How to sterilize baby tableware

Current CDC and WHO guidance on feeding-equipment sterilization: daily up to three months of age, optional between three and six months, and generally unnecessary after six months (outside specific situations). Here are the methods that work, plus the differences by material.

Method depends on material

• Boiling in water (10 min). Universal — works for stainless steel, silicone, glass, baby bottles. Water must cover the item fully, pot lidded.
• Steam sterilization (electric or microwave). Fastest (~6 min). Stainless steel and glass with no caveat; silicone up to 230°C fine; check the label for plastic.
• Cold chemical sterilization (sterilizing tablets). Useful when boiling is not possible (travel). Tableware sits 30 minutes in the solution, no rinse after.
• Dishwasher at 60°C or above. Does not replace sterilization, but for daily hygiene after six months it is fully adequate.

Differences by material

Stainless steel 304 / 316. No limit on any method. After boiling just dry with a clean towel. Does not degrade after thousands of cycles.

Silicone (food-grade). Thermostable up to ~230°C, but every sterilization accelerates ageing (visible porosity, stickiness). After 1-2 years of intensive use, replace.

Plastic. This is where sterilization gets problematic. At high temperature (boiling, steam), plastic bottles release microplastics — a Nature Food (2020) study documented up to 16.2 million particles per litre during formula preparation. One more reason we avoid plastic in food contact.

What NOT to do

• Do not sterilize before every use after six months. The CDC explicitly says this is unnecessary for a healthy baby and a normal household hygiene level. Thorough washing (hot water, drying) is enough.
• Do not mix methods. After boiling, do not put tableware in a sterilizing solution. Residual chlorine plus a hot surface = unwanted reactions.
• Do not air-dry with an open towel in the bathroom. A humid environment after sterilization is ironically the worst place. An open shelf in the kitchen or a dedicated baby-equipment shelf.

What we recommend

Stainless steel is the safest material for sterilization: one boil cleans everything, no degradation, no particles released. Our stainless steel cutlery and plates made of 304 / 316 can go through thousands of cycles with no impact. More in the materials guide.

Question? See the FAQ or contact us.