Cold water sterilisation involves adding a special fluid or tablet to water, then fully submerging your items for about 15 minutes, after which you can remove things at any time up to 24 hours and they’ll remain sterile. Its upsides are that you don’t need heat or electricity, though parents do complain that it leaves a chlorine smell on your equipment. One of the most essential features of a bottle sterilizer is bottle compatibility, Dr. Hayashi recommends. Consider what types of bottles the sterilizer allows, whether shape, size, or material, and if you have to accommodate a lid for sterilization. Some bottle sterilizers don’t allow glass, Dr. Hayashi explains, such as the GROWNSY 9-in-1 Bottle Warmer, while others struggle to close properly with tall baby bottles. On the downside, the heating plate will almost certainly attract limescale over time so the steriliser will need descaling once or twice a month. You can buy descaling liquid for this, though all steriliser brands now include instructions for natural descaling liquid from store cupboard ingredients which is a more eco-friendly option. Electric sterilisers are also the most expensive to buy. 3. Microwave steriliser 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.

We find it really easy and it just gets kept in the microwave when not in use. It does four bottles at once which stay sterilised for 24 hours if you keep the lid on."Loved by Mumsnet user OvertiredOverthinker. Our verdict Capacity: Two bottles | Materials: BPA-free plastics and metal electrical components | Included: Sterilisation unit, measuring jug and tongs Good for parents whoSanitising - This will kill bacteria, removing them from surfaces that your baby may be touching like the table. Do I need to sterilise bottles after every wash? Milton do a travel steriliser that fits 1 bottle in. In theory any clean plastic container with a lid will do, but the travel sterilisers have the lines on so you put the correct amount of water in (as do the normal Milton sterilisers)." Recommended by Mumsnet user confused123456 Our verdict

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.) 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 verdict Relatively new to the steriliser market are UV sterilisers, which use UV light to kill bacteria. Their versatility means that you can use them to pretty much sterilise anything, including mobile phones and keys, however some UV sterilisers may not be suitable for sterilising natural rubber and latex (think certain dummies and the ever-popular Sophie La Girafe). 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. 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.Even if you’re planning to exclusively breastfeed, like I was, it’s important to be armed with the best steriliser. You’re going to require some sort of disinfecting method, especially in the early days. For formula feeders or pump-users, it’s even more essential to find the best bottle steriliser to suit your needs. Without a good system in place, cleaning and sorting bottles and accessories will feel like the bane of your existence. After cleaning, rinse off each item in cold, clean water and then you’re ready to sterilise. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly, especially when positioning items in the steriliser and adding the correct amount of water or sterilisation solution. 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.