do I reallly need a steriliser??

[Nemoandthefishes]

need to buy everything again for dc4 and dont know if we need a steriliser or can I just use the dishwasher??[lazy slattern..lol]

if you wash everything very well first then i believe a dishwasher should be fine. Do wash them first in hot soapy water though.

I found a cold water one really useful for sterilising things like toys and teethers that can't go in the dishwasher.

I now use it to keep my dishwasher tablets in!

I read somewhere that dishwashers in the UK don't get hot enough to sterilize baby bottles properly - but ones in the US do, hence the idea. Not sure if this is just bolleaux or not. I used a microwave sterilizer first time round but friends have just recommended milton tablets in a plastic bowl (or icecream box)as being far easier and quicker.

just get some tablets or milton for anything you feel really needs a good steralisation

As long as you wash thoroughly with VERY hot water and soap and air dry then I believe you don't really need one. There is a thread somewhere on here with some research on the subject. If you don't wash residue old milk properly from a bottle then I believe a steriliser won't necessarily protect you against bacteria in this case? Its the milk that is the danger. I mean, we don't sterilise our nipples or our hands before handling babies do we??

I do wash them thoroughly anyway as you have to before steriliser but am just thinking about cost cutting if there is no real need.

IS this for a newborn or an older baby? If it's for a newborn then you will definitely need to sterilise. It's really not worth the risk of the baby getting sick. The guidelines are there for a reason! I'm sure you coudl get a second hand one on ebay or maybe freecycle or something.