How to choose a baby steriliser

As mums and dads one of our primary concerns is ensuring the health and welfare of our babies. Babies have very delicate immune systems and are therefore very vulnerable to infection. So much so that it is important to ensure that all feeding equipment is completely sterile before use. This is why it is so important to have access to a baby steriliser.

Many parents can be put off by the shear number of options available on the market which can make choosing a baby steriliser very confusing. However, if you study them carefully you will note that there are only three categories to choose from. The type of device that you go for will ultimately depend on your personal preference as each type of device has it's own advantages and disadvantages.

My own personal preference is the electric steam baby steriliser. This is because it is a stand alone device with its own heating element which can be used anywhere with an electrical socket and a small amount of tap water. These devices heat up the water to create steam and the automatic sterlisation cycle ensures that all microorganisms are rendered non-viable. Feeding equipment is then kept sterile (normally up to 24 hours) provided that the lid of the chamber isn't opened. The only disadvantages of these devices are their cost (more expensive than other devices due to the heating technology) and their bulk.

The microwave baby steriliser is another option. It is very similar to the steam steriliser with the exception that it doesn't have it's own heating element. To generate steam, you have to add a small amount of water to the device and place it in the microwave. This is the only disadvantage over the electric steam steriliser and can be a problem if you are cooking or are away from home and don't have access to a microwave.

The final device is a cold water steriliser. In contrast to the other devices (and as the name suggests) these devices do not rely on heat to achieve sterilisation. Instead they involve soaking the feeding equipment in diluted bleach prior to use. Sterilisation is much slower and you have to be very careful to avoid bubbles which could prevent the sterilisation fluid from making contact with some sections of the surface that you are trying to sterilise. The process is also a little cumbersome as you have to rinse bottles with boiled water after use. Some parents are naturally concerned about the risk of exposure of their baby to the synthetic chemicals used by these devices.

When looking for a device I would suggest that you stick to well known brands to ensure reliability and good after sales supports in case of any problems. Devices often come with a wide range of extras including bottles so shop around to find the best deals. The larger (i.e. the greater the capacity) the device, the more expensive the products tend to be so carefully consider your requirements. For instance, if you mainly breast feed you can probably make do with a low capacity product.
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About the Author
Chloe is a dedicated mother of two and devotes many hours publishing content on the web that she feels may be of value other parents.