How to clean baby's bottles? Should dummies be sterilised?

Thanks to the antibodies passed on by the mother during pregnancy, babies' bodies are prepared for the bacterial environment around them when they are born. However, their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Infants are fragile, and their skin barrier is particularly permeable. An infant's immunity is built up gradually during the first three months of their life. This is why we have to be very vigilant. Of course, it is good for children to be exposed to viruses and bacteria so the body can learn to deal with them properly. This will happen naturally when playing and moving around. On the other hand, overexposure or a deficient immune system can cause severe infections.

It is essential to learn or rediscover some simple and natural hygiene practices to protect babies and children. Preventative hygiene methods are preferred. As the saying goes, "prevention is better than cure". This will also help to avoid the need for medical treatment.

Many studies have shown that ENT infections are associated with the use of dummies. In fact, 30% of children aged 2 to 3 who use dummies have developed bouts of acute otitis, compared with 13% of those who do not use them. This increased risk of ENT infection is related to bacteria and mould present on dummies. This is not only due to dummies coming into contact with the mucous membranes of children's mouths and saliva or with the surfaces on which they fall. Milk itself is also problematic, as it promotes the proliferation of microorganisms, a potential source of severe diarrhoea. For the same reason, thoroughly washing baby bottles is equally important. And to reduce the risk of infection, sterilisation is proven to make a profound difference.

The first is regular hand washing, which keeps microorganisms at bay - 70% of them are transmitted through the palms. Limiting the overuse or inappropriate use of chemicals is an excellent way to avoid household accidents. 85% of oral intoxication occur before the age of 4, making them the second most common cause of accidents in everyday life.

With infants or small children, taking a change of clothes and nappies for them has become second nature. This should also be the case for dummies and baby bottles when they cannot be cleaned properly. Good cleaning consists of washing baby accessories systematically after each use, under hot water, using a specific brush and soap, and then leaving them to dry in the open air on a suitable stand, in a clean place. Once a day, baby's bottles and dummies should be sterilised with boiling water or steam to rid them of bacteria, viruses and fungi and thus protect children's health.

In addition, the IGGI steam sterilising set from Laurastar is easier to use than a steriliser because of its smaller size and versatility as it can also be used to disinfect toys and play surfaces throughout a child's development.

The steam is pressurised and superheated up to 153°C. It is continuously propelled at a speed of up to 104 km/h. This power guarantees fast and total disinfection of baby bottles as well as dummies and all other small objects that babies put in their mouths. It reaches all corners of the object, even ones that are more difficult to reach. Steam is an effective and natural solution that avoids chemicals, which are known to be harmful to health in the long term. It is a simple hygiene measure that can be carried out at any time to protect babies and children.

Just as you take off your shoes when you get home or wash your hands, regular steam cleaning can become a preventative hygiene practice for the whole family.