Introducing Bottlefeeding
Bottle safety
These reminders can help ensure proper handling of bottles of breastmilk or formula:
Cleaning bottles
Cleaning new bottles: Before using new bottles, sterilize them by placing them in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Cleaning after each feeding: To clean, place bottles and individual bottle parts on the top rack of your dishwasher, or wash in hot, soapy water with a bottle brush. Squeeze hot water through the nipple to clean the hole. Use a bottle brush to clean any hard-to-reach areas. Rinse well; air-dry. If your water is chlorinated, it is not necessary to sterilize after each cleaning—bottles are ready to use. However if your water is non-chorinated, (for example well water), you must sterilize your bottles after each cleaning by placing the parts and utensils in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Talk with your baby’s doctor to determine when it is no longer necessary to sterilize your baby’s bottles.
Preparing bottles
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing your baby’s bottles.
Clean the lids on formula cans before opening them.
When mixing powdered formula, measure the powder using level, unpacked scoops. Always follow the instructions on the infant formula label.
Warming bottles
Safely warm a bottle by standing it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes or holding it under running water. Never heat a bottle of breastmilk or formula in the microwave. It creates hot spots in the liquid that can burn your baby’s mouth and throat and it may destroy breastmilk’s delicate components.
Always test warmed breastmilk or formula by shaking a few drops onto your wrist before giving it to your baby. If the liquid feels just barely warm, it’s a safe temperature.
