Whether you will fill them with formula or breast milk, you should sterilize baby bottles before you use them for the first time, BabyCenter reports. You can use several methods, including placing them in boiling water for at least five minutes. Once your sterilized bottles dry, you can store them just as you would your other glasses or dishes.
Step 1
Dry the bottles for at least one hour before either storing them or filling them with milk or formula. You can dry sterilized bottles on a dish-drying rack or by placing them on a clean, dry towel.
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Step 2
Shake any excess water from the bottles before storing them. If you prefer, you can also towel dry the bottles.
Step 3
Place the sterilized bottles in a cabinet or cupboard or another location where you have decided to store the bottles. Set the bottles with the bottom down so the rim does not make contact with the shelving or other surfaces.
Step 4
Stack the bottle nipples neatly near the bottles so they are easily accessible when it comes time to prepare a bottle. If you bottle nipples do not stack, consider placing them in a small basket or bin so they do not become lost or misplaced.
Tip
Once sterilized, you can run a bottle through the dishwasher or clean it in hot, soapy water after each use, BabyCenter advises. If you have well water, however, you should sterilize the bottles after each use.
A brush designed specifically for cleaning baby bottles can help you clean the bottom of the bottles and inside the nipples. You can also flip the nipples inside out to ensure they get thoroughly cleaned, the OSU Medical Center advises.
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