New parents, listen up! Keep your baby’s feeding gear clean. Sterilizing bottles, nipples, and pump parts is vital. Babies get sick easily because their bodies are still growing. Dirty items can spread germs. Here is a simple guide to sterilize baby feeding items at home.

1. Clean First!

Before you sterilize, always clean everything well. Sterilizing kills germs, but it does not remove dirt or old milk.

• How to clean:
  • Use a special bowl just for baby items.
  • Wash all items with warm, soapy water.
  • Take bottles, nipples, and other parts apart.
  • Use a special brush for bottles and nipples. Make sure all spots are clean.
  • Rinse off all the soap.

2. Boil Them

This is an old and easy way. You just need a pot.

• Method:
  • Put clean bottles and items in a big pot. Cover them with water.
  • Boil the water. Keep boiling for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Use clean tongs to take items out carefully.
  • Let them dry in the air on a clean spot. Don’t use a cloth. It can add germs back.

3. Microwave Sterilizer

Microwave sterilizers are fast. They use steam to kill germs.

• Method:
  • Put the right amount of water in the sterilizer or bag.
  • Place clean bottles and items inside. Make sure bottle openings face down.
  • Microwave for the time shown in the instructions (about 3-8 minutes).
  • Let the sterilizer cool before you open it. The steam is very hot.