Tips for Cleaning Bottles and Pump Parts

Welcome to the wonderful world of bottles and pumping! There is so much to remember when it comes to feeding your baby and pumping breast milk—keeping on a schedule, how many ounces they need, what time of day you need to pump, and much more. One more thing to add to the list is making sure that your bottles and pump parts are as clean as possible to ensure your baby doesn’t get any germs or bacteria. We’ve put together four of the best tips for cleaning bottles and pump parts—keep reading to see what they are, as well as the best bottle and pump parts brush you need for your kitchen. (scroll down for special coupon!)

Proper Cleaning Technique

There is a right and wrong way to clean your bottles and pump parts!

Here is the right way, as recommended by the CDC:

1. Use a wash basin. Place pump parts in a clean wash basin used only for washing infant feeding equipment. Do not place pump parts directly in the sink, because germs in sinks or drains could contaminate the pump.
2. Add soap and water. Fill the wash basin with hot water and add soap.
3. Scrub. Scrub items according to the pump kit manufacturer’s guidance. If using a brush, use a clean one that is used only to clean infant feeding items. We recommend our 2-in-1 bottle brush!
4. Rinse. Rinse by holding items under running water, or by submerging in fresh water in a separate basin that is used only for cleaning infant feeding items.
5. Dry. Allow to air-dry thoroughly. Place pump parts, wash basin, and bottle brush on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in an area protected from dirt and dust. Do not use a dish towel to rub or pat items dry because doing so may transfer germs to the items.

How to Sanitize

For extra germ removal, especially if your baby is less than three months old, the CDC recommends you sanitize your bottles and pump parts at least once a day. If your baby is older and does not suffer from any medical conditions or wasn’t born prematurely, sanitizing daily may not be necessary.

Here is how the CDC recommends sanitizing your bottles and pump parts:

1. Clean first. Pump parts, bottle brushes, and wash basins should be sanitized only after they have been cleaned. Use the Innobaby 2-in-1 Bottle Brush to ensure every nook and cranny has been thoroughly cleaned.
2. Sanitize. Sanitize the pump kit, bottle brushes, and wash basins using one of the following options. Check manufacturer’s instructions about whether items may be steamed or boiled:
• Steam: Use a microwave or plug-in steam system according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Boil: Place disassembled items that are safe to boil into a pot and cover with water.
3. Put the pot over heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove items with clean tongs.
4. Allow to air-dry thoroughly. Place sanitized pump parts, wash basin, and bottle brush on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in an area protected from dirt and dust. Do not use a dish towel to rub or pat items dry because doing so may transfer germs to the items.

How to Remove Milk Film

As a new parent, some things are tough to stay on top of, especially cleaning. Sometimes, bottles and pump parts may become cloudy or stained due to milk stains from not being cleaned quickly enough or thoroughly enough. Don’t throw them away, there is an easy way to get those clouds and stains out of your bottles and pump parts!

If you have cloudy bottles, nipples, or pump parts, here is how to get rid of the film:

1. Clean bottles, nipples, and pump parts with soap and water as thoroughly as possible.
2. Let items soak in a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water.
3. Rinse with cold water, and clean with soap and water again.

The Best 2-in-1 Bottle Brush for Bottles and Pump Parts

A huge part of keeping bottles and pump parts clean and healthy is having a dedicated brush, just for them. Many bottle and pump brushes have multiple pieces that can be difficult to switch between while cleaning. That is why we recommend using the Innobaby 2-in-1 silicone bottle brush!

We promise: This 2-in-1 bottle brush will be the last, and only, bottle brush you will ever need. Its soft and flexible design allows it to reach every corner of every bottle, nipple, and pump part. The integrated tip will flex to a 90-degree angle so there’s no nook or cranny it won’t gently clean, including bottle nipples.

Say “no more!” to sponges and dishrags that harbor smelly and harmful bacteria. The brush is dishwasher safe, and the top pops right off so you can easily sanitize by boiling, right along with the rest of your bottles and parts. It’s 100% silicone, which means it’s antibacterial, easy to clean, odor-resistant, and can just be shaken off when you’re done washing to dry quickly. Silicone also allows it to be completely free of toxins, including BPA, phthalate, PVC, and lead.

Want to stock up on cleaning essentials? Explore more details on our website or click here to order from Amazon and get everything you need delivered right to your doorstep!

For more parenting tips as well as more clean, safe, and toxin-free products for your family, visit us at innobaby.com!