- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By John Dorsey, M.D. Pediatrician | ||
 |
What is the proper way to sterilize a baby's bottle? And is this really necessary and for how long?
In my opinion, each formula bottle should be made up fresh and consumed as soon after preparation as possible at body temperature. Commercially-available bottled formula should be used when stored formula use is necessary. Unused portions of formula should be discarded within six hours of preparation if not refrigerated.
This said, most dishwashers can clean bottles adequately. The risk of boiling bottles, mircowaving bottles or steam cleaning bottles is greater than the benefit of this time consuming, laborious and potentially dangerous activity.
Related Expert Q&A
- My 1-year-old daughter refuses to drink milk from a cup, she will only take it from her bottle. How do we get her to make the switch?
- Which foods are considered a choking hazard for small children?
- Can you suggest some books for vegetarians?
- I'm a vegetarian. Do I need to give my baby supplements because of this?
- How does language develop from 7 months to 12 months of age?
More Answers by this Expert
- What is the main cause of birth marks?
- How can I get rid of a terrible diaper rash?
- Why did my baby getting a rash when I switched him to whole milk?
- Is it normal that my 7-month-old isn't even attempting to crawl?
- My baby is 12 weeks old and has just cut two teeth -- with more on the way. He can't hold a teether, and the gels are all for babies over 4 months. What do you suggest?