How to sterilize bottle feeding equipment

Follow these steps to keep your baby safe. Sterilize equipment until your baby is at least 4 months old.

WHAT YOU NEED

Sterilizing equipment: large pot with lid, bottle brush and nipple brush, tongs, knife, fork, can opener and glass measuring cup.

  • Large pot with lid.

  • Bottle brush and nipple brush.

  • Tongs, knife, fork, can opener, glass measuring cup.

Sterilizing equipment: glass bottles or BPA-free plastic bottles, nipples, caps and rims.

  • Glass bottles (if possible) or BPA free plastic bottles, nipples, caps and rims.

OR

Sterilizing equipment for disposable bottles: bottle holders, rims, caps, nipples and a roll of disposable liners.

  • If using a disposable system: bottle holders, rims, caps, nipples and a roll of disposable liners. Note: If using disposable bottles sterilize only the nipples, caps and rims.

STEPS

  1. Step 4: Wash hands and kitchen counter with soap and water.

    Wash hands and kitchen counter with soap and water.

  2. Step 5: Wash all items using warm, soapy water in a clean container (e.g. dishpan or large bowl... not directly in the sink).

    Wash all items using warm, soapy water in a clean container (e.g. dishpan or large bowl... not directly in the sink).

  3. Step 6: Make sure holes in nipples are not clogged.

    Make sure holes in nipples are not clogged.

  4. Step 7: Rinse well.

    Rinse well.

  5. Step 8: Put clean items in a pot and fill pot with water.

    Put clean items in a pot and fill pot with water.

  6. Step 9: Boil for 2 minutes and keep pot covered until items are needed.

    Boil for 2 minutes and keep pot covered until items are needed.

  7. Step 10: Remove items with tongs and set on a clean paper towel.

    Remove items with tongs and set on a clean paper towel.

For more information on infant formula recalls, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website www.inspection.gc.ca.

Adapted with permission from Ottawa Public Health.