UV Sterilisers - Why are people using these?

[fixxlee]

I've seen a ton of people saying they use UV sterilisers. They do look super useful but according to the NHS

"You may see products with alternative methods to sterilise bottles and equipment such as ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation. We would not recommend these products or methods. They can be ineffective at sterilisation and potentially dangerous to both you and your baby. "

What gives?

I have no idea, I haven’t come across this before, nor did my HV say anything 🧐
I’ve been using the Tommee Tippee UV steriliser. My baby is 4 months, no problems or anything to suggest it’s caused any ill effects.
I am curious to know why they aren’t recommended now though 🤔

I’m due with no2 in January and plan on getting a UV steriliser- they were too pricey when I had my first baby, I found steaming and boiling a faff. Several friends have used UV and really rated it.

Any issues with the bottles yellowing?

I use one for travel and love it. I do find my bottles (the MAM that come apart) need the microwave every so often or they start to smell

Hmm, that doesn't sound very hygienic

It’s just the way those bottles are as they have a rubber type insert at the bottom that seems to absorb smells when they’re washed. I only mentioned it in case you were planning those style bottles.

We used a UV steriliser with our son and didn’t have a problem at all. We thought it was great!

We did use MAM glass bottles though (which are brilliant). I feel the glass is much cleaner than plastic (just think how tuperware gets stained and discoloured in the dishwasher for example). They’ve never broken either and have been dropped on the floor a lot!!

… I can imagine the NHS don’t recommend them as they are a fairly new thing.

Instead, they recommend Milton…. which is diluted bleach!!

@i83 that’s probably true, they used to say prefect prep machines were risky when they were new- they are only unsanitary if you don’t regularly clean and change the filters as per recommendations. I suppose they have to cater for everyone- Inc those that don’t read instructions!

I’ve been using the New Beginnings UV Steriliser & Dryer and no issues at all so far. A little pricey than the traditional ones, but it's worth it in my opinion. What I love most is how much time it saves me—bottles come out sterilised and dry, so I don’t have to wait around for steam sterilisers to cool down or leave bottles to air-dry.

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