I'm 37 weeks pregnant, Team Blue, FTM. We are in the process of getting the final touches organized before his arrival.
I was looking to find how to sterilize plastic bottles before the first use as we going to EFF. I didn't want to boil them since they are plastic. Do I just put them in the microwave?
Don't microwave unless you are using a sterilization bag. It is safe to sterilize in a big pot of boiling water (10 min); that is the manufacture recommended method.
Boy 10.6.13
Labored at freestanding birth center using hypnobirthing techniques
Plastic bottles and bottle parts can be boiled. The only plastic bottle I know of that doesn't do well with heat sterilization is the Playtex Drop-In shell. Those tend to warp and melt.
I like microwave steam bags, but I've also washed bottles plenty of times in the dishwasher. Just use whatever setting makes it hotter, whether that's a hot wash or heated dry.
You can also sterilize bottles in a sink full of warm water (under 140 degrees) and bleach. You'd have to look up the proportions, but I think it's something like 1-2 Tbsp bleach per 5 gallons of water. Yes, bleach is perfectly safe even for baby products.
DS: 11/8/11 | 9 lb 7 oz, 22 in DD: 5/22/14 | 9 lb 9 oz, 21.5 in
Read the package inserts. I have Dr. Browns and ventaire, I boiled all parts of the Dr. Browns and only some parts of the Ventaire. I also use the dishwasher every once in a while. After initial sterilization you only have to hand wash unless baby gets sick or gets thrush.
Re: New Here: Plastic Bottle Sterilization
My BFP Chart
BFP 12/19/08 m/c 12/26/08 4 weeks 5 days BFP 10/12/12 m/c 11/19/12 9 weeks...love you forever my angel babies!
I like microwave steam bags, but I've also washed bottles plenty of times in the dishwasher. Just use whatever setting makes it hotter, whether that's a hot wash or heated dry.
You can also sterilize bottles in a sink full of warm water (under 140 degrees) and bleach. You'd have to look up the proportions, but I think it's something like 1-2 Tbsp bleach per 5 gallons of water. Yes, bleach is perfectly safe even for baby products.
DS: 11/8/11 | 9 lb 7 oz, 22 in
DD: 5/22/14 | 9 lb 9 oz, 21.5 in