Can I use the sterilizer rather than hand washing the bottles every time?
1389089
I tried it once just to see. The formula/milk leaves an oily film on nipples and bottles, so technically they would be sterilized (?) but still kind of dirty (?). I find its best to wash the bottles, nipples and everything and then put it into the sterilizer. I know when you're juggling babies and other things, washing and sterilizing seems like a chore, but it just seems safer doing the washing and sterilizing.
1389090
No. Sterilizer is meant to kill any germs or bacteria .. Hand soap wash is required for cleaning the milk residue .. Smell .. Sliminess ..
1389091
i used it once a week . i heard of others that use it every feeding ! i guess it is a matter of choice . hope that helps !
413832
by the way. Don't use lake water or anything of that sort. For one your sterilizing everything anyway. Bottled water or even tap water is great. anything else is nothing short of using toilet water,used. Again, after all this is all going to be sterilized through the steamer or pressure cooker. Why run to the lake. Why invite contaiminates. We all have our ways. Find what's best for you and experiment.
1291979
I believe so. I use Avent steam sterilizer with all the parts except the tubes as the tubes seem to hold up well without any milk went in it, so I haven't sterilized it. I remember cleaning my first pair of tubes and it takes at least a week to dry even hanging it straight up and down.
218593
You dont have to sterilize the pump itself, but you do have to sterilize the accessories (flanges, bottles, etc...). I would recommend buying several sets of accessories so you dont have to sterilize after every use.
199451
Thank you for your interest. Just like with any avent bottle, you can do it using the microwave or electric sterilizer
2073364
I have on occasion, but I do prefer to hand wash. I fear that the dry cycle shorten it use if I intent to use it for years.
493368
Yes. I always wash and sterilize mine after each use. I use the Medela quick steam bags.
2245677
Yes. I use a scissors to snip off the number I need and then individually open them and plop them into the water I want to sterilize. I try not to touch them so I have to be careful to aim them into the container so they don't wind up on the ground
704973
I would just sterilize after the initial purchase. You really don't need to sterilize bottles/parts each time anymore. That is an old recommendation from when water supplies weren't as safe. I do sterilize my bottles/parts once in a while still but really just hot soapy water or a run through the dishwasher is sufficient. Plus if you think about it- When you sterilize an item you also need to sterilize the tongs used to pick it up, the counter or drying rack you sit it on, the cupboard which it then goes into, and any other surface it is likely to touch by the time it's used for a feeding... You are never going to be able to keep your bottles sterile.
218588
We sterilize after every use. We intend to start taking it to work, and the plan is to throw everything into the lunch bag and that goes in the fridge. If you need to pump more than once a shift (lucky you), I'd suggest picking up a second set of cups/valves/bottles and have that ready to go rather than re-using during the day. The vacuum hose and base unit shouldn't be getting milk into them and remain sanitary. BTW, our Target has a nice selection of spares and extras if we need something right away.
2118847
This is a plastic irrigator, so the best way to sterilize on the fly is with rubbing alcohol and then rinse it with hot water.
840429
I have not tried but suggest not safe. The bottle has several plastic parts and the dishwasher may cause some damage to them.
777451
We use ours only for water. We wash it by hand with soapy water. The opening is probably big enough though that you could use a baby bottle scrubber if you felt necessary.
1062297
Yes. I used boiling-hot water to sterilize both the cap & vial; no problems.
440109
Yes, when I first bought it we sterilized in a pot of hot water for 5-10 mins. Other than that, we rinse it with the Medela soap and hot water. I wouldn't recommend using the microwave or dishwasher as these things can break down the plastic. Of course, that is being a really anal parent. Every two weeks I sterilize it again within a pot of hot water but I never use the microwave or dishwasher.
878286
you can but i would use the model RP90 with built in uv sterilizer for freshwater it will help a Great Deal with parasites such as ICK.
60954
You can wash it because the top comes off, and you could disinfect it with a disinfectant solution, but it's plastic so it won't withstand the temperatures needed for sterilization such as in boiling water. I found mine stopped working after the second use anyway.