Sterilizing methods?

I was wondering, what sort of sterilizing methods would you recommend or prefer? My mother in law [MIL] who has been a dear might I add, has been involved a lot in helping me prepare for the coming of the bub and has kind of decided for me that the Milton method is the best because she used it on both her boys.

At baby care class, I got to know that it's a chemical based method n has a foul smell to it. Would it be best to just boil the bottles, teats, etc? Or is there some other method I know not o....and correct me if I'm wrong but I *think* I read somewhere that we can also use the microwave to sterilize stuff too. Was that me really reading some truth or just my placenta brain going wonky?? What say you ladies?

We've got a microwave steriliser, very easy to use. Got it from Big W and all you need is water, so you dont need to go and buy the Milton stuff. I dont use the steriliser often as I am breastfeeding. I only use it for when I express and hubby feeds her expressed milk while I am out.

Hi mistyeiz
You can in fact use a microwave to sterilise bottles, teats and dummies. I used this method for my DD until she was 9 months old. I have also been reading lately that just washing in hot soapy water and air drying is adequate in killing the germs, I still felt more comfortable washing in hot soapy water and then microwaving them. :)

I used milton for a little while but due to the smell and DD hating the way her dummies tasted after they had been in it, I stopped using it.

I hope this helps...
Kelly

Ive got a microwave one too - its great , got it at Target and it came iwth some bottles too- very handy and quick too - only takes 4 minutes. Im bfing too so dont use it all that often -just when i have to express etc...Good luck!

Oooo....so there is a specific *thing' that can be used eh?? What does it consist of? Or do I just place all the bottles n teats in water n microwave it?? Taking a wild guess here...

Hi there

here is a link that shows you what a microwave sterilising unti looks like...

http://www.babiesgalore.com.au/view_...ategoryid%3D67

There's really NO need to sterilise, you can wash in hot soapy water, dry & store in fridge!!!

i just bought a vegetable steamer from best ans less for around $5!!!! does the trick just fine and not fancy or expensive

Yep, things have once again changed in the big wide world of bubs. Like Tracey said, there's no need to steralise, hot soapy water, air dry then store in the fridge. Technically once you touch something steralised it's no longer sterile anyway. With my first I used to just boil his bottles, teats etc... he was on bottle at approx. 5 months. Now though, with my second.... I wouldn't bother cos he stuffs his hands in his mouth all the time so it isn't going to make much difference. Also, a bit of dirt never hurt ;) hehe. It might be a bit different if you had a premmie bub, a sick little one or something and their little systems aren't as strong, but for a full term, healthy bub it's not necessary.

Phew! Thank goodness...I thought i was losing it!! Lol...thanks for all the ideas. Will definitely keep this in mind. Plus I think I will give Milton a go since MIL has gone thru the trouble of getting it for us. :)

Hot soapy water is good enough but if you want to steralize use the microwave. A lot of hospitals no longer use milton some research has shown that a number of bugs can survive in milton. You also need to change it every 24 hours and wash the container in hot soapy water.

I use milton for the bottels and teats. Yes it smells funny, but if your bub does not like the taste/smell, just rinse with boiled water! Also it smells more if you make it stronger, so be sure to mix it correctly, then the smell is not that bad. And like Alan said, change the mix every 24 hours. I change with every batch I wash.

I also liked the microwave method as I never had much stuff as I breast fed. I got mine from Target.

If I was using bottles I would go for the Avent electric sterliser. I borrowed one for a while and they are great.

I only used Miltons if I was just doing a couple of dummies or we were travelling. Miltons was also good for the straw cups later on as they melt in the microwave or electric sterlisers - I learnt that the hard way :D

Hi
I have the Target one, its cheap and all you have to do is put 200ml of water down the bottom then put all your bottles and stuff in and micro for 5 minutes. I do it just to make sure the taste of the soapy water is gone.

I got the knack of using the tongs that come with it as well, so I don't touch the teats at all, the tongs get sterilized at the same time. I'm a bit fussy about these things as my DD had oral thrush as a newborn and I was afraid she would get it again, so I made sure the teats were as clean as possible.

I have an Avent microwave steriliser that someone gave to us. I am BFing, but comp feeding as well so I use it every day. It's very easy! I use Miltons too, but just for dummies, and stuff I'm worried about melting LOL.

Chon once you'r touching the tongs they are no longer sterile... Which is why the MCHN has said Sterilising is a waste of time it cannot be done properly outside of a Micro lab environment!

Plus the over use of sterilising is what has created the superbugs that now affect our lives!

Just food for thought!

i couldn't stand the smell of the Milton in the hospital, it smelt like bleach. I also use the Target one and find it great. I wash them first in soapy water. I think whatever you are comfortable with is the one for you.

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There's really NO need to sterilise, you can wash in hot soapy water, dry & store in fridge!!!

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This is what I did, we had no problems.

i used milton and it made my hands all rashy even though i wore gloves i would still get some chemical on me from thebottles at some stage. I boiled ont he stove and kept burning myself so i borrowed a microwave steam steriliser and it was fantastic, so quick easy and painfree! Next bub though we will not be sterilising just washing in hot soapy water, rinsing in hot water, air drying.

Thanks for all the tips n ideas ladies!! Much appreciated, really. :D

I think I might get that Target microwavable one too, once I've finished the Milton. :)