Quick Answer
Baby bottles should be sterilised before every use for the first 12 months. The four main methods are electric steam sterilising, microwave steam sterilising, boiling, and cold water sterilising solution. All are effective — the best method is the one that fits your routine. Washing thoroughly before sterilising is essential; sterilising alone cannot remove milk residue.
Why Sterilising Matters
Washing removes visible milk residue, but it does not kill all bacteria. Newborns and young babies have immature immune systems that cannot fight off infections as effectively as older children or adults. Sterilising kills the bacteria that washing leaves behind, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections and other illnesses in the critical first year.
The Golden Rule: Wash First, Then Sterilise
Sterilising is not a substitute for washing. Milk residue left on bottles or teats will not be removed by sterilising — it will simply be sterilised in place, creating a surface for future bacterial growth. Always wash all bottle components thoroughly with hot soapy water and a bottle brush before sterilising.
Method 1: Electric Steam Steriliser
The most convenient option for daily use at home.
- Place washed, rinsed bottle components in the steriliser with openings facing down
- Add the recommended amount of water (typically 100 to 200ml)
- Run the cycle — most electric sterilisers complete in 5 to 12 minutes
- Equipment remains sterile for up to 24 hours if the lid stays closed and undisturbed
Best for: Families who sterilise multiple times a day and want a fast, hands-off process.
Method 2: Microwave Steam Steriliser
A more affordable alternative to an electric steriliser.
- Place washed components in the microwave steriliser with openings facing down
- Add the recommended amount of water
- Microwave on full power for the time specified by the steriliser manufacturer (typically 4 to 8 minutes)
- Allow to cool before opening — the steam inside is very hot
- Equipment remains sterile for up to 3 hours if the lid stays closed
Best for: Families who want a cost-effective sterilising solution for home use.
Method 3: Boiling
The oldest and most accessible method — no specialist equipment required.
- Place all washed components in a large saucepan and cover completely with cold water, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped
- Bring to a full boil and maintain for at least 10 minutes
- Turn off the heat and allow to cool in the covered pan
- Remove with clean tongs and allow to air dry on a clean surface
Note: Repeated boiling degrades teats and plastic components more quickly than other methods. Check teats regularly for signs of wear.
Best for: Occasional sterilising or when other equipment is not available.
Method 4: Cold Water Sterilising Solution
No heat required — ideal for travel or when access to a microwave or hob is limited.
- Make up the sterilising solution according to the manufacturer's instructions (typically one tablet or capful per litre of cold water)
- Submerge all washed components fully, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped
- Leave for at least 30 minutes
- Remove and use immediately, or store in the solution for up to 24 hours
- There is no need to rinse before use — the solution is safe at the recommended concentration
Best for: Travel, staying away from home, or as a backup method.
Which Bottles Are Easiest to Sterilise?
Bottles with fewer parts and simpler designs are faster to disassemble, easier to wash thoroughly, and fit more easily into sterilisers. The Emulait Starter Kit is designed with this in mind — straightforward to take apart, clean, and sterilise, with no hidden components where milk can collect. It is a practical choice for parents who want a bottle that works seamlessly with their daily sterilising routine.
How Long Does Sterilised Equipment Stay Sterile?
- Electric steam steriliser (lid closed): Up to 24 hours
- Microwave steam steriliser (lid closed): Up to 3 hours
- Boiling: Use as soon as cooled, or store in a covered container
- Cold water solution: Up to 24 hours in the solution
Once sterilised equipment is removed from the steriliser or solution and exposed to air, it is no longer sterile. Assemble bottles immediately after removing from the steriliser and use within the timeframes above.
When Can You Stop Sterilising?
Most paediatric guidelines recommend sterilising all feeding equipment until your baby is 12 months old. After 12 months, thorough washing in hot soapy water or a dishwasher is generally sufficient, as your baby's immune system is more developed. Always follow the guidance of your pediatrician.
Key Takeaway
Wash first, then sterilise — every time, for every feed, for the first 12 months. Electric steam sterilising is the most convenient daily method; cold water solution is the most practical for travel. The method matters less than the consistency. Clean, sterilised feeding equipment is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your baby's health in the early months.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your baby's health.