Which steriliser?

Find out which type of steriliser is right for you

Sterilising by boiling

Inexpensive
All you need is a hob and a suitable pan dedicated to sterilising
Good option if you’re breastfeeding and don’t need to sterilise often

Cons:

You need to be there to supervise while it’s boiling
Safety issue of pans of boiling water
Slowest method of sterilising

Cold water sterilising

Good option when you’re travelling
Items remain sterile for 24 hours if kept in the solution
You can easily sterilise other items, for example, teething rings

Cons:

Requires the use of sterilising liquids or tablets and rinsing

Microwave steam sterilising

Requires no sterilising liquids or tablets or rinsing
The quickest way to sterilise, takes just 5-10 minutes

Cons:

More expensive
Metal items cannot be sterilised in a microwave
Microwave sterilisers tend to hold fewer bottles than electric sterilisers and they may not stay sterile for as long as with other methods
May require occasional de-scaling, depending on the hardness of the water

Electric steam sterilising

Requires no sterilising liquids or tablets or rinsing
Fast, takes 8-10 minutes

Cons:

More expensive, needs de-scaling on average once a month

How often you need to sterilise equipment and how much you want to spend will help you decide which is the best method of sterilising for you

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breastfeeding is best for babies. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle-feeding may have a negative effect on breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding. Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed. Inappropriate foods or feeding methods, or improper use of infant formula, may present a health hazard.