You don't typically sterilise a dummy inside a kettle, but you can use water boiled in a kettle as part of the recommended boiling method, which is done in a pot.
Keeping your baby's dummy (soother) clean and germ-free is crucial for their health. Sterilisation removes harmful bacteria and viruses. While dedicated sterilising equipment exists, boiling is a common and effective method you can do at home.
The Boiling Method for Soothers (As Per References)
According to health guidelines, sterilising soothers correctly can be done in several ways. One key method is:
Boiling: boil the soother with sufficient water in a pot for about 5 minutes. It should be completely covered by the water, and the air should be pressed out of the teat beforehand.
This reference clearly outlines the process involves boiling in a pot.
Using a Kettle in the Boiling Process
A kettle is excellent for quickly heating water to boiling point. While you should never place a dummy directly into a kettle (which could damage the dummy and the kettle), you can use the boiled water from a kettle to perform the pot boiling method described above.
Step-by-Step: Sterilising a Dummy by Boiling
Here’s how you can effectively sterilise a dummy using the boiling method, potentially starting with water boiled in a kettle:
- Clean the Dummy: Before sterilising, always wash the dummy thoroughly with warm soapy water to remove any visible dirt or residue. Rinse well.
- Boil Water: Use a kettle to boil enough fresh water to completely cover the dummy in your chosen pot.
- Prepare the Pot: Pour the freshly boiled water into a clean cooking pot.
- Submerge the Dummy: Place the dummy in the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the water.
- Remove Air: As stated in the reference, press the air out of the teat beforehand (or while it's in the water) to ensure water fills any cavities and all surfaces are in contact with the boiling water.
- Boil: If you didn't use pre-boiled water from a kettle, bring the water in the pot to a rolling boil.
- Maintain Boil: Boil the soother... for about 5 minutes. Ensure the water continues to boil for the entire duration.
- Cool Down: Carefully remove the pot from the heat. Allow the dummy and water to cool sufficiently before handling.
- Dry: Remove the dummy with clean tongs or a spoon and place it on a clean surface or sterile cloth to air dry completely.
Key Tips for Boiling Sterilisation
- Always use a clean pot dedicated to baby items if possible.
- Ensure sufficient water is used so the dummy is completely covered by the water throughout the 5 minutes of boiling.
- Remember to press the air out of the teat.
- Let the dummy cool fully before giving it to your baby to prevent burns.
- Inspect the dummy after sterilisation for any damage before use.
Using a kettle simplifies the step of getting water to boiling temperature quickly before transferring it to a pot for the actual sterilisation process.
