Common Mistakes Parents Make When Using a Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer

One of the most useful items for a new parent is a bottle warmer and sterilizer. It is time-saving, ensures safety in feeding, and makes daily baby care much easier. But a lot of parents do not realise that there are little mistakes that they are committing when they are using it. Such errors can decrease its efficiency or even cause a health problem for the babies.

Learning about these mistakes will be able to make you know how to use your bottle warmer and sterilizer correctly and achieve the best possible results in any case.

1. Failure to Read the Instruction Manual Properly

Omission of the instruction manual is one of the greatest errors parents commit. Each bottle warmer and sterilizer is a bit different. Models may differ in terms of water levels, warming time, and sterilising settings.

This can be caused by operating the device without knowing how to use it, thus spoiling the milk, not sterilising it, or breaking the bottles. Even a device that appears to be simple should have the manual read through before the first use.

2. Breast Milk or Formula Overheating

Very often, overheating is a problem. Excessive heating of breast milk causes it to lose valuable nutrients. The formula milk may become unsafe as well when overheated.

Parents usually leave bottles in the warmer longer than required or change the temperature to the wrong setting. A bottle warmer and sterilizer is a device that is meant to warm milk and not boil it. Always observe suggested warming time and milk temperature prior to feeding.

3. Wasting Too Much or Too Little Water

Most parents fail to measure the right amount of water during sterilisation. Excess or deficit water can lead to sterilisation that is not complete and leakage or prolonged cycles, respectively.

A bottle warmer and sterilizer is often supplied with a measuring cup or guide with a water level. Use of the right amount of water will help make sure that the right amount of steam is generated and that the sterilisation process is successful.

4. Overloading the sterilizer

Another common mistake is attempting to sterilise more bottles or other accessories at a time. Overloading contributes to the lack of circulation of steam; that is, not all of the items could be sterilised.

To maximise the effect, tend to place bottles, nipples and other parts in the right position and leave some space between them. A better option is to carry out two cycles rather than take the risk of poor hygiene.

5. Failure to wash bottles and then sterilize

Milk residue is not removed through sterilisation. Other parents put dirty bottles directly into the sterilizer, as they hope the steam will clean them.

Wipe bottles, nipples and other accessories with warm water and mild soap and then put them into the bottle warmer and sterilizer. Sterilisation is best applied on already-cleaned items.

6. Bottles Left When the Cycle Ends

Most of the parents fail to take off bottles once the sterilising cycle is done. Keeping the bottles for long periods can result in the accumulation of moisture that can eventually result in bacteria growth.

After completion of the cycle, the bottles can be used right away or can be kept in a dry, non-detergent container with a lid placed on it.

7. The Non-Compatible Bottles Device

Bottles cannot fit in every warmer and sterilizer. Bottles made of glass, plastic, and silicone might need different treatment.

Incompatible bottles can be used that can lead to melting, cracking or uneven heating. Always ensure that your kind of bottle is compatible with your bottle warmer and sterilizer before using.

8. Neglecting to Clean the Device on a Regular basis

Parents usually pay attention to washing the bottles, but they forget to wash the machine. Depending on the duration, mineral deposits may accumulate within the bottle warmer and sterilizer.

Frequent cleaning and descaling will make the device work effectively and increase its life. Take care of the cleaning instructions by the manufacturer.

9. Supposing That Sterilisation Is Necessary

It is important to sterilise the bottles, particularly for the newborns. Nevertheless, there are parents who keep sterilised even after the need has been met.

After your baby becomes older and stronger in his or her immunity, you may not need to sterilise every day. The excessive use may make the device consume more power, and it may also deplete the device life. Reduction of sterilisation can be advised by a paediatrician.

10. Failing to Check the Milk before Feeding

Even in the case of correct use of a bottle warmer and sterilizer, parents are always advised to check the temperature of milk before feeding. What may be warm to the touch on the outside may be hot on the inside.

All you have to do is to make a basic drop test on your wrist, and your baby will not suffer any burns or discomfort.

Final Thoughts

A bottle warmer and sterilizer is an important investment in the life of contemporary parenting, but it can only work as long as it is used in the right way. With the knowledge of these frequent mistakes and corrections at an early age, parents have the chance to experience safe, easy, and worry-free feeding on a daily basis.

When you want a good, convenient bottle warmer and sterilizer that fits into your day, you will need to go with a trusted brand that values safety and comfort first. Simplify and make feeding safe and stress-free with Promom. Discover the bottle warmer and sterilizer of Promom to serve contemporary parents who are conscious of quality and hygiene.