Proper cleaning and sterilizing of your baby’s bottles and its components are essential to help prevent the build-up of germs and bacteria, and establishing a consistent baby bottle cleaning routine is key. The first thing to know about preparing a safe baby bottle is that it involves a two-step process: cleaning and then sterilizing. Cleaning baby bottles safely removes milk residue and any leftover buildup, while sterilizing thoroughly eliminates bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. There are several ways to sterilize baby bottles at home, so it’s important to choose the method that best fits your family’s routine and preferences. 

❗ Note: This guide covers cleaning and sterilizing the bottle body and its components. For instructions on cleaning bottle nipples, please read here. 

Step 1: Cleaning 

Establishing proper baby bottle hygiene begins with cleaning. Disassemble the bottle and its components (e.g., milk lock, screw cap, etc.) and wash everything with gentle soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly to avoid any soap residue. Alternatively, run items through the dishwasher (top-rack only)—but note that the funnel is not dishwasher safe and must be washed by hand. 

Step 2: Sterilizing 

Boiling Method

A simple, one-time process recommended before first use to remove any potential manufacturing residue and ensure bottles are completely safe for your baby. 

• Boil: Submerge all bottle parts in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. 
• Dry: Carefully remove the items and place them on a clean towel to air dry. Ensure all parts are cool and dry before reassembling. 

❗ Note: This method is intended before first-time use only and should not be used for regular sterilization, as repeated exposure to high heat may affect the durability of certain components. One of the following three methods should be used moving forward. 

Scalding Method 

An easy way to sterilize baby bottles and components at home, using items you already have. By fully submerging the items in a clean bowl and pouring boiling water over them, this method is both practical and safe, ideal for routine sterilization when specific equipment isn’t available. 

• Prepare: Place the bottle and all components in a clean bowl. 
• Add boiling water: Pour enough boiling water to fully submerge all individual parts. Ensure all surfaces are covered. 
• Soak: Let the items soak for approximately 5 minutes. 
• Dry: Carefully remove all items and place them on a clean towel to air dry. Allow everything to cool and dry completely before reassembling. 

Microwave Method:

A fast and effective way to sterilize baby bottles using steam. By adding a small amount of water to the bottles or a microwave-safe container, steam is generated during the heating process to eliminate harmful bacteria.  

• Add water: Place the bottle in an open microwave-safe container with 50 - 100 mL of water (or add water directly into the bottle). The water creates steam—no steam, no sterilization! 
• Leave bottles open: Never seal bottles with a cap, do not place them in a sterilization bag, or cover them in any way while heating. This can cause pressure to build up, potentially deforming or breaking the bottle.
• Microwave settings: BIBS Baby Bottles are heat resistant up to 100°C/212°F. Always check your microwave’s manual to confirm temperature settings. Use the timing suggestions below based on your microwave’s wattage: 
• 500W: 5 minutes (or until water is boiling) 
• 800W: 3-4 minutes (or until water is boiling) 
• 1000W: 2-3 minutes (or until water is boiling) 
• Cooling: Allow the bottle to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the microwave, as the steam can make it very hot. 

❗ Note: This method applies only to our bottle bodies. Other bottle components have lower heat resistance and are therefore not microwave-safe. They should be sterilized using the scalding method described above. 

Electronic Steam Device Method 

A convenient and hands-off way to maintain proper baby bottle hygiene. These devices use steam, similar to the microwave method, to eliminate bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Designed for simplicity, they often allow you to sterilize multiple bottles at once, saving time and effort. *

• Check compatibility: Ensure that your sterilizer is compatible with BIBS baby bottles’ size and shape and that the temperature does not exceed 100°C/212°F. If you are unsure about the temperature of your steam sterilizer, we recommend using an alternative sterilization method. NB. Some electric steam sterilizers have a drying function where temperatures can exceed 100°C/212°F. If this is the case, do not use the drying function on BIBS baby bottles.
  
• Leave bottles open: Never seal bottles with a cap or cover them in any way while sterilizing. This can cause pressure to build up, potentially deforming or breaking the bottle.
• Follow instructions: Place the bottles in the sterilizer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. 

❗ Note: This method applies only to our bottle bodies. Other bottle components have a lower heat resistance and are therefore not electronic device safe. They should be sterilized using the scalding method described above. 

• Frequency: It is generally recommended to sterilize bottles and components before every use, especially for newborns under 3 months, those born prematurely, or those with weaker immune systems, as they are more vulnerable to infections. As your baby grows, and their immune system becomes stronger—typically around 6 months—such frequent sterilization may no longer be necessary. However, daily sterilization remains a safe option for parents who want to maintain the highest levels of hygiene or for times when their baby is unwell.  

1. ❗ Note: Official sterilization recommendations can vary by region. While these are our global suggestions, for individual certainty it’s always best to refer to your local guidelines or consult your family doctor. 
   
   A final tip to make life easier: Keeping spare bottle parts on hand can be a lifesaver while others are waiting in line to be cleaned. Always be prepared by stocking up on extra components here.