Skip to main content

How To Clean And Sterilize Baby Feeding Utensils And Breast Pump

•Last updated: October 22, 2025•5 min read
Chetan Meena
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Proper cleaning and sterilization of baby feeding utensils and breast pump parts is essential to protect your baby from infections. Here's everything you need to know about keeping your baby's feeding utensils safe and clean.

Why Sterilization Is Important​

Babies have a weak immune system and cannot fight infections like adults. Dirty feeding utensils can harbor harmful bacteria that cause infections in babies.

Regular cleaning and sterilization kills these harmful germs and keeps your baby safe.

tip

Daily sterilization is important if your baby is less than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system.
For older, healthy babies, thorough cleaning after each use may be sufficient.

What Equipment Needs Sterilization?​

Breast Pump Parts​

  • Collecting bottle and its lid
  • Breast shields
  • Valves and membranes
  • Connecting tubes (if milk is collected or visibly soiled)

Important: Always check your breast pump manual to know exactly which parts need cleaning and sterilization.

Baby Feeding Utensils​

  • Spoons and bowls used for feeding
  • Containers used to collect and store mother's milk
  • Utensils used to prepare formula milk
  • Feeding bottles and nipples (if used)
  • Pacifiers (if used)

Step-By-Step Cleaning Process​

Step 1: Clean Immediately After Every Use​

  • Never delay cleaning. Bacteria multiply rapidly on residual milk.
  • Rinse all parts with dishwashing soap and water immediately after feeding or pumping.

Step 2: Wash Thoroughly​

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Use lukewarm water with dish soap.
  • Disassemble all parts completely - bottles, lids, valves, and pump parts.
  • Use a clean bottle brush to scrub inside bottles and tubes.
  • Use a small nipple brush to clean nipples and valves thoroughly.
  • Pay special attention to bottle threads, corners, and small crevices where milk can hide.
  • Rinse all parts under running water to remove all soap.

Step 3: Sterilize By Boiling​

Boiling Method (Recommended):

  1. Take a large, clean pot of stainless steel.
  2. Fill it with enough water to completely submerge all utensils.
  3. Place all cleaned parts in the water.
  4. Make sure no air bubbles are trapped inside bottles or parts.
  5. Bring water to a rolling boil.
  6. Boil for 10-15 minutes continuously.
  7. Turn off heat and let equipment cool in the covered pot.
  8. Remove parts with clean hands or clean tongs.
  9. Place on a drying rack to air dry.

Important Safety Tips:

  • Check that all parts can withstand boiling (read manufacturer's instructions).
  • Replace nipples and valves regularly as they can wear out from repeated boiling.
  • Never leave the pot unattended while boiling.

Alternative Sterilization Methods​

Steam Sterilizer​

  • Electric steam sterilizers are convenient and effective.
  • Follow manufacturer's instructions for loading and timing.
  • Usually takes 8-12 minutes.
  • Parts stay sterile for up to 24 hours if the sterilizer lid remains closed.

Microwave Sterilization​

  • Use only microwave-safe bottles and equipment.
  • Special microwave sterilizer bags or containers are available.
  • Follow product instructions carefully for timing and water amount.
  • Be extremely careful when removing - steam burns are common.

Chemical Sterilization​

  • Sterilizing tablets or solutions are available.
  • Good for travel or when boiling isn't possible.
  • Follow product instructions exactly.
  • Rinse thoroughly with boiled and cooled water before use.
  • Change solution every 24 hours.

Drying And Storage​

Proper Drying​

  • Air dry on a clean drying rack.
  • Use a dedicated drying rack for baby items only.
  • Never dry with regular kitchen towels - they can transfer germs.
  • Ensure parts are completely dry before storing to prevent mold growth.

Safe Storage​

  • Store sterilized equipment in a clean, covered container.
  • Keep in a clean cupboard or closed space.
  • Don't store in areas with dust or insects.
  • Wash your hands before handling sterilized equipment.
  • If stored properly, sterilized items stay clean for 24 hours.

Important Hygiene Tips​

Before Preparing Feeds​

  • Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Clean your work area.
  • Use freshly boiled and cooled water for preparing formula.

During Cleaning​

  • Use separate cleaning brushes for baby items only.
  • Don't use the same sponge you use for dishes.

What To Avoid​

  • Never use dirty or wet towels to dry bottles.
  • Don't sterilize items with cracks or damage - replace them.
  • Avoid washing baby items together with heavily soiled dishes.
  • Never reuse formula milk - always make fresh feeds.

Common Issues​

Milk residue won't come off:

  • Soak in warm soapy water for 30 minutes before scrubbing.
  • Use a bottle brush with stiffer bristles.
  • Replace if residue is permanent.

Equipment smells sour:

  • This indicates bacterial growth.
  • Soak in baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per cup of water) for 1 hour.
  • Wash thoroughly and sterilize.
  • Replace if smell persists.

White deposits on bottles:

  • This is mineral buildup from hard water.
  • Soak in white vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water) for 1 hour.
  • Wash and rinse thoroughly.

Keeping your baby's feeding equipment clean doesn't have to be complicated. With a good routine and the right techniques, you can ensure your baby stays healthy and safe.

If you have questions about cleaning baby utensils or need more baby care tips, feel free to contact us.

References​

  1. CDC: How to Clean, Sanitize, and Store Infant Feeding Items
  2. CDC: How to Clean and Sanitize Breast Pumps
  3. FDA: Cleaning a Breast Pump