Best steriliser. Dr Brown bottles

[sophiad]

Hi all
Sitting at home with my 4 day old and starting to bottle feed after not a great start with breast feeding. I'm just a bit confused, I have a dr browns microwave steam steriliser for their bottles. If I load the bottles up and do them though, they're only sterile until the lid comes off aren't they. So no point in loading them up really? Wondering what you thought would be best steriliser? Thanks ladies

I'm afraid I can't help with sterilising advice but 4 days is so early to decide bf isn't working out. I know it's not easy at first but it does get better and by 12 weeks is far easier than bottles. Would you consider seeing a lactation consultant? They are really helpful. Good luck whatever you decide.

The bottles are still sterile once you lift the lid, so it's important you keep using the steriliser. Just make sure you have clean hands when handling them. Put them back together and store somewhere clean. Use them within 24 hours. Also tip any remaining water out of the steriliser and use fresh next time.

There are people who can help if you're prepared to give bf another shot (see the bf/ff forum) but at the end of the day it's your baby, your body and your choice.

I echo that you don't have to give up BF , however, it's your decision.

With your bottles it's just like foods, the nasties (bacteria, food poisoning organisms, whatever) need a range of things before they become dangerous.
Nasties don't multiply in formula because it's dry powder.
A high enough temperature kills the nasties, a low temperature (fridge) stops them multiplying. So yes, when you take the lid of the bottles are no longer sterile, but if you wash your hands, make up a feed and give it to your DC then there's not enough time for any nasties to multiply. Likewise if you were to put that bottle into the fridge it will be OK for up to a day (which I found was the best answer for night feeds).

P.S. my DD was on formula in hospital initially but I managed to maintain enough supply to combination feed for 5 months. You'll have to be stuborn about it, but it is possible.