Why You Should Not Boil Baby's Feeding Bottle?

Did the neighbor auntyji tell you that you're just throwing money away on all this fancy baby equipment? Did she tell you that you just need to immerse your baby's feeding bottles in boiling water, and voila – they're sterilized? Boiling a child's feeding bottles is an age-old practice in Indian homes—our mothers and grandmothers have been sterilizing bottles by boiling them. Unfortunately, it doesn't really solve the issue of sterilizing the baby bottles. Doctors now unanimously agree that boiling bottles does not kill all bacteria. So then what is the ideal method if not boiling?

Why Should I Not Boil My Baby's Feeding Bottles?

Boiling doesn't ensure bottles are absolutely germ-free. Read why not to boil baby feeding bottles...

1. Sterilization means killing 100% of bacteria. When we boil the bottles, we think that bottles are sterilized. However, hard-shelled bacteria spores don't get destroyed by boiling water
2. Newborns are at a higher risk of infections as their immunity levels do not develop until they are about 2 years old
3. It is therefore critical that they are protected well by sterilizing everything that they are exposed to, especially food and utensils that they use. To do this, boiling is not enough

How Can I Sterilize My Baby's Bottles from Bacteria?

One of the simplest ways for you, as a new mother, to sterilize feeding bottles would be to use a steam sterilizer. A sterilizer uses natural steam to sterilize baby bottles and other products without using chemicals. It is better to choose a sterilizer that is spacious enough to accommodate not only bottles but also other accessories, soothers, toys - anything that may find its way into a baby's mouth! You can even keep your breast pump clean by sterilizing it after every use. [Also Read: Natural Ways to Treat Drool Rash in Your Baby]

Why Should You Use A Steam Sterilizer?

Besides the simplicity of its use, here are some important reasons for you to use a steam sterilizer. Read more...

#1. Hygiene

1. Kills Harmful Bacteria: Steam kills all bacteria, boiling doesn't
2. Thorough Cleaning: Steam reaches every nook and corner of a bottle or breast pump part, while water may not reach everywhere
3. Convenient Storage: You can store sterilized utensils in the sterilizer itself. Boiled bottles, when taken out, are again exposed to unclean air and germs
4. Salt Deposits: The most common problem in boiling is that dissolved salts and minerals in the water stick to boiled utensils and can be harmful

#2. Convenience

Given all the factors, sterilization is safe for babies while being quicker and hassle-free for parents...

1. No Monitoring: Sterilizers have an auto cut-off and there is no risk of bottles touching the utensil and melting! Spend this time with the baby instead of in kitchen watching the bottles boil
2. Quick: Sterilizers can take as less as 6 minutes, while boiling takes 15-20 minutes
3. Ease of Use: Electric sterilizers need only an electrical point and a cup of water to sterilize when traveling, while boiling requires access to a kitchen, stove, and a whole container of water
4. Guarantee: With a brand like Philips Avent, you get a 2-year replacement guarantee if there is a manufacturing defect. So you have no need to worry about time-consuming repairs if there's an issue
5. Anywhere, Anytime: You can even sterilize your baby's bottles in the comfort of your bedroom, and not stand in the kitchen since you only need an electric point for this to work

Which Sterilizer Should I Choose?

Here are some tips to choose the ideal sterilizer for sterilizing your baby's feeding bottles and other accessories:

1. Guarantee, not just warranty: Look for a 'replacement guarantee' instead of a 'repair warranty'. Sign of better quality and a tension-free usage
2. Brand matters: Choose a good brand, to ensure high quality and good service support
3. Adjustable Size: Smaller size can be used during travel and larger at home when you have more items to sterilize
4. Speed: The faster the better. Sterilizers can take as little time as six minutes to sterilize your baby's bottles. It will make a difference when you are in a rush and out of bottles for a crying baby

So decide what works for you and choose what is best for you and your baby. Stop boiling your baby's feeding bottles, and opt for the most convenient sterilizer!

Did you find our blog on using a sterilizer instead of boiling for sterilizing your baby's bottles useful? Share your feedback with us in the comments section!