Table of Contents
For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. Learn more here.
Inside: Tired of standing over a pot of boiling water? These best baby bottle sterilizers keep bottles, pacifiers, teething toys and even pump parts germ-free by killing 99.9% of bacteria at the push of a button.
As a parent, you know that babies and toddlers love to put everything they can get their hands on in their mouth, germs and all.
If you’ve experienced manually sterilizing these items by dropping bottle nipples and pacifiers into a pot of boiling water on your stovetop, you know it’s time-consuming, hot, laborious, and dreadful.
Thanks to the ingenuity of baby-product manufacturers, the days of pot-sterilizing bottles are gone. There’s a new thing in town that all the parents are talking about:
Baby bottle sterilizers
Do Baby Bottles Need to be Sterilized?
Before we get to the full list of the 22 best baby bottle sterilizers to help you find the best baby bottle sterilizer for your family, let's answer this burning question.
If your water supply is not safely clean, it’s important to sterilize your baby’s bottles and other baby accessories.
However, most water is safe to drink and does not contain contaminated bacteria, in which case sterilizing baby bottles is an unnecessary step that many parents make in an attempt to lessen the amount of illnesses an infant may get in its first few months. (Source)
The Best Baby Bottle Sterilizer on the Market
These baby bottle (and accessory) sterilizers help keep germs at bay. If you’re looking for a simple, hands-free way to sterilize your baby’s bottles, pacifiers, and pump parts, we think the following best baby bottle sterilizers will do the best job possible.
There are several different types of baby bottle sterilizers:
- Electric sterilizers
- Microwave sterilizers
- UV light sterilizers
- and Sterilizing bags
We've gone ahead and divided the following 22 baby bottle sterilizers up by the type of sterilizer to help make your buying decision easier.
Click the following to jump to the specific section, or keep scrolling to read all our reviews.
The Best Electric Bottle Sterilizers
Electric bottle sterilizers work by using steam created from a high temperature to kill bacteria and germs that linger on baby bottles and accessories. Electric bottle sterilizers have a built-in motor and after plugging it in, placing water in the tank and setting your bottles into the sterilizer, allow you to walk away and come back to fully sterile bottles.
Some electric bottle sterilizers also have a drying function that takes additional time but completely dries your bottles and any other accessories in the sterilizer once the steam cycle is finished.
Electric sterilizers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, capacities, and with different functions. Here are our top picks for the best electric bottle sterilizers on the market today:
The Papablic Electric Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer does it all. The 3-in-1 design allows you to sterilize baby bottles and accessories with steam, dry them completely with hot air, and deodorize to clean from start to finish. The well thought-out design offers a very large sterilizing capacity with 3 different stacking options allowing room for up to 11 bottles and accessories all at once.
The baskets can be added or removed as
you please, allowing this large steam sterilizer to shrink down if you just have a few things to sanitize.
The sterilization process takes 8 minutes from start to finish, however if you want to use the dry options as well the whole process will take 45 to 65 minutes, depending if you select the “dry” or “extra dry” option. The dial makes this electric sterilizer very straight-forward to use, even when you’re exhausted from your 4th night in a row with no sleep.
Many moms exclaim that the Papablic Electric Steam Sterilizer is easy to use, works great, and that the drying option is a game-changer.
PROS
Large sterilizing capacity (up to 11 bottles & accessories)
Dries bottles
Very straightforward to use
Timer & auto shut-off
Keeps contents sterile for over 12 hours (with lid unopened)
Carrying handle & 3 adjustable baskets
CONS
Very large unit, takes up a lot of counter space
Some reviewers expected superior performance due to the high price tag
The Bololo Baby Bottle Electric Sterilizer has a large inner capacity, allowing you to sterilize up to 12 baby bottles in one go. The 600W sterilization power efficiently removes 99.9% of germs and bacteria that invisibly grow on your baby bottles and accessories, and the auto-dry function kicks into full action after the sterilization process is complete, ensuring your bottles and germ-free, dry, and ready to use.
The HEPA air filter filters air that is used to dry the bottles and accessories, eliminating airborne pollutants from contaminating the sterilized bottles. The steam disinfecting temperature gets up to 212°F, eliminating germs in a natural, chemical-free way that is healthy for your infant.
PROS
3 stackable layers allow you to sterilize as much or as little as you like at one time
LED touch screen control panel is easy to use
Easy to clean
Very large capacity
Drying function
CONS
Drying function doesn’t work very well
Lacks quality for price
Being one of the more expensive electric baby bottle sterilizers on our list, it comes with a long lineup of added extras you might hope to find in an electric bottle sterilizer.
The Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer is a top-choice among many parents for good reason. It works quickly, is adjustable so you can have one large unit, a medium-sized unit, or just use the small unit
to steam small things like pacifiers and teething toys.
It works extremely quickly for an electric sterilizer, having your bottles completely sterile in 6 minutes completely naturally with no chemical use and has a built-in auto shut-off to enable the machine doesn’t burn out allowing you to start it up and leave without a worry. The contents will stay sterile for up to 24 hours as long as the lid remains unopened. Ideal for kitchens with limited counter space, this electric bottle sterilizer is compact and requires minimal space.
One major downfall of the Philips Avent electric steam bottle sterilizer is its obsolete drying function. Most electric sterilizers include a drying function, unfortunately this one does not.
PROS
Automatic shut-off
Sterilizes in just 6 minutes, keeps contents sterile for up to 24 hours
Takes up minimal counter space
Use together or just the large or small baskets on their own
Sterilizes up to 6 bottles & accessories at once
Very highly rated
CONS
Does not have the drying function
Condensation inside the unit drips on the counter when you take the lid off
Plenty of room to sanitize up to 6 bottles and accessories in one go, the Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer is an obvious step-up from the previous version. It comes complete with a removable bottom tray that situates bottles perfectly, allowing for steam to be directed into each bottle, making the sterilization process seamless.
It also comes with a built-in accessory tray
which boasts room to hold bottle accessories as well as pacifiers and small teething toys. Included with your purchase is a measuring cup to ensure the right amount of water is added each time, as well as tongs to remove the sterile items without getting germs on them.
The easy-to-use electronic controls make this machine incredibly easy to operate, plus it comes equipped with power shut-off once the cycle is complete so you don’t have to worry about leaving the machine running all day. One major downfall with the Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer is that it’s missing the drying functionality of other electric sterilizers.
PROS
Automatic shut-off
Tray positions bottles for optimal steam penetration
Includes tongs & measuring cup
Works well with large bottles
Straightforward to use
CONS
Does not have the drying function
Some users complain the heating plate rusts quickly
On the more expensive side of things, the Baby Brezza bottle sterilizer is a complete sterilizer and bottle drying machine. After sterilization is complete, the contents remain sterile for up to 24 hours in the machine as long as the lid is unopened.
It can hold up to 6 bottles plus accessories in one go, giving it a fairly large sterilizing capacity. One complaint many parents have
regarding other electric steam sterilizers is that the heating plate begins to rust after little use. The Baby Brezza bottle sterilizer boasts a stainless steel heating plate which is rust-resistant and protects against hard water build-up.
This electric sterilizer is a bit different from ordinary ones in that it doesn’t have racks, but rather built-in hooks to keep bottles and accessories in place. This may pose as a pro or con, depending on your needs. The electric sterilizer automatically switches to the dry mode after sterilization is complete, and following the dry mode is an automatic shut-off.
PROS
Fits many different shaped and sized bottles
Dries bottles
Stainless steel heating plate protects against rust
Automatic shut-off at end of cycle
CONS
The lack of proper racks can make it difficult to fit everything inside the unit
The Tommee Tippee electric steam sterilizer is simple and straightforward to use with its one-button start and auto shut-off. It uses 100% natural steam to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria and sterilizes up to 6 bottles in as little as 5 minutes, making this steam sterilizer ideal for busy moms.
The dual trays make it easy to sterilize bottles and accessories in one go and in just 5 minutes.
While the New Tommee Tippee Steri-Steam Sterilizer is missing one very important function: the bottle drying function, the stackable trays can be used outside the sterilizer as a drying rack to air-dry bottles and accessories.
PROS
Sterilizes bottles & accessories in just 5 minutes
Automatic shut-off
One-button start eliminates programming and confusion
Keeps contents sterilized for up to 24 hours post-cycle with the lid on
Two stackable trays for added space
CONS
Some reviewers stated a large design flaw that may make it difficult to keep bottles standing upright
It creates a lot of condensation during the run cycle, which creates a puddle on the counter when you take the lid off
No drying function
This Baby Bottle Sterili-zer by GROWNSY is a much more affordable option when it comes to electric steam sterilizers. On top of affordability, you still have all the functions you need in an electric sterilizer.
The one button control eliminates any confusion and makes this sterilizer extremely easy to use. Simply push the button and the cycle will begin, and the auto shut-off jumps into action as soon as the cycle is complete.
PROS
Keeps bottles & accessories in a sterile environment for up to 12 hours post-cycle
Automatic shut-off
Sterilizes up to 6 bottles & accessories at once
Quick 8-minute sterilization cycle
One ON/OFF button to eliminate confusion
CONS
Not as roomy as other sterilizers
Unit can be difficult to clean
Chicco is a popular name when it comes to baby products, and they don’t disappoint when it comes to their 3-in-1 Modular Baby Bottle Sterilizer. This sterilizer is adjustable which truly makes it a 3-in-1. You can use the unit in its full-size electric mode, a compact-size electric mode, or remove the compact portion and simply stick it in the microwave for small, quick tasks.
At 15-inches tall, this sterilizer is ideal for sanitizing large bottles, with room on top for bottle accessories, pacifiers, and small teething toys.
The full-size mode can sanitize up to 6 bottles with accessories in 12 minutes, the compact eco-mode requires 30% less time and energy, and the quick microwave mode sanitizes small accessories in just 4 minutes.
PROS
3-in-1 design
Easy to set up & use
Use pieces together or separately, depending on the size of load you have
Quiet when in use
Automatic shut-off at end of cycle
Keeps contents sanitized for up to 24 hours post-cycle if lid remains on
CONS
Missing the drying function
The Best Microwave Bottle Sterilizers
Microwave baby bottle sterilizers are an affordable alternative to electric sterilizers but are a bit more labor-intensive.
Microwave steam sterilizers are large containers with dome lids that sanitize bottles with steam, much like an electric bottle sterilizer. However, microwave bottle sterilizers do not have a motor and the microwave does the work.
While microwave bottle sterilizers don’t offer a drying function as some electric sterilizers do, they are generally a much more affordable option.
Here are the best microwave bottle sterilizers:
*A bit pricier than most, but the two levels, draining function, and ability to be used as a cold water sterilizer make this microwave baby bottle sterilizer our top pick.
MAM is another big name in the baby product realm. The MAM Microwave steam sterilizer is designed for both microwave and cold water sterilization, making this product multi-purpose. It has the large capacity to sterilize up to 6 bottles in five minutes, and as long as the lid remains closed, the contents inside will remain sterile for up to 24 hours post-sterilization.
This microwave sterilizer boasts something that the others are missing: dual levels. With two removable racks, it’s adjustable enough to sterilize fewer large items by removing the top rack, or a plethora of smaller items by placing both racks in the steam sterilizer. The lid can also be used as a drainer for the sterilized items to remove water without getting germs on the contents.
PROS
Can also be used to cold-water sterilization
Two racks for optimal capacity
Sterile water draining function
Comes with tongs to hygienically assemble and remove items
Highly rated
CONS
Quite large, may not fit in all microwaves
The Munchkin Microwave Steam Sterilizer is one of my favorite microwave bottle sterilizers. It has a very large inner capacity, allowing you to sanitize large loads in one go and works as quickly as 2 minutes (though lower wattage microwaves will require longer time to sterilize). The Steam Guard open-away latch prevents burns for your safety.
PROS
Fits all standard wide- and standar-mouth bottles
Large capacity
Open-away latch to prevent steam burns
Sterilizes in as little as 2 minutes
Heat-resistant handles
CONS
If tipped to the side the hot water may run out and could burn you
The top handle is poorly designed and too small to properly hold
This microwave steam sterilizer is affordable, and much like its Munchkin competitor, it can sterilize bottles and accessories in as little as 2 minutes. It holds up to 4 bottles at once and supports both standard- and wide-neck bottles.
When the lid is left unopened after the contents have been sterilized, it keeps everything sterile for up to 24 hours. The nice thing about microwave sterilizers is they are completely un-complicated. Anyone can use them - even the most sleep-deprived moms.
PROS
Sterilization can take as little as 2 minutes
Affordable, compact & lightweight
Large sterilizing capacity
Many moms state this product as being a “must-have”
Very highly rated
CONS
It may be too large to fit in some microwaves
You may burn your hands if you don’t let it cool before removing from the microwave
The Dr. Brown’s Microwave Steam Sterilizer may look much like your normal microwave sterilizer, but it has a few key components which make it stand out from the crowd. For starters, its well-thought-out lid design prevents the much-dreaded hot water leaking onto your hands when removing it from the microwave. The second thing is its custom-molded tray which fits Dr. Brown’s Bottles and parts impeccably, so if
you already have Dr. Brown’s bottles kicking around at home, this microwave bottle sterilizer is a no-brainer. At only 8.1 inches tall, it fits in just about all microwaves.
PROS
Ergonomic lid design prevents leakages
Molded tray to fit Dr. Brown’s bottles perfectly
An incredibly easy way to keep baby accessories & bottles sanitized quickly
CONS
A reviewer mentioned the unit caught fire in their microwave, which may or may not have been due to an improper amount of water in the unit
May not have as much room as other models
Can’t beat the price - this microwave steam sterilizer is an incredibly affordable and simple-to-use product. With room for up to 6 bottles at a time, you can easily get lots of bottles sanitized fast. The sanitization process takes anywhere from as little as 2 minutes and up to 6 minutes, and the contents inside stay sterile for up to 24 hours afterward as long as the lid is left unopened.
PROS
Very affordable
Comes with tongs to remove and place items without getting germs on them
Works in most standard microwaves
Large capacity to hold up to 6 bottles at a time
Sanitizes in 2 - 6 minutes
CONS
Does not fit larger bottles
No lid lock
The Best UV Light Bottle Sterilizers
UV bottle sterilizers work by using an ultraviolet light to sterilize and sanitize your baby’s bottles and accessories. Ultraviolet light destroys the nucleic acids of bacteria and other microbes.
There are several different UV lights, however only the UV-C light can kill germs and bacteria (Source), so it’s important to ensure the UV bottle sterilizer you purchase is equipped with a UV-C light.
Ultraviolet light bottle sterilizers are portable and don’t use fluid to sterilize, which makes them a popular and convenient choice among parents.
With double disinfecting strength, this UVC sterilizer kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs in just 10 minutes by using two UV-C lights. This sterilizer has undergone ruthless lab testing to eliminate E. Coli, Salmonella, Staph, and more, allowing you to rest in peace while this sterilizer works to keep harmful germs and bacteria away from your little one.
This sterilizer is a 3-in-1, allowing you to sterilize and dry, sterilize only, or dry only to eliminate additional germs from getting onto the bottles. With its highly-reflective stainless steel interior you can expect full 360° sterilization.
PROS
Two UV-C bulbs create double disinfecting power
Built-in air dryer & HEPA air filter to keep pollutants out
Automatically shuts off the lights when the lid is opened
Multi-use: safe for plush toys, cellphones, keys, kitchenware, and more
6,000 hours of powerful UV-C life
Includes 1 basket and 3 additional filters
Uses Philips UV lights
CONS
Not as large as other versions, only fits up to 6 bottles and accessories at once
With 6,000+ hours lifetime usage, you can expect to keep your baby bottles and accessories bacteria and germ-free for a long time before needing to replace the bulb. Keep contents sterile post-cycle for up to a whopping 72 hours as long as the door remains unopened. This alone makes this UV light baby bottle sterilizer stand out from the rest.
The sterilization process takes 16 minutes with the drying cycle taking just over 50 minutes. The large design of this UV sterilizer allows it to sterilize up to 12 baby bottles in one cycle.
This sterilizer truly removes as much germs and bacteria as possible with its two-step process: first, it sterilizes the bottles and accessories using the UV-C light. Next, it pushes warm air at a temperature of 167°F to dry the bottles, eliminating even more germs and bacteria. The HEPA air filter ensures the air that is used to dry the bottles and accessories is as clean as possible.
PROS
Sterilize up to 12 bottles in one go
Up to 72-hour sterile storage
6,000+ hours of operation
2-step sterilization process (UV-C light then warm-air drying with HEPA air filter)
Multi-purpose: can be used to sterilize many different items around the house
Auto shut-off when the lid is opened
Stainless steel mirror inner wall for true 360° sterilization
CONS
Can be a bit too bulky for small kitchens with minimal counter space
This 3-in-1 UV light sterilizer can be used to sterilize, dry, and store bottles and baby accessories in a clean, sterile box. Using UV light to sanitize baby items is a safe, dry way of sterilizing and the UV light kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria without heat, steam, or harsh chemicals. This sterilizer has an auto shut-off function for the light when the door is opened.
With two replaceable and washable air filters, this UV baby bottle sterilizer filters dust, pollen and airborne pollutants from the air used to dry the bottles.
*Though not stated in the product description, Tommee Tippee has said that this UV sterilizer uses a UV-C bulb.
PROS
Large capacity
Time duration display on front of box
Long-lasting UV-C bulb lasts for up to 6,000 hours of use
Contents are kept sterile for up to 24 hours post-cycle as long as the door is left closed
Includes two replaceable & washable air filters to keep air used for drying dust- and particle-free
4 different modes: dry, sterilize, dry & sterilize, store
CONS
Takes up a decent amount of counter space
Quite expensive
Tommee Tippee fails to clarify what type of bulb is used. Under the "Customer Questions & Answers" section they confirm it is a UV-C bulb. This should be made clear in the product description
Touch controls, time and temperature display, °F and °C interchangeable, and two shelves set this UV light sterilizer out from the rest.
The top shelf offers 7 ¾ inches of space and is adjustable. The bottom shelf offers about 5 inches of space, is removable, and slides in and out so you can easily access contents at the back without touching them all.
The advanced ultraviolet sterilizer allows you to sterilize, dry, and store items all with an easy to navigate touch control screen. Have your bottles sanitized and ready to use in just 30 minutes. The advanced ultraviolet sterilizer allows you to sterilize, dry, and store items all with an easy to navigate touch control screen. Have your bottles sanitized and ready to use in just 30 minutes.
PROS
Touch screen controls
Time and temperature display
Two shelves, both of which can be removed
Very large sterilizing capacity
Dual UV-C bulbs
Dual ventilation for efficient drying and cleaner air flow
Each UV bulb lasts about 6,000 hours
CONS
Very expensive
Some reviewers stated they felt the quality was lacking for the high price tag
This LED UV Sanitizer Bag is perfectly functional for moms-on-the-go. With a handle and design that makes this unit easy to carry, you can clean your bottles and pumping supplies while out and about. With only one button to click, the unit starts up easily and without confusion and the completely automated cleaning works reliably for you, so you don’t have to. The UV-C light eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and germs in as little as 5 minutes.
PROS
Portable
Quick 5-minute sterilizing process
Multi-purpose, can be used to sterilize many household items
CONS
Not very big
Doesn’t come with any sort of tray
This UV sanitizer box kills 99.9% of bacteria in a matter of 10 minutes, making it an ideal pick for busy moms who don’t have time to wait 30+ minutes for their baby bottles and accessories to be sterilized. The middle rack is removable, allowing you to either have two layers to sterilize items or one tall layer for larger items like tall bottles. The magnets on the door keep it suctioned closed to avoid accidental openings and it is fully equipped
with auto shut-off in the case that the door is opened mid-cycle.
PROS
Magnets keep the door securely closed
Automatic shut-off
Multi-purpose: can be used for many household items
CONS
It may not be as good of quality as other sterilizers on the list
Dials feel cheaply made
The Best Baby Bottle Sterilizer & Bottle Warmer in One
Having a sterilizer & bottle warmer in one eliminates the need to have two different bulky appliances cluttering up your countertops.
With these baby bottle sterilizer and warmers in one, you'll get dual function in one handy machine.
Compact, sleek, and fast-heating, this baby bottle sterilizer and warmer duo checks off all the boxes while remaining incredibly affordable. While not as large as some other sterilizing units, this baby bottle sterilizer and warmer is ideal for taking on the go, and still has room to fit up to two bottles. It works as a bottle warmer, baby food heater, and baby bottle and accessory sterilizer, all in one.
Now you don’t need to have two different products (a bottle warmer AND a bottle sterilizer), because this does both, all in one compact unit.
PROS
Compact & ideal for transporting
Bottle warmer, sterilizer, and baby food heater
Electric steam sterilizer
Real-time water temperature display
Keep-warm function to ensure milk is warm and ready as soon as baby is hungry
Very affordable
CONS
Pretty small, not able to sterilize more than two bottles at once
No drying function
The IKARE Baby Bottle Sterilizer has a very large sanitizing capacity, holding up to 12 bottles and accessories at a time, making this the ideal electric bottle sterilizer for moms with multiple kids and babies. The sterilization time takes anywhere from 6 - 15 minutes, ensuring it has thoroughly removed 99.9% of bacteria and germs from the surfaces.
This updated version has easy-to-use touch panel controls and auto shut-off, so you don’t have to worry about the machine running all day. The IKARE 5-in-1 sterilizer works quietly and has many extras parents love.
Complete with start/cancel abilities and easy temperature adjustment. The large bottle sterilizer can be used in three different sizes, making it the perfect choice whether you have a plethora of bottles to sterilize or want to just sterilize a handful of pacifiers. The sterilizer also has a handle on the lid making the unit easy to carry around with you.
PROS
Large capacity, holds up to 12 bottles
2-layer design: use together or separately
5-in-1: sterilize, dry, sterilize & dry, bottle warmer, warm food
Easy to use control panel & automatic shut-off
Very quiet
CONS
Sterilization can take up to 15 minutes, which is longer than most others
The Best Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags
If electric, microwave, or UV sanitizers aren’t what you’re interested in, you can still get the job done by using these Micro-Steam sanitizing bags by Medela. All you do is place the items you want sanitized (bottles, pacifiers, teethers, breast pump parts, cups, etc.) into the bags, add the correct amount of water, and pop it into the microwave.
In about 3 minutes 99.9% of germs and bacteria will be killed and the contents inside the bag will be ready to use.
PROS
Quick sanitization
No need to assemble bottles & accessories neatly, just plunk them all into the bag and ensure its properly sealed
Perfect for on-the-go; compact and lightweight
A pour spout allows you to drain the hot water before removing the contents from the bag
Counter on back of the bag to keep track of its uses
CONS
The bag and contents inside get extremely hot; use oven mitts when removing it from the microwave
It is not recommended to put glass bottles in these bags
Do You Have to Wash Bottles Before Sterilizing Them?
Yes. Sterilizing bottles does not remove food particles or other substances that hot, soapy water does. Sterilizing simply removes bacteria and germs. You will want to always wash your bottles, pacifiers, and any other accessories that are to be sterilized with hot, soapy water before placing them in the sterilizer.
After the bottles have been washed and thoroughly rinsed, they’re ready to be sterilized.
Do Baby Bottles Need to be Sterilized?
If your water supply is not safely clean, it’s important to sterilize your baby’s bottles and other baby accessories.
However, most water is safe to drink and does not contain contaminated bacteria, in which case sterilizing baby bottles is unnecessary and a thorough soapy-water clean is sufficient. (Source)
Despite it not being necessary, sterilizing baby bottles and pacifiers is an unnecessary step many parents still choose to take.
Keeping some of the things that come in contact with your baby’s mouth sterilized helps cut back on the amount of germs your child is introduced to on a daily basis.
While germs are good and needed for building a healthy immune system, newborns have no ability to fight against illnesses, so lowering the amount of germs they take in on a daily basis until they are able to build some immunity is not a bad idea.
Germs are everywhere, and during your baby’s first year of life their immune system is just about non-existent, so choosing to take control and lower the germ intake in one area that moms can control - the amount of germs introduced to baby through their bottles, pacifiers, and teething toys - is a choice many moms opt for.
When Can I Stop Sterilizing Baby Bottles?
As long as your baby is healthy and does not have a compromised immune system, you should be safe to stop sterilizing your baby’s bottles once they are 3 months old.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sanitizing is important if your baby was born prematurely, has a compromised immune system, or is under 3 months of age. While daily sanitization may not be necessary for older babies that are healthy, it’s still important to ensure the items are thoroughly cleaned after each use.
Different Sterilization Methods for Baby Bottles & Accessories
Boiling
The boiling method is done by placing all bottles and accessories in a large pot and completely covering everything with water, then removing any air bubbles from the contents. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil, boil at a rolling boil for 5 - 10 minutes. This method is an effective way of removing germs and bacteria, as long as the contents are completely submerged in the boiling water for the appropriate amount of time. While this method is just as effective, it is a lot more time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Electric Steam Sterilizing
Electric steam sterilizers are the most popular choice among parents. Some models of electric sterilizers have drying functions that allow the bottles and accessories to come out sterilized and fully-dried, ready to be stored or used immediately. This method is as simple as following the preparation instructions and hitting the button and walking away while the machine does the work. A downside to electric steamers is they are not instant and require a bit of time. Different models of steam sterilizers require different running times constraints, but this may pose an issue if you’re in a hurry.
Microwave Steam Sterilizing
No motor to mess around with, microwave steam sterilizers use steam to sterilize bottles in a most natural sense. This sterilization method is quick and efficient and very inexpensive. However, some downsides of microwave sterilization are that you are required to have a microwave, and the risk of burning yourself from hot water is high if you don’t let the container sit for several minutes in the microwave to cool off. The microwave steam sterilizing method also doesn’t offer a drying function, so the bottles will have to air-dry, which can take time.
UV Light Sterilizing
Ultraviolet light sterilization method is liquid-free and uses purely light to sterilize bottles and other baby accessories. It is also completely portable, using batteries for power, which makes it a popular choice for moms on the go. The downsides of using UV light sterilizers is that they are battery powered, which means you’ll always want to have a handful of extra batteries on hand so you’re never left without your bottle sterilizer. These sterilizers can also be on the pricier side of the bottle sterilizing spectrum.
Cold-Water Sterilizing
The cold water sterilizing method works by fully submerging bottles and nipples in cold water and dropping cold water sterilizing tablets (like these) into the water. The pros of this method are that you’re not working with hot water or steam and the risk of burning yourself is obsolete. The downside to the cold water sterilizing method is that you are using chemicals to kill off the germs, exposing your child to these chemicals. Though they are deemed safe, some parents still may not like the idea of using chemicals to clean their baby’s bottles and pacifiers.
Choosing the Best Baby Bottle Sterilizer: Buyer’s Guide
Purchasing a baby bottle sterilizer can be an intimidating decision for new moms. Do you get the electric sterilizer, or do you opt for a simple microwave sterilizer? Should you dish out more money for a UV sterilizer? What’s even more important than choosing the perfect “type” of baby bottle sterilizer is your baby’s health. Here are a few things that will help make your decision for which baby bottle sterilizer to buy easier.
Sterilizing Method
The first thing to take into account when deciding which baby bottle sterilizer is best for you is which sterilization method you prefer.
There are pros and cons to all the different sterilization methods, so it really comes down to personal preference. All the bottle sterilizers mentioned in this guide kill and eliminate the utmost possible amount of bacteria and germs, ensuring your child’s safety.
When choosing a sterilization method, it comes down to personal preference and convenience. If you’d rather not stand at the microwave for 3 minutes, maybe a more hands-off approach like an electric steam sterilizer is the way to go. However, if you’d rather have a “dry” method of sterilization that doesn’t use any liquids, a UV light sterilizer may be a better choice.
If simplicity and affordability is what you’re after, a simple microwave steam sterilizer gets the job done.
Sterilizer Capacity
After you’ve decided on the method of sterilization you want to use, the next thing to consider is the size of bottle sterilizer you need. Are you a mom to multiples? If so, a sterilizer with a larger capacity may be more suitable since you’ll have more bottles to run through at one time. If you just have one baby, a more compact sterilizer should do the job just fine.
Ease of Use
If you want a sterilizer that’s more hands-off, an electric steam sterilizer or UV sterilizer is the way to go. With these, you simply set it and forget it (as long as it has an auto-off function). With these sterilizers, you don’t have to wait outside the microwave for them to be done, you can simply place them in the sterilizer, turn it on, walk away, and come back later to sterilized bottles that are ready to use.
Drying vs. Non-Drying
Many moms state that the drying function of a baby bottle sterilizer is a game-changer. The drying function allows you to have dry bottles at the end of the cycle rather than having to hand-dry the bottles and risk introducing new bacteria and germs to the surfaces. The drying function on an electric steam sterilizer comes in very handy since the bottles and accessories get condensation and steam on them during the sterilization process and end up quite wet.
However, there are benefits to having a drying function even on a dry sterilization method like UV light sterilization. This allows you to place bottles that are still wet from being washed into the sterilizer, and by the end of the cycle the bottles will be dried off and ready to use.
Size of Sterilizer
It’s important to think of the amount of counter and storage space you have available in your kitchen. If you have enough space to keep a bulkier sterilizer like the large electric or UV sterilizers out on your countertop without it getting in the way, that’s great.
But, if you don’t, it may be a lot of work to lug that thing out of the cupboard every time you need to use it.
Taking some time to think about how much available countertop real estate you have and/or storage space will help you narrow down your buying options.
Which Bottle Sterilizer is Best?
Depending on which sterilization method you want to go with, here are our top three picks for the best baby bottle sterilizers on the market:
Baby Bottle Sterilizer FAQs
No complete buyer’s guide would be complete without a frequently asked questions. We’ve rounded up all your hard-pressed questions when it comes to choosing the best baby bottle sterilizer to keep your little one safe.
How do you dry bottles after sterilizing?
While some bottle sterilizers come with a built-in drying function that will dry your bottles for you after the sterilization process, if the sterilization method you chose does not have this option, it’s best not to dry bottles after sterilization. This is because wiping them down - even with a clean cloth - runs the risk of introducing new germs and bacteria onto the surfaces that were sterilized, making them no longer sterile.
You don’t need to worry, though, if your baby bottles have a bit of water droplets in them after coming out of the sterilizer. Any water that’s left inside the bottles and/or accessories is sterile and germ-free, so you don’t need to worry about drying them out. If there’s a lot of water, you can simply dump it out then leave the bottle to drip-dry on a (clean & sterilized) drying rack.
Do you wash bottles before sterilizing?
Yes, bottles and accessories must be washed before being placed in the sterilizer. Sterilization removes germs and bacteria themselves, but won’t remove the dirt and goo that encourage the growth of germs and bacteria.
WebMD states the difference between cleaning and disinfecting:
"Cleaning involves getting rid of dirt and gunk where germs can grow. The friction of cleaning -- often with soap and water -- removes most surface germs, which is adequate for most household surfaces. In other cases, however, it's a good idea to disinfect, which destroys or inactivates most of the germs."
How many times a week should you sanitize baby bottles?
A minimum of 7 times. It’s recommended to sanitize and sterilize baby bottles and other accessories that come in contact with their mouths on a daily basis up until they are at least 3 months old. Ideally, you would sanitize baby bottles after each use.
Do I need to sanitize my baby's bottles after each use?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states:
“If your baby is less than 3 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system due to illness (such as HIV) or medical treatment (such as chemotherapy for cancer), sanitizing feeding items daily (or more often) is particularly important. Daily sanitizing of feeding items may not be necessary for older, healthy babies, if those items are cleaned carefully after each use.”
What is the best way to sanitize baby bottles?
While there is no one best way to sterilize baby bottles, what’s important is that the sterilization method you choose kills the utmost possible amount of germs and bacteria. Whether you choose to sterilize your baby’s bottles with steam, UV light, or a cold-sterilization method, the sterilization method you choose should eliminate 99.9% of germs and bacteria to offer the most protection for your infant.
Are UV sterilizers safe?
UV sterilizers must use a special type of bulb called a UV-C bulb to be effective.
These bulbs remove optimal amounts of germs and bacteria with light. However, the light can cause severe damage to your eyes. This is why it’s important to purchase a UV sterilizer that has an auto-off function that automatically shuts off the lights if the door is opened.
Do you really need a baby bottle sterilizer?
If you’ve ever wondered, “do you need a bottle sterilizer?” the short answer is: no. While baby bottle sterilizers offer convenience and save time, they are not necessary.
You can get the same germ- and bacteria-killing effect by simply using a boiling pot of water on your stovetop, though this method is much more hands-on and can be time-consuming, as well as provide more opportunities for harm such as burns from steam or the boiling water, since you need to be hands-on at all times.
What is the best baby bottle sterilizer and warmer in one?
When it comes down to it, the best baby bottle sterilizer and warmer will vary from person to person. Your unique wants and needs will determine which baby bottle sterilizer is the best for you.
Nonetheless, if we had to choose, we’d say the best baby bottle sterilizer and warmer is the IKARE 5-in-1 Electric Steam Steri-lizer and Dryer. A few reasons why we think you'll love it are:
- Large capacity to sterilize many bottles at once
Sterilizes, dries, sterilize & dry, heats food, and warms bottles - Easy one-handed operation
- Sterilizes bottles & accessories with steam, no chemicals used
- Works silently
- Touch-button controls
- Easy to clean & carry around
- Efficient air filtration system
One major downfall to this product is its size. While the large capacity comes in handy for sterilizing and sanitizing many items at once, it can pose a problem when it comes to finding somewhere to store the bottle sterilizer.
If something smaller is what you need, we think the Bimirth Baby Bottle Warmer Bottle Sterilizer with LCD Real-time Display Fast Warming is a simple yet completely functional alternative.
A few things we love about the Bimirth Baby Bottle Sterilizer & Warmer are:
- It’s smaller, which makes it easier to store
- Much easier to take on the go
- Fast bottle heating function
- Fits two bottles at once
- Works as a baby food heater
- Sterilizes bottles & accessories in 212°F steam in 8 - 20 minutes
- Auto shut-off design if water runs out
