The importance of sterilising

Why do I need to sterilise my baby's feeding equipment?

Up until the age of twelve months, a baby's immune system is weak because it does not have the ability to create disease fighting cells, called immunoglobulins.

My baby is breastfed, do I still need to sterilise?

Although breastfed babies have a certain amount of immunoglobulin from their mother, they are not able to create their own for at least the first six months. It is therefore still very important to sterilise anything that they may put in their mouths such as spoons, soothers or breast pumps.

How does baby's immune system develop?

By the age of six months, a baby's immune system is at its weakest and unable to fight off disease causing micro-organisms. These micro-organisms can result in gastroenteritis and thrush, a potentially more serious condition which can quickly lead to dehydration and hospitalisation. Between six and twelve months, a baby will begin to create some immunoglobulin, but their immune system remains immature and extremely vulnerable to infection.

The importance of sterilising graph

Why is sterilising so important?

Sterilisation is the only way to kill the micro organisms that may cause Gastroenteritis and thrush.

How can my baby pick up infections?

Bacteria are everywhere and are easily transmitted between people. Babies have a tendency to put things in their mouths, so it is important to sterilise all feeding equipment as well as soothers and weaning items for the first 12 months.

What are bacterial spores?

Spores are bacteria in a dormant (non-active) state. They have a very tough 'coating' around them and are very difficult to destroy. If they are present in food that is re-heated, for example, these spores will become active again and multiply rapidly. Even breastfed babies are at risk of infection. The only effective way to protect your baby is to sterilise feeding utensils, soothers and teethers.

Common causes of gastroenteritis in babies are;

Rotavirus - an air borne virus passed on from person to person. Rotavirus accounts for the majority of hospital admissions with diarrhoea in the under 5's.
Campylobacter - the most common type of food poisoning, often contracted from cats and dogs.
Salmonella - often caused by undercooked foods.
E Coli - from raw meat and often passed on from not washing hands after the toilet.
Listeria - caught from poor hand washing.