I've been told to do it til they are either 6 months or 12 months (can't remember who said what now). I've heard about the hospitals that don't recommend it at all but my health nurse says it's better to be safe and sorry, particularly with Melbourne's water being at it's lowest levels ever.
The nurse that runs my mothers group says that after they are crawling or walking there's no point in sterilizing as bubs is in contact with lots of germs anyway so soap and water is fine from then onwards. She also said not to vaccuum every day as your child will end up picking up more bugs if you do. I loved that little bit of info!!!!
My CHN said she recommends formula feeding mums sterilise bottles until 12 months. She said that the bacteria found in formula is not the same as everyday household bacteria and can be bad for bubs. She said if you use bottles for EBM then soap and water is fine as breast milk does not contain the bacteria.
She also suggests reading the dummy packaging as apparently some dummies say not to steam sterilise, I think it can weaken the rubber or something.
Never sterilised anything with DD. I wash bottles in dishwasher and teats in hot soapy water. DD is formula feed has a lot less colds/flu's stomach bugs than other bubs. Put dummies in dishwasher every now and then as well. She is a very healthy happy bubba.
jmmum, I was told that the the dishwasher actually sterilises the bottles due to the temp of the water - so that's another option if you don't want to or don't have a steam steriliser.
I sterilized for DS until the day he turned 1. Will do the same for DD. I guess in my eyes i see it as they use to say to do it for a reason. Maybe now our water isnt was bad or whatever.. but id still for peace of mind like to do it and know i did all i can to stop that bacteria upsetting DD's tummy. Last thing i need is another child with a bacterial case of gastro!!
I agree with Snacks about the bacteria in the milk. I've been told by my MCHN to do it until he's one. No biggie, they're already washed, so it's no hassle to chuck them in the microwave! Better to be safe than sorry I reckon.
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