Bottle Sterilizers Guide
Kids + germs: it’s inevitable. Babies love to put anything and everything in their mouths, the dirtier the better. But when you’re talking about bottles (and pacifiers, and pump parts, and even some toys and teethers), ensuring they’re as germ-free as possible can offer some peace of mind. And that’s where a sterilizer comes in.
Do You Need a Bottle Sterilizer?
Hand washing bottles with soap and hot water or running them through the dishwasher is more than sufficient for keeping your bottles and other baby gear clean. Sterilizing is an extra step that’s often recommended for parents of immune-compromised or premature babies, but also something some parents choose to do either regularly or once in a while to keep frequently used items extra clean. If you do choose to sterilize your baby’s bottles, there are a few ways to go about it: boiling them in hot water for five minutes, using a microwave steam sterilizer bag or by using a sterilizer.
Most sterilizers come in two types—microwave or electric. Both use steam to kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria in just a few minutes, so it’s just a matter of personal preference which one you should choose. UV light sterilizers are also starting to become a popular sterilizing option. These types of sterilizers use UV light to eliminate germs by breaking down their DNA at the molecular level.
Baby & Toddler Best Sterilizers
Faster Drying – Baby Brezza One Step Baby Bottle Sterilizer Dryer Advanced – $164
This electric sterilizer packs a two-in-one punch: it uses natural steam to sterilize bottles, pump parts and more, and features a drying function that’s 33% faster so your gear comes out completely clean and dry with no leftover moisture to encourage bacteria or mold growth. The Brezza One Step Advanced holds up to eight bottles at a time and two complete pump part sets and has an easy-to-use LCD control panel with four different functions. Looking to spend a bit less? Check out Baby Brezza’s One Step Sterilizer Dryer. It holds two less bottles than the Advanced and has a slightly longer drying time but is still a great option.
Budget Friendly – Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer – $39
At a fraction of the cost of other sterilizers, this microwave option is roomy, compact and easy to use. It fits four 9-ounce bottles and is compatible with both standard and wide-neck designs. Everything inside remains sterile for up to 24 hours if you keep the stay-cool latches closed.
Quick and Roomy – Dr. Brown’s Electric Steam Sterilizer – $59.97
In just 12 minutes, this electric sterilizer kills 99.9% of germs and automatically shuts off when the cycle is complete and your items are clean and ready to go. The spacious interior holds up to six bottles on an upper tray and has a separate lower tray to hold accessories like nipples and pacifiers. Included tongs ensure you won’t get burned if you reach in to remove items while they’re still hot. It’s worth noting that this sterilizer requires distilled water; otherwise, mineral deposits can build up on the heating unit and flake off.
Great for On the Go – Munchkin Jumbo Microwave Bottle Sterilizer Bags – $26
Want to sterilize when you’re not at home? Microwave steam bags are a great option. Simply fill one of these XL bags with whatever items you need cleaned and a little bit of water, pop it in the microwave and you’re good to go. This set includes six bags and each bag can be used up to 30 times. There’s even a spot to mark each steam cycle so you can keep track of how many times you’ve used them.
Countertop Friendly – Tommee Tippee Steri-Steam Electric Steam Baby Bottle Sterilizer – $89.99
With the push of one button, this sterilizer cleans five bottles in five minutes. And thanks to its narrow design, it won’t hog quite as much counter space as some of it’s bulkier counterparts. Pro tip: place nipples in the top rack with rings and lids already on for quick assembly once they’ve been sterilized.
Portable UV Light Power – Munchkin Portable UV Sterilizer and Sanitizer Box – $23
While the other sterilizers on our list use steam sterilization systems, this one is powered by UV light. This means way less time (one cycle takes only 59 seconds!) and no leftover water residue to worry about. It’s also ultra-portable; it easily fits in a purse or a diaper bag and comes with a strap if you want to attach it right to your stroller or bag. It’s powered by 3 AA batteries or can be plugged in via a USB wall socket (the cable’s included). Just note that this sterilizer won’t work for bottles—it’s too small for that. It does work really well for all of those items your baby loves to drop on the ground when you’re out and about, though, like pacifiers, nipples, teethers and other small toys.