New mums and dads, did you know that sterilising bottle-feeding equipment is crucial for babies up to 12 months old [1]? Younger babies’ immune systems are not developed enough to resist some infections, which makes them more vulnerable to illness. Sterilisation helps lower the risk of them getting sick. Here’s a handy guide on how to sterilise bottles in a Thermomix.
Sterilising baby bottles can often feel tedious and time-intensive when using traditional methods like boiling or using sterilising tablets. But if you have a Thermomix in your kitchen, it’s easy! And there’s no need to buy special steriliser machines. Beyond helping you to prepare baby food and delicious meals for the whole family, the Thermomix offers a valuable feature for sterilisation. You can easily sterilise baby bottles, dummies/pacifiers and teething toys (just be sure to follow manufacturer instructions).
Sterilisation methods for baby bottles
There are three methods of sterilisation: boiling, chemicals, or steam sterilisation. Two of these methods – boiling and steaming – can easily be done in your Thermomix! Boiling is the preferred option of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) [2], because it gives consistent and reliable results. If sterilising with steam, the NHMRC notes that bottles/parts must be meticulously cleaned beforehand for results to be just as effective.
Sterilising baby bottles in a Thermomix
Read this easy guide on how to sterilise bottles in a Thermomix by boiling or steaming.
Sterilisation by boiling:
This is best if you have just a couple of small items to sterilise. Only one of my smaller bottles, it’s nipple and screw top cap fit in my simmering basket at a time. If you have a few items to sterilise, or are using larger bottles for older babies, you may find it best to use the steaming method 😊. Remember that if using this method, it’s so important to not overfill your machine or turn it to a high speed when the simmering basket is inside!
- Clean the Thermomix thoroughly to ensure it’s free from any food residue.
- Disassemble the baby bottles, removing all parts like nipples, caps, screw tops and rings. It’s important to thoroughly clean bottle-feeding equipment in hot, soapy water. Then rinse thoroughly.
- Place the disassembled bottle, nipple, and other parts in the Thermomix simmering basket. Do not overfill the simmering basket.
- Fill the mixing bowl with water to just BELOW the MAX FILL line. Insert the simmering basket, ensuring that all the items are submerged and air bubbles are gone.
- Heat for 10 minutes, 100°C, speed 1, MC off.
- After sterilisation, carefully remove the items from the hot water using clean tongs or utensil. Shake off excess water.
- Store equipment that won’t be used straight away in a clean container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Sterilisation by steaming:
The benefits to using steam to sterilise bottles in a Thermomix are that a lot more equipment can fit in the Varoma, than in the simmering basket if boiling. If your particular bottles are too tall, you may not be able to utilise the tray that sits inside the Varoma. Otherwise, you can have the two layers of baby gear steaming at the same time.
- Clean the Thermomix thoroughly to ensure it’s free from any food residue.
- Disassemble the baby bottles, removing all parts like nipples, caps, screw tops and rings. It’s important to thoroughly clean bottle-feeding equipment in hot, soapy water. Then rinse thoroughly.
- Pour 500g water into the mixing bowl. Place the Varoma securely on top of the Thermomix. Arrange bottles flat in the Varoma base for steam circulation. Put dummies, teats, and lids on the Varoma tray. Secure the lid.
- Steam for 20 minutes, Varoma, speed 2.
- Carefully remove the items from the Varoma using clean tongs or a utensil. Shake off any excess water. Store equipment that won’t be used straight away in a clean container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
When can you stop sterilising baby bottles and baby-feeding equipment?
The NHMRC recommends [2] that baby feeding equipment containing formula or breast milk should continue to be sterilised up to 12 months.
Which method will you use to sterilise bottles in your Thermomix? I hope this information helps you in parenthood! Please leave a 📝 comment below. I love hearing from you! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more child feeding information and baby food recipes.
Chloe x
[1] Bottle-feeding: Cleaning and sterilising equipment, 2024, Raising Children.
[2] Infant feeding guidelines: Information for health workers, 2012, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
