02/21/2025
Cleaning your pump parts, baby bottles & dummies doesn’t have to be complicated! But with all the gadgets, advice and info out there, it sure can be confusing sometimes! Don’t worry - I’ve got you!
Mama Linc makes it easy 💖
When you get my Breastfeeding Bundle, you gain access not only to all of my breast and bottle feeding classes with live demos and tutorials, but you’ll also be able to unlock all of my feeding related PDF resources to support your learning or for a quick reference whenever you need. Just like this one right here to help demystify cleaning your baby feeding gear.
Let’s walk through it all together ⬇️
➖What is ‘cleaning’?
When you clean your pump parts, dummies/soothers and baby bottles in warm soapy water (in a dedicated sink/basin), you’re mainly just removing milk residue. Sure, the detergent may kill some germs but ultimately it’s not going to leave it all completely sterile.
➖What is ‘sanitising’?
This is when you put your feeding gear in the dishwasher - I wouldn’t generally recommend this, but some people do do this out of convenience. The dishwasher can help to reduce bacteria and can do a reasonably good job of removing residue too. Some people do this after a quick rinse in the sink.
➖What is ‘sterilising’?
Sterilising isn’t washing your feeding gear - you’d need to wash it all in the dedicated sink/basin or dishwasher first to remove the residue. Sterilising is the final step to kill bacteria (may generally remove ~99.9% of germs). There are different ways to sterilise* - e.g. electric steriliser, microwave/even boil in water. There are also chemical methods.
➖How often do I need to clean my feeding gear?
After every use, your feeding gear (dummies, pump parts and bottles) needs cleaning. You need to sterilise at least once every 24hrs. Sterilising is most important when Bub is younger - as they get older, you may be able to do this less (check your local guidelines e.g. Aussie recommends sterilising until 12 months, some countries recommend a younger age).
**Always read manufacturer guidelines on cleaning methods also**
Did you know the difference between cleaning, santitising & sterilising?
ByMama Linc
