Child feeding equipment: how to clean it more safely
Rinsing with water is not enough. A systematic review explains why soap, brushing and appropriate heat treatment matter.
6 min read · Updated 2026-08-22Key points
- Bottles, teats and breast-pump parts can retain microorganisms when they are only rinsed with water.
- Mechanical washing with soap and a dedicated brush reduces contamination more effectively than washing without brushing.
- Boiling or steam sterilisation works best after thorough cleaning.
Why rinsing alone is not enough
A systematic review of 17 studies on child feeding equipment found that rinsing with water alone was consistently insufficient to remove microbial contamination. Milk and food residue can remain in joints, threads and narrow parts.
After every use, disassemble equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Wash the parts with clean water and detergent, and clean internal surfaces with a brush used only for this equipment.
A practical sequence
Wash your hands first and prepare a clean surface. Disassemble all parts, wash and rinse them thoroughly, then allow them to air dry. A kitchen towel can reintroduce microorganisms.
- check the manufacturer's instructions before boiling or steam sterilisation
- do not use cracked, damaged or hard-to-clean parts
- store clean, dry equipment protected from dust and unnecessary handling
When individual advice is needed
For premature infants, children with weakened immunity or children receiving specialised medical nutrition, the care team may recommend a stricter process. This guide does not replace advice from a paediatrician or the equipment manufacturer's instructions.