When Can You Stop Sterilising Baby Bottles? A Practical Guide for Parents

“When can you stop sterilising baby bottles?!” my friends would ask me, and I’d always give the same reassuring response. It feels endless now, but it doesn’t last forever. In fact, you could have your sterilising days behind you in as little as 6-9 months! With a mixture of guidance out there from reputable sources, it’s understandable that you need some clarity.

This guide breaks down when it’s safe to stop sterilising, why the recommendations exist, and how to keep baby bottles clean afterwards.

Why Sterilising Matters in the Early Months

Your baby may be born into the world, but there are still many parts of their fragile body that are developing. A baby’s immune system isn’t fully developed even when they enter their toddler years. This imposes a higher risk of illness caused by bacteria, viruses, and baby formula residue. 

Sterilising baby bottles and feeding equipment ensures that your baby has a lower chance of being exposed to illness. Fresh breast milk is safe to drink within 6 hours at room temperature; however, formula milk is not sterile and must be consumed in a shorter time frame. This, combined with safe re-heating and milk storage, allows parents to feed their baby(s) with peace of mind.

You should always sterilise if: 

• Your baby is under 12 months 
• Your baby was born prematurely 
• Your baby has a weakened immune system 
• Always sterilise new baby bottles and teats before their very first use, regardless of your baby’s age

Best Sterilising Methods for Busy Parents 

Boiling

Check that the items you need to sterilise are safe to boil before using this method. Use a large pan of boiling water and boil the items for a minimum of 10 minutes, making sure they all stay underneath the surface. Silicone parts tend to get damaged more quickly with this method, so check regularly when assembling feeding equipment that there are no tears, cracks or damage. 

Steam steriliser

A steam steriliser comes in the form of an appliance you plug in at the wall or as a small tray that sits in the microwave. The electric versions can have double layers that stack on top of each other, giving you more space to sterilise baby bottles and feeding accessories. You can also use them to sterilise pacifiers. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as they can vary between models. 

Microwave steriliser 

These work similarly to a steam steriliser, but rather than plugging it in as a separate appliance, you use a microwave to create the same effect.

• Place the cleaned baby bottles and nipples onto the tray. 
• Pour up to 15ml of cold water into the bottom of the tray and cover with a lid. 
• Set the timer (as per the manufacturer's guidelines)
• Open the microwave door and leave to cool for a few minutes before removing the lid (caution: hot steam) 

Cold water sterilising solution

Using a sterilising solution in cold water, leave all the feeding equipment submerged in the water for at least 30 minutes (following the manufacturer’s guidance). Ensure that there are no air bubbles trapped in the bottles or teats. The solution must be changed every 24 hours. This is a popular choice for eco-conscious parents who don’t want to use electricity or hot water methods. 

When Can You Safely Stop Sterilising Baby Bottles?

You can safely stop sterilising baby bottles once your baby is around 12 months old because their immune system is stronger than it was at birth. Some parents stop sterilising as often, sooner than this (from 6 months+) because:

• Their baby is healthy 
• Their baby only drinks pumped breast milk (exclusively pumping) 
• The local water supply is safe to drink 
• Baby bottles are properly cleaned before preparing milk 

It is encouraged by doctors and healthcare professionals to continue to sterilise baby bottles and feeding equipment (like breast pumps) for longer if your baby is born prematurely or advised for other reasons.

There’s no magic switch; it’s about choosing the moment that feels right and safe for your baby.

How to Clean Baby Bottles Once You Stop Sterilising

It’s worth investing in a bottle cleaning brush set so you can thoroughly clean baby bottles before they need sterilising. Silicone materials may be easier to clean and sterilise than bristle brushes.

Look for baby bottles that are made from BPA-free materials and are dishwasher-safe for ease of cleaning and peace of mind! Just like Lola&Lykke’s NaturalFlow Baby Bottles, an eco-friendly choice for parents who need a quick cleaning baby bottle.

• Use hot, soapy water to thoroughly clean the baby bottle
• Clean immediately after each feed to prevent bacterial growth
• Use a dedicated bottle brush to reach more tricky parts of the baby bottle
• Let the bottles air-dry (tea towels can be covered in bacteria!)
• Dishwasher (top rack) is safe for most baby bottles to be cleaned
• Assemble the baby bottle once cleaned and store it in a cool, dry place

Situations Where You Should Still Sterilise (Even After 12 Months)

Although our babies have stronger immune systems from a year old, there still might be occasions where it’s recommended to sterilise baby bottles and feeding equipment. This can reduce the risk of spreading illness and ensure your baby is feeding from a safely cleaned baby bottle. 

• Your baby has been sick (stomach bug, thrush, cold) 
• Switching baby formulas 
• Travelling to places with uncertain water quality 
• Using second-hand baby bottles 
• If there is a visible residue, milk film, or odour 
• Always sterilise new baby bottles and nipples before their very first use, regardless of your baby’s age. This also goes for breast pump parts and milk storage bottles. 

How Often Should You Sterilise Baby Bottles Before Stopping?

If you’re still living in your “sterilising era”, but not sure when and how often to sterilise, here’s a quick guide you can refer to when in doubt.

Sterilising after every bottle feed

• Clean baby bottles thoroughly with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher (top tray)
• Use a sterilising method, hot or cold 
• Leave to air dry and then assemble and put away in a dry, cool place 

Sterilising daily

• Your baby is under 12 months old 
• Your baby is premature 
• Your baby has a weakened immune system 
• You are formula feeding

Sterilising less often If your baby is… 

• Older than 6+ months 
• Healthy and breastfed 
• You have access to a clean, safe water supply 
• You clean bottles thoroughly after every use 

… then you could sterilise less often instead of sterilising baby bottles every day. Even when you reduce sterilising, bottles must still be cleaned after every feed.

After sterilising feeding equipment

Leave the baby bottles and teats in the steriliser until you need them. This means that they stay in a safe and sterile container until you need to prepare a feed. If you do take them out, assemble the bottles straight away. You can use tongs to pick up the items if they’re too hot to touch, but always ensure you have washed and dried your hands before handling.

 Everything Parents Still Wonder About Sterilising

Do you have to sterilise bottles after every use?

If your baby is less than 6 months old, you must sterilise baby bottles daily. Ensure that after a baby bottle has been used, it has been cleaned well and sterilised before its next use. As your baby gets older, you can sterilise baby bottles less often, but they still must be thoroughly cleaned in between each use.

Do you need to sterilise if breastfeeding only?

You should always sterilise baby bottles, nipples, and breast pump parts before the first use. If your baby is younger than 6 months, it is best practice to sterilise daily, regardless of whether you breastfeed or use formula. Although your breast milk may be fresh and safe from contaminants, the baby's bottle may not be.

Is dishwasher cleaning enough for baby bottles?

Most baby bottles are dishwasher-safe and can be cleaned this way, as long as they are placed on the top shelf. Check the baby bottles before sterilising, and if they are not properly cleaned, use a bottle brush to finish cleaning before sterilising.

What about sterilising pump parts?

The same with baby bottles and nipples, the silicone parts of your breast pump also need cleaning and sterilising! Use the same methods you would with baby bottles. Some breast pump parts may not be suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher or may not clean as well due to the shape, so always check first. Sterilise and leave to air dry before using again.

Can I stop sterilising earlier if my baby is healthy?

You must sterilise baby bottles, nipples, and breast pump parts daily if your baby is younger than 6 months old. It is encouraged to do this until your baby is 12 months old; however, if your baby is healthy, breastfed, and older than 6 months, you can sterilise less often.

Final Thoughts: Sterilising Doesn’t Last Forever Sterilising may feel like a chore, but it doesn’t last forever.

You’re not doing anything wrong by easing off gradually. You know your baby best, and your feeding routines and prep should follow suit to what they need. You need a baby bottle that is easy to clean and made from safe materials to make feeding time more peaceful. Explore the NaturalFlow Baby Bottle, which ticks all the boxes and is fully compatible with the Smart Electric Breast Pump for a seamless pump-to-feed routine.