Baby Bottle Washing Checklist: How to Clean and Sterilise Baby Bottles
Updated: Nov 1
Keeping baby bottles clean is an important part of feeding your little one. Whether you’re breastfeeding and expressing milk, formula feeding, or doing a combination of both, having a simple bottle-washing routine can make life a little easier.
Use this checklist to keep track of everything you need to wash, clean and sterilise your baby’s feeding equipment.
What You’ll Need
☐ Baby-safe dishwashing liquid
☐ A dedicated bottle-cleaning brush
☐ A small teat and nipple-cleaning brush
☐ Clean drinking-quality water
☐ A clean drying rack reserved for baby feeding equipment
☐ Clean hands and a clean tea towel or paper towel for drying your hands
☐ Sterilising equipment, if required
Step 1: Before Washing
☐ Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
☐ Separate all bottle parts, including bottles, teats, rings, caps and valves.
☐ Discard any leftover milk.
☐ Rinse bottle parts with clean water if you cannot wash them immediately.
☐ Keep used feeding equipment separate from clean items.
Step 2: Wash Baby Bottles and Parts
☐ Wash bottles inside and out using hot water and dishwashing liquid.
☐ Scrub the bottom and sides of each bottle with a bottle brush.
☐ Clean the neck and screw threads of each bottle.
☐ Wash teats carefully using a dedicated teat brush.
☐ Clean bottle rings, caps, valves and any other removable parts.
☐ Check that milk residue has been removed from every part.
☐ Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water.
☐ Avoid using a tea towel to dry the inside of bottles or feeding parts.
Step 3: Dry Everything Properly
☐ Place washed items on a clean drying rack.
☐ Allow bottles and parts to air-dry completely.
☐ Keep clean items away from used dishes, dirty surfaces and splashes.
☐ Avoid wiping the inside of bottles or teats with a tea towel.
☐ Store completely dry items in a clean, protected area if they will not be used immediately.
Step 4: Sterilise Baby Bottles
☐ Check the manufacturer's instructions for your bottles and feeding equipment.
☐ Choose an appropriate sterilising method, such as boiling, steam sterilising or a suitable chemical sterilising solution.
☐ Make sure all parts are compatible with your chosen method.
☐ Follow the steriliser's instructions for the correct time and amount of water or solution.
☐ Ensure all items are fully exposed to the sterilising method.
☐ Wash your hands before handling sterilised equipment.
☐ Keep items in the steriliser or a clean, covered container until needed, following the manufacturer's guidance.
Important: Cleaning removes milk residue and dirt; sterilising reduces harmful germs. Follow Australian health guidance and your healthcare professional's advice about whether and how often your baby's feeding equipment needs sterilising. Extra care is particularly important for young babies and babies who are premature or have a weakened immune system.
Step 5: Prepare Bottles for the Next Feed
☐ Check that the bottle and all parts are clean and in good condition.
☐ Assemble the bottle using clean hands.
☐ Prepare formula exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions and Australian health guidance.
☐ Use freshly expressed breast milk or stored breast milk according to safe milk-storage guidelines.
☐ Follow recommended feeding and storage times.
☐ Discard leftover milk after a feed rather than saving it for later.
Daily Bottle-Washing Routine
☐ Wash bottles and feeding equipment after every feed.
☐ Clean and dry the bottle brush and washing area regularly.
☐ Check teats for cracks, damage or deterioration.
☐ Replace damaged or worn feeding equipment.
☐ Restock dishwashing liquid, brushes and sterilising supplies when needed.
☐ Keep clean feeding equipment separate from used bottles.
Tips to Make Bottle Washing Easier
Create a dedicated washing station: Keep your bottle brush, dishwashing liquid and drying rack together.
Wash promptly: Milk residue becomes harder to remove when it dries.
Keep a few spare bottles: Having clean bottles ready can make busy feeding days less stressful.
Follow product instructions: Some bottle parts cannot withstand boiling water or certain sterilising methods.
Make it part of your routine: Washing bottles straight after a feed can help prevent a pile-up later.
Your Baby Bottle Washing Checklist Is Complete!
A simple, consistent routine can make bottle cleaning feel much more manageable. Save this checklist or print it out so you can keep your baby's feeding equipment clean, organised and ready for the next feed.
At Bejbi, we’re here to help make life with little ones a little easier, one practical checklist at a time.
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