Sterilising baby bottles may seem like a tedious job, and let’s be honest, it can be!
But although it’s not the most exciting chore, it’s one of the most important ones you can do for your baby.
It’s really important to sterilise baby’s feeding equipment as it helps to protect your baby’s developing immune system from potentially harmful bugs and bacteria. A baby’s immune system is not yet fully developed, and babies are more susceptible to infection and illness than older children and adults are. Sterilising baby’s feeding equipment for the first 12 months is of the utmost importance to protect their developing immune system from potentially harmful bacteria.
A lot of mothers ask if it’s really necessary to sterilise feeding equipment in areas where tap water is safe to drink. The answer to that is yes. Although your baby will be at lower risk, the risk is not eliminated. Because of your baby’s immature immune system, water that is safe for an adult, will not necessarily be safe for them. It is also important to remember that harmful bacteria does not just come from water – it can be transferred by your hands or even from milk remains in the bottle. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
To sterilise effectively, you should make sure that all bottles, teats and accessories are disassembled and washed thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinsed clean before sterilising. You can leave the sterilised contents inside your steriliser for 24 hours, but make sure the lid is kept closed for the duration. Ensure you re-assemble items with clean hands or sterilised tongs if you can and always on a clean surface too. The inside of the steriliser lid is perfect for this.
Learn more about Vital Baby on www.vitalbaby.co.za or follow them on social media @vitalbabysa.