Keeping your little one's pacifiers and bottle nipples clean is essential for their safety, especially during the earlier months when their immune systems are more vulnerable. Follow these simple steps to sterilize pacifiers and bottle nipples to help keep them free from harmful bacteria: The most common methods:

1. Boiling Sterilization

Always sterilize brand-new pacifiers and bottle nipples by boiling them before their first use to remove any residue from the manufacturing process.  

  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. 
  • Place the pacifiers/bottle nipples into the boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged and not touching the sides of the pot. 
  • Boil for 5 minutes. 
  • Carefully remove them using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a clean towel to air dry. 
  • Once cooled, squeeze out any excess water from the nipple valve. 

 

❗️This method is suitable for both latex and silicone pacifiers/bottle nipples but should be used for first time use only. 

2. Scalding Sterilization

  • Place pacifiers/bottle nipples in a clean bowl and pour enough boiling water to cover them completely. 
  • Let them soak for approximately 5 minutes. 
  • Carefully remove them and place them on a clean towel to air dry. 
  • Squeeze out any excess water from the nipple valve. 

❗️This method is suitable for both latex and silicone pacifiers/bottle nipples. 

3. Microwave Sterilization

  • Confirm your microwave settings do not exceed 800W (or equivalent), and the temperature does not exceed 110°C / 230°F.  
  • Place the pacifiers/bottle nipples in a microwave-safe sterilization box (like a BIBS pacifier box) filled with two tablespoons of water. Never place pacifiers/bottle nipples directly in the microwave without water or a proper sterilization box. 
  • Heat in the microwave for a maximum of 60 seconds. 
  • Allow the box to cool before removing the contents. 

❗️Suitable for silicone pacifiers/bottle nipples only. 

Sterilization FAQ

Q: How often should I sterilize pacifiers and baby bottle nipples?
Q: Can I use electronic steam sterilizing devices?
Q: Can I use UV sterilizing devices?
Q: Can I use sterilizing solutions?
Q: Can I sterilize pacifiers or bottle nipples in the dishwasher?
Q: Why is there water in the nipple after cleaning?