Things like diapers, baby wipes, and a car seat are staples and must-haves. But some gears fall in the middle of "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves" and sterilizers are one of the popular items that parents usually can't decide on. And to help you with that, in this post, you will find some need-to-knows whether or not a sterilizer is worth splurging on.
What is a sterilizer?
A sterilizer is a machine that helps to quickly eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and germs from baby bottles, breast pumps, and accessories such as bottle teats, pacifiers, teethers, and breast pump parts. Most sterilizers are powered by electricity and use steam in the sterilization process, but there are sterilizers in the market that now use UV light instead of steam to get rid of germs by breaking down their DNA at the molecular level.
Pros of a sterilizer
- Easy to use and save time- While there are other ways to sterilize bottles (a big pot of boiling water will do it!) but you can't beat the ease of a sterilizer. You can just leave the items in the sterilizer while attending to other matters at hand and take them out for your next use.
- Extra protection - Sterilizing baby bottles and their accessories is an added step beyond traditional cleaning that provides extra protection against germs. It is a quick and easy way to ensure your baby's bottles are spotless and germs and bacteria-free.
- Eliminate sicknesses - Infants have not yet developed a strong immune system to fight against illnesses. Having a sterilizer helps to ensure the utensils are clean and eliminates some of the most common illnesses typically diarrhoea, food poisoning, and vomiting.
Cons of a sterilizer
- Pricey - Let's face it, a sterilizer can be costly. But, there are also more affordable ones that do an equally good job. Hence many parents don't mind spending that extra money on a sterilizer for peace of mind.
- Takes up space - With so much baby stuff, having another device might just add clutter to your home.
So, do you really need a sterilizer? Well, like many things about parenting, it all comes down to your personal preference. There is no right or wrong. You might need it if
- You will be pumping frequently and want a quick and efficient way to sterilize pump parts regularly.
- You think a sterilizer will help your mind be at peace, not having to worry about germs and bacteria!
- Your baby is premature or has a compromised immune system and your doctor recommends that you sterilize bottles and feeding utensils often.
If you do decide to get a sterilizer, browse and shop our range of sterilizers here.
