Quick take: Clean + dry after each feed, and sterilise on a schedule. Measured tablets reduce residue and rinse faster than typical soaps.
Pediatrician Q&A: Cleaning Routines That Matter
Straight answers to the bottle-care questions parents ask most — with a routine you can actually keep.
Why routine beats “perfect cleaning”
Babies thrive on rhythm. A simple, repeatable cleaning flow protects milk quality, reduces stress, and prevents the two most common problems we see in clinic: over-soaping (residue) and inconsistent drying (re-contamination). If you need a starting template, save our Pumping + Hygiene Tracker (Free PDF) and the 5-Minute End-of-Day Reset.
Paediatrician answers
How often should bottles be cleaned?
Answer: After every feed. Rinse, then clean with warm water and a measured cleaner. Air-dry fully before reassembly. If you’re away from a sink, use wipes between sessions and do a full wash later.
Do I need to sterilise after every use?
Answer: For healthy, term infants, daily cleaning is enough. Sterilise regularly (e.g., weekly) and during illness, prematurity, or per clinician advice. See 7 Sterilising Mistakes for common slip-ups.
Soap vs tablets — which is better?
Answer: Measured tablets reduce over-dosing and foam, so they rinse faster and leave less residue than many liquid soaps. That means fewer taste/odour complaints. Explore Ariababies Cleaning Tablets.
Is fragrance a problem?
Answer: Yes. Fragrance can cling to silicone parts and alter taste. Choose unscented products; learn what we exclude in Safe Ingredients 101.
Hand-washing or dishwasher?
Answer: Both work. Hand-wash with tablets for consistent dosing, or use the top rack on a baby-safe cycle. Always air-dry fully on a clean rack.
What about hard water and cloudy film?
Answer: Use warm water + tablet, soak 5–10 minutes, brush as needed, and rinse well. If limescale is severe, read our sterilising tips and consider periodic descale of your steriliser.
The maintainable daily routine
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1
Rinse. Empty bottle, warm rinse, separate parts.
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2
Clean. Soak 5–10 min in warm water + 1 measured tablet. Brush corners/valves if needed.
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3
Rinse & dry. Rinse thoroughly. Air-dry on a clean rack until fully dry (no dish towel).
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4
Sterilise. Add a scheduled sterilise step based on age/health/clinician advice. Travel days? Use a sterilising pouch.
Newborn period = stricter hygiene. As baby grows, your clinician may advise reducing sterilising frequency while keeping cleaning consistent.
What matters vs what to skip
Tools paediatricians actually recommend
Daily cleaning
Sterilising & storage
Also read: Why reusable silicone wins · When to replace a steriliser pouch
Keep it simple: clean + dry every use, sterilise on a schedule, avoid fragrance, and use measured tablets for fast rinsing and low residue. Consistency beats perfection.