A number of frequently asked questions have been answered below for your benefit.
Why is a baby's immune system different?
Do infections help build immunity?
Do you have to rinse bottles and teats before using them?
What happens if a child swallows Milton?
How long does Milton take to work?
How long will a bottle stay sterile after being removed from the Milton solution?
What is the difference between Sterilisation and Disinfection?


When a baby is born, it has certain antibody- like proteins called immunoglobulins, which it has received through the placenta. Another very important one is received from its mother after it is born. This immunoglobulin is called IgA and is present in the colostrum, the first part of mother’s milk. It places itself on the mucus membranes of the baby’s alimentary canal in order to help fight the bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis. Babies do not start to produce their own IgA until around 6 months of age. By their first birthday they have between 15 – 17% of their adult level.


In the mature immune system, yes they do. This is the principle upon which many immunisations work whereby a small amount of the disease-causing organism is introduced to enable the body to create protective anti-bodies, which remain in the blood stream. The immunisation that your baby will receive during its first few months will help it to establish antibodies that will help it fight a range of baby illnesses. However it makes sense to try to do all you can to prevent your baby getting these illnesses, especially those that can cause gastroenteritis. Therefore it is a good thing to give the extra protection that their immune system cannot provide until they are older and stronger.


After removing from the Milton solution, bottles and teats can be drained and used immediately - no need to rinse.


Because of the salt in the solution in the bottle, the child will usually spit the fluid out, or at worst become sick. If they are not sick, there is no need to worry but a concerned parent can give the child a drink of milk. Milk being protein will neutralise the Milton.


Items are ready for use after 15 minutes of complete immersion in the Milton solution but can be left soaking for up to 24 hours.


Bottles should be filled immediately after removal from the Milton solution. Teats should be covered.


Official publications give the following definitions: (ref. Collins, C. H. and Lyne, P. M., 1976)

This is an absolute term meaning complete destruction or removal of all viable micro-organisms.

Describes the elimination or destruction of micro-organisms, but not usually bacterial spores. Generally applied to the process of making inanimate objects free from infection and safe to handle.