Baby feeding bottles sterilizer

Best Bottle Sterilizers 2023

The best bottle sterilizers streamline a time-consuming parental chore: constant bottle washing. Keeping baby bottles washed, dried and sterilized isn’t as simple as doing the dishes, especially for first-timers. Babies can go through up to eight or more bottles a day—and many baby bottles have tiny parts that require special care to scrub and dry. Add feeding supplies, pacifiers, breast pump parts, teethers and baby toys to the mix, and your kitchen counter quickly becomes covered with baby gear. The best bottle sterilizers help you organize and complete this task faster, so you have a full, happy baby and more time for snuggles.

Keep your baby bottles clean and ready for the next feeding with one of these best bottle ... [+] sterilizers.

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To prep baby bottles, you need to clean them with hot water and soap and then sterilize them to kill germs. “Cleaning and sterilization are not the same,” explains Sarah Huff, community and customer service manager for BabyQuip, a California-based company that rents and deep cleans baby gear like car seats, strollers and sterilizers. “Cleaning involves hot water and soap. Sterilization involves using heat or chemicals to kill germs and microbes.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sterilizing bottles until babies are at least 2 months old or longer if they are immunocompromised or premature. You can use a dishwasher with a high heat or sanitize setting or boil items on the stovetop, but the best bottle sterilizers make cleanup much faster and easier.

Huff’s key advice: “Make sure the sterilizer you choose is the right size for the type of bottles you’re using for your baby. Not all sterilizers are made to hold all types and sizes of bottles and parts.”

Read on to learn more about the best sanitizers for baby bottles and more. You might also want to check out our articles on the best bottle warmers, best breast pumps, nursing bras and tested best high chairs.

Best Overall Bottle Sterilizer: Wabi Baby Electric Steam Sterilizer And Dryer
Best Value Bottle Sterilizer: Dr. Brown’s Clean Steam Baby Bottle And Pacifier Sterilizer And Dryer
Best Large Capacity Bottle Sterilizer: Chicco Advanced Electric Steam Sterilizer And Dryer
Fastest Bottle Sterilizer: Baby Brezza Superfast Sterilizer Dryer
Best Combination Bottle Sterilizer And Warmer: Dr. Brown's Deluxe Bottle Warmer And Sterilizer
Best Microwave Bottle Sterilizer: Nanobebe Microwave Steam Sterilizer
Best Bottle Sterilizer Microwave Bags: Munchkin Jumbo Microwave Sterilizer Bags

Amazon

Wabi Baby Electric Steam Sterilizer And Dryer

Capacity: Up to 8 bottles | Modes: Sterilize, dry, storage, descale | Cycle time: 18 minutes (sterilize and dry)

This Wabi Baby sterilizer is so sturdy that BabyQuip stocks it to rent to traveling parents. “It holds up very well, holds a lot of bottles and pieces and is super simple to use,” says Huff. It has a unique storage mode that automatically restarts the sanitize cycle every four hours, so you can keep bottles in it and know that they’re as germ-free as possible. You have the option to run sanitize, dry and store settings by pushing one button. We also like the descale mode to help maintain it. The water you use in any sanitizer can leave traces of minerals behind that build up over time; a soak in vinegar and scrub removes it. Wabi Baby makes it a little more straightforward to do with its descale mode and descaling solution that will be familiar to those who do this with their coffee makers.

What the reviews say: Compared with the hassle and time involved in stovetop sterilizing, shoppers say this countertop model takes a little bit of the stress out of the day. “I purchased this sterilizer a week or two into having our newborn once I realized that boiling water to sterilize the multiple bottles all day was just completely overwhelming,” says one Amazon reviewer. “This is by far one of the most used and godsend items we purchased. I still use it now for my toddler.”

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Dr. Brown's Clean Steam Baby Bottle And Pacifier Sterilizer And Dryer

Capacity: 6 bottles plus accessories | Modes: Sterilize, dry, auto (sterilize and dry) | Cycle time: 10 minutes to sterilize, another 45 minutes to dry

This sterilizer and dryer fits much more than its Dr. Brown’s bottles and their vexing little parts. The main compartment is wide enough for breast pump flanges and milk containers, and the upper tray (which is not removable) holds and corrals tons of pacifiers and duckbill valves into their own separate area for cleaning. It lacks a digital display and other bells and whistles, but it gets the job done, holds plenty and is easy to use. It also uses two HEPA filters for solid cleaning of airborne particles during the dry cycle.

What the parents say: I personally used this sterilizer right after my daughter was born. We chose it because we use Dr. Brown’s bottles (I had heard that feeding specialists recommend them), and it’s designed to fit them with room to spare; the 8-ounce bottles are too tall to fit in some other sterilizers. I mostly used distilled water, but there were times when I didn’t have any and used filtered tap water in a pinch. We do have hard water in our area, and I found that scale built up quickly, and I wasn’t able to remove it effectively. I ended up recycling and replacing the unit after about six months, so I would only recommend this inexpensive pick if you have access to filtered or distilled water.

Amazon

Chicco Advanced Electric Steam Sterilizer And Dryer

Capacity: 6 bottles plus accessories | Modes: Sterilize, dry, sterilize and dry, delay start | Cycle time: 40 minutes for full cycle

This large sterilizer has a slim, sleek profile and open main chamber to fit bottles of all sizes. Surprise! It has a mini mode too: You can set the upper tray on the base to use solo for smaller items like pacifiers and nipples. It doesn’t require distilled water—tap is fine—and the metal heating plate is coated with ceramic to help prevent mineral buildup and rust.

What the parents say: I personally switched to this bottle sterilizer when my daughter was about 8 months old. I wanted a unit that could dry lots of bottles at once and sterilize and dry a day’s worth of breast pump parts in a second load. I find that it dries items fully on the first try–it really does remove all condensation, as the company claims. I also love how much the top tray of this sterilizer can hold, and I appreciate that it has an alert that tells you when to run its descale mode. (I’ve been using it for about a month with tap water, and I haven’t needed to do this yet.) My only quibble is that it’s not quite tall enough to close when I load it with the 8-ounce Dr. Brown’s baby bottles.

Baby Brezza

Baby Brezza Superfast Sterilizer Dryer

Capacity: 6 bottles and 2 pump parts sets | Modes: Sterilize, dry, sterilize and dry, storage | Cycle time: 10 minutes

This Baby Brezza sterilizer and dryer is the fastest I’ve come across yet. Other sterilizers take at least a half hour to sterilize and dry. This one sterilizes in six minutes and dries in four minutes—less time than it takes to change a wiggly baby’s diaper. Other benefits include a good capacity (six bottles, plus room for a few more small items), flexible space for a variety of bottles and a relatively small footprint. Of course, it has a steep price tag to match its power clean speed, but for those who plan on primarily bottle feeding, those with multiples or for any busy parent who is tired of waiting on the bottles to dry, this bottle sterilizer might just be worth the splurge.

What the reviews say: Parents love how this Baby Brezza unit simplifies bottle prep and who wouldn’t? This bottle sterilizer truly lets you claw back some extra minutes, or at the very least, get that bottle ready faster. “We bought this product more for the drying capabilities than the sanitizing function,” says one. “I HATE washing and drying bottles, and this has made that process so much easier and more convenient. This is a must-have product in my opinion.”

Amazon

Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer And Sterilizer

Capacity: 1 bottle or jar of food | Modes: Warm, sterilize | Cycle time: Not listed

Have a discerning baby who prefers their milk warmed? This little device not only sterilizes baby bottles and storage containers, but it also gently steams formula, fresh, refrigerated or frozen milk and food to get it to the just-right temperature. Glass and plastic bottles are both OK to use in this simple bottle warmer, and there’s an auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating. Just remember that there’s room for only one bottle in this sterilizer, so if you plan to do lots of sterilizing and lots of bottle feeding, you might want to consider a device with more capacity.

What the reviews say: Some reviewers note it’s difficult to fill the water tank without spilling and that the temperature settings can be imprecise, but others think its two-in-one design wins the day. “Great two in one!” says one Amazon reviewer. “Sometimes the temps are off when warming bottles but it’s easy to adjust. Other than that, wonderful sterilizer! Definitely recommend if you’re looking to save money and want a warmer and sterilizer.”

Nanobebe

Nanobebe Microwave Steam Sterilizer

Capacity: 2 to 3 bottles as well as parts | Modes: 1 | Cycle time: 4 minutes

If you need to sterilize bottles or pump parts while you’re at work or while traveling, this little sterilizing pod is for you. It goes right in the microwave and does its job in four minutes. It’s also a great option for people who don’t want to allocate kitchen counter space to a full-size sterilizer, or if you’re looking for a more affordable sterilizer. With a 9.8-inch square base and a height of 6.7 inches, this Nanobebe model fits in most current microwaves. Its interior pegs are removable to hold a variety of baby items. Unlike other sterilizers, it’s less likely to burn your hands when you take it out because the handles are made of heat-resistant rubber. It’s also dishwasher safe—win!

What the reviews say: Microwave sterilizers may not dry items as fully as countertop sterilizers do, but they’re really fast and many reviewers appreciate the convenience of them. “My wife and I love this sterilizer,” wrote a Walmart reviewer. “With a newborn in the house we are constantly sterilizing bottles, pacifiers and other things baby is dropping or putting in the mouth. Helps to know they are germ free.” Others called it “quick” and “simple to use.” Some reviewers don’t appreciate its girth and lack of height, though.

Amazon

Munchkin Jumbo Microwave Bottle Sterilizer Bags (6-Pack)

Capacity: Up to 8 bottles or sets of pump parts | Modes: 1 | Cycle time: 3 to 7 minutes, depending on your microwave

These 8 x 10-inch sterilizer bags are the ideal on-the-go solution. Many other sterilizer bags aren’t big enough to fit everything you need to do at once. One of these holds a full day’s worth of bottle and breast pump parts, which makes them extra handy at the office or just whenever you’re in a hurry. Each one can be used up to 30 times, and there’s a handy graphic on the front to track your usage. Let it cool 10 minutes before snagging the bag by its neatly marked heatproof corner and open the steam release tab.

What the parents say: I use these bags whenever my daughter and I travel to sterilize my breast pump parts and her teethers. I also love to travel with single-use sterilizing wipes, but I try to use them sparingly. These bags can be reused up to 30 times, so they feel a bit less wasteful to me. I appreciate how the handle keeps me from burning myself when I’m taking them out of the microwave in a hurry. It took me a little while to realize there’s also a built-in spout to pour out the hot water, but it makes emptying the bag much easier.

How We Chose The Best Bottle Sanitizers

I researched the bestselling baby bottle sterilizers on the market, spoke with Huff and other parents and looked into the top sanitizing features to compile this curated article. Also, as a mother to a new baby who relies heavily on bottles, I have tested out several sanitizers myself and fully understand how useful this type of gear can be to busy parents. I’m also a shopping writer and reviewer who regularly tests and reviews baby products, beauty items and more lifestyle items. We update this piece regularly to ensure accuracy. It was last updated in February 2023.

Are Bottle Sterilizers Worth It?

That depends on your baby, your personal comfort levels and your feeding style. Everyone has to sanitize many baby items things at least one time: when you unbox them. You can do that by boiling them in hot water, soaking them in diluted bleach, wiping them with special sanitizer wipes for baby items or running them through a dishwasher’s sanitize cycle. (Note: Some dishwashers’ sanitize cycles work better than others. Look for NSF Certification; this label guarantees a dishwasher “achieves a minimum 99.999 percent or 5-log reduction of bacteria” and reaches “a final rinse temperature of 150 degrees F.”) All of these methods kill germs effectively.

Items like breast pump parts have to be sanitized at least once a day, if not after every use. You may be using them seven to eight times a day. I can tell you from experience that a countertop sterilizer makes that much easier to do without losing your mind.

Beyond that, how often and how long you plan to sterilize your baby’s gear will determine whether a bottle sterilizer will be worth the investment for you. As I mentioned earlier, the CDC recommends sanitizing baby bottles and feeding supplies for the first two months of your baby’s life. If they have a condition that causes them to be immunocompromised or born prematurely, you may be sterilizing items for longer.

If you don’t sterilize all of your baby’s things daily, a bottle sterilizer can be really helpful for its drying function alone. Even in the latest, greatest dishwashers, items like baby bottles and nipples tend to hang onto condensation, and sometimes it just doesn’t evaporate no matter how long you let them sit on the bottle drying rack. If you need to pack bottles for daycare or your babysitter, a sterilizer gets them dry so you can assemble them and move on.

Is A Steam Or UV Bottle Sanitizer Better?

UV sanitizing is as effective as steam sanitizing, but it may be more convenient for some. Steam sanitizers must be filled with water; if you have hard water, scale builds up quickly. That isn’t an issue with full-size countertop UV sterilizers, which rely on UV light to kill germs. Wabi Baby, the makers of Huff’s favorite model and our best overall pick, makes a highly rated UV countertop bottle sterilizer. You can also buy a diaper-bag-size UV sterilizer to kill germs on frequently dropped items like pacifiers and toys.

Do You Need To Dry Bottles After Sanitizing?

It depends on the sanitization method you use. If you use a countertop bottle sterilizer that has a sanitize-and-dry setting, it will use a fan to dry your bottles after it sanitizes them, so you won’t need to dry them separately. If you’re using a steam sanitizer unit that doesn’t have a drying setting (such as a microwave unit or bag), then you should ideally let baby items air dry on a drying rack to avoid reintroducing germs. Air-drying is also recommended after using wipes or a chemical solution.

Is A Sterilizer Better Than Boiling?

A sterilizer won’t get your baby’s things cleaner than boiling—they’re equals in that department. What a sterilizer does better is save you time and effort. “You can definitely stick to the boiling method. However, countertop sterilizers are much more convenient and take care of the job much faster,” says Huff.

How Effective Are Bottle Sterilizers?

Steam bottle sanitizers, if used properly, get your baby gear as clean as possible, killing up to 99. 9% of germs. To maintain your bottle sanitizer for effective cleaning, Huff recommends wiping it down with white vinegar and rinsing out the water chamber once a week.

11 Best Baby Bottle Sterilizers (2023 Reviews)

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

We love honesty! Mom Loves Best earns a commission through the following hand-picked links at no extra cost to you.

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Model

Product Comparison Table

Features

Best All-In-One Sterlizer

Papablic Baby

Can handle very large loads
Dries bottles thoroughly
Quicker sterilization cycle

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Best Easy to Operate Sterilizer

Dr. Brown's

Includes several accessories
Cycle indicator
Comes with an accessory tray

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Best Value for Money

Philips Avent Microwave

Cheaper than other options
Sterilize four bottles at a time
Sterilizes in under 2 minutes

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Best Electric Sterilizer

Tommee Tippee

Easy to clean and store
Cools down rapidly
Has HEPA filter

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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

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Best UV Sterilizer

Wabi Baby Touch

Uses UV rays to dry and sterilize
Multiple setting options
Eliminates 99.9% germs and bacteria

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Best for Breastfeeding

Baby Brezza Dryer Machine

Fits every size and shape
Multifunctional
Sterilizes various breastfeeding utensils

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Best Steam Sterilizer

Bololo Steam Sterilizer and Dryer

Accommodates variety of bottle brands
Fits up to 12 bottles
Safe filtration system

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Best Microwave Sterilizer

Nanobébé Microwave

Most affordable microwave sterilizers
Multi-purpose steamer
Heat-resistant rubber handles

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Best Steam Bags

Medela Micro Bags

Very affordable
Convenient, compact, easy to use
Portable design for trips away

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Table of Contents

Our Top Picks
The Best Baby Bottle Sterilizers of 2023
Do I Need to Sterilize My Bottles?
Different Ways to Sterilize a Bottle
How to Choose a Baby Bottle Sterilizer
Baby Bottle Sterilizer FAQs

The Best Baby Bottle Sterilizers of 2023

Here are 11 excellent baby bottle sterilizers to consider.

1. Papablic Steam Sterilizer and Dryer

Best All-In-One Baby Bottle Sterilizer

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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.

2. Dr. Brown's Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer

Best Easy to Operate Baby Bottle Sterilizer

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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.

3. Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer

Best Budget Baby Bottle Sterilizer

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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.

4. Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Sterilizer

Best Electric Baby Bottle Sterilizer

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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.

5. Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer

Best for Small Spaces Baby Bottle Sterilizer

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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.

6. Wabi Baby Touch Sterilizer & Dryer

Best UV Baby Bottle Sterilizer

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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.

7. Baby Brezza Baby Bottle Sterilizer

Best Baby Bottle Sterilizer for Breastfeeding

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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.

8. Bololo Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer

Best Baby Bottle Steam Sterilizer

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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.

9. Nanobébé Microwave Sterilizer

Best Microwave Baby Bottle Sterilizer

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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.

10. Medela Micro Steam Bags

Best Steam Bags

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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.

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

Best Portable Baby Bottle Sterilizer

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 to 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.

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HOW TO STERILIZE PHILIPS AVENT BOTTLES

Teats and bottles harbor millions of microbes. They are not afraid of boiling water, soda and detergents. The only thing that kills them is hot steam, which literally dissolves bacilli with a probability of up to 99.9%. Porridge and milk keep longer. A formula-fed baby is less likely to get sick.

So, mums, end your feeding with poorly washed bottles and learn how to disinfect them the way our grandmothers did. Only in a new way.

How to sterilize baby bottles

Washing with a brush or sponge is a must after every feeding. And it is better to sterilize in the evening or in the morning, in order to get rid of all pathogenic bacteria and not worry about the cleanliness of children's accessories.

When doing this, you must follow the safety rules: otherwise you can inadvertently scald or deform plastic dishes.

Below are three general guidelines for sterilizing baby bottles.

The utensil must not be immersed in boiling water, otherwise it will soften and melt.
Glasses and bottles are placed with their neck down: so that the steam cleans the inside, and the condensate flows down the walls into a bowl.
Bottles must not touch the sides of the pan as they may melt and stick to them.

After sterilization, it is better not to remove the dishes from the container for about ten minutes. It should cool down to a comfortable temperature. And if you really need it, you should use tongs, oven mitts or a kitchen towel folded in several layers.

By the way: Baby utensils: how to choose - 4 key parameters to help

How to sterilize pacifiers for babies?

Teats are sterilized in the same way as bottles, but with the base down - to steam not only the outer, but also the inner walls. And let the moisture drain.

Types of sterilization

Two types of sterilization are used for the treatment of children's utensils - steam and dry heat.

In the first case, the vessel is steamed.
In the second - washed and still wet bottles are heated in the oven, sterilizer, microwave, multicooker and even in the dishwasher, which supports steam treatment at 80+ ° C.

Life hack: how to steam bottles and other things with sterilization bags (such as Nuvita NV1087)
- Put dishes in food bags.
- Pour 60-70 ml of water into them.
- Microwave for 2-3 minutes.

The sterilization process is as simple as a copper penny. Evaporating moisture destroys pathogenic (and not only) microbes from various surfaces. Materials exposed to hot air and steam do not creak from cleanliness, but are sterile and safe for health.

In this way, not only nipples and bottles are disinfected, but also brushes, bowls, thermoses and cups like Avent SCF796/01 and so on.

Interesting article: When did the first baby stroller appear: 10 facts from history

Microwaveable

The microwave oven offers 3 sterilization options. Not all of them are suitable for processing nipples.

Place the bottles in a glass or ceramic dish → fill it with water → cover with a lid → put the microwave on maximum power for 5-7 minutes.
Pour water into the bottle 1-1.5 cm from the bottom → microwave for 3-5 minutes. The nipples will have to be washed separately.
In the Nuvita type microwave sterilizer (NV1085), it is enough to put the container → pour water → click on the valve → set the device to work for 5-8 minutes.

Picking up a hot dish is easier with tongs or oven mitts.

Sterilization in the microwave gives its advantages and disadvantages, described in the table: the inner bowl of the multicooker. So that the saucepan does not smell like food, otherwise bottles or children's dishes will take over this smell.

The subsequent sterilization process in the multicooker is similar to microwave.

Pour ≈ 1-1.5 liters of water into the bowl.
Place the steam rack and place the bottles upside down.
Seal the steam device hermetically.
Set "Steam" mode to 15 minutes or "Sterilize" mode.
Remove the dishes and cover with a towel to cool completely.

This method also has its pros and cons.

Sterilizer

Children's sterilizer is an electrical device for processing utensils. Works carefully, the bottle will not crack due to overheating.

Everything is calculated with medical precision in the method of steaming with a sterilizer. The device holds up to 6-8 bottles and the same number of nipples. A great example of such a device is the Philips Avent 3-in-1 steam sterilizer. It is ideal for a family with several kids.

How the device works is as simple as it gets. It consists of step by step actions.

Pour cold water into the tank (how much is indicated in the instructions).
Place pre-cleaned bottles in special niches. This should be done upside down.
Close cover.
Switch on the sterilizer for 7-15 minutes.
Let the device “cool down” for 5-7 minutes. This is necessary so that you do not accidentally burn yourself with steam.

If the use of the bottles "does not burn", then they can be left under a closed lid - so they will be sterile for another 4-5 hours. If you need to get one of the bottles, take only it, and close the rest of the clean bottles with lids.

Before putting the dishes into the sterilizer, make sure they are clean. The device removes germs and odor, but does not cope with pollution.

Read: Top 5 Best Convertible Strollers

Avoid Sterilization Mistakes: 4 Common

Many parents make basic mistakes that are best addressed in advance.

1. Unwashed or poorly washed utensils
Leftover food provokes the reproduction of microflora and can cause stomach problems in a child. And sterilization does not wash out food residues - only cleaning can do this.

2. Pot boiling
You can't boil! The maximum allowable temperature for children's utensils is 110 ° C. And often it is even less. Otherwise, the bottles may melt.

3. Installation in a steamer and microwave without water is contraindicated
The device will burn, and the dishes will melt.

4. Sterilization of dishes with visible chips and cracks
Microbes accumulate and multiply in them, which can cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and not only.

Note: TOP-10 strollers with inflatable wheels

Pros and cons of sterilization

Each parent has his own opinion about sterilization, but there are definitely no indifferent to this issue.

Arguments "For" and "Against" are summarized in the final table:

So when choosing "to sterilize or not", everyone decides for himself. However, if the child is often fed in public places where it is impossible to verify the cleanliness of the surfaces, it is advisable to at least wash the dishes thoroughly in very hot water.

Read: TOP-5 baby tricycles

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