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Your questions answered A number of frequently asked questions have been answered below for your benefit. Protecting your baby - Frequently Asked Questions > 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? |
 Why
is a baby’s immune system different? 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. |
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| Do
infections help build immunity?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. |
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| Do
you have to rinse bottles and teats before using them?After
removing from the Milton solution, bottles and teats can be drained
and used immediately - no need to rinse. |
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| What
happens if a child swallows Milton?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. |
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| How
long does Milton take to work?Items
are ready for use after 30 minutes of complete immersion in the Milton
solution but can be left soaking for up to 24 hours. |
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| How
long will a bottle stay sterile after being removed from the Milton
solution?Bottles
should be filled immediately after removal from the Milton solution.
Teats should be covered. |
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| What
is the difference between Sterilisation and Disinfection?Official
publications give the following definitions: (ref. Collins, C. H.
and Lyne, P. M., 1976) Sterilisation: This is an absolute term meaning complete destruction or removal of all viable micro-organisms. Disinfection: 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. |
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