Consider how many bottles or other pieces you want (or need) to sterilize simultaneously. Because bottle sterilizers come in varying sizes, they don’t always hold the same amount of items. For example, if you’re the parent or caregiver of twins, opt for a large bottle sterilizer, like the Papablic Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer, which fits up to 11 bottles and accessories, such as pacifiers, plastic toys, and teethers. Even if you don’t have twins, a bigger bottle sterilizer accommodates enough bottles for a day of feeding, breast pump parts, and more. On the other hand, some units only hold one bottle, such as the BÉABA BabyMilk 3-in-1 Bottle Warmer, so you can sterilize as you go (and save counter space). Capacity: Six bottles | Materials: BPA-free plastics and metal electrical components | Included: Sterilisation unit, measuring jug and tongs Good for parents who Do you have enough kitchen counter space to keep a sterilising unit out all the time? Would you want to if you did? Electric units usually stay plugged in on the counter – they’re too large to store and too bulky for it to be convenient to move them often. Like many first-time mothers, I had no idea when I was pregnant whether breastfeeding would prove successful or how often I’d want to express or formula feed. As with every baby product, I was utterly baffled by the choice in sterilisers. Nine months on, I almost exclusively breastfeed but regularly pump and often travel, so I’ve needed different cleaning methods for varying scenarios.

With no need for steam, tablets or a microwave, this innovative UV steriliser from Nuby is a game-changer. While it looks a bit like a big makeup bag, the steriliser blasts bottles and dummies with ultra violet light, killing 99.9% of germs in just 3 minutes. Our editors have highlighted these through research supported by the recommendations shared by our experienced parents in the BabyCentre Community. Sterilisation method: What kind of sterilisation method will work for your bottles, pumps, and teats? Will it give you the peace of mind you need when it comes to cleanliness. I’ve always opted for a microwave one. Very easy, no faff. We use avent bottles do have the avent microwave steriliser." Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Moominmiss Our verdictSterilising - This will remove the microorganisms that cause infections, preventing issues like diarrhoea and vomiting.

The items are sterile after a manufacturer-recommended 15-minute cycle – the NHS recommends 30 minutes – and remain so for as long as they’re in the solution. Plus, they don’t need rinsing off when they’re needed. Items can continue to be added and removed as necessary over 24 hours when the solution will need to be remade. We have a Tommee Tippee microwave one and it's so simple, no faff. Wash the bottles and pop them in the microwave."Tried and tested by Mumsnetter hereforfun. Can only sterilise two bottles per cycle – so if you’re getting through more than four bottles a day it’s fairly labour-intensive Convenience: Does it make the task of sterilising easier and more efficient? Does it take up minimal time?

How do I choose a steriliser?

Most sterilization cycles are short, but some have built-in dryers that can take longer. If you use a single-bottle sterilizer, sterilization time is longer if you’re cleaning multiple pieces and switching them out between cycles. Typically, sterilization takes anywhere from a few minutes to 12 minutes, while drying cycles can take an additional 30 to 60 minutes. To save on cleaning time, we recommend a bottle sterilizer and dryer, like the Baby Brezza Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer Machine, so you don’t have to wait for air drying. She investigated best practice safety recommendations from the NHS and sourced expert advice from Kate Bennett, a midwife of nine years and course teacher with antenatal education provider, New Life Classes. Self-sterilising bottles: These work in a similar way to microwave steam sterilisers. Simply fill the base of the bottle with cool water and pop it in the microwave. They're super easy to use and a great option for when you are on the go. The only downfall is you are only sterilising one bottle at a time. Because travel sterilisers need to be compact enough to carry around, they’re usually short on bells and whistles. What we loved about the Milton Solo was that, travel steriliser or not, it’s more adaptable and comes with more useful design features than any other travel model we tested. More expensive than some other electric models, like the Tommee Tippee Super-Steam Advanced Electric Steriliser or the Nuby Natural Touch

It’s best to use sterile tongs to handle teats afterwards to prevent contamination, and the majority of sterilisers come with a pair – put the tongs in with the cycle and you know they’re OK to use.

2. Best budget steriliser: Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags

This isn’t cheap, so for infrequent trips you’re better off with the aforementioned Milton’s Solo Travel Steriliser. But if you’re regularly away or just out and about, Nuby’s portable UV unit is a worthy splurge (plus it comes with a Nuby bottle and pacifier, among other extras.)

Most of them are cup-shaped microwave sterilisers large enough for one bottle or one breast pump – though you might not always have access to a microwave when away from home so look out for ones that can be used with cold water solution as well. The system my own mother used (‘and nobody died’, she tells me), and still a favourite on maternity wards, the so-called ‘Milton method’ has been trusted for more than 70 years, and it doesn’t get much simpler. Rachel Jeffcoat has worked for 15 years as an editor and writer, after starting her career managing science and technology journals. You can use a clean bottle brush to clean bottles(only use this brush for cleaning bottles). A small teat brush to clean the inside of teats. You can also turn teats inside out and then wash them in hot soapy water. Don't use salt to clean teats, as this can be dangerous for your baby.Capacity: Two bottles | Materials: BPA-free plastics and metal electrical components | Included: Sterilisation unit, measuring jug and tongs Good for parents who It's important to clean bottles, teats and other feeding equipment in hot, soapy water and rinse all your equipment before sterilising. To find the best bottle sterilizers, we spoke with Tomomi Hayashi, MD, and Arunima Agarwal, MD, about what to look for in bottle sterilizers, warmers, and dryers. Moreover, reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Texas Children’s Hospital, and the CDC on the importance of sterilizing bottles. With this guidance in mind, we researched dozens of top-rated bottle sterilizers on the market and considered their design, safety features, and value. We then narrowed our list to 20 bottle warmers, including some bottle warmer and sterilizer combos, and put them through multiple tests at the Verywell Testing Lab in New York City with the help of Ebony Barrett, PNP.