Zap those germs before you know it with the best baby bottle sterilizer. As a new parent, you’re likely anxious about protecting your baby from the big bad world. It’s true that sterilizing bottles, toys, and feeding items is a step you don’t think about as a bare essential. Most developed states offer ensure treated municipal water and washing baby items with soapy, warm water gets the job done. But don’t discard bottle sterilizers so soon.
It’s super important to eliminate harmful germs from the baby items. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sanitizing feeding parts, toys and baby bottles is vital for infants and premature babies who have weaker immune systems. Even if your baby is in top shape, you should still sanitize the items your little one can pop in her/ his mouth.
As a new mom, you’re likely wondering how to choose the best bottle sterilizer. Check how many bottles the unit can hold and what it can sterilize. Make sure the device’s features suits your needs. For example, some sterilizers include functions such as milk warmers or driers.
Verify the material the unit is made of and choose sterilizers comprising non-toxic and safe materials. Also, consider whether you want an electric, UV, or steam sterilizer. If you have a specific preference, decide on it before searching for the best baby bottle sterilizer model for you. Read on to find out all you need to know about baby bottle sterilizers, how to sterilize baby bottles, and a comprehensive review of the top units available.
What is a baby bottle sterilizer?
A baby bottle sterilizer is a unit made to sterilize one or more empty baby bottles and other baby feeding items. The device doesn’t operate like a dishwasher. Usually, you must clean the bottles first. The unit sterilizes the bottles through very hot steam, UV light, or in cold water with top quality sterilizing tablets.
Do I Really Need to Sterilize My Bottles?
Yes. According to the CDC, you should sterilize your baby’s bottles and other parts at least once daily when you’re baby is up to 3 months old, was prematurely born, or has a weak immune system. If the pediatrician recommends sterilizing the baby bottles after every feeding, a sterilizer comes in handy.
The best baby bottle sterilizer is also convenient for when you’re traveling. It’s also great for when you’re in a place without a kitchen. But before sterilizing, clean the bottles and other accessories to avoid buildup of residue.
How does a bottle sterilizer work?
Baby bottle sterilizers perform the same tasks; they sanitize the baby bottle parts. But the devices come with a variety of features, which are suitable for a wide range of needs. Some sterilizers use hot steam after you add distilled water to a reservoir. You can place them on the countertop, powered via a USB cable, battery, or wall plug, or in the microwave to generate the heat needed for steaming.
You’ll find sterilizers with different lengths of cycle ranging between 2 and 30 minutes. Some devices also dry the baby bottles and parts. After sterilizing, some devices can stay sterile inside for around 24 hours via the “holding” feature. Electric models come with an auto-shutdown safety feature.
Most devices can hold between four and six baby bottles. You may also find extra room for pacifiers or pump components. Most sterilizers can handle a variety of baby bottle types, but it’s best to double check compatibility between the sterilizer and the bottle brands.
Best Baby Bottle Sterilizers 2021
The Wabi Baby Touch-Panel Dual-Function UV Sanitizer Sterilizer & Dryer is a special, carefully designed, and dual function sterilizer, which blends a minimalistic design with exceptional features. It’s one of the most specific electric sterilizers available. The unit will sterilize your baby bottles in between 8 and 15 minutes.
The device eliminates more than 99% of viruses. The sterilizer’s automatic shutoff function will turn the unit off. The shut off sensor kicks in so you don’t have to worry about wasting any energy. The unit can sterilize up to 8 bottles at a time. You can also add pacifiers and teethers.
What I love about it:
- As a best baby bottle sterilizer, the unit can sterilize up to a max of 8 bottles at once;
- The unit includes a dyer, which you can set to different times such as 10, 35, 45, or 60 min;
- The sterilizer and dryer descales within 45 min;
- It’s user-friendly;
- The unit includes an automatic shut down sensor.
Something to keep in mind:
- It only holds 8 bottles at once.
Best Sterilizer-Dryer Combo:
The EVLA UV Light sanitizer and dryer is a high-performance and efficient sterilizer made at the highest standards of quality. The high-end product is an award winner for the excellent results it delivers. The UV sanitizer is also used in hospitals and clinics.
In only 11 minutes, you can sterilize your baby’s feeding items including bottles, pacifiers, or teats. The unit doesn’t require cleaning to prevent rust or limescale buildup. It uses UV light and ensures low power consumption and works with no water. The product includes a drying function and a touch screen.
What I love about it:
- It only takes 11 minutes to sterilize your baby’s feeding accessories and bottles;
- The UV bottle sterilizer uses UV light to sterilize the bottles;
- The product also includes a drying function;
- The unit doesn’t use any chemicals or water to sterilize the products;
- It’s high-performance, effective, and reliable.
Something to keep in mind:
- The unit is smaller than other sterilizers.
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The Bololo Baby Bottle Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer is one of the top sterilizers, which you can count on. The sterilizer and dryer device kills off 99.99% of bacteria, which makes it reliable and efficient. It can hold up to max 12 bottles at a time. To sterilize fewer bottles, you can divide the unit’s space depending on your needs. The sterilizer will clean and sterilize your items.
The unit’s sterilization lasts longer than others but also destroys 99.99% of bacterial microorganisms. The HEPA filter allows clean air to enter the unit and keeps the device’s components clean. The unit’s Teflon coating design for the tank allows you to easily clean the sterilizer.
What I love about it:
- The product can hold up to a max of 12 bottles thanks to the large chamber;
- The device delivers strong sterilization, which kills off 99.99% of all bacteria;
- The unit includes a HEPA filter, which allows clean air to enter the unit and keep it clean;
- The LED display screen is user-friendly and ensures exceptional operation of the sterilizer.
Something to keep in mind:
- The drier may seem less efficient if you use it every day for a long period.
- The product is noisier than other sterilizers.
The Papablic Baby Bottle Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer is a spacious and efficient 3-in-1 sterilizer. It uses strong steam-power and hot air technology to ensure your baby bottles, pacifiers, and breast pump components are clean, dry, and safe to use. The one-dial control includes 3 functions such as sterilize, dry, and extra-dry. You can use the device to dry feeding accessories without water.
The device can hold up to 11 baby bottles at a time and extra pieces. The basket and accessory tray are removable to allow stacking in 3 configurations. The baby bottle sterilizer also offers over 12 hours of storage keeping the items dry. It’s safe to use, environmentally friendly, and made of BPA-free top-quality materials.
What I love about it:
- The device can hold up to 11 baby bottles at a time plus accessories;
- The product includes an easy to use dial with 3 functions such as sterilize, dry, and extra-dry.
- You can use the machine to dry feeding accessories or baby bottles without adding any water;
- In up to 8 minutes, the device cleans 99.99% of all bacteria.
Something to keep in mind:
- It’s more difficult to clean compared to other devices;
- The sterilizer may produce a brown residue.
Dr. Brown’s Electric Steam Sterilizer is an easy to use and efficient steam sterilizer, which kills off 99.9% of bacteria and germs in just under 12 minutes. The device has a spacious interior, which can hold up to 6 bottles on a tray. The unit also includes a lower tray for accessories such as pacifiers and nipples. You can use the included tongs, to prevent any burns.
For the best results, use distilled water to prevent mineral deposits from building up on the heating plate and flake off. The unit is user-friendly and comprises electronic controls and cycle indicator. Dr. Brown also provides glass baby bottles, which are BPA-Free.
What I love about it:
- The unit kills off 99.9% of germs in under 12 minutes;
- It has a spacious interior and can hold up to 6 bottles;
- The device includes a lower tray for accessories such as nipples or pacifiers.
- The product includes electric controls and a cycle indicator.
Something to keep in mind:
- The heating plate can degrade;
- The unit takes a long time to cool down.
The Philips Avent 3-in-1 baby bottle sterilizer uses steam to sterilize your baby’s bottles and other feeding items. The unit kills off 99.9% of the germs and harmful bacteria without the use of chemicals. The product sterilizes the bottles in under 6 minutes and automatically turns off to save energy and for safety.
The modular design of the adjustable 3-in-1 sterilizer is suitable for different models of baby bottles, pumps, pacifiers, and accessories. The product takes up very little space on your countertop.
What I love about it:
- The sterilizer holds up to 6 Philips Avent bottles at the same time;
- The product is compatible with both wide neck and standard bottles;
- The unit keeps the contents sterile and ready for use within 24 hours;
- It’s flexible, easy to use and easy to load.
Something to keep in mind:
- The product’s power button is sensitive and may get damaged.
Best UV Sterilizer:
The Eccomum Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer offers sterilization and drying at the highest quality standards. The product circulates high temperature steam, which can destroy up to 99.9% of dangerous chemicals and dries the product at the same time.
The unit delivers a variety of functions such as sterilizing and drying, drying, sterilizing, keeping warm, milk warming, and food dehydration. The product can clean up to 12 feeding bottles at the same time. It’s suitable for sterilizing breast pump parts, pacifiers, toys, and other feeding items.
The HEPA-filter cotton can clean 99% of harmful substances and allows for clean air to enter. The device is made of safe and strong materials for increased durability.
What I love about it:
- The product ensures sterilization and drying at the strictest quality standards;
- The device can hold 12 feeding bottles at the same time;
- The HEPA-filter cotton can clean 99% of harmful substances and ensures only clean air enters the device;
- It’s made of safe and BPA-free materials;
- It’s easy to use;
- It’s environmentally friendly.
Something to keep in mind:
- Because of the thermoplastic property of the plastic, you can press the material to restore it’s original state in case of any gaps occurring.
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The Tommee Tippee Steri-Steam Electric Steam Baby Bottle Sterilizer can sterilize up to 6 bottles in a matter of 5 minutes. The product is suitable for use with a variety of bottles, breast pump accessories, and pacifiers. The contents remain sterile for up to 24 hours when you keep the lid closed. The easy-lift handles will keep you protected against steam.
The product comes with a pacifier and nipple tongs. Thanks to its ergonomic and compact design, the product won’t take up much of your space on the countertop. The unit’s softly rounded sides and matte-textured and smooth finish makes it seamlessly integrate into your kitchen’s interior décor.
What I love about it:
- The product can sterilize up to 6 baby bottles within 5 minutes;
- It’s made for use with different bottles, breast pumps, and other feeding accessories;
- The contents stays sterile for up to 24 hours with the lid closed;
- The product features easy-to-lift handles, which protect you against hot steam.
Something to keep in mind:
- The buttons may seem difficult to press.
The Baby Brezza one-step baby bottle sterilizer dryer automatically dries and sterilizes bottles and other feeding accessories. The hot steam kills off 99.9% of the germs. The contents remain sterile for up to a max 24 hours. The unit features a 4-in-1 functionality including sterilizer, dryer and sterilizer, dryer, and storage system.
The product includes a stainless steel heating plate, which protects the device against hard water buildup or rust. The product works with a wide range of the best stainless steel baby bottles or other types of feeding items. The product is made of BPA-free materials for increased safety and strong durability.
What I love about it:
- The device is versatile, easy to use, convenient, and reliable;
- The unit features a compact design;
- It can hold up to 6 baby bottles at a time and sterilize them within 8 minute;
- The unit is made of BPA-free materials for increased safety.
- The product includes a drying function, which you can set to different cycles such as 30, 45, and 60 minutes.
Something to keep in mind:
- The product may stop drying even with very few bottles inside.
The Munchkin Steam Microwave sterilizer is a high performance and reliable product, which kills up to a whopping 99.9% of common bacteria in under 2 minutes. The compact and lightweight design of the unit includes heat-resistant handles for easy use. Also, the open-away latch protects you against steam burn.
The unit can hold up to 4 baby bottles and 2 breast pump shields at once. It works perfectly with all models of microwave machines. To decrease mineral deposits, use distilled water. The unit’s locking tabs are made to protect the contents and prevent any accidental opening.
What I love about it:
- The product kills 99.9% of common bacteria in under 2 minutes;
- The lightweight and compact design ensures flexibility in terms of placement;
- The unit can hold up to 4 baby bottle and 2 breast pump shields at the same time;
- The product works with a variety of microwave machine brands.
Something to keep in mind:
- The unit’s lid is difficult to put on or take off, because of the hinge on the back.
The Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer is a top-quality device made at the highest performance and quality standards. The affordable sterilizer kills off up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria in under 2 minutes. The lightweight and compact design of the unit make it perfect for travel. The product can hold up to 4 baby bottles at the same time.
Available at the fraction of the price of other devices out there, this microwave steam sterilizer is compact yet roomy. All content remains sterile for up to 24 hours when the stay-cool latches are closed.
What I love about it:
- The product holds up to 4 Philips Avent bottles at a time;
- The unit is made for wide neck and standard bottles;
- The affordable unit is reliable and efficient;
- It’s made at the highest and strictest standards of quality and performance.
Something to keep in mind:
- The product may not fit in some microwaves.
The Nuby Natural Touch Basic is one of the best bottle warmer and sterilizer. It is easy to use and has a flexible unit. It’s fast and has an increased capacity. You can warm up breast milk, baby food, or formula safely and evenly. The unit sterilizes bottles and other feeding accessories within minutes. It’ll warm up all sizes and shapes of baby bottles including the best glass baby bottles available.
The compact and ergonomic design of the sterilizer allows you to save space on the countertop. Also, it’s easy to carry. The one-touch electric warmer and sterilizer will sterilize pacifiers, teethers, and bottles. You can even use it with the best breastpump for working moms.
What I love about it:
- The Nuby Touch Basic Best Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer is versatile, efficient, and reliable;
- The unit warms up baby food, formula, and breast milk evenly and safely;
- The product is compatible with most feeding accessories;
- The compact design of the sterilizer makes it perfect for travel.
Something to keep in mind:
- The temperatures may seem difficult to maintain consistent with the Nuby Touch Basic Best Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer.
If you’re a working mom and you travel frequently, you’ll enjoy the efficiency and reliability of the Medela Quick Clean Micro Steam Bags. The bags are extremely easy to carry around and they’re super easy to use.
Load each bag with the breast pump accessories, baby bottles, pacifiers, or nipples, add water and start the microwave machine. It’ll take only up to 3 minutes for 99.9% of the germs and bacteria to be killed off. You can re-use each bag for up to 20x. The bags are affordable, convenient, and reliable. A pack of 4 retails boxes includes 20 bags.
What I love about it:
- The bags are easy to use, reliable, efficient, and affordable;
- The products are made of resistant and non toxic materials to ensure your baby’s safety;
- The bags are compatible with a variety of microwave machines;
- A pack of 4 retail boxes contains 20 bags;
- In just under 3 minutes, the bag sterilizes baby bottles, feeding accessories, pacifiers, or breast pump parts.
Something to keep in mind:
- Some bags may not last for 20x reuse.
Different Ways to Sterilize a Bottle
There are many ways to sterilize a baby bottle and baby feeding items. Boiling is the easiest solution. It’ involves immersing each component thoroughly in boiling hot water for a minimum of 10 minutes. The method is affordable but can damage the bottle nipples over time.
Sterilizers come in four types depending on the sterilization method they use. You’ll find cold water sterilizers, electric steam sterilizers, microwave sterilizers, and portable UV sterilizers.
Cold water sterilizers use tablet form chemicals to sterilize the baby bottles and other feeding items. The tablets dissolve in cold water, which you add to your own container/ reservoir. Soak the items in the solution for at least 15 minutes.
Electric steam sterilizers use steam to eliminate any dangerous bacteria. The units have a built-in container to hold the baby bottles and accessories. Plug the sterilizer into the wall plug and it’ll create steam through a heating element. In between 5 and 10 minutes, the device sterilizes the baby bottles and other items.
A microwave bottle sterilizer use steam to sterilize your baby bottles and accessories. The unit comprises a special container, which holds the items to be sterilized. It includes a tightly fitting lid. Place the device inside the microwave machine and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. The microwave bottle sterilizer can sterilize the bottles as fast as 2 minutes.
A portable or mobile UV bottle sterilizer uses UV (ultra-violet) light to destroy bacteria. They’re quite expensive. But the convenience of being powered by batteries, being mobile, and not using liquids makes them worth the steep price.
From What Age Should I Use a Baby Bottle Sterilizer?
According to the NHS, you should sterilize all your baby’s feeding items including baby bottles, pacifiers, and teats until your baby turns 1 year old. Sterilize the items from the moment you introduce them to your baby. You’ll keep your baby safe from germs and dangerous bacteria.
What to look for in bottle sterilizer?
If you’re a first-time parent, choosing a baby bottle sterilizer can become confusing. To make sure you choose the best baby bottle sterilizer for your needs, you must consider the design of the unit, holding capacity, sterilization method, extra features, the material it’s made of, portability, and how easy it is to clean and maintain. Also, check if the sterilizer includes a drying function.
A well-built baby bottle sterilizer must have a convenient size and ergonomic design. It’ll allow you to work around the device even when you’re holding your baby in one arm. The unit should be travel-friendly for use when you’re on holiday. The device should be easy to clean and maintain. Also, it should include a timer to allow you to set or reset times of operation.
Check how many bottles and baby feeding accessories the sterilizer can hold. These devices usually hold between 6 and 8 baby bottles. Check the sterilizer’s features such as milk warming and drying function.
The auto-shutdown function is especially helpful for busy and tired parents. You mustn’t leave an electrical device running unattended. Most devices run on cycles of between 10 to 30 minutes. You’ll also find sterilizers, which run for 2 minutes such as the microwave sterilizers.
For your baby’s safety and health, check the material the sterilizer is made of. Make sure the unit is made of non-toxic and safe materials. Avoid materials comprising BPA or other dangerous chemicals.
Determine what type of sterilizer device you need. Do you want an electric, microwave, UV, or cold water sterilizer? Cold water sterilizers use a sterilizing tablet, which dissolves in cold water. Soak the items in the chemical solution for at least 15 minutes. Electric steam sterilizers use steam to destroy germs and harmful bacteria. Microwave sterilizers use hot steam to kill off germs. And portable or mobile sterilizers use ultra-violet light to destroy bacteria.
What to avoid?
When choosing a baby bottle sterilizer, the most important thing to avoid is toxic structure. Don’t buy a sterilizer made of harmful or toxic chemicals and materials. The toxins can contaminate and hinder the sterilizing process. You could even be putting your baby at risk of infections. Also, avoid sterilizers, which don’t have an ergonomic design to allow handling even when you’re holding your baby in one arm.
Another important aspect to avoid is a sterilizer, which doesn’t include a safely secured lid, which delivers a closed sterilized environment for baby bottles and accessories. Any tiny bacteria, which may enter the container, will hinder the sterilization operation.
Tips to Safely Use a Baby Bottle Sterilizer
The CDC advises you should sanitize baby bottles and feeding items at least once every day, especially when your baby is younger than 3 months or has a weak immune system. Before sanitizing, clean the item with warm and soapy water. For your baby’s safety choose a sanitizer, which includes an auto-shutdown function. You never know when your baby needs you and you can’t leave an electrical device running unattended.
Tightly close the sanitizer’s lid to prevent any germs from entering the container. This can hinder the sterilizing process altogether. Avoid using sterilizers, which are made of toxic or harmful chemicals. These substances can contaminate the sterilizing container and damage your baby’s health.
FAQs
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How do I use a Bottle Sterilizer?
According to the NHS, you should sterilize your baby’s bottles and feeding accessories at least once per day until your baby turns 1 year old. Before sterilizing, clean the bottles and feeding items in warm and soapy water. Clean the bottles with a special bottle brush and a small teat brush for cleaning the inside of the teats. You can also clean the feeding items in the dishwasher.
Rinse the items clean with cold water before sterilizing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in terms of using the sterilizer type you’ve chosen. Load up the sterilizer device with the clean items and add the right amount of water to the sterilizer.
If you’re using microwave sterilizers, put the unit inside the microwave machine for the recommended period. Remove and allow the items to cool down inside the device. Use a clean cloth to dry the accessories. Wait until the steam dissipates before you reach into your microwave.Turn on electric sterilizers and let it operate. If the model also dries the baby bottles and accessories, wait for the drying to finish. After sterilizing, leave the baby bottles and feeding items in the sterilizer until you use them.
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When can I stop sterilizing bottles?
Sterilizers include specific cleaning instructions. In general, you can wash the removable parts of the device with water and mild soap. Clean the rest of the unit with a damp cloth. You can remove limescale build-up from the heating pad with lemon juice or vinegar. Soak the device between 30 minutes or during the entire night and rinse completely. Follow with an empty cycle to clean up any residue.
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Can I use a bottle sterilizer for my breast pump?
The best breast pumps comes with their own set of detailed cleaning instructions. Verify if you can clean the breast pump in the dishwasher. After you’re done using the pump, use water and soap to wash any part of the breast pump, which comes into contact with the breast milk. Air dry and assemble. You can sterilize the breast pump parts in the bottle sterilizer but read the instructions of both the sterilizer and the pump to make sure it’s safe.
The Bottom Line
You’ll find different types of sterilizing operating systems based on cold water, steam, microwave, or UV light. Depending on your requirements, choose the best bottle sterilizer for you and your baby. Some devices also include dryers to make things even more manageable for you. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in terms of maintaining and cleaning the sterilizer units to extend their lifespan and ensure exceptional operation.
It’s normal to worry about properly disinfecting your baby’s milk bottles, pacifiers or other feeding accessories. Your top priority is your baby’s health and safety. To protect your little bundle of joy from bad bacteria and germs, use a high-performance and efficient sterilizer. Choose a sterilizer which completely meets your needs and makes life for you much easier.
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