|
|
Various methods to sterilize bottles such as steam
sterilizing of baby bottles, tips for microwave and boiling baby
bottles, cold water sterilization for infant feeding, making formula
milk and storing bottle with milk.
Sterilization & Formula Milk
Everything that is used to feed that baby must be
washed and sterilized thoroughly before and after use. Use a diluted
solution of detergent to wash the bottles. Use a brush with a long
handle to clean the bottles this will ensure that the bottom is also
cleaned. Rinse well with water so that all the detergent is washed,
clean and then sterilize. Modern methods of such as electric and
microwave sterilizing are becoming very popular in the recent years. One
should be aware of the traditional methods, which include boiling and
cold water sterilizing too, as one may not have access to electricity
and a microwave all the time.
- Steam sterilizing: Electric steam sterilizing is similar
to what is used in hospitals. This takes about eight to twelve
minutes, excluding cooling time. This process is efficient and
doesn't take long. You must use only those parts that are safe to
boil. Bottles and nipples should be placed upside down to ensure
proper sterilization. If you are using a microwave, you will have to
buy a steamer for it. Do not place any metal parts inside the
microwave. Sterilization in a microwave will take five to eight
minutes plus cooling time. Remove the lid of the steamer very
carefully as the interior becomes extremely hot. The greatest
advantage of using this method of sterilization is that there is no
smell or taste. If kept closed the items remain sterile for three
hours.
- Boiling: Is another method of sterilizing. All the
bottle-feeding items need to be boiled for a minimum of 10 minutes.
You must have a separate pan, only for the purpose of boiling these
items. Some items like nipples or teats will have to be replaced
more often if you use this method, as they get sticky.
- Microwavable bottles: These bottles can be sterilized on
their own in the microwave. A single bottle takes 90 seconds to get
sterilized. While microwaving the bottles must be kept open.
- Cold water sterilization: Tablets used for this method
are available in the market. Dissolve them in the prescribed amount
in the prescribed amount of water. This will form a solution that is
effective against bacterial. These tablets are safe and will not
have any side effects even if swallowed. You can buy a sterilizing
unit for this or buy a bucket with a lid, which is used for this
purpose alone. You must ensure that the bottles are completely
submerged in the solution. For complete sterilization make sure that
there are no air bubbles in the bottles. Sterilization should be
complete in half an hour, but it is safe to leave items in the
solution for 24 hours. Fresh solution must be made every day. Make
sure your hands and washed before removing the sterilized equipment.
Fill the bottles with milk and store them in the fridge for up to 24
hours. Keep bottles in the main part of fridge, as it is colder than
the door. Keep away from raw food.
Do not leave sterilized bottles in the open for too
long, as they lose their sterility rapidly. Having a sterilizer with a
built-in storage facility is best, as items can be removed as and
required. Once the bottles are sterilized you can make the baby's feed
and store it. Here are a few tips for making the baby's feed:
- You can either make a bottle each time you need one, or make a
number of bottles at one time.
- Bottle-milk can be kept in the fridge for 24 hours.
- If you want to warm the milk once you remove it from the fridge,
just place in it a jug of hot water for sometime. Ensure that your
baby is not near the jugs, as there have been a number of
unfortunate instances where, babies have been scalded by tipping
jugs.
Before making formula milk ensure that you read the
instructions on the package carefully. Follow them exactly, as the
proportion of water and formula powder has been calculated to provide
the required amount of food and water for the baby. If you use too much
water the baby will not get the required amount of calories and if too
much formula is used, it may lead to dehydration. Follow the steps given
below:
- Fill the bottle exactly to the level required, with water that
has been boiled and cooled.
- Use the scoop provided to remove the formula from the package.
Level the scoop each time with a knife that is clean. Do not press
the powder into the scoop.
- Put the formula into the bottle carefully, without dropping any
of it.
- Fit the cap of the bottle securely and shake well till all the
formula dissolves.
- Drip one or two drops of this milk on the back of your palm, to
make sure that it is not too hot, before feeding the baby.
|
|
