Preparing all the baby’s firsts from the first swaddle to the first diaper change, to that first night of sleep at home can be an intimidating endeavor, and feeding your baby his first bottle is no exception. Whether you prefer breastfeeding or formula milk, it’s wise to follow a strict cleaning regime to keep bacterial contamination at bay. Here is our complete guide for cleaning the baby’s bottle safely and what can you wash baby bottles with.
Choosing the Right Dishwashing Soap
Having a new baby tends to make parents very meticulous about everything. There’s a lot of decisions to make, and the whole idea of being a new parent gives an overwhelming yet rewarding journey.
One thing to keep in mind, especially if you will be a working mom or planning to transition to milk formula, is that there will be a lot of feeding bottles to wash. Babies feed many times a day, and you must wash these bottles with every use to prevent your infant from ingesting spoiled milk. Here’s a simple guide on what can you wash baby bottles with.
What to Look for in Dish Soaps
All-Natural
Most of the commercial dish soaps we use at home contain harmful chemicals like SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and Paraben. SLS is found in the most common household products we use at home. It is used to make the soap lather, which we use when cleaning things. However, this chemical is proven to cause skin irritation, especially for sensitive skin like your baby. Paraben is also are known to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals; thus, it should be kept away from your little one.
Fragrance-Free
It is recommended to use fragrance-free dish soaps since scented ones may leave a strong scent of flowers, mint, or citrus on the baby’s bottles and could cause loss of appetite, especially for newborns. Many commercial companies do not reveal what they use as “fragrance” on their products and are also suspected to be disruptive hormone compounds.
Vegetable-Based
Opt for a liquid soap that is plant or vegetable-based. It is made from organic ingredients and is generally hypoallergenic. These non-toxic soaps are free from any harmful chemicals that we are wary of.
Ingredients to Avoid when Looking for a Dish Soap
Finding what can you wash baby bottles with can be a bit daunting. In fact, you will need to avoid many of the ingredients found in commercial dish soaps if you don’t want to put your baby at risk. Here are some substances you need to be mindful of:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): this detergent/surfactant is used to break down surfaces so cleansers can work effectively. However, studies link it to nitrosamines, a strong carcinogenic chemical that’s bad for the body.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): When this product becomes contaminated with dioxane, a possible carcinogen, it gives your liver a difficult time metabolizing, and will remain in the body for an extended period.
Artificial Fragrance: Fragrances can contain thousands of chemicals, including phthalates. Phthalates are human-made chemicals that can harm hormone levels and may cause strong allergic reactions.
Many of these potentially toxic ingredients are found in everyday dish soaps and other cleaning liquids. While many products are marketed at caring for babies, this doesn’t guarantee a mild, baby-safe solution can be found inside that cute package. Always look at the components included in the dish soap when looking for one. It will help you decide on what’s the safest one to use on what can you wash baby bottles with.
Proper Care for Feeding Bottles
Sterilize bottles in boiling water.
While it’s unnecessary to sterilize bottles after each use, it’s recommended to do so before the first use. Simply boil all parts in water for five minutes. It will kill all harmful bacteria that might have developed during the manufacturing process.
Cleaning your baby bottles.
- Separate all parts and dismantle the nipples, caps, rings, bottles, and other attachments to rinse and clean. Rinse all parts, fill a large, clean bowl with hot water and add a mild dishwashing liquid, allowing all parts to soak for a minute or two.
- Clean thoroughly using a bottle brush. You have to purchase in a bottle brush that will be used exclusively for washing your baby’s bottles, preventing contamination. Rub the baby bottle brush inside each bottle, then run the soapy water through the nipple hole to flush out any formula residue.
- Rinse all parts under running water and put them on a bottle rack to dry.
Using a dishwasher to clean your feeding bottles.
Always check the manufacturer’s labels to makes sure that all of your bottle parts are dishwasher safe.
Conclusion
Knowing what can you wash baby bottles with is an integral part of being a parent. Doing so ensures the safety and overall health of your little one. Many commercial products contain substances that might pose a risk to your baby’s health. So always be wary of everything you use, especially when you have a newborn at home. Find out more about baby bottles.