Sterilise breast pump for 7 month old on solids?

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Just wondering if I need to sterilise the breastpump and bottles when I express for my 7 month old baby? He's on some solids now, he throws lots on the floor and more often than not the food gets picked up and put back on his tray (wooden floor which we spray after each meal) so it's not like his gut is sterile anymore.

Should I ditch the sterilising and just dishwash?

I still sterilise my pump because I'm worried that I'll grow mould spores on the little bits otherwise but I think you're probably safe to put it in the dishwasher at this stage tbh.

I sterilised all bottles and pump stuff for as long as we used it regardless of the age of dc on advice of hv. It wasn’t a hassle as was used to doing it.

There is no need to sterilise breastpump parts. Cool rinsehot soapy water then air dry.

I put mine in a dishwasher hot wash.

You're supposed to sterilise until 12 months anything that has had milk in. This is because of the bacteria from milk. I would continue to sterilise the breast pump apparatus as there are lots of hard to reach areas but a good tip is to put it in the fridge after sterilisation along with bottle and it's ready for the next time you use it.

That 12 month recommendations is for formula. Breastmilk has antibacterial properties which slow down bacterial growth. A cold rinse followed by a hot soapy wash is what’s needed for breastmilk

At the bottom of this article it’s got some tips for minimising cleaning while staying safe www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/pumpsug.html

I was told to sterilise any equipment even though I was breastfeeding for the first 6 months by my HV. Maybe rules different for you ICJump? I'm in the UK

Or I've had an over the top hv!! Wish I'd have known!!

Thanks for answers. Sounds like on balance I can stop sterilising as it comes out the dishwasher. Yippee

Dishwasher is a giant steriliser.
I've always just used that.

Sound like a HV who is over the top.

Pretty sure the WHZo doesn’t recommend it

I kept my breast pump in the fridge in between uses. Washed in soapy water every 2 days

Yes I used to keep mine in the fridge too