Basics of Washing and Sterilizing
New to washing breastfeeding items or just looking for the best updated method? Then we’ve got you covered! Share this with anyone helping you carry the load of cleaning everything. Consistency is key to long term cleanliness.
Always wash your hands before handling breast milk. Make sure any collection of breast milk is done with clean parts/containers. Pumping parts should be washed with HOT water and breastmilk removal soap at minimum once a day. I’m referring to specific bottle soaps (like Dapple or Medela) and not typical dish soap. Make sure all parts and bottles are kept in a separate container to prevent them from getting mixed into your daily dishes or picking up bacteria from your sink. You will place the container in the sink and fill it with breastmilk removal soap and hot water. Add the same soap to your bottle brushes and scrub both the inside and outside of every piece. Make sure to scrub all the nooks and crannies too. Doing so prevents any bacteria from being left behind. Rinse with hot water and place on a clean drying rack with plenty of ventilation to avoid mold. Some families even grab a small fan to aid in drying parts quicker. Sterilizing is not typically required unless instructed by your child’s healthcare provider. When purchasing new feeding items like pump parts, bottles, nipples, or pacifiers, manufacturers typically instruct you to wash and boil them before first use. Some materials are easier to warp than others, so be cautious when boiling directly in a pot or using a steam sterilizer as the heat is not evenly distributed. To easily accomplish this, you can boil water and pour it into a separate, clean bowl and add items to it for the amount of time directed by the manufacturer.