offers versatility – it can be used for bottles, pacifiers, and small toys. It was designed to allow steam to reach deep into the bottle, which creates more thorough sterilization.

Moms might like that this unit has a built-in drying rack. The trays can be taken out of the sterilizer and placed on the counter to allow the bottles to air dry. This sterilizer has a unique HEPA filtration system, which may be reassuring to parents who are worried about exposing their baby to harmful chemicals and pathogens.

Pros

  • It can accommodate a wide variety of bottle brands.
  • Fits up to 12 bottles.
  • The built-in drying rack can hold a variety of items.

Cons

  • Some parents have doubts about the product durability.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
4 / 5
Capacity
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Best decision I ever made as a first-time mom was getting this sterilizer/dryer. Before, I was constantly washing bottles and pump parts, but now I just soak them in soapy water, give them a quick brush, and rinse. This machine does the rest, leaving me with sterile and dry bottles in just an hour. It has a large capacity and is super easy to use, making it a must-have for any parent. Plus, it helps keep my counter clutter-free, as I no longer need to air dry everything. Despite some users experiencing durability issues, mine has worked perfectly fine and is a great time-saver.

Nanobébé Microwave Sterilizer

Best Microwave Baby Bottle Sterilizer

This is one of the most affordable microwave sterilizers available so it’s perfect if you’re on a budget.

Moms who have heard horror stories about their friends being burned by microwave sterilizers may appreciate that this unit has heat-resistant handles that may make moms feel safer taking this sterilizer out of the microwave.

Parents who want a multi-purpose steamer should like that this unit can also be used on pacifiers, teething rings and small toys. It fits all standard-sized microwaves and comes with tongs to help ensure the safe removal of the hot bottles.

Pros

  • Adjustable pegs to faciliate various items for sterilization.
  • Works for both wide-mouth and standard size bottles.
  • It works in as little as four minutes, so it’s great if you need a bottle in a hurry.

Cons

  • The pegs do not fit too snugly at the base.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
3.5 / 5
Capacity
3 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

As a traveling parent, I found this little sterilizer to be incredibly convenient for sterilizing my little one's bottles and pump parts. It's compact, easy to disassemble, and packs well, making it the perfect travel companion. However, I did notice that it doesn't fit full size 9 oz bottles, so it's not as versatile as I would have liked. Despite that minor setback, it's been a reliable and easy-to-use product that has made sterilizing baby items a breeze, especially when following the provided instructions.

Medela Micro Steam Bags

Best Steam Bags

Medela steam bags are a godsend, and sanitize bottles quickly, easily and thoroughly. All you need is a microwave (even a small one) and a little water. The box contains 12 bags that can each be reused 20 times before the seal starts to lose its integrity.

Like other sterilizers, they kill 99.9 percent of germs and best of all: you can keep them sealed until the bottles are needed. You can toss in breast pump shields, nipples, dummies, feeding accessories and more and they’ll get a burst of cleaning steam as well. These take up barely any room – they’re great for use at home but work just as well on trips, as long as you have access to a small microwave.

Pros

  • Very affordable, even more budget-friendly than microwave steamers.
  • Convenient, compact and super easy to use.
  • Portable design which makes them great for trips.

Cons

  • Some moms dislike that there’s no handle to grab the hot bag from the microwave.
  • Despite claims, these bags might melt breast pump tubing.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
3.5 / 5
Capacity
2.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Ease of Use
5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

These sanitizing bags have made my life easier, especially when it comes to sterilizing baby items like bottles, pump parts, and toys. They are so quick and convenient, I no longer have to worry about chemicals from dishwasher soap or waiting for a full cycle. The bags are portable and fit well in my office microwave, making it a breeze to sanitize items at work. I appreciate the numbers on the back to track uses and the clear directions for different microwave wattages. My only minor issue is that I can't fit both pump parts and bottles in the same bag, but rotating them every other day isn't a big deal.

Papablic 5-in-1 Ultra-Fast Baby Bottle Warmer

Best Portable Baby Bottle Sterilizer

While the product is a baby bottle warmer, we double-checked that it too can sterilize baby bottles. Actually, it has five functions. It can be used for steady warming, sterilizing, fast warming, food heating, and defrosting. The Papablic sterilizer removes 99.99 percent of germs and bacteria so your baby’s bottles are as clean as they can be.

With this sterilizer, you can clean bottles, and because it only weighs 1.96 pounds it would be easier for you to bring this while traveling.

It can clean bottles, pacifiers, toys, and nipples. So, once you’ve done the bottles, use it for other items around the house.

It takes a minimum of three minutes for the sterilization process.

Pros

  • Auto-shutoff feature.
  • Multifunctional.
  • Can accommodate almost any baby bottle brands and materials.
  • Sterilizes bottles, pacifiers and nipples.

Cons

  • Can sterilize one item at a time.

Our Ratings

Efficiency
4 / 5
Capacity
2 / 5
Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Community Feedback

In my experience, this bottle warmer has been a valuable addition to our feeding routine. The built-in timer allows for precise warming without overheating, but it may take some trial and error to find the perfect setting for your specific bottles. It's a time saver, as it can warm up a bottle in just a few minutes, all while being hands-free. The warmer's performance is consistent, as long as you measure the correct amount of water and discard any leftovers each time. One minor issue is that the directions might lead to slightly overheated milk, so consider setting the timer for a shorter duration than suggested.

Do I Need to Sterilize My Bottles?

Sterilizing bottles isn’t a necessity, but it’s a step many mothers still choose to take.

A baby’s immune system is fragile for the first year. When you’re a new parent, it feels like germs are everywhere and there’s nothing you can do to avoid exposure — people love to touch and hold your baby. But since nobody likes being labeled a paranoid mommy who won’t let people around her baby, you’re often left ignoring that inner voice telling you to watch out for germs.

While you can’t stop all the germs caused by the doting friends and family members who want to hold your baby, at least you can make sure her bottles aren’t making her sick.

Sterilizing bottles is easy, and it cuts back on the mountain of germs your baby is introduced to daily — and that’s always a good thing in my book. I know I can’t wrap my children in bubble wrap and keep them safe from everything, but if sterilizing bottles prevents even one illness, I think it’s worth it.

How to Choose a Baby Bottle Sterilizer

Here’s what to look for when buying a good electric steamer/sterilizer to keep everything sterile for your little one.

Ease of Use

Some sterilizers are easier to use than others. We recommend electric baby bottle sterilizers if you’re looking for something simple to operate. If you find yourself scratching your head over the instructions or the number of buttons, move on in your search to find something more straightforward.

The Size

You want the unit to be large enough to fit all your bottles. Mothers who are breastfeeding and only use bottles occasionally can get by with a small unit that holds just a few bottles.

You’ll find lots of different sizes available. Some hold a couple, while others can hold up to a dozen!

How Many Bottles It Sterilizes at Once

Women who opt to feed their babies formula will need to sterilize bottles frequently throughout the day. So they’ll want to look for a bigger sterilizer that can handle a larger number of bottles. Some can sterilize a day’s worth of bottles at once, so definitely look around for one that will be most convenient for you.

The Cost

If your cash flow is a bit squeezed now that you’re a parent, cost will be an important consideration. Our choices range from about $15 all the way up to $300 so they are available for various budget sizes. Microwave sterilizers are usually cheaper than other types on the market. You can also use sterilizing bags which are the cheapest, but may more expensive in the long run since you need to dispose of them after a certain number of uses.

Does It Dry

Check if the sterilizer can also dry your bottles. Many can, but microwave sterilizers leave bottles are left wet, and they’ll have to be dried after they’re taken out, adding an extra step to your workload.

Kitchen Space

Some moms might like that microwave sterilizers won’t require any space on their kitchen counters. They can be stored in a cabinet until you need them and they don’t need an outlet to work. If you opt for an electric sterilizer, you’ll have to make some room on your counter for it.

Different Ways to Sterilize a Bottle

There are several ways to sterilize bottles and nipples, some easier than others.

1. Boiling

The way our moms sterilized bottles was to boil them in water on the stove in a pan. The method is simple: immerse each item thoroughly in boiling water for at least 10 minutes. This is cheap and relatively easy to do, although it can wear down bottle nipples with time, so be sure to check them for cracks once in a while.

While boiling is a perfectly good way to sterilize, I’ve always avoided it. I use plastic bottles, and I didn’t like the idea of boiling them because I wasn’t confident that harmful chemicals wouldn’t leach out when heated.

2. UV Light

UV bottle sterilizers are one of the newest methods for sterilization and use ultraviolet light to kill germs. If you go this route, be prepared to pay dearly – these units cost several times what you’d pay for an electric or microwave sterilizer. Though they work well, the cost puts them out of reach for those of us who aren’t prepared to skip a car payment to afford one.

Pros

  • Effectively kills 99.9% of germs, viruses and bacteria.

Cons

  • Relatively expensive.

3. Cold Water Sterilizing Solution

This method requires you to immerse your bottles and accessories in cold water in which you’ve dissolved a substance that will kill bacteria. The sterilizer usually comes in a dissolveable tablet form that can be used to sanitize just about anything, not just bottles.

Pros

  • This method is affordable

Cons

  • A little environmentally unfriendly.
  • Perhaps not as thorough as other methods.

4. Steaming

Times have changed since we were babies, and there is a simpler way to do things today. You can now use steam to sterilize bottles, either with an electric steam sterilizer or a microwaveable one as shown below.

Microwave Steamers

These steamers are simple in design. To use, simply fill with water and place in the microwave for a few minutes to generate sterilizing steam.

Pros

  • They’re typically cheap and easy to use.
  • They can be taken on trips and used anywhere there’s a microwave.

Cons

  • They may scald you when you remove them from the microwave.
  • Some models may end up melting more delicate items.
  • Microwaveable steamer bags are cheaper still but may require a little more practice to use. They are, however, the best choice for travel.

Electric Steamers

Plugin and sterilize your bottles with the press of a button.

Pros

  • They’re pricier than microwave sterilizers.
  • Some parents find them more thorough.
  • A few models come with a handy drying function.

Cons

  • These kinds of sterilizers offer more variability in size, price, and design, as you get a whole appliance dedicated just to bottle sterilization.
  • Bigger units can hog the kitchen counter space.
  • If you live in a hard water area, these will need to be descaled regularly.

Baby Bottle Sterilizer FAQs

How Do I Use a Bottle Sterilizer?

Depending on your sterilizer model, you’ll follow different methods for getting those perfectly clean, fresh bottles. First, wash everything in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher. Next, load up the sterilizer with clean bottles and add the appropriate amount of water to the unit.

For microwave sterilizers, put it inside the microwave for the recommended time. Remove and allow bottles to cool inside until they’re needed, or use immediately. Dry with a clean, soft cloth. Let the steam dissipate before reaching into the microwave to prevent burns.

For electric sterilizers, turn the unit on and let it get to work. If you’ve got a model that also dries, wait for the drying cycle to complete. Most models will keep your bottles sterile if left inside for 24 hours.

When Can You Stop Sterilizing Bottles?

There’s no point in sterilizing bottles once a baby becomes mobile or begins to grab at every (dirty) thing she sees (1).

Remember

When your child is old enough to make the connection that she can grab things and put them in her mouth, she’s going to be introduced to more germs that will possibly accumulate in her bottles.

After you stop sterilizing, though, you should be certain that you’re doing a top-notch job of cleaning the bottles and nipples. And if your baby has an illness (2), you should sterilize her bottles until she is healthy again. You don’t want to reintroduce any germs to her recovering immune system.

How Can You Clean/Descale a Sterilizer?

Your sterilizer will come with detailed cleaning instructions, but as a rule, most removable parts of any unit can be washed with mild soap and water, while the rest can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Limescale build-up looks like a yellow or white discoloration on the sterilizer’s heating pad. This can be removed at home with ordinary white vinegar or even lemon juice: simply soak for 30 minutes overnight and rinse off well, followed by an empty cycle to dislodge any residue.

Can I Use a Bottle Sterilizer for My Breast Pump?

Again, your specific breast pump will have come with instructions for cleaning. Check these to see if the breast pump parts can go into the dishwasher.

After you’re done using your pump, use soap and water to wash any part that’s come into contact with breast milk. Allow to air dry (drying cloths can introduce bacteria again) before reassembling everything, and you’re good to go. Thorough home sterilization isn’t really possible, but you can sanitize breast pump parts adequately by simply washing, or using your bottle sterilizer (3).

Before you pop anything into your sterilizer though, check the manual for both the sterilizer and the breast pump to ensure it’s safe. If you’re unsure or want to save yourself the extra work, rest assured that daily sterilization is not necessary and you can clean breast pump accessories with just soap and water.

Which Bottle Sterilizer is Best?

There are so many good baby bottle sterilizers out there but the best choice for you will depend on what works for your lifestyle. But start by looking at the three main categories which include electric steam sterilizers, microwave sterilizers, and UV sterilizers.

You’ll want a sterilizer that can accommodate not just the size but also the number of bottles you use, has an auto-shut-off feature, and is simple to clean and store.

One of the best bottle sterilizers is the Papabilic Sterilizer because it can handle a large load of bottles at one time.

Is a Bottle Sterilizer Really Necessary?

It’s totally possible to sterilize bottles using other common methods like hand-washing and then boiling them in water. But a bottle sterilizer offers you so much more convenience.

With a sterilizer, you can be sure that your baby’s bottles are being thoroughly cleaned and sterilized, without the risk of damage or contamination from other timely methods.

Are UV or Steam Sterilizers Better?

Both UV and steam sterilizers are extremely effective at killing nasty bacteria and unwanted germs that quickly grow on baby bottles. But UV sterilizers tend to take longer to sterilize the bottles and need a special bulb that needs to be replaced periodically.

Steam sterilizers are faster and more convenient to use but require regular descaling to prevent mineral buildup.

Should Bottles be Dry Before Putting in Sterilizer?

No, it’s not entirely necessary to dry your baby’s bottles before putting them in a sterilizer, but excess water can affect the sterilization process.

So, shake off any excess water before loading the bottles in the sterilizer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.

Do Bottle Warmers Destroy Breast Milk?

Bottle warmers are specially designed to warm up milk to a safe and comfortable temperature for your baby, without destroying the nutrients in breast milk.

But make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal safety and avoid overheating the milk, which can not only be dangerous but also destroy some of the nutrients.

How Often Should I Sterilize Baby Bottles?

You should definitely sterilize your baby’s bottles at least once a day, or after each use if your baby is less than three months old or has a weakened immune system. After three months, you can switch to sterilizing the bottles once every day or so or as needed.

What Age Do You Stop Sterilizing Baby Bottles?

Once your baby reaches the age of six months old or starts crawling around, they’re immediately exposed to more bacteria and their immune system becomes much stronger.

At this point, you can choose to stop sterilizing their bottles and switch to washing them with hot, soapy water. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly so there’s no soap residue in their milk.


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Headshot of Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Reviewed by

Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN, is a pediatric intensive care nurse at Children's Hospital of New York for the past 14 years. Jennifer also has extensive experience teaching Maternity and Obstetric Nursing, as well as Pediatrics Nursing.