Do I Need to Sterilize Bottles and Pacifiers After Every Use?

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Keeping your baby safe from sickness is a top priority, so it’s important to make sure anything going in your little one’s mouth is clean.

Fortunately, most home dishwashers do the job as well as a baby bottle sterilizer to keep things sanitary. But we recommend sterilizing bottles and pacifiers before their first use and periodically after, but it’s not necessary to sterilize bottles after every use.

Best baby bottle sterilizer
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Wash Bottles Regularly to Remove Milk Buildup

On a day-to-day basis, a regular cycle in the dishwasher or scrub in the kitchen sink is good enough. In the dishwasher, be sure to put plastic items on the top rack to prevent melting. Pacifiers, nipples, and other small parts can be placed in special baskets on the top rack so they don’t fall through to the bottom of the dishwasher.

baby bottles drying

Sterilize Bottles and Binkies to Curb the Spread of Illness

Dishwashers can do most of the cleaning for you, but full sterilization is important after your baby has come in contact with anyone recovering from illness, especially other children who may use their pacifiers or binkies. Thorough cleaning in these cases can help prevent the spread of contagious illnesses like Covid-19.

Beyond that, use your best judgment. Some sources recommend monthly sterilizing, but assuming your water source is safe, the need is generally quite low. As a parent, you can decide your own comfort level when it comes to habits of cleaning and hygiene.

When it is time to sterilize, the process is simple: leave the bottles (including nipples) and pacifiers in a pot of boiling water for five minutes. You can also buy specially designed bottle sterilizers that use steam to kill germs and bacteria.

For more information on keeping your child safe at home and on the go, check out our buyers guides for baby monitors, baby-proofing locks, car seats, baby carriers and baby gates.


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Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

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Cathy Habas
Written by
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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