Cleaning and sterilization of feeding articles

Cleaning and sterilization of feeding articles is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections, especially for infants.

Sterilization is especially important for infants under 12 months, as their immune systems are still developing.

Equipments for Cleaning and sterilization

• Bottle with cap, rim, and teat.
• Strainer.
• Spoon.
• Saucepan with lid or any stainless-steel vessel with lid.
• Cups with lid.
• Measuring glass.
• Palada.
• Soap solution with scrubber.
• Bottle brush.
• Water source.
• Sterilizer or big pan with lid.

Cleaning Feeding Equipment

1. Wash Hands – Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling feeding equipment.
2. Rinse Immediately – If you can’t clean bottles and teats right away, rinse them with clean water to prevent residue buildup.
3. Use Hot, Soapy Water – Wash bottles, teats, spoons, and other feeding equipment in hot, soapy water.
4. Scrub Thoroughly – Use a bottle brush to clean inside bottles and teats, ensuring no milk residue remains.
5. Rinse Well – After washing, rinse all items with clean water.

Sterilization Methods

1. Boiling – Place washed bottles, teats, and other feeding equipment in a pot of boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
2. Steam Sterilization – Use an electric steam sterilizer or microwave steam sterilizer.
3. Chemical Sterilization – Use sterilizing tablets or solutions (like chlorine-containing compounds) following manufacturer instructions.
4. UV Sterilization – Some UV sterilizers are available, but guidelines on their effectiveness vary.

Procedure

• Rinse the feeding bottle with running water, then using soap solution clean the bottle with bottle brush.
• Mouth of the bottle should be washed first using rotatory movement, then wash the inside and outside of the bottle using the same motion.
• Clean the teat by inverting it.
• Wash all other equipment using the scrubber.
• Put all the articles, including feeding bottle, in sterilizer or big vessel containing water
• Boil for 7-10 minutes after it reaches boiling point.
• Then put all the plastic articles and boil for 3-5 minutes.
• Remove all the sterile equipment from the vessel or sterilizer and place it in sterile container.

Special Considerations

• Newborns (0-6 months): Require strict sterilization as their immune systems are still developing.
• Older Infants (6-12 months): Cleaning is still essential, but sterilization can be less frequent.
• Glass Bottles: More resistant to heat and chemicals.
• Plastic Bottles: Can degrade over time; check for scratches where bacteria can hide.
• Silicone & Latex Teats: Latex teats wear out faster and may need more frequent replacement.
• If tap water is not safe, use boiled or filtered water for cleaning and sterilization.
• Hard water can leave mineral deposits; consider using distilled water.
• Store sterilized bottles in a clean, dry container.
• Avoid touching the inside of bottles and teats after sterilization.
• Boiling: Simple and effective but can degrade plastic over time.
• Steam Sterilization: Quick and efficient.
• Chemical Sterilization: Useful when boiling or steaming isn’t an option.
• UV Sterilization: Becoming more popular but lacks universal guidelines.

REFERENCES

1. Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
2. Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
3. Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
4. Marcia London, Ruth Bindler, Principles of Paediatric Nursing: Caring for Children, 8th Edition, 2023, Pearson Publications, ISBN-13: 9780136859840
5. Naveen Bajaj, Rajesh Kumar, Manual of Newborn Nursing, 2nd Edition, 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN:978-9354659294
6. Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/

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