How long should we be sterilizing bottles for our newborn?

While this is a point of controversy and some equivocal data, most pediatricians recommend only sterilizing for the first four months.

After that, using soap and water is enough. Almost every other thing that your baby puts in their mouth is unsterile, including the human breast!

The risks of infection are much less than the stress and inconvenience put on parents to sterilize everything.

Speak with your doctor!

It is always best to talk with your doctor, especially if your baby is at high risk for infections, but regular cleaning- with soap and water, if often enough.

To Health! 

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About Dr. Dina Kulik MD, FRCPC, PEM

Dr. Dina Kulik completed her Pediatrics Residency and Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children. Dr. Dina is one of Canada’s leading child health media experts, providing child health information through television, radio, print media, and via her blog DrDina.ca. Above all, Dina’s greatest joy is her family, and being the mom of four crazy boys.

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