Cold Water Sterilisation

There are various methods for sterilising baby bottles, including:; steam, UVA, microwave, boiling and cold water sterilisation. There isn't a right or a wrong choice, there are pros and cons to all of the different sterilising methods. It's entirely a parents personal decision.

Today we are discussing the cold water sterilisation and the recent changes in the guidelines.

What items are needed?

Sterilising chemicals, either sterilising tablest or fluid solution. There are various brands on the market including Milton, a well known UK brand. Fred & Flo, a Tesco own brand. Also Boots and other retailers offer reliable own-brand sterilising fluid and tablets formulated specifically for cold water. Again this is a parents personal choice.

Cold water sterilisation requires a watertight container with a well-fitting lid and floating cover or plunger.

There are various brands on the market, including Milton.

Steps for cold water sterilisation:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• Wash the bottles and teats in hot soapy water and rinse well before placing in the sterilising solution for at least 30 minutes, as per NHS guidelines.

• Change the sterilising solution every 24 hours.

• Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped in the bottles or teats when putting them in the sterilising solution.

• Remove the bottles and rinse with cooled boiled water. Rinsing the bottles in cooled boiled water before use was added in 2025.

Why the Change to rinsing?

Regulatory Compliance.

New biocide safety regulations require all antibacterial products that touch food or items going into the mouth to include a rinse.

Benefits to Parents

Extra reassurance, knowing that regulation aligns with NHS guidelines. Previously, some parents noticed an unpleasant smell or taste prior to the updated guidelines of rinsing with cooled boiled water before use.

I hope that you have found the information on cold.water sterilisation helpful.