Currently, in the modern market, not only various accessories for feeding a child are being created, but also devices for their careful processing. One such handy product is the bottle sterilizer, which greatly facilitates childcare.
A bottle sterilizer will make life easier for a young mother
Of course, a bottle sterilizer makes mom's life much easier. But you need to understand that the sterilizer is recommended to be used under certain circumstances.
Convenience of a bottle sterilizer
The sterilizer is very easy to use. In addition to the fact that modern devices perfectly cope with their primary task, they are very compact, fast and convenient. Sterilizers are able to warm the product evenly from all sides, removing absolutely all microorganisms.
Advantages over conventional boiling
The sterilization process has an advantage over boiling. The result will be the same for these two methods of bottle decontamination. But the process itself is vastly different. During sterilization, the mother may not worry and for a while “forget” about the bottles that are placed in the sterilizer. Boiling requires constant monitoring and, if it is ineffective, there is a risk that the bottles will melt, burn, or simply lose their original appearance and shape. And also constant boiling contributes to the appearance of plaque and scale on the dishes.
Buy a bottle sterilizer or save money?
This question is the most popular among mothers. To date, the opinions of experts on the sterilization of children's items are divided. Some people believe that disinfecting dishes and various toys of a child is not at all necessary and even contraindicated. Because the child does not have to be constantly in sterile conditions.
Sterile conditions inevitably lead to the development of various allergic diseases and, as a consequence, to bronchial asthma.
A child in the process of his growth and development must contact with various microorganisms for the formation of immunity. The latter should work from the first months of a child's life, and not be in a "sleeping" mode. Because when a baby finds himself in an aggressive environment for him, endless illnesses begin, which are very worrying for young parents. Experts with this point of view recommend using the sterilizer only in certain situations.
Another opinion is that the child's imperfect immune and digestive system is not yet ready for various pathogens. Therefore, such experts advise to sterilize children's dishes and items used by the baby every day. In any case, only parents can decide whether to use a sterilizer or save money on it.
Full-term babies born to a healthy mother and not having serious problems can do without a sterilizer at home. Also, this device may not be needed for babies who are breastfeeding.
When is a sterilizer essential?
There are situations when a sterilizer is needed:
- bottle-fed baby, is away from home for a long time. In such conditions, the flora is unfamiliar and dangerous, therefore, it is recommended to sterilize bottles, pacifiers, toys before use;
- if mom expresses breast milk, then the dishes where it will be stored must be absolutely clean. Therefore bottles, containers and breast pump must be sterilized first. This is necessary because breast milk is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria;
- premature babies with serious illnesses, also need sterilization of items with which they have direct contact;
- healthy children who are bottle-fed, sterilization may be necessary. It is necessary for preventive purposes. That is, it is recommended to sterilize bottles from time to time in order to disinfect those areas that are inaccessible during daily processing;
- all new dishes need to be sterilized. After purchasing bottles, pacifiers, teethers, they must be sterilized before using.
Classification of bottle sterilizers
The sterilizer for baby dishes has different mechanisms of action. All sterilizers can be divided into 3 groups.
Steam
These devices are sterilized by hot steam. Steam sterilizers can be divided into electric and CB ovens. Electric steam sterilizers are mains powered. They are the most popular because they have a large capacity and can hold up to 8 bottles. Such a device has a control panel that clearly allows you to control the process. Also, an electric sterilizer is often equipped with several sterilization modes. The disinfection process takes about 7-15 minutes.
The only drawback of such a device is its size. Not many can afford the large size of the product, especially if the child lives in a small apartment. Steam sterilizers for microwave ovens are also very popular. The undeniable advantage is the smaller size. But you need to understand that not every sterilizer can fit in a microwave oven. Therefore, before buying, you should evaluate the capacity of the "microwave". Since the sterilizer has a smaller size, it means that the number of bottles can be sterilized at a time. The disinfection time depends on the power of the microwave oven and is usually 2 - 4 minutes.
Ultraviolet sterilizers
Based on ultraviolet disinfection of bottles. Such sterilizers are widely used in the processing of medical devices. This device does not require water, runs on batteries. Ideal for travel and situations where you need to handle dishes outside the home. The downside of this sterilizer is its small size.
Chemical sterilizers
The mechanism of these products is processing using special antibacterial chemicals. Such substances are absolutely harmless to the child. But they can leave a specific smell behind. The sterilization process takes 30 minutes, which is not suitable for everyone. Also, the disadvantages include the fact that you need to regularly buy antibacterial agents. This sterilizer is also suitable for travel.
What to look for when buying
Always when buying children's products, you need to pay attention to the quality and composition of the product. It must comply with the regulations and be absolutely safe. It is recommended to make a choice in favor of proven brands that have the appropriate certificates, are regularly checked and tested.
It is also important to understand for what purpose the sterilizer is purchased. For breastfed babies, a microwave steam sterilizer is ideal. If the family travels frequently, then it is worth looking at ultraviolet or chemical sterilizers. And for children receiving the mixture, it is better to purchase an electric sterilizer with a large volume.
Where is the best place to buy a sterilizer?
You should always buy baby products in specialized stores, hypermarkets, pharmacies, or order through online stores.
Specialized children's stores
Currently, more and more children's stores and hypermarkets are opening, where you can find absolutely any product in the range. Usually large stores offer only certified goods, confirmation can always be obtained from the seller.
Online platforms with delivery
The brands that offer sterilizers for purchase have their own online store. It can be easily found on the Internet. Delivery is provided in all such stores, the only thing is that some manufacturers may require an additional fee for the delivery of goods.
How to take care of the device?
Undoubtedly, you need to know how to properly care for the sterilizer so that it can be used for a long time. After the treatment process, the device must be emptied of the remaining water, in the case of a steam sterilizer. It is important to rinse with running water and dry. No detergents are required. It is also important to monitor the condition of the inner surface of the sterilizer so that no plaque builds up. All dry parts must be kept clean when disassembled.
TOP 9 sterilizers for baby bottles
For an easier choice of a sterilizer, one should highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular brands that produce baby bottle sterilizers.
Philips Avent electronic steam sterilizer
One of the most popular sterilizers, it is reliable, practical and convenient. This unit has a large storage capacity. This product can handle 6 bottles as well as small parts. The sterilizer has 2 baskets for larger and smaller items. The device has quite impressive dimensions and weighs about 1.5 kg. The sterilization process takes 6 minutes, and the product is equipped with a self-shutdown function.
The operation of the product is very simple. The sterilizer is made of safe and environmentally friendly materials. Bottles can be sterile for up to a day. The disadvantages include high power consumption and the price, which is approximately 6900 rubles.
Electric sterilizer Philips AVENT SCF284 / 03
Philips Avent CB steam sterilizer
Before buying this product, you need to know the volume of your own microwave oven. A 20 L CB oven can be small for such a sterilizer. This machine is ideal for babies receiving mother's milk. Because the product is not designed to sterilize a large number of bottles. The sterilizer price is 2900 rubles.
Microwave Sterilizer Philips AVENT SCF281 / 02
Steam sterilizer for the Dr. Brown's
The product, which contains 4 bottles, which are perfectly handled from all sides, is made of safe materials. The disadvantages include the fact that the lid is not fixed, so you need to carefully remove such a sterilizer from the oven. The price is 2000 rubles.
Microwave sterilizer Dr. Brown's
Steam Electric Sterilizer Medica
This option is more budgetary, its price corresponds to 2500 rubles. The sterilizer is also large and can handle 6 bottles at the same time. There is a special level inside the product, which can be moved depending on the size of the product placed in the device. The steaming takes about 9 minutes. The product is equipped with a sterilization time countdown and self-shutdown function.
Electric sterilizer CS Medica KIDS CS-28s
Maman Electric Steam Sterilizer
The most budget option that ideally combines all the necessary functions. The price is 1500 rubles. The processing process lasts 15 minutes and is regulated by a button. The downside is the noise during the operation of the sterilizer.
Electric sterilizer Maman BY-03
Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Sterilizer
The device can hold up to 6 bottles. A nice bonus is that the kit includes a bottle and a pacifier for the baby. Safe materials from which the sterilizer is made are an undeniable plus. When closed, the bottles after processing can be kept sterile for 24 hours. The disinfection process takes 5 minutes.
The disadvantages include the fact that immediately after processing the device cannot be opened for some time. And also the reviews of mothers indicate that the product needs to be regularly checked for the formed scale. The price is in the range of 4000 - 4500 rubles.
Microwave sterilizer Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature
Chicco Electric Steam Sterilizer
This machine can hold up to 7 small bottles. Due to its shape, the sterilizer takes up little space. The disadvantages include the fact that the product needs some time to warm up before processing. Sterilization takes about 5 minutes. An interesting fact is that if you leave the products in the sterilizer for a long time, the device will process them every 5 hours. The price starts at 2800 rubles.
Electric Sterilizer Chicco SterilNatural 2 in 1
Electric steam sterilizer Dr. Brown's
This sterilizer processes up to 6 bottles of different brands simultaneously. The disinfection process is quite long and is 12 minutes. The product is rather large, so it is not suitable for everyone. After processing, the device turns itself off. The price is quite high and ranges from 5700 to 6500 rubles.
Electric sterilizer (AC043) Dr. Brown's
Electric steam sterilizer Canpol babies
This product also complies with all regulations. It can hold up to 6 bottles with both narrow and wide neck. The processing process lasts 10 minutes. The price is about 4000 rubles.
Microwave sterilizer Canpol Babies 2/847
Conclusion
To date, a large number of baby products have been created, which are so necessary to make life easier for a young mother. One of them is a sterilizer for bottles and other baby gadgets. Undoubtedly, it has many advantages. But you can do without it if the baby is breastfed. Of course, it's up to the mother to decide what to use and how to arrange childcare.
