The decision of breastfeeding vs.bottle feeding is a personal choice that parents make based on their needs and the needs of their baby. With the benefits of bottle feeding ranging from convenience to flexibility in feeding times, there comes a minor challenge for parents in knowing how to clean bottles properly and how to store bottles after cleaning. With enough to worry about as a new parent, keeping your bottles clean shouldn’t be something to fret about! Keep reading as we dive into how to properly clean baby bottles and how Tushbaby products can make bottle feeding a more positive experience.

Our best-selling Tushbaby Hipseat Carrier doubles as a bottle feeding and nursing pillow that allows you to rest your baby on a plush seat while keeping them supported and close during feedings. Unlike other carriers, the Tushbaby conveniently straps around your waist and offers an open design—because, let’s face it, you have enough restrictions with a baby on your hands. You can use the Tushbaby in the same position to soothe and rock them to sleep, too! 

The ways to use it are endless, and with the Tushbaby, you can rest your arms and restore your sanity during feeding time—a much-needed break. 

How to Properly Clean Baby Bottles

Table of Contents

• What is the easiest way to clean baby bottles?
• Can you wash baby bottles with dish soap?
• Can I use tap water to clean baby bottles?
• Can you soak baby bottles overnight?
• How do you deep clean baby bottles?
• Do you have to sterilize baby bottles after every use?
• Is it safe to boil plastic baby bottles?
• What happens if you don't sterilize baby bottles?
• How do you clean baby bottles naturally?
• How do you store baby bottles after cleaning them?

What is the easiest way to clean baby bottles?

As a busy parent, you’re likely looking for the easiest way to keep those baby bottles clean and germ-free for your baby. Finding the easiest cleaning method really comes down to preference.

Some parents find the dishwasher is the easiest method, while some feel the dishwasher doesn’t get all the gunk out. Another great option is washing by hand using dish soap and warm water. When handwashing, don’t soak your baby bottles right in the sink; instead, use a clean basin or plastic dish to soak and scrub your bottles to avoid the rest of the germs that can land in your kitchen sink. Bottle brushes are another great way to get a thorough clean through all the pieces and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, making a good hand washing that much easier. 

Can you wash baby bottles with dish soap?

While there are plenty of baby bottle soaps on the market, regular dish soap is perfectly fine for cleaning your baby bottles. If you’re worried about harsh soaps, you can always opt for a more natural or plant-based soap that is typically free of fragrances and synthetic dyes.

Can I use tap water to clean baby bottles?

If you live in an area with clean municipal water, tap water is perfectly safe for bottle cleaning. Just be sure you wash your hands before cleaning, take apart the bottle, and use a clean basin for washing and soaking.

Can you soak baby bottles overnight?

With a good wash, you likely won’t need to soak your bottles overnight. If it’s the end of a long day and you’d like to soak your bottles overnight instead of scrubbing them, you’ll still need to do a full wash with clean water and soap the next day.

How do you deep clean baby bottles?

Deep cleaning and sanitizing bottles won’t need to happen every day, but deep cleans will be more frequent in the earlier months of your baby’s life. There are plenty of ways to deep clean bottles, including:

• Handwashing with soap and warm water
• Dishwasher cleaning

If you’re looking to sanitize your baby bottles, here are a few tried and true methods:

• Boiling for about 5 minutes
• Using a baby bottle sterilizing machine   

Do you have to sterilize baby bottles after every use?

For many parents early on, the fear of germs harming their baby can make it tempting to sterilize bottles after every use. What those parents soon realize is just how much work that entails. And it’s not necessary! In fact, you’ll shorten the life of the bottle by putting it through a sterilizing process that often. Sterilizing bottles is typically done just after they’re purchased, before your baby’s first use, and commonly in the first few months of life. After that, you can stick to the basics of traditional washing we mentioned above. Ultimately, this is up to preference. So if you prefer to sterilize more frequently, it’s common to opt for once a week.

Is it safe to boil plastic baby bottles?

Yes, it can be safe to use the boiling method for sterilizing plastic baby bottles. This is typically done after they’re first purchased and can be done by submerging the baby bottles in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Baby bottle manufacturers will often detail how to sterilize their products, so look out for that info in the package.

What happens if you don't sterilize baby bottles?

Simply washing your baby bottles thoroughly with warm water and soap can help rid any icky germs your baby is susceptible to getting sick from, especially in earlier months.

How do you clean baby bottles naturally?

Soaking baby bottles with hot water and baking soda is a great option if you’re looking for how to clean baby bottles naturally. When choosing this route, be sure you’re handling the bottles with clean hands and using a clean basin. Let the bottles soak overnight to ensure a good clean!  

How do you store baby bottles after cleaning them?

Alright, now that you’ve learned how to properly clean baby bottles, let’s talk about proper storage. First, be sure your bottles are dry before putting them anywhere. Drying can be done by laying bottles out on a clean towel or paper towel, away from any exposure to dust, dirt, or germs. If you’re putting bottles away in a cabinet or fridge, be sure the area has been cleaned and remains sanitized.

If you’re on the go, Tushbaby products have you covered when it comes to baby bottle storage and feeding. The Tushbaby Carrier comes with a hideable bottle holder, making it perfect for tucking your bottle in the pouch on the go or tucking the pouch away when not in use. Keeping your baby bottle in your Tushbaby carrier makes transitioning from carrying to feeding even more seamless with a bottle on deck. 

With how much time is spent feeding your baby, it’s important to consider posture and support. Wearing your Tushbaby Carrier high and tight promotes safe feeding posture while giving your baby a comfy place to lay. And whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, there’s no question that feedings can be a lot of work. Read more on how your Tushbaby Carrier can double as your bottle or breastfeeding pillow. 

Now that you’ve got all the basics for how to clean a baby bottle, you may be thinking about just how long you’ll be needing to clean baby bottles and when your baby will make the transition to solid foods. Tushbaby has answered all those questions and more: check out our blog on When To Stop Bottle Feeding!