Sterilising

[AnxiousD]

When did you stop sterilising? My DS is 12m now. Just wondering when to put the steriliser away!
Thank you

very soon , possibly day after first birthday did that steriliser get put away

bottles went in dishwasher anyway

Only used bottles a few times and only up to 12 months so sterilised those. Dummies we did occasionally till 6 months. Never sterilised anything else I don't think.

You should stop sterilising when you stop using formula and bottles. The bacteria that can grow in the powdered formula is rare but can be fatal.

So of you’ve ditched the formula, I’d say you’re fine to stop sterilising

I stopped sterilising at around 1 year old. I continued using bottles and formula until maybe just short of 2 years old (follow on milk). I thought that once they were at the stage of putting everything they could get hold of straight into their mouths then there was limited point in sterilisation, just keeping things clean.

The bottles and teats went into the dishwasher after each use and so they were washed with very hot water and detergent. All fine. My children survived and are all adults now.

I remember Mothercare used to sell a basket for the top rack of dishwashers which could hold the teats, bottle rings and discs conveniently and safely. It had a lid that fastened over the top.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That makes a lot of sense — once they start putting everything in their mouths, sterilising seems less essential. Good to know the dishwasher method worked well for you!
slope 2

I stopped sterilising when I found my son sucking a muddy stone. He was about 10 months.