Sterilised bottle?

[cat811]

Does anyone know how long a bottle will stay sterilised for once it's put together? (without water/fromula in) Im sure I read somewhere thats its sterile indefinitely-but not sure how reliable this is!
Also, should it go in the fridge once sterile, and if so why? Mine onyl fit in the door, and I thought you werent supposed to put them in the fridge door....?

Thanks

it's only sterile while it's still in the steriliser.

as soon as you take it out it will no longer be sterile.

once they are assembled they are ok for 24 hours. That's the rule i went by anyway.

how can it be sterile if you've touched it? or if it has come into contact with any unsterile surface?

I am sure it is regarded as sterile for 24 hours whether it is in the fridge or not.

However it is true that once you touched it it becomes unsterile, so all a bit confusing really. Maybe it's regarded as sterile as the inside of the bottle isn't touched?

i've read on here before that it's not necessary for bottle to be sterilised - that a really hot wash in dishwasher or sink will do - much more important that your hands are clean. This has been posted a few times on mumsnet by people who say that in neonatal units bottles are not sterilised. Doesn't answer your question exactly but interesting to know. I often washed up bottles again just before I used them but only in a paranoid new mum way - don't know what the actual answer is.

i put them in fridge until using myself, t's fine to keep them in the door while empty, it's milk that shouldn't be kept in the door as it's not cold enough there.