How to Properly Clean and Sterilize a Silicone Baby Bottle

If you're new to silicone baby bottles, you might be wondering if they need different care compared to plastic or glass ones. The good news is, it's pretty simple once you know a few basics.

Why Proper Cleaning Matters

Silicone is naturally a little porous at a microscopic level. That's actually part of why it feels so soft and gentle, but it also means residue can build up over time if the bottle isn't cleaned thoroughly after each use. Staying on top of cleaning is the easiest way to prevent the odor and staining issues that sometimes show up with silicone bottles down the line.

Daily Cleaning Routine

• Rinse right after each feed. Doing this before leftover milk or formula has a chance to dry and settle makes the rest of cleaning much easier.
• Use a bottle brush with a mild, fragrance-free, baby-safe dish soap. Strongly scented or harsh detergents can sometimes leave a residue or odor behind on silicone.
• Pay extra attention to the nipple vents and bottle threads. These smaller spots are where residue tends to hide if they're rushed through during cleaning.

Sterilizing: How Often and How

There are a few common ways to sterilize a silicone bottle, and all of them work well:

• Boiling. Simple and effective, and silicone handles boiling water safely.
• Steam sterilizers. A convenient option if you're sterilizing frequently and want a quicker routine.
• Cold sterilizing solutions. A good alternative if boiling or steam sterilizing isn't practical at the time.

As a general guide, sterilizing tends to matter most in the newborn stage, and many parents naturally sterilize less often as their baby grows and their immune system develops. If you have specific questions about how often to sterilize for your baby, it's always worth checking with your pediatrician.

What to Avoid

• Harsh scrubbing. Silicone is durable, but aggressive scrubbing over time can wear down the surface.
• Strong or scented detergents. These can leave behind residue or a lingering smell, even after rinsing.
• Prolonged high-heat boiling beyond what's needed. Extended exposure to high heat more than necessary can contribute to discoloration over time.

A Simple Routine to Follow

Daily: Rinse right after feeding, wash with a bottle brush and mild soap, and air dry.

Weekly, or as needed: Sterilize using boiling, steam, or a cold sterilizing solution.

Making Cleaning Easier

A wide-neck, seamless interior design makes this whole routine much simpler, since there are fewer tight corners for residue to hide in. Mubsie's bottles are designed with this in mind, so daily cleaning and sterilizing stay quick and straightforward, not another thing to stress over.

Why scratched, worn bottles are worth replacing: see Are You Feeding Your Baby Microplastics?