10/20/2026
Whether you’re exclusively bottle feeding or just pumping now and then, the washing sure adds up! Did you handwash or have help with the endless bottle mountain?
A few helpful notes to make it all a little easier!
✨️ Bottles
For babies under 2 months, born prematurely, or with a compromised immune system, bottles should be cleaned and sanitized after every use.
For older, healthy babies, thorough washing in hot, soapy water is generally enough between sanitizing sessions.
✨️ Breast pumps & parts
Wash all parts that contact milk after each use and allow them to air-dry completely. Daily sanitizing offers extra protection, especially for younger or higher-risk babies.
Heard of the fridge method for storing pump parts between uses? I generally suggest limiting it to two consecutive pumping sessions before washing, but cleaning after every use is the safest approach, especially for young or medically vulnerable babies.
✨️ No sterilizer machine? No problem!
Microwave steam bags are handy and often reusable for around 20 uses, depending on the product. Dedicated microwave containers are another option.
No microwave? If the manufacturer says parts can be boiled, cover them with water and boil for 5 minutes. Remove with clean tongs and air-dry on a clean surface.
✨️ Can I use the dishwasher?
Absolutely! Use a hot-water cycle for dishwasher-safe items. Heated drying or a sanitize cycle is even better.
Many families wait until baby starts solids to switch to the dishwasher, but it can be a real time-saver!
✨️ What about sterilizer-dryer combos?
If you’re buying one, I’d prioritize the dryer feature! It’s so handy that many families keep using theirs well beyond the early months. Wash, sanitize AND dry? Even better!
Just check the capacity. Some machines only fit 4–6 bottle sets per cycle, so handwashing may be faster if you have the time.
Follow your equipment’s cleaning instructions, and give everything a thorough clean after an illness.
Because feeding a baby comes with enough washing, thank you very much! ❤️