You can feed your baby breast milk or infant formula from a bottle. If you choose to feed your baby using a bottle, he or she will need to learn how to drink from a bottle. It can take some time for your baby to get used to it.

Keeping your bottle feeding supplies clean is very important to keep germs from getting into the milk or infant formula you feed your baby. This includes the bottles and nipples, rings, caps, and any valves or membranes that are part of the bottle.

How often should baby bottles be cleaned?

Bottles should be cleaned after every feeding. If your baby does not finish drinking a bottle within 2 hours, throw away the unfinished formula. Germs can grow quickly if breast milk or formula is added to a partially used bottle, or if a used bottle is only rinsed, rather than cleaned.

How do I clean infant feeding items in the dishwasher (if dishwasher-safe)?

1. Take apart. Separate all bottle parts (for example, bottles, nipples, caps, rings, valves).
2. Rinse. Rinse bottle parts and any other feeding items by holding them under running water. The water can be warm or cold.
3. Wash. Place bottle parts and other feeding items in the dishwasher. (Be sure to place small items inside a closed-top basket or mesh laundry bag so they don’t end up in the dishwasher filter.) If possible, run the dishwasher using hot water and a heated drying cycle (or sanitizing setting); this can help kill more germs.
4. Remove from dishwasher. Wash your hands with soap and water before removing and storing cleaned items.
   • If items are not completely dry, place them on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel to air-dry thoroughly before storing in an area free of dust or dirt. Do not use a dish towel to rub or pat items dry because doing so may transfer germs to the items.

How do I clean infant feeding items by hand?

• Wash hands. Wash your hands well with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Take apart. Separate all bottle parts (for example, bottles, nipples, caps, rings, valves).
• Rinse. Rinse bottle parts and any other feeding items by holding them under running water. Do not set them in the sink. The water can be warm or cold.
• Wash feeding items.
  • Place all items in a clean basin or container used only to clean infant feeding items. Do not wash directly in the sink because it may contain germs that could contaminate these items.
  • Fill wash basin with hot water and add soap.
  • Scrub items using a clean brush that is used only to clean infant feeding items.
  • Squeeze water through nipple holes to be sure they get clean.
• Rinse again. Rinse by holding items under running water, or by holding completely under fresh water in a separate basin that is used only for cleaning infant feeding items.
• Allow to air-dry. Place bottle parts, wash basin, and bottle brush on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in an area protected from dirt and dust. Allow to air dry thoroughly.
  • Do not use a dish towel to rub or pat items dry because doing so may transfer germs to the items.
• Clean wash basin and bottle brush. Rinse the wash basin and brush well and allow them to air-dry after each use. Wash them every few days, either in a dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle (if they are dishwasher-safe) or by hand with soap and warm water. If your baby is less than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system due to illness (such as HIV) or medical treatment (such as chemotherapy for cancer), wash basin and bottle brush after every use.

How do I clean brushes and basins used to wash bottles?

You can clean brushes and basins in a dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe, or wash them by hand with soap and hot water. They can be sanitized with one of the following methods: boil, steam, or soak in bleach solution if recommended by the item’s manufacturer. If you steam an item, be sure the entire item fits in the steamer.

Do I need to clean infant formula containers?

No studies have shown that babies have become sick from contamination on the outside of an infant formula container. Also, powdered infant formula is less likely to become contaminated if it stays dry. Avoid using liquid cleaners on infant formula containers to help prevent contaminating powdered formula inside the container.

If you want to clean the formula container, use a disinfectant wipe or paper towel sprayed with disinfectant to clean the outside of the container and lid before it is opened for the first time. Do not submerge the container or place it under running water. Wait until the surfaces are completely dry before opening the container. Do not clean the inside of the infant formula container.

Do I need to clean infant formula scoops?

When powdered formula stays dry, it’s less likely to get contaminated. To keep liquids away from the powdered formula, don’t clean the formula scoop unless it gets dirty. If the scoop was dropped on the floor or otherwise soiled, clean it as carefully as you would your baby’s bottles and allow it to air-dry completely before placing it in the formula container.

How should I store infant feeding items safely?

Allow the clean feeding items, bottle brushes, and wash basins to air-dry thoroughly before storing to help prevent germs and mold from growing. Once the items are completely dry, put them back together and store them in a clean, protected area to prevent contamination.

1. Wash hands. Wash hands well with soap and water.
2. Put back together. Put together the clean, dry bottle parts.
3. Store safely. Place reassembled bottles and other feeding items, wash basin, and dry bottle brush in a clean, protected area such as inside a closed kitchen cabinet that is used only to store clean dishes.

Why should I air-dry infant feeding items on a clean towel instead of using a drying rack?

Air-drying infant feeding items on a clean dish towel or paper towel is probably more hygienic than using a drying rack. Drying racks may trap moisture, allow mold and germs to grow, and be difficult to clean. If you prefer to use a drying rack, use it to dry only your infant’s feeding items. Every few days (or at least daily if your baby is less than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system), be sure to wash it, sanitize it, and allow it to dry thoroughly to reduce contamination.

• Pick a time when your baby is calm and not too hungry or full.
• Start by offering your baby small amounts of breast milk or infant formula in the bottle. You can offer more if he or she is showing signs of hunger until you figure out how much your baby usually eats in a feeding from the bottle.
• If you are breastfeeding, your baby may be more willing to take a bottle from someone other than you.

• Position the bottle at an angle rather than straight up and down so the milk only comes out when your baby sucks.
• Let your baby take breaks from drinking when he or she seems to want them.
• Watch your baby for cues that he or she is full, and then stop, even if the bottle is not empty.

• Give your baby only breast milk or infant formula in a bottle.
• Hold your baby close when you feed him or her a bottle.
• Do not prop or leave the bottle in your baby’s mouth. This can increase your baby’s risk of choking, ear infections, and tooth decay. Your baby may also eat more than he or she needs.
• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle. Milk can pool around the baby’s teeth and this can cause tooth decay.
• Do not force your baby to finish the bottle if your baby is showing signs of fullness as this can lead to your baby eating more than he or she needs.

Don’t put cereal or other food in a bottle.
Putting infant cereal or other solid foods in your baby’s bottle will not make him or her sleep longer and could increase your baby’s risk of choking.