How to sterilize a silicone pacifier. How to sterilize a pacifier for a newborn so that it is safe? Methods and tips. Steamer and dishwasher

Is it necessary to boil a pacifier, and how to do it correctly?

Before directly boiling, the pacifier must be thoroughly washed, the hole blown out and rinsed. The baby bottle should initially be completely disassembled and washed thoroughly under warm running water. All these devices need to be washed with an antibacterial or simple detergent, using special small brushes. Then put everything in an enamel container and fill it to the top with water. Wait for the water to boil. Then a reasonable question arises: how long to boil the pacifier
. The answer is - boil for about 15 - 20 minutes. When the specified time has passed, drain the water, holding the accessories with the lid. Once they have cooled down, you can use them. Please note that the effect of sterilization lasts for half an hour, and therefore it is preferable to feed during this period. It is recommended to use enamel containers, since they form the least amount of limescale, which subsequently settles on the stomach walls and other organs of the baby. If you don’t have such utensils in your kitchen arsenal, you can take an old saucepan, since with frequent use this deposit settles faster and is easy to notice. To get rid of plaque, use exclusively filtered water, or install the filter directly on the tap. This will protect not only your little one, but the whole family. By the way, there is a quick option for sterilizing pacifiers; you can simply pour boiling water over them and then give them to your baby. It is not advisable to boil latex nipples, since under the influence of temperatures they can become deformed or fused.

How often should pacifiers and bottles be sterilized?

I think you understand how to boil a pacifier and bottle
, now we need to tell you how often this process should be repeated. If you feed your baby only artificial formulas, then the bottle should be boiled before and after each feeding, this will provide the baby with maximum protection from harmful bacteria that disrupt the microflora and provoke infectious diseases such as dysentery. Often, leftover food is a favorable environment for the active reproduction of viruses and bacteria. If you do not sterilize the bottle in time, then at the next meal they will all enter the child’s body. Because of this, the baby may develop diarrhea, serious intestinal disorders, etc. It is necessary to sterilize dishes for at least one year, or until the baby refuses the bottle. Over time, the child’s body will begin to produce immune cells that will independently fight microbes that cause an imbalance in the internal microflora.

Why do you need to sterilize baby equipment?

A child’s body develops and improves over the course of one to two years, and therefore it is extremely susceptible to various diseases, including infectious ones.
If you do not follow the basic rules of sterilization, this can result in serious illnesses, food poisoning with severe symptoms (nausea, severe vomiting, bowel dysfunction, high fever, etc.). To restore the child’s health, he will have to be admitted to the hospital. Any mother is unlikely to want this, and therefore it is better to be safe. Every mother strives to create the best living conditions for her newborn child. And caring for the baby plays a big role in this, since he is not yet able to care for himself. Immediately after birth, the baby needs many items that not only allow him to develop and grow faster, but also significantly facilitate the everyday life of his parents. One of these items is a pacifier, which you not only need to choose correctly. It is also very important to know how to sterilize a pacifier. This is exactly what we will deal with in this article.

How to sterilize bottles

Remember that not every bottle can be boiled multiple times. For example, plastic becomes deformed after several similar procedures. Damaged, leaking bottles can no longer be used! However, many still choose tableware made from food-grade plastic, as it is convenient and safe. Plastic objects do not break and are light in weight. To sterilize plastic utensils, choose the cold method using antiseptic tablets. Then the products will last a long time.

Glassware can be sterilized many times, including using boiling water. Glass bottles last longer. The products are easy and convenient to wash, but they weigh more. Therefore, it will be difficult for the child to hold the glassware. But such products break easily and can injure the baby. Read more about how and which bottle to choose for a newborn here.

Regardless of the type, the container must be airtight and safe for the baby. Wash bottles immediately after feeding and do not wipe the container with a towel or napkins, but dry it naturally. Store children's dishes separately from adults and use them only for children!

Do I need to sterilize my pacifier?

The question of how to sterilize pacifiers arises more often today than just a few years ago. And this is due, first of all, to the fact that modern technical capabilities are much richer than a couple of decades ago. In every home today you can find a lot of household appliances, which can be used not only for the purpose specified by the manufacturer, but also for other purposes. And that is why the question arises, how to sterilize a pacifier, and what can be used for this.

But before deciding how exactly to do this, you need to understand how important sterilization is. In this regard, the following facts are beyond doubt:

1. Newborn babies have very weak immunity and are susceptible to attacks from any viruses and harmful bacteria. And there are a lot of them in our everyday life. That is why it is necessary to sterilize the baby’s pacifier every time until at least 3 months, preferably up to 6. Next, just new nipples before the first use.
2. New, just purchased, pacifiers were subjected to long-term storage and transportation to different retail outlets. As a result of this, a huge amount of bacteria, dirt definitely accumulates on them, and if they are not in sealed packaging, various chemicals settle on the surface of latex or silicone. Therefore, you need to know how to sterilize a pacifier before using it for the first time, and be sure to do it.

Nipple care for nursing mothers

1 Kent JC et al. Volume and frequency of breastfeedings and fat content of breast milk throughout the day. Pediatrics. 2006;117(3):e387-395. —Kent J.S. et al., “Breastfeeding volume and frequency and breast milk fat content throughout the day.” Pediatrix (Pediatrics). 2006;117(3):e387-95.

2 Berens P et al. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol# 26: Persistent pain with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Medicine. 2016;11(2):46-53. — Behrens P. et al., Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, “ABM Clinical Protocol No. 26: Persistence of Breastfeeding Pain.” Brestfeed Med (Breastfeeding Medicine). 2016;11(2):46-53.

3 Cadwell K. Latching On and Suckling of the Healthy Term Neonate: Breastfeeding Assessment. J Midwifery & Women's Health. 2007;52(6):638-42. — Cadwell K., "Latching and Sucking in Healthy Newborns: An Assessment of Breastfeeding." F Midwifery Women's Health. 2007;52(6):638-642.

4 Segal LM et al. Prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of ankyloglossia: methodological review. Canadian Family Physician. 2007;53(6):1027-1033. — Segal L.M. et al., “Frequency, diagnosis and treatment of ankyloglossia: a methodological review.” Canadian Family Physicion. 2007;53(6):1027-1033.

5 O'Shea JE et al. Frenotomy for tonguetie in newborn infants. The Cochrane Library. 2021. — O'Shea J.I. and co-authors, “Division of the short frenulum in newborns”, The Cochrane Labrerie (Cochrane Library), 2021.

6 Jacobs A et al. S3-guidelines for the treatment of inflammatory breast disease during the lactation period. Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde. 2013;73(12):1202-1208. — Jacobs A. et al., “S-3 Guidelines for the Management of Inflammatory Breast Diseases During Breastfeeding.” Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkünde. 2013;73(12):1202-1208.

7 Pannaraj PS et al. Association between breast milk bacterial communities and establishment and development of the infant gut microbiome. JAMA pediatrics. 2017;171(7):647-654. — Pannaraj P.S. et al., “Bacterial communities in breast milk and their relationship to the emergence and development of the newborn gut microbiome.” JAMA Pediatrics. 2017;171(7):647-654.

8 Mohammadzadeh A et al. The effect of breast milk and lanolin on sore nipples. Saudi medical journal. 2005;26(8):1231-1234. — Mohammedzadeh A. et al., “Effects of Breast Milk and Lanolin on Sore Nipples.” Saudi Medical Journal. 2005;26(8):1231-1234.

9 Kent JC et al. Principles for maintaining or increasing breast milk production. J Obstet, Gynecol, & Neonatal Nurs. 2012;41(1):114-121. —Kent J.S. et al., “Principles of Maintaining and Increasing Milk Production.” F Obstet Ginecol Neonetal Nurse. 2012;41(1):114-121.

Sterilization methods

Depending on how much time you have available, you can use quick or longer but effective methods. And one more factor that influences the choice of sterilization is the willingness to subject the child’s pacifier to treatment using modern technology, the safety of which has not been proven, as well as its danger.

Boiling

Boiling is the safest method, which in principle does not require you to spend a significant amount of time. This is the method our mothers and grandmothers used to sterilize nipples and pacifiers.

The sequence of your actions in this case will be as follows:

1. Fill an enamel quart cup or small saucepan with water. You don’t need a lot—up to 0.5 liters is enough.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Place a pacifier or pacifier in it.
4. Boil for a few minutes - 3-5, on the lowest heat.
5. Remove and place on a clean towel to dry. It is advisable to cover the products with it.

Important! The only caveat of using this technology is the accelerated wear of latex after heat treatment. Regarding silicone, it is better to check with the seller whether this method can be used for the product you have chosen.

Steaming - when time is short

Steam sterilization does not give a 100% result, but it is suitable if the child is already screaming and requires food or a pacifier to fall asleep, and you do not have another pacifier.

To sterilize a pacifier this way:

1. Boil water in a kettle - it is not necessary to fill it full. Even a small amount of water inside will do.
2. Take the product with tweezers.
3. Hold the steam over the steam until it covers the pacifier or pacifier on all sides.

Important! 1-2 minutes of such treatment is enough for the product to be suitable for use and relatively safe for the baby.

Boiling water and steam

There are many ways to sterilize nipples. The oldest and most proven treatment option is, of course, boiling water.

Pour 200-300 grams of water into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Place the pacifiers or pacifiers needed for sterilization in boiling water and hold for 5 minutes. There is no need to disassemble pacifiers. Plastic parts also need processing.

How to sterilize pacifiers and bottles with steam? This method takes minimal time. It is enough to hold the pacifier over the stream of steam from the kettle for 1-2 minutes - and you can give it to the child.

If you need to process several pacifiers or bottles at once, it is convenient to use a regular double boiler or a saucepan covered with a colander.

Pour water into the steamer. Place the bottles neck down. Heat the water to a boil and keep the pan on the fire for 5 minutes.

Steamer - a modern solution

Using a steamer for sterilization is very beneficial in terms of saving time and obtaining a guaranteed result, because this technique produces exactly what is needed to neutralize pathogenic microorganisms - hot steam.

In order to sterilize a pacifier or pacifier before first or subsequent use, you must:

1. Pour water into the lower compartment of the device.
2. Place the necessary items on one of the levels.
3. Set the timer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Turn on the device and wait for the cycle to complete.

Important! Since the steamer operates from the mains, please note that energy consumption in the apartment will increase as the steamer is used to sterilize pacifiers and nipples. More precisely, it directly depends on the frequency of use of this method.

Microwave oven - is it worth sterilizing nipples using this method?

There are many opinions regarding the use of microwaves not only for sterilizing everyday items for newborns, but even for preparing food for adults. Some of them focus on the fact that there is no proven negative impact on human health when consuming products after such processing. Others argue that the electromagnetic field is still unsafe. Therefore, whether to use a microwave oven to sterilize the pacifier at home or not is up to you.

If you intend to make your daily work of caring for a baby easier in this way, proceed this way:

1. Check with the manufacturer or seller whether the product you are purchasing can be treated with such an effect.
2. Place pacifiers and pacifiers in a microwave-safe container.
3. Pour a small amount of water there.
4. Cover with a lid.
5. Set the timer for 3-5 minutes.
6. Remove sterilized items and dry.

Sterilization using special equipment

The modern market provides a wide selection of not only clothing, cosmetics, but also all kinds of devices for caring for newborns. One of these is a special sterilizer, with which you can make not only pacifiers and nipples, but also all bottles absolutely safe for your baby. The use of such household appliances does not cause any difficulties - just follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

Important! The only drawback that can be noted with this solution is the additional cash costs, because the unit will not be so cheap. But the safety of your child and saving your personal time are sometimes worth purchasing such a valuable device for the home. Especially if you do not plan to stop at 1 child, but are thinking about further continuation of your family.

1. Even if you regularly sterilize your pacifiers, do not exceed the recommended period of use. Replace pacifiers and nipples as they wear out.
2. Do not use care products of unknown origin on your newborn. Buy only certified products from reputable manufacturers.
3. Observe the rules of hygiene for your baby, not being lazy in performing the necessary procedures every day. This is the only way you can protect him from most diseases and enjoy communication with a healthy and happy child.

Sterilization methods

• The most common and accessible method for everyone is boiling. In this case, place the bottles washed in the sink into a container of boiling water and leave for 7-10 minutes. After which the dishes are removed and placed on a clean, dry towel. Sterilization of nipples takes place in the same way in a separate pan or other container;
• Modern parents often use a microwave oven for sterilization. This is a quick, easy and practical method in which the dishes are placed in a container, filled with water and closed tightly with a lid. Then put in the microwave for 5-6 minutes;
• For cold sterilization, special antiseptic tablets are used. Such products are distinguished by a high degree of disinfection and ease of use. They reliably and efficiently eliminate harmful bacteria and preserve the appearance of products, whereas they can deteriorate when boiled or sterilized in the microwave. To prepare the solution, one tablet is dissolved in cold water in which the baby’s dishes are placed and left under a closed lid for at least 30 minutes;
• A double boiler and multicooker are another modern method of processing and sterilization. Water is poured into the lower compartment of the steamer, where the bottles are placed upside down. The nipples are retracted into the upper part of the device. The dishes are sterilized using the “Cooking” mode for about ten minutes. To process dishes in a multicooker, place the items on a wire rack, pour a liter of water into the machine’s container and leave for ten minutes in the “Steam” mode;
• Today, manufacturers offer an electric steam sterilizer, which is designed specifically for sterilization, disinfection and disinfection of dishes and other items. The products are placed in the device, filled with water and the desired mode is selected. The process takes about ten minutes, and the device can accommodate up to six products at a time.

Features of pacifiers made of different materials

Modern nipples for children are usually made of silicone or latex. They differ in color - silicone white, latex yellow. Both nipples are quite strong. But silicone ones are still considered more durable and durable. But they are also tougher. Latex ones are softer and resemble mother’s breasts, but they break down faster. Made from natural rubber, these nipples are elastic and are more popular with babies. They may have their own special taste and smell, and dirt sticks to them more easily.

As for boiling,

Silicone nipples are more heat resistant than latex products. Silicone nipples can be boiled many times, and they are odorless and tasteless. Latex pacifiers are much less resistant to high temperatures and can deteriorate if subjected to prolonged boiling, and therefore they are recommended to be changed more often than silicone ones. So, a silicone pacifier must be changed to another after 5 - 6 weeks of use, and a latex pacifier - after 4 - 5 weeks. If the nipple is damaged, it must be replaced immediately, no matter what material it is made of.

A new pacifier should always be treated. Read the instructions on the package carefully. The service life of pacifiers is also written there. You can boil them, but you shouldn’t do it for too long. Before using for the first time, a new pacifier should be boiled for about 2 - 3 minutes. When storing, pacifiers should be kept away from batteries and the sun to prevent their deformation. You should wash your pacifier at least once a day in warm water and soap and never lick it. To make the pacifier less dirty, it is recommended to hang it on a special chain with a clothespin, which can be easily attached to the baby’s clothes.

When the child reaches the age of six months, many mothers already stop sterilizing baby dishes and pacifiers. And this is quite reasonable. From now on, cleanliness can be maintained by simply pouring boiling water over the bottle and pacifier.

Well washed and dried pacifiers are stored in special transparent containers.

Babies will enjoy both latex and silicone nipples. But when the child has teeth, it is recommended to give him latex pacifiers, because silicone ones are too hard and can easily deform the teeth and injure the palate.

When choosing a pacifier

Also pay attention to its size and shape. The size, of course, should be suitable for the baby’s age. Babies need smaller nipples. The age is usually indicated on the packaging.

Pacifiers also vary in shape: they can be round, oval or orthodontic with a thin curved neck and a beveled tip. The latter are similar to the mother's nipple. To form a correct bite, experts recommend purchasing a pacifier with a flattened end or an orthodontic product with a sloping bottom surface.

Watch your baby. Perhaps he will like some pacifier and suit it better than others. Therefore, I advise you to try different nipple shapes. In addition, there are nighttime pacifiers and pacifiers with a glowing ring for the dark.

All the best!

Best regards, Sandrin.

When parents decide to give their baby a pacifier, they need to learn more about how to care for this product. Why do they need to be changed regularly, how long can you use one pacifier and how to properly sterilize it?

How to properly sterilize baby bottles and pacifiers

First-time parents want to do everything possible for the health of their babies. To protect your child from illness, it is important to ensure that everything that goes into the mouth is clean. The viruses and bacteria that your baby is inadvertently exposed to as he makes his way through the world can help strengthen his immune system to be better prepared to fight infections in the future.

Of course, most microscopic bacterial intruders are innocent bystanders, but some can be potentially dangerous. Without a doubt, the feeding bottle and pacifier are the two objects your baby comes into close contact with most often. Therefore, young parents often wonder how to clean pacifiers and feeding bottles.

How often should pacifiers and baby bottles be sterilized?

Pacifiers and baby bottles don't need to be sterilized as often as you might think. You can sterilize baby utensils before first use and periodically after. However, sterilization is not required after each use.

You can wash them daily by simply running them through a regular cycle in the dishwasher (just check the packaging to make sure these items are dishwasher safe!) or clean them in warm, soapy water. If you use a dishwasher, place plastic bottles on the top rack to prevent them from melting. If washing them by hand, air dry them and make sure they are completely dry before using them.

In addition to daily cleaning, the pacifier and bottle should still be sterilized regularly. You will need to choose a comfortable schedule to follow, whether it be weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, but we recommend spaying at least once a month.

Not sure how to sterilize baby pacifiers, bottles, and bottle nipples? The process is actually simple! You can leave bottles (including pacifiers) and pacifiers in a pan of boiling water for five minutes, or buy a specially designed sterilizer that kills germs and bacteria, such as the Ergopower Portable UV Sanitizer.

Sterilizing newly purchased baby bottles and pacifiers ensures your baby's safety. We usually don't know where items touch during production and delivery. For this reason, it is very important to remove any germs from utensils that may enter your child's mouth before using them.

How to clean children's toys

It is best to clean plastic children's toys daily with soap and water. Plush toys can usually be washed on a gentle cycle in the washing machine (warm water is best, but check the care label first) and place in the dryer on low. Children's toys should be sterilized at least once every 3 months, and also after your child or a family member gets sick.

Our household item sterilizer offers a safe option for disinfecting children's toys, using ultraviolet light to safely and quickly neutralize bacteria and viruses from the surfaces of toys and other children's equipment, including plush items.

Other Tips for Your Baby's Health and Cleaning

Feeding safety starts with cleaning baby bottles. However, there are other ways to reduce the amount of germs in baby food.

• Always wash your hands before handling baby bottles, pacifiers and baby food.
• Before first use, wash the baby food storage container.
• Mix only safe and clean water with baby food.
• Store food in a protected place or in a locked cupboard.

Classification by materials and period of use

The frequency of changing a pacifier is primarily influenced by the material from which it is made:

• Latex types
  do not have a very long service life. Using it constantly, you will notice how it loses its shape and its walls begin to stick together. In addition, microcracks appear in latex over time, in which microorganisms easily settle. Because of this, latex versions of pacifiers are replaced every 2-4 weeks before the product darkens and becomes deformed.
• Silicone models
  are more durable, so they last longer. However, such an accessory is easier to bite through, and even a small particle of such a nipple entering the baby’s body can be dangerous. It is recommended to change it every 3-5 weeks, even if the product is intact.

Sterilization

Before each use of a pacifier, as well as when a child drops it, the product should be sterilized.

Boiling

The easiest processing method is boiling. After pouring some water into a small saucepan and letting it boil, lower the pacifier into the water (it is important that the water completely covers the product) and keep it in the boiling liquid for 2-3 minutes. Don't worry about whether the product will withstand boiling - they are made with frequent sterilization in mind.

Steam treatment

A quick way to sterilize is to use steam. The product is held for several seconds over the steam from the spout of the kettle. Please note that with this treatment there is no guarantee that all bacteria from the pacifier have been removed, but if there are no other options for treating the pacifier, then this one will do.

A more reliable alternative is to use a double boiler. But not all pacifiers can be processed in the microwave - be careful!

Children's goods stores also stock special sterilizers. Processing a pacifier or bottle in such a device takes approximately 3 minutes.

• Check the integrity daily and immediately get rid of the product if you see sticky walls, deformation or a crack.
• For convenient storage, we recommend using special cases.
• An adult should not lick the pacifier before use, as there may be microorganisms in his mouth that are unsafe for the baby.

After birth, a baby needs a mother. Not only for feeding, but also for comfort, emotional intimacy and relief. A mother cannot physically be constantly with her baby and offer the breast for any reason. Many babies have a very pronounced sucking reflex. They put everything into their mouths: clothes, diapers and their own fingers. It’s at moments like these that you wonder how to choose a pacifier for your child and how to properly sterilize it.

How to sterilize nipples

Nipples are sterilized using the same methods as bottles, but always separately. In addition, the process takes two to three minutes. In a double boiler, the products are placed separately in the upper compartment of the device. Sterilization is also carried out using traditional boiling in a saucepan, microwave, slow cooker, special sterilizer or cold method.

When using pacifiers, wash the products regularly and check for integrity, especially after hot sterilization. Over time, the material may burst or crack. Before first use, the pacifier is washed in soapy water and then sterilized. The easiest method is to put it in boiling water for two to three minutes.

Before sterilization, the pacifier is thoroughly washed and not wiped, but dried under natural conditions on a clean and dry towel or kitchen napkin.
If your baby accidentally drops a pacifier, you need to wash the product. Do not lick the pacifier under any circumstances! We looked at how to sterilize pacifiers, and which pacifier to choose for a newborn and how to use these products correctly, read the link https://vskormi.ru/general-questions/priuchat-li-rebenka-k-pustishke-kak-eto-sdelat/. Subscribe to our VKontakte group

Should you give a pacifier to your baby?

Disputes on this matter do not end to this day. Some pediatricians say it is necessary. Other doctors do not recommend it. It is only known that all children are individual and the sucking reflex in each baby is expressed to varying degrees.

Another well-known fact: pacifiers were invented a long time ago. Children were given a piece of bread wrapped in cloth or a piece of leather to suck on. Modern objects to satisfy the sucking reflex began to be produced only around 1900.

Features of pacifiers made of different materials

Currently, pacifiers are made from two materials: silicone and latex. It is not difficult to distinguish them. Silicone nipples are transparent, stiffer, but also more durable. Latex pacifiers are yellow in color, they are soft, more reminiscent of a woman's breasts to the touch, but they wear out quickly and have an odor. Both are quite durable. When it comes to cleanliness, silicone pacifiers are more hygienic as they collect less dust, hair and dirt.

These two materials behave differently in sterilization. Silicone pacifiers can withstand repeated boiling without visible changes. But latex nipples do not have these qualities. They are, of course, heat-resistant, but prolonged boiling can ruin it. Therefore, latex pacifiers need to be changed more often. According to the instructions, the service life of a silicone pacifier is 6 weeks, and a latex pacifier is 4 weeks.

1. Silicone pacifiers are heat-resistant, durable, rigid, hygienic and transparent.
2. Latex nipples - do not withstand long-term temperature treatments, wear out quickly, are soft (babies like them more), attract dust and have an odor.

How to choose the right pacifier for a child?

Small children do not care at all whether their pacifier is latex or silicone. But when the time comes for teething, it is better to offer a latex pacifier. It is softer and will not in any way affect the bite or position of the teeth.

Few people know, but nipples vary in shape and size. You can’t just go to a pharmacy or children’s store and buy a “breast substitute.”

The shapes of pacifiers are: round, oval and orthodontic. If in the first two cases everything is more or less clear, then with the third, questions arise. These are nipples whose silhouette resembles a mother's breast. More precisely, it has a thin neck and a beveled tip. Pediatricians recommend buying pacifiers with a flat end to form the correct bite.

In addition to differences in shape, there are “substitutes” of all sizes that correspond to different ages. For newborn babies, pacifiers are very small. It’s easy to find the right size by reading the instructions on the package.

Marketing does not stand still, and today there are pacifiers for sale at night and in the dark that glow.

To determine which model is right for your baby, you need to try several types of pacifiers.