Common questions about sterilising

Is the residue left on the bottles when I take them out of the sterilising solution going to harm my baby?
The small amount of residue left on the bottles will not harm your baby and there is no need to rinse it off.

How long do I need to keep sterilising my bottles for?
The Ministry of Health advises that the equipment used in the preparation and feeding of your baby must be sterilised before use in the first three months of your infant's life.* After three months the equipment must be cleaned thoroughly, for example with hot soapy water or in the dishwasher. Many people continue to sterilise the equipment for longer, particularly the teats, which can be difficult to clean.

* Feeding your baby infant formula, Ministry of Health 2005.

Does the dishwasher sterilise bottles?
The dishwasher will not sterilise bottles, as the temperatures reached are not high enough. You need to use either of the two methods outlined in the sterilising bottles and equipment page, or an alternative proven sterilising method, for example using a steam steriliser.

Can I sterilise in the microwave?
Microwaving alone does not sterilise the equipment unless you have a proper microwave sterilising kit.