Sterilize Baby Bottles

When feeding your newborn, don't assume that bottles and other items from their packages are clean. Always sterilize everything in water before use. This article will tell you how to sterilize your baby's bottles.

Steps

 * 1) [[Image:Bottles_741.JPG|220px|right]]Unwrap all bottles, nipples, and pacifiers from their packages and gather all items together. Separate the nipples from the nipple rings, if applicable.
 * 2) Wash all items using hot water and soap.
 * 3) [[Image:Pot_of_water_754.JPG|220px|right]]Place a pot, filled with water, on the stove and turn the heat on to high.
 * 4) [[Image:Things_in_water_29.JPG|220px|right]]Place items in the water, but be careful not to submerge more than the pot can hold. This can result in the water going over the top and bubbling over.
 * 5)  Wait until the water boils for at least five minutes before taking anything out.
 * 6) [[Image:Tongs_615.JPG|220px|right]]Use a set of tongs to take out things from the hot water. You can also use a fork or slotted spoon.
 * 7) [[Image:Dish_rack_651.JPG|220px|right]]Set the items onto a dish rack or paper towels for them to dry. Repeat the above steps for any items that didn't fit into the pot. Make sure your rack is clean.

Tips

 * Sterilize pacifiers on a regular basis to avoid bacteria spread, especially if the infant has a cold or the pacifier has been dropped on the ground.
 * Many companies also sell sterilizers for specifically this purpose. They work in a similar way (using water and high temperatures), but often have features that make them more convenient (timer, etc).

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make Powdered Baby Formula
 * How to Store Your Expressed Breast Milk
 * How to Bottle Nurse a Baby