Parents do everything they can to keep their babies safe and happy. They change countless diapers, spend long nights nursing them back to sleep and give them daily doses of unconditional love. But despite their adorable smiles and coos, a newborn’s first year isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, and that’s thanks to germs — the invisible enemy.
Luckily, there are plenty of practical and simple methods you can use to keep your infant’s immune system in tiptop shape — like sterilizing their baby bottles and feeding items. If you’re looking to equip your growing family with one of the best bottle sterilizers on the market, this guide is for you. We’ve gone ahead and covered the research portion, so you don’t have to.
- Features to Consider in Good Bottle Sterilizers
- Top 12 Best Bottle Sterilizers 2023
- 1. Best Overall Bottle Sterilizer: Papablic Electric Steam Sterilizer & Dryer
- 2. Best Budget Bottle Sterilizer: Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer
- 3. Munchkin Steam Guard
- 4. Dr. Brown’s Microwave Steam Sterilizer
- 5. Philips AVENT 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer
- 6. Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer
- 7. Baby Brezza Sterilizer & Dryer
- 8. Tommee Tippee Steri-Steam Electric Sterilizer
- 9. Elechomes 5-in-1 Sterilizer & Dryer
- 10. Best On-the-go Sterilizer: Munchkin Latch Microwave Sterilize Bags
- 11. Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer & Dryer
- 12. Best Premium Bottle Sterilizer: EVLA’s UV Sanitizer
- Guide to Buying the Best Bottle Sterilizer
- Final Thoughts
Features to Consider in Good Bottle Sterilizers
Doctors recommend that parents sterilize their newborn’s baby bottles and feeding items for up to a year. This is especially important for premature babies, who do not yet have a strong immune system and cannot fight off harmful germs. Sterilizing these items is crucial for the first three months of a newborn’s life. This is also true for infants with compromised immune systems. Ultimately the choice is yours unless specified by your health practitioner, but it’s recommended to help protect your baby in the early stages of life.
Boiling water will do it, but it’s fiddly and is a multi-step process. You may not get complete coverage and you may burn your hands. The other way of doing it is to use a bottle sterilizer. They are cheap and convenient ways of sterilizing your baby’s bottles. If you want to see what to do with the bottle after you’ve sterilized it, check out our buyer’s guide at the end of this article.
Types of Bottle Sterilizers
Which type of sterilizer you use is a matter of preference. All of them will successfully kill almost any germ that could harm your baby. They do it in slightly different ways though, with different convenience factors attached to each.
Microwave Steamers
Microwave steamers are simple to use and generally affordable. Fill the apparatus with water, place it in the microwave with the bottles, and allow steam to work its magic. If you want a ‘basic’ sterilizer, this is often the best choice.
Electric Steamers
Like microwave steamers, electric steamers use steam to combat germs. However, electric steamers need to be plugged into an outlet. The push of a button gets the job done. It frees up the microwave but takes up some counter space. If you’ve got space for it, they’re simple and effective.
UV Sterilizers
UV bottle sterilizers use ultraviolet light to kill germs effectively. They are loved and trusted by parents and professionals and are more high tech, and usually faster at the job. They’re often more expensive though.
Sterilizer Bags
This type of sterilizer is less for the home and more for when you’re traveling with your baby and want a solution. Combined with a microwave, you can sterilize your baby’s bottles wherever they are.
Ease of Use
As a new parent, the last thing you need is a bottle sterilizer that complicates your life. Operating your sterilizer should be a straightforward process. If the instruction manual leaves room for error or is longer than your to-do-list, we continued our search.
Size
If you have limited kitchen counter space, you want to opt for a bottle sterilizer that can be easily stored — or one that takes up little room. To find out which size best suits your needs, ask yourself how many bottles and feeding items you will need to sterilize daily. If you strictly feed your baby formula, a larger sterilizer will be of utmost value.
Time
We understand how important it is to sterilize your newborn’s bottles quickly and efficiently, but some sterilizers are more time-efficient than others. When selecting the best bottle sterilizer for your growing family, take note of the cycle’s length, from start to finish.
Multifunctional: Drying, Bottle-Warming and More.
Some bottle sterilizers are multifunctional: they sterilize and dry bottles simultaneously, while some even offer bottle-warming functions (among other features). While microwave sterilizers are time efficient, they leave bottles wet.
If they aren’t properly dried, leftover moisture can cause germs to grow. Therefore, parents have to account for drying time. Depending on your needs, it might be beneficial to opt for a multifunctional sterilizer. Some have up to six functions, but more on that later.
Included Accessories
So you ordered your very first bottle sterilizer, and you’re excited to put it to good use. But wait, where are the plastic tongs, the baby bottles and the other accessories needed to get the job done? Oops.
This is an unfortunate situation many new parents find themselves in. When buying a bottle sterilizer, it’s important to find out which accessories are included, and which ones have to be ordered separately. We’ll cover which accessories are included and which ones aren’t as we delve into each product. So, there’s no need to worry about that!
Easy to Clean
Contrary to popular belief, your sterilizer has to be cleaned at regular intervals. Don’t worry, you don’t need a sterilizer for your sterilizer. Some bottle sterilizers are dishwasher safe, while others have removable trays for easy cleaning.
Now, it’s time to segue to our picks for the 12 best bottle sterilizers of 2021:
Top 12 Best Bottle Sterilizers 2023
1. Best Overall Bottle Sterilizer: Papablic Electric Steam Sterilizer & Dryer
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric
Functions: Sterilize, Dry and Deodorize
Ease of Use
The Papablic Sterilizer & Dryer is controlled by a 3-setting dial, making it very simple to use. Simply add 100ml of distilled water into the heating plate, load your items, and select the setting of your choice. This sterilizer outshines the dishwasher by offering higher sterilization temperatures. It’s easy to use and effective. It uses steam to sterilize baby bottles and accessories, followed by hot air to effectively dry the load. Its super high temperatures help deodorize items while providing reliable sanitization.
Size
What makes this compact sterilizer and dryer combo so nifty is its storable size. At first glance, it doesn’t look much bigger than the Philips AVENT Sterilizer. However, it has a superior loading capacity thanks to its 3 different stacking options. The Papablic Sterilizer & Dryer can clean up to 11 bottles in one setting — plus accessories!
Time
The Papablic Sterilizer & Dryer can complete a sterilization cycle in just 6 minutes. However, it takes anywhere between 45 to 65 minutes for it to complete a cycle from start to finish. Those in a hurry can always skip the drying cycle and use other bottle drying techniques. Whatever your preference, it’s always nice to have both options.
Included Accessories
The Papablic Sterilizer & Dryer does not come with tongs or baby bottles. Luckily, it is compatible with many baby bottle brands, like Dr. Brown’s 8oz bottles. So, purchasing new ones might not be necessary.
Easy to Clean
This apparatus is as easy to clean as it is to use. Thanks to its ergonomic shape it can swiftly be taken apart and cleaned. Combine the use of distilled water and occasional cleanings to prolong its lifespan. Using tap water can quickly rust the heating plate while leaving residual hard water stains. If using distilled water isn’t always feasible, be sure to clean every compartment regularly.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Sterilizes and dries
- Contents stay sterile up to 12 hours
- Automatic drying and power-off functions
Cons
- Doesn’t notify you if you forget to add water
- Distilled water is encouraged
2. Best Budget Bottle Sterilizer: Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Microwave Steamer
Functions: Sterilize
Ease of Use
This is a simple sterilizer that you fill up with whatever needs cleaning, add (up to) 200 ml of water and then put in the microwave. It does the rest. Unlike many of the more complex items on our list, this microwave steam sterilizer doesn’t have any fancy bells and whistles. The steam reliably reaches every corner of the container, and it will sterilize more than just baby bottles. Anything you can fit inside, you can clean with it.
Size
Speaking of size, it isn’t that big. At 11.07 inch by 6.54 inch, it’s compact and can be stored away easily compared to other sterilizers on the market, or taken with you when traveling. That size can become a hindrance though, as you might have to do a few cycles if you’re cleaning more than just a bottle or two.
Time
In a mere two minutes, this sterilizer will have done the job. However, without a drying function, you’re going to have to wait for the item to cool off before handling it or letting baby near it. If you keep the lid closed though, the contents will remain sterilized for 24 hours, so you can get ahead of the game and have things ready for when you need them.
Included Accessories
None. It’s compatible with most baby bottles though. Naturally, the company recommends its own bottles.
Easy to Clean
You can’t use this in the dishwasher. So you’ll have to use some boiling water to clean it to prevent limescale and rust forming.
Pros
- Portable size
- Can sterilize more than just bottles
- Simple to use
Cons
- Doesn’t dry what’s been cleaned
- A bit bare-bones in terms of features
3. Munchkin Steam Guard
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Microwave Steamer
Functions: Sterilize
Ease of Use
The Munchkin Microwave Sterilizer is simple and effective. It kills 99.9% of germs without the use of chemical additives. Mothers and fathers can sterilize their baby bottles and breast pump shields using 7 ounces of distilled water and steam. Using this steamer is as easy as using the microwave.
Size
One of the best things about the Munchkin Sterilizer is its size and storage capabilities. You don’t need to clear any counter space to welcome it into your home. You can store it in a cupboard when in disuse. It also fits in all standard microwaves. Due to its large capacity, parents can load up to 4 bottles and a few breast pump accessories in a single cycle.
Time
While the average electric steamer will complete a sterilization cycle in about 6 minutes, the Munchkin Microwave Sterilizer can get the job done in just 2 minutes — depending on your microwave’s wattage, of course. Every mom knows that microwave steamers can get dangerously hot but this one has heat-resistant handles and an open-latch that prevents burns. Even then, you should wait about 7 minutes before unlatching it post-sterilization, just to be safe.
Included Accessories
The Munchkin Sterilizer doesn’t include baby bottles or brushes. However, it comes with a pair of tongs to make removing hot items both safe and sterile.
Easy to Clean
Keeping your Munchkin Sterilizer in good condition isn’t a hard thing to do. It isn’t dishwasher safe so beware, but it can easily be cleaned using dish soap and warm water.
Pros
- Affordable
- Large capacity
- Compatible with a wide range of baby bottles
- Sterilizes in 2 minutes
- Fits in all standard microwaves
Cons
- Bottles can fall over if not properly placed
- It can leak water into your microwave if not properly latched
4. Dr. Brown’s Microwave Steam Sterilizer
Editor’s Rating:
Ease of Use
Sterilizing your baby’s feeding items is a straightforward process when using Dr. Brown’s Microwave Sterilizer. Just add tap water, load the basket and pop it into the microwave. While easy to use, the small side handles can make it impractical to take out of the microwave. So, remove it cautiously to prevent burns. The cover doesn’t lock either.
Size
Dr. Brown’s Microwave Sterilizer is small and compact — a perfect match for small microwaves. Despite its size, it can still hold up to 4 Dr. Brown baby bottles and accessories.
Time
Depending on your microwave’s wattage, a cycle can be completed in as little as 5 minutes. Keep in mind that this sterilizer requires a full 3 minutes of cooling off time.
Included Accessories
Dr. Brown baby bottles need to be ordered separately. However, a bottle tong is included in the price. Also, other bottles are often not compatible, which is a bit frustrating.
Easy to Clean
Unlike the Munchkin Microwave Steam Sterilizer, the Dr. Brown Sterilizer is dishwasher safe. If you don’t have a dishwasher, it can easily be cleaned with warm water and dish soap.
Pros
- No descaling needed
- Simple and efficient
- Compact
- Portable
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Small side handles and the cover doesn’t lock
- Water spills in the microwave if not carefully handled
- Most compatible with Dr. Brown baby bottles
5. Philips AVENT 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric
Functions: Sterilize
Ease of Use
If you’re looking for a straightforward sterilizer, look no further, the Philips AVENT 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer is as simple as they come. While unplugged, place it on a flat surface and load the base of the sterilizer with 100ml of water. Once everything is loaded and the sterilizer has been plugged in, an orange operating light will turn on. Only use the button if you need to halt the sterilization cycle — it’s as easy as that!
Size
The Philips AVENT Sterilizer doesn’t take up more counter space than it needs to. Its compact size makes it easy to store and move around — it weighs less than the average newborn, after all. This practical sterilizer has two baskets, the bottom one larger than the top, allowing it to host breast pump and feeding accessories. The top basket, on the other hand, is ideal for bottle teats, lids, pacifiers or other small items.
Time
Every minute counts and you’re working around the clock for your baby, not your sterilizer. One of the best things about the Philips AVENT Sterilizer is that it eliminates 99.9% of germs in just six minutes. Once the cycle is complete, let it cool down for about 5 minutes before removing the lid and safely drying your items. If you don’t need your items right away, don’t remove the lid. This way, the sterilizer’s contents will remain sterile for up to 24 hours.
Included Accessories
The Philips AVENT Sterilizer doesn’t come equipped with baby bottles. Those will need to be purchased separately. However, a set of bottle tongs is included.
Easy to Clean
To ensure that your Philips AVENT Sterilizer continues to deliver optimal results, habitual cleanings will be needed. This is especially true for the heating plate, which can rust if not properly cared for. Luckily, this bottle sterilizer has an open design, making it extremely easy to maintain.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Quick sterilization
- Contents stay sterile up to 24 hours
- Takes up minimal counter space
- Sterilizes breast pump parts, pacifiers, bottles, utensils and more
Cons
- Needs frequent cleanings
- Only available in 120V
6. Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric
Functions: Sterilize
Ease of Use
Using Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer is made simple thanks to its electronic controls and cycle indicators. The use of distilled water is recommended to avoid mineral deposits. Add water, press play and let the sterilization begin!
Size
Dr. Brown’s Bottle Sterilizer is sturdy and deluxe, but it isn’t the smallest sterilizer on the market. Counter space will be needed. After all, it’s more on par with the size of a crockpot than a toaster.
Time
A sterilization cycle can take upwards to 10 minutes, which is a little more than the average sterilizer. On top of that, it does leave feeding items quite wet. So, it’s recommended that parents allow bottles to drain and cool down for an additional 5 minutes.
Included Accessories
Dr. Brown baby bottles are not included. However, this deluxe sterilizer does come equipped with a measuring cup and a pair of bottle tongs.
Easy to Clean
The bottom tray is removable and dishwasher safe, making it easy to take apart and clean. However, parents who do not use distilled water will quickly notice rust and mineral deposits on the heating plate. Those who use tap water risk damaging the sterilizer if habitual cleanings aren’t performed. Whereas parents who use distilled water will have to perform a single monthly cleaning.
Pros
- Quiet
- Easy to operate
- Removable and dishwasher-safe tray
- Compatible with multiple baby bottle brands
- Automatic shut-off functions
Cons
- Distilled water needed
- Takes up counter space
7. Baby Brezza Sterilizer & Dryer
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric
Functions: Sterilize, Dry, Storage
Ease of Use
Using the Baby Brezza Sterilizer & Dryer is a straightforward process thanks to the LCD control panel. Add 4 ounces of distilled water onto the warming plate, load your items, put the cover on, select your cycle, and press play. It’s easy and effective, killing 99.9% of germs. The Baby Brezza is also one of the best multifunctional bottle sterilizers on the market.
You can use it to sterilize, dry or store your bottles, pacifiers and breast pump accessories. Or, you can use it for all of the above. It’s 4-in-1 capability means it can be used for sterilization or drying independently as well as doing both. The fourth function is storage.
Size
Although it has a sleek design that matches most kitchens, the Baby Brezza Sterilizer & Dryer requires a good amount of counter space. Note that you will need additional space to lay down the cover when stacking the apparatus with items. Regardless, this 4-in-1 sterilizer is worth the space it takes up. On a side note, baby feeding items can be stored in the Baby Brezza for up to 24 hours, which can free up some much-needed counter space.
Time
Parents love the Baby Brezza because it sterilizes and dries their feeding items in just one hour. It also gives them options — like choosing between a 30, 45 or 60-minute drying cycle. Pressed for time? The Baby Brezza sterilizes items in just 8 minutes.
Included Accessories
What you see is what you get with the Baby Brezza Sterilizer & Dryer. Bottles and tongs are sold separately.
Easy to Clean
The Baby Brezza has a stainless steel heating plate that fights off rust and mineral deposits. However, stains can still appear if distilled water isn’t used. Even then, the stainless steel heating plate makes these deposits easy to clean.
Pros
- Stays sterile for up to 24 hours
- Large capacity
- LCD control panel
- Automatic drying and shut-off functions
- Stainless steel heating plate
Cons
- Items aren’t easily stacked in the basket
- Distilled water needed
- Quite large
8. Tommee Tippee Steri-Steam Electric Sterilizer
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric
Functions: Sterilize, Drying Rack
Ease of Use
Like the Philips AVENT 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer, the Tommee Tippee Sterilizer is easy to use. Simply add water, load your items, press play and voila! However, it’s important to note that exactly 80ml of water must be used with every cycle. So, a measuring cup is necessary. The tray doubles up usefully as a drying rack too, although this sterilizer doesn’t do any active drying itself. If the lid remains closed, the sterilizer’s contents will stay sterile for up to 24 hours.
Size
The Tomme Tippee’s slim design is perfect for parents who do not have a lot of counter space to spare. It’s portable, being under 4 pounds and all.
Time
Mothers who have or are expecting multiples love the Tommee Tippee because it allows them to sanitize up to 6 bottles in just 5 minutes. It cools down very quickly, too.
Included Accessories
Although bottles must be ordered separately, the Tommee Tippee Electric Sterilizer comes with nipple tongs and a pacifier suitable for infants 6 months or younger.
Easy to Clean
To keep your Tommee Tippee Sterilizer in perfect condition, wipe it down daily and descale it monthly. While easy to maintain, this sterilizer needs to be cleaned constantly to prevent the heating plate from collecting hard water deposits and rust.
Pros
- Takes up minimal counter space
- Sterilizes in just 5 minutes
- Contents stay sterile for 24 hours
- Stackable tray can be used as a drying rack
- Cools down rapidly
Cons
- Exactly 80ml of water must be used with every cycle (measuring cup is not provided)
- Plastic smell
- Needs frequent cleanings
9. Elechomes 5-in-1 Sterilizer & Dryer
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric
Functions: Sterilize, Dryer, Storage, Reheat and Steam Food
Ease of Use
Equipped with a touchscreen LED control panel, the Elechomes Sterilizer & Dryer is easy to operate. It has a large main body that is ideal for loading big bottles and feeding items. Fill the heating plate with 130ml of distilled water, load all your items and select the cycle that best fits your needs.
The Elechomes Sterilizer & Dryer has a whopping 5 functions. It uses natural steam to sterilize feeding items while offering a 360-degree drying cycle. These two functions can be used together or apart. Additionally, it is beloved for its 2-tiered storage capabilities. Oh, and let’s not forget that it can reheat food and steam eggs!
Size
The Elechomes Sterilizer & Dryer is quite big. So, parents have to account for counter space when selecting this product. But, this is a small price to pay when taking its large capacity and drying capabilities into account.
Time
It takes 12 minutes for a powerful steam sterilization cycle to come full circle. If time isn’t of an essence, contents can be sterilized and dried in just 40 to 60 minutes.
Included Accessories
Baby bottles and tongs are sold separately.
Easy to Clean
Due to its stackable nature, the Elechomes Sterilizer & Dryer is easy to take apart and clean. Its heating plate can be wiped down and rinsed with ease. A deep cleaning (with vinegar) is recommended every couple of weeks.
Pros
- Time setting and countdown
- 5-in-1 function
- LED control panel
- Large capacity
- Compatible with a wide range of bottles, toys and feeding accessories
Cons
- Large counter space needed
- Not visually appealing
10. Best On-the-go Sterilizer: Munchkin Latch Microwave Sterilize Bags
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Bag
Functions: Sterilize
Ease of Use
Easy to use is an understatement! Munchkin Latch Bags have a Cool-Touch grip, which prevents parents from getting burned while handling them. Simply add water, load your items, close the latch and plop it into the microwave. Drain the water once the cycle is complete. These bags are lightweight and flexible. They can easily be stored in changing bags.
Size
One bag can sterilize up to three baby bottles (caps and teats included), depending on the brand. While most baby bottle microwavable bags can be used 20 times only, the Munchkin Latch Bags can be used 30 times each.
Time
The Munchkin Latch Bags are a time-saver. They sterilize baby feeding items in just 90 seconds.
Included Accessories
Only the Munchkin Latch Bags are included. Baby bottles and tongs must be purchased separately.
Easy to Clean
The Munchkin Latch Bags basically clean themselves, so little upkeep is required.
Pros
- Suitable for traveling
- Excellent value
- Quick sterilization
- Cool-Touch grip
Cons
- Non-biodegradable
- Small capacity
11. Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer & Dryer
Editor’s Rating:
Type: UV Sterilizer
Functions: Sterilize, Dry
Ease of Use
Setting up your Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer will take some getting used to. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever used anything else. It has an easy-to-use touch panel that can be operated by even the most tired of parents. Better yet, this sterilizer uses UV light to kill germs. So, there’s no need to add water. Once a cycle is complete, expect items to be clean, crisp and dry.
You can also sterilize and dry dozens of household items like gaming remotes, jewelry, smartphones, makeup brushes, and much more. It’s as much for adults as it is for babies.
Size
For some, the size of the Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer & Dryer is a welcomed sight. Sure, it can be compared to a futuristic minifridge, but it can hold up to 14 baby bottles (depending on the brand) and other feeding and breast pump accessories.
Still, its size isn’t ideal for every single family. Since it isn’t very portable, its best to store it near your kitchen sink. Consider this and measure carefully before joining the UV squad.
Time
With more than 4 cycles to choose from, the Wabi Baby is a joy to own. It can take up to 70 minutes to complete a full UV and drying cycle. If split apart, the UV cycle takes 5 to 10 minutes, whereas the drying cycle can take up to 40 minutes. This apparatus also doubles as a sterile storage unit. In this mode, a short UV cycle will activate every 2 hours to keep things germ-free.
Included Accessories
UV light bulbs are included in the purchase. Bottles and tongs are sold separately.
Easy to Clean
The Wabi Baby is easy to clean, especially when it comes down to its surface, which can be wiped down with a disinfectant wipe. However, water spots from rinsed items can pool at the bottom, causing a stain. Simply add vinegar to a cloth and let it soak over the stains before wiping them away. The bottom basket slides out, making the area easily accessible.
Pros
- Sleek
- Energy Efficient
- Compatible with a wide selection of household items
Cons
- Large (like a minifridge) and not that portable
- Not as affordable as microwave and electric steamers
- Plastic smell
Editor’s Rating:
Type: UV steamer
Functions: Sterilize, Storage
Ease of Use
Pop what you need to be cleaned in the container, press the button, and your items will be sterilized in around 11 minutes. Not just bottles, either, but just about anything you want can be sterilized with this provided it fits inside. It’s a hospital-grade item that provides a perfect clean at the press of a button, and with none of the hassle. Best of all, as the items don’t get wet, there is no need to dry them. Once the cleaning cycle is completed, they are ready to use.
Size
It can just about fit a Dr Brown’s 8oz bottle, but it can hold multiple 4oz bottles and all the extra pacifiers and other items you want cleaned very comfortably. It’s large, but not so large as to be difficult to put away and take out if you wanted to store it. More than likely though, this will need to retain a dedicated space in your kitchen.
Time
11 minutes, no drying, no other fuss. After that cycle has elapsed, your items are safe to use.
Included Accessories
This doesn’t come with any included accessories. You might need a replacement UV bulb eventually.
Easy to Clean
You don’t need to clean it – it cleans itself! Wiping down the inside or outside with a damp cloth should be all the cleaning it ever needs.
Pros
- Super-easy to use
- High-tech UV cleaning
- No Drying
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- Fearsomely expensive
Guide to Buying the Best Bottle Sterilizer
Which Bottle Sterilizer Is Best for Your Growing Family?
So, you’re in the market for a baby bottle sterilizer but there are so many choices your head is about to spin. Life with a newborn baby is complicated enough as it is, so instead of searching for the best bottle sterilizer, find one that checks off every box for your family. Before you make your pick, ask yourself the following 3 questions:
How Often Will I Use My Bottle Sterilizer?
Women who breastfeed tend to use fewer baby bottles than women who strictly use formula. This can make buying a bottle sterilizer with a smaller capacity more than sufficient — especially if they only have one baby at home. A great choice for breastfeeding moms is the Philips AVENT 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer, which holds up to six bottles. For parents with multiple children, we recommend the Elechomes 5-in-1 Sterilizer & Dryer. This large apparatus can hold dozens of feeding items, toys included!
How Much Counter Space Can I Spare?
The Munchkin Latch Microwave Sterilize Bags use zero counter space, which can be a necessity for some families. If you would have limited counter space but would rather use an electric and multifunctional sterilizer, the Baby Brezza Sterilizer & Dryer will suit your needs just fine. Take note of your counter space before selecting the best bottle sterilizer for your family.
What Is My Budget?
What it all comes down to is your budget. But sometimes, spending a little extra for much-needed features is worth biting the bullet. Parents who plan to have a large family can benefit from purchasing the EVLA Sterilizer. Not only can it be used to sterilize an array of household items, but it also offers a large loading capacity while being easy to use and clean. It’s known for being one of the best UV sterilizers on the market, but it isn’t cheap and its size can clash with some households.
If a drying cycle isn’t on your checklist, take advantage of affordable options like the Munchkin Microwave Sterilizer. Whatever your budget may be, there are plenty of affordable and safe options for your family.
How to Prepare a Baby Bottle for Feeding Time
If you’re new to parenting, this image will show you how to prepare your baby bottles after you’ve sterilized them. Once sterilized, boil the water and pour it into the bottle (making sure your own hands are clean first!). Pour the hot water in and add the baby formula. Shake, and wait for it to cool down. Then test it on your own wrist before feeding it to your baby.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Bottle Sterilizer
Alright, now that you’ve asked yourself these questions, let’s move onto the next phase, which is finding out what type of bottle sterilizer is right for you. Let the battle begin:
UV Sterilization vs. Steam Sterilization
UV sterilizers are more expensive than steam sterilizers, and for good reason, too. They’re suitable for long-term use and can sterilize everything from TV remotes and cellphones to jewelry and makeup brushes. They have a dual ventilation system makes them dry effectively. Plus, they have a touch panel that confirms when a load has been successfully sterilized. For some parents, this offers extra peace of mind.
Steam sterilizers, on the other hand, generally do not tell you if the load was sterilized without complications. Still, they’re just as effective and far more affordable than UV sterilizers. In the end, it all depends on your budget and whether you have long-term goals for your sterilizer.
Drip-Dry vs. Bottle Dryer
If you have a bottle sterilizer at home, you’re probably accustomed to the drip-dry method. But although it is effective, it can be time-consuming and requires a dish drying rack, which can take up extra counter space. Additionally, drying racks can be a source of microbes if not properly sterilized.
Then there’s the popular baby bottle sterilizer and dryer combo. This prevents unnecessary germs from latching onto freshly sterilized items. These machines can also double as sterile storage units (as long as the lid remains closed after the cycle is complete). Bottle dryers use hot air to effectively get rid of residual steam droplets.
Please note that using a towel to dry baby bottles and other items is not recommended, for even a clean cloth can spread germs.
Tap Water vs. Distilled Water
Depending on your geographic location, your tap water can contain minerals and salts, which can shorten your sterilizer’s lifespan. However, it won’t jump ship as long as you regularly clean it with vinegar or other alternatives. When selecting a bottle sterilizer, check to see if it uses tap water or distilled water. If you don’t want to use water at all, a UV sterilizer is the way to go.
Using distilled water might seem like a hassle, but it can be beneficial in the long run. If you strictly use distilled water when loading your sterilizer, you won’t have to clean it as frequently.
Final Thoughts
Keeping baby safe is always the number one priority. Sterilizers can make sure dangerous germs and bacteria don’t regularly enter your baby’s feeding cycle. Of course, you can’t protect them forever, and your baby will always get ill at some point, but baby bottle sterilizers ensure the worst of it doesn’t reach their fragile immune systems. Baby bottle sterilizers double up as useful kitchen utensils too, depending on how much you trade up. Enjoy perusing our list and finding the best baby bottle sterilizer for you.