Playtex bottle instructions say not to sterilise - is that really OK for a newborn?

[artichokes]

They are from the US.
They are the only bottles/teats that breastfed DD will contemplate.
They say not to sterilise but to simply put in the dishwasher or use warm soapy water for one minute after each feed.

Do you think it is OK not to sterilise? I think the materials they are made from may be harmed by sterilising.

Yes, its fine. I know of no one in the States who sterilizes bottles any more. I had never even heard of it until I moved to the UK.

it's definitely fine for breastmilk as BM is naturally antibacterial. for formula, I don't know.

Thanks. It is for breast milk rather than formula.

How odd that they do not sterilise in the US. What about the rest of the developed world? Are we the only ones told to sterilise? If so I wonder why? Its a real faff and not very environmentally friendly, or cheap.

I think it might just be a UK thing, but I am not sure.

My big argument against it is how long do the things stay sterile? Its not like my kitchen is a sterile environment, right? So as soon as the bottles etc come out of the sterilizer, bam, no longer sterile.

I am from America and the main reason we do not sterilize is because you want to expose your baby to some germs and bacteria so their immune system can learn to fight better. Sterilizing also destroys the nipples and bottles faster... IT IS OK AND BETTER FOR YOUR BABY NOT TO STERILIZE... If you do feel uncomfortable about not sterilizing than get a steam one you can pop into your microwave with just water (which will only run you about £20). After all why would you want to use chemicals on something your baby is going to put into their mouth. I do think Britain is the only country that sterilizes my friend who lives in Australia doesn't sterilize her daughter's bottles.