Sterilisers

[flyingcloud]

Hello,

I have been given varying advice on the use of electric/microwaveable steriliser.

As a first timer getting everything ready - is it necessary? I am planning on breastfeeding and expressing if and when I can - all being well.

I was told yesterday in my ante-natal class that sterilisers were not necessary but have always thought they were...

Thank you.

I was told they weren't necessary in my NCT clsas as well - but bought an electric steriliser and breast pump anyway.

I think a lot of antenatal classes think if you buy any of the bottle accoutrements you're bound to give up on breastfeeding, which is nonsense. Just get the steriliser. If you breastfeed (which I'm sure you will) you'll need it for expressing, and if you don't end up doing so - well, you'll need a steriliser then as well...

Current thinking is that you don't need to sterilise, providing that things are properly washed in hot soapy water or the dishwasher and left to air dry.

Personally I do sterilise my pump (as well as washing it in hot water), but that is because DD and I have thrush and I figure it won't do any harm.

I had a microwave steriliser (with Avent bottles - which I heartily recommend and I tried other more expensive ones first). Found it really fast and easy to use.

Did hear that steriliser not necessary if you have dishwasher but really, for a newborn, I'd use one just for my own peace of mind. But I'm an obsessive nightmare mother!

No need to sterilize- at least according to the hospital when I gave birth.
Just wash the bottles in a hot, soapy water and keep a separate brush for them.
I never did, except when I used bottles for the first time, when I boiled them for 10 minutes.
Also, and I may be wrong, I think the biggest danger is when you use formula and then don't wash properly as the really dangerous germs could have been introduced to it during production stage,and can multiply if not washed properly.
I don't think there's the same concern for breastmilk.