Sterilization advice

The parents of new babies need to be familiar with safe and appropriate sterilizing, regardless of method of infant feeding (UNICEF UK 2014). Mainstone (2004) argues that this advice should be a part of general home infection control measures and so should be taught in the parent’s usual domestic residence. In hospital, advice is often given as part of antenatal education and prior to postnatal discharge. Particular care should be taken if the woman’s first language is not the same as the midwife’s; an interpreter should be used.

All the equipment used should be compatible with the chosen sterilizing method and should also be examined on a regular basis. Bacteria can be harboured in cracks or grooves in older bottles or teats, and bottles with a pattern can make it harder to see if the bottle is clean (Redmond & Griffith 2009a). In 2012 the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) was banned in Europe in food-related plastics. Older feeding equipment, particularly if damaged or scratched, can cause BPA to leak into the milk (Anon 2011).

Hancock & Brown (2010) advocate that in the US an electric dishwasher using safe chlorinated water is a sufficient method of sterilization for feeding equipment. Current practice in the UK continues to use additional sterilizing equipment in the home.

Cleaning feeding equipment

All equipment needs to be thoroughly cleansed before being sterilized, regardless of sterilization method. While ESGE (2008) are referring to gastroscopy equipment, they are clear that the process of manual cleaning is paramount in ultimately achieving sterilization. If this step is missed or performed badly, then retained milk may harbour bacteria that survive the sterilization process. Equally, Redmond & Griffith (2009a) indicate that hypochlorite disinfectants are inactivated by food debris, among other things. This is the recommended cleaning technique (adapted according to equipment used, e.g. cup or breast pump):

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