Using a baby steriliser, typically an electric steam steriliser, is a straightforward process designed to kill harmful bacteria on baby feeding equipment like bottles, teats, soothers, and breast pump parts. The core steps involve preparation, loading the items, running the cycle, and safe removal.
Steps for Using an Electric Baby Steriliser
While specific models may vary slightly, the general procedure for sterilising baby items using an electric unit follows these key steps:
1. Preparation
Before placing any items into the steriliser, ensure they are thoroughly washed to remove any milk residue or food particles. This prevents blockages in the steriliser and ensures effective steam penetration. Rinse items well after washing.
2. Adding Water
Add the recommended amount of clean water (usually tap water unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer) to the base of the steriliser. It is crucial not to overfill or underfill, as this can affect the sterilisation cycle's effectiveness. The required water level is usually marked on the base or indicated in the instruction manual.
3. Loading Items
Properly loading the steriliser ensures that steam can circulate freely around all surfaces of the items, guaranteeing effective sterilisation.
- Place larger items like bottles upside down in the designated spaces on the lower rack.
- Smaller items such as teats, soothers, and bottle caps should be placed in the upper basket or tray.
- Remember to include any accessories you might need after sterilisation, such as tongs, which you can put inside the steriliser along with the items. This allows you to safely handle the hot, sterile items when removing them.
- Once all items are loaded, place the top lid on the steriliser, ensuring it is seated correctly.
This method of loading items, specifically placing teats and soothers in the upper section and including tongs, is demonstrated in videos detailing the use of electric sterilisers, such as the Tommee Tippee Electric Steriliser video (1:13 - 1:59).
4. Starting the Sterilisation Cycle
Plug in the steriliser and switch it on. The steriliser will heat the water to create steam, which penetrates and sterilises the items. The duration of the cycle varies depending on the model but typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes. Some sterilisers have different settings or indicators to show the cycle progress.
5. Cooling Down
Once the sterilisation cycle is complete, the unit will usually switch off automatically. Do not open the lid immediately. Allow the steriliser and its contents to cool down for several minutes. Opening it too soon can release hot steam, posing a burn risk. Many models keep the contents sterile for a certain period (e.g., 24 hours) if the lid remains closed.
6. Removing Items
Carefully remove the items from the steriliser using the tongs you placed inside (or separate sterilised tongs). This prevents recontamination from your hands. If you don't need all the items immediately, leave the lid closed to maintain their sterility until needed.
Following these steps helps ensure your baby's feeding equipment is safely sterilised and ready for use. Always refer to your specific steriliser model's instruction manual for detailed guidelines and maintenance information.
