As a parent, it can be nerve-wracking to ensure your baby’s safety. You might have researched how to prepare baby food in the safest ways possible. You’ve probably searched how to correctly heat breast milk to feed your infant. And as your baby transitions from suckling to holding their feeding bottle, it is vital to learn to clean baby feeding items with the safest methods. Being lenient with cleaning your baby’s bottles, pacifiers, and nipples is a big no-no.
Here are five safest ways to clean your baby’s feeding items at home.
Use Boiling Water
Sterilizing baby bottles in hot water is the most well-known method. Doctors recommend boiling the feeding items in the water for at least fifteen to twenty minutes to eliminate all bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in the water. Doing so ensures that your baby’s bottles, teether, and pacifiers will be squeaky clean.
To keep your baby’s feeding items clean and disinfected, it is wise to use a pot designated for sterilizing them. You wouldn’t want to use saucepans and cookers with food particles and grease that may contaminate your baby’s milk bottles and teethers.
Avoid using soap or any harsh cleaners with your boiling water. The chemicals in these cleaners may be toxic for your baby. Instead, use sterilizing tablets or solutions for an extra clean and bacteria purge on your baby’s feeding items.
Check For Tears and Cracks In Nipples
Microorganisms can thrive in tepid temperatures. Future tenants of rent-to-own houses in Las Piñas should consider storing their baby’s feeding items in dry, cold places to keep them disinfected for longer. After cleaning all baby feeding items, check for cracks or tears on the nipples. If you spot any other holes or cracks, it is best to throw them away. The wear and tear on feeding bottle nipples mean they are old and have to be replaced. Plus, the tears and gaps are hotbeds for bacteria, viruses, and parasites to breed.
Use a UV Sterilizer
Suppose you are looking for a safe, convenient, and foolproof way to clean baby feeding items. In that case, a UV sterilizer will be your best friend. Certain brands highlight their sterilizers’ UV light technology that safely disinfects feeding bottles, baby spoons, teethers, and pacifiers without heat or cleaning solutions. UV sterilizers are great tools to neutralize harmful pathogens, such as the coronavirus, on your baby’s feeding items.
Try Using Your Microwave
Apparently, your microwave isn’t limited to reheating your leftovers or popping your favorite butter kernels. Thoroughly clean your microwave before using it as a sterilizer for nipples, spoons, and pacifiers. Microwave for at least two minutes to ensure a thorough clean and sanitation.
Wash Your Hands
Before doing any of the previous four sterilization methods, wash your hands properly. Doing so prevents the transfer of dirt and deadly bacteria to your baby’s bottles and nipples.
The bottom line of sterilizing your baby’s feeding items is proper sanitation and storage. Follow these five cleaning and sanitation steps every time you finish feeding your baby. Doing so ensures your child’s safety and wellness.