We are recommending sterilizing bottles for any formula that is being
stored. Milk is a wonderful growth medium.

That includes boiling the water used to dilute formula (not too long or
it concentrates the nitrates) REGARDLESS of the water source.  Many
people do not realize that there is a measurable bacterial content in
bottled water and filtered water. (As far as that goes most people don't
know that re-using sports bottles is a HUGE source of bacteria).

For storing breastmilk clean not sterile is okay <G>.

I think that part of the issue is people will do the least they can get
away with.  If you say bottles need to be clean as in the dishwasher,
they'll skimp and just wash in hot water and maybe not thoroughly rinse.
We warn people not to return any bottle that's been in the baby's mouth
to the fridge for later use.  They do it anyway, right in front of us.  

We don't sterilize plates and forks because food isn't stored on them
(at least not usually).  And, sure, once the baby is mobile they put
everything into their mouths. They need that exposure too. 

Somewhere in there is the balance between too sterile and too dirty.  I
don't pretend to know where it will end.

Judith

Judith Hayman, RN, IBCLC, BSc, BScN
Public Health Nurse & Lactation Consultant

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