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Baby Bottle Sterilizer

A bottle sterilizer kills germs on bottles, nipples and pump parts. Steam models are most common.

Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Baby stores, big box stores and pharmacies carry electric and microwave models. Bottle brands often sell sterilizers sized for their own bottles.

Professional insight

Nursery staff choose by capacity and drying. A unit that dries bottles saves the most daily work.

  • Measure tall or wide neck bottles against the chamber height.
  • Check that pump parts and pacifiers fit the racks.
  • Hard water means descaling the steam plate often.
  • UV models need parts cleaned first and placed unshaded.

Check the label

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Types

Bottle sterilizer types
TypeGood forDownside
Electric steamDaily use, large batchesNeeds counter space and descaling
Electric steam and dryReady to use dry bottlesLonger cycle, bigger unit
Microwave steamSmall kitchens, travelDepends on microwave size
UV cabinetAlso stores bottlesLight must reach every surface
Steam bagsTrips and daycareLimited number of uses

How to use it

  1. 1Wash bottles and nipples with soap and water first.
  2. 2Rinse and load parts open side down.
  3. 3Add distilled or tap water to the marked line.
  4. 4Run the cycle and let it cool.
  5. 5Remove parts with clean hands or tongs.

Care

  • Empty leftover water after every cycle.
  • Descale the heating plate with vinegar or citric acid.
  • Wipe the lid and racks dry before storing.
  • Replace UV bulbs on the schedule in the manual.

Common questions

Do I need a sterilizer?
Not always. Boiling or a dishwasher sanitize cycle also works. Ask your pediatrician what suits your baby.
Does a sterilizer clean bottles?
No. Wash off milk first. Sterilizing only kills germs left behind.
Will my bottles fit?
Check the maximum bottle height and neck width listed for the unit.