How to Sterilize Pacifiers at Home Safely : Parent’s Guide
PacifyCare | Learn how to sterilize pacifiers safely at home. Discover boiling, steam, microwave & cold water methods without harming the material.
Earlier days, as I became a parent, one of the most important lessons which I had to learn was simply the frequency of the pacifier falling on the ground. Infants are putting them down all over the place, in car seats and strollers and grocery aisles. Initially, I believed that I could easily be covered in the tap but I later on realized that sterilization is vital to the health of a baby. Pacifiers are easy to be contaminated with germs, bacteria and dust that can cause an infection unless properly cleaned.
The problem, though, is in selecting a sterilization process that will preserve the pacifiers without contamination, but will not harm their fragile substance. Pacifiers are not created equal and some of them are silicone, some are latex and react differently to heat and sanitizing practices. I will take you through how to sterilize pacifiers in a safe manner in this guide, stressing on the things to avoid and provide some of my practical tips on using best pacifiers that I have gained personally.
Learning about Pacifier Materials
It is always good to know what your pacifier of the baby is made of before making a decision on the appropriate method of cleaning it. The most common, durable, and heat-resistant are silicone pacifiers, thus suitable to boil or steam sterilize. Latex pacifiers on the other hand are softer and more flexible however they do not cope with high temperatures. Pacifiers made of latex may degrade easily and lose shape when boiled too frequently.
Natural rubber pacifiers are also available and are more eco-friendly to parents, although, it also needed additional attention. Natural rubber is able to take on smells and becomes sticky unlike silicone and this is in addition to the fact that it wears out easily when subjected to extreme sterilising procedures. Finding out what kind of pacifier you are using you will be able to determine which cleaning method will make it safe and durable without jeopardizing the health of your baby.
The Boiling Method – The old and the Good
Boiling is one of the most conventional types of sterilizing pacifiers. In order to do this safely, place small pot of water in a small pot and boil it gently. Put the pacifier on the water, and leave it there, with the entire surface immersed, around 5 minutes. The next step is to boil the pacifier and then dry it with clean tongs and air it in a clean tow. It is easy, efficient and does not need any expensive equipment.
Boiling is effective however; it should not be overdone. Long boiling or too high heat may cause erosion of the material with time particularly in case of the latex pacifiers. This was a lesson I got when one of the pacifiers of my baby got distorted due to being boiled time and again. To prevent this, I either do not boil more than once a day or once or twice a day, depending on the frequency of the pacifier, and employ the less harsh means of cleaning between.
Steam Sterilizers – A New and easy to use
Steam sterilizers are a good choice to those parents who want to avoid a more direct approach and want to complete the process in a short period. The gadgets are baby bottle, nipple and pacifier specific. All you have to do is put the pacifiers in, pour the required amount of water and leave the rest to the machine. The pacifiers are sterilized after a few minutes without any physical contact with boiling water.
Personally, I discovered that the steam sterilizers saved me time particularly in the mornings when I was busy. It is also less likely to lose the pacifier accidentally like when boiling because the process is controlled. The vast majority of silicone pacifiers can be sterilized in steam, but, as always, the instructions should be checked. Remember that the latex and natural rubber pacifiers might not be as successful and, therefore, I tend to use steam sterilization in silicone-based pacifiers.
Working with a Microwave Sterilization Bag
Another good alternative that most parents attest is the use of microwave sterilization bags. They can be used by generating a steam in the bag in the microwave. You just have to add a little water, put the pacifier in the bag, seal the bag and set it in the microwave and heat it the required time. The steam generated would be effective in removing germs and bacteria making the pacifier safe to use.
The things that I like about these bags are that they can be reused and are portable and thus suitable to carry around. Nevertheless, they may be very hot and then one should always handle them carefully and allow them to cool first without taking off the pacifier. It is also an excellent approach when the family is short of counter space or they need a quick sterilization solution. Nevertheless, as is the case with steam sterilizers, ensure that the pacifier material can endure microwaving, by checking it first.
Cold Water Sterilization – Cleaning by means of chemical
All parents may not be so comfortable with boiling or steaming their pacifiers and in this case cold water sterilization will be provided. In this approach, sterilizing pills or liquid solutions are combined with cold water in order to kill the bacteria. All one does is to immerse the pacifier in the solution within the recommended time and then rinse it with clean water fully before using.
Sterilization with cold water is particularly applied in cleaning latex or natural rubber pacifiers that can be destroyed in heat-based cleaning. This is the technique I used frequently when I had no choice but to call on a cleaning service in the process of traveling or staying at a relative. The disadvantage is that the chemical solution will impart a mild flavour or smell on the pacifier in case it is not rinsed correctly, which other babies might not favour.
Between the sterilizations: Everyday Cleaning
It is absolutely crucial to sterilize pacifiers, but it is impossible to do it after each drop. To clean between sterilizations, a simple warm water wash with a slightly baby-safe soap is sufficient, especially to clean on a daily basis. I also habitually do this every day at least once but often sterilize them completely once or twice a day, depending on the extent of dirt.
Always do not forget to examine the pacifiers on a regular basis in order to observe any wear and tear. Cracks, discoloration or sticky feeling are all indicators that it is time to change them. Despite the excellent sterilization techniques, pacifiers do not last forever, and one that is damaged may put your baby in dangers of health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Among the initial errors that I made was the usage of hard dishwashing detergents and the scrubbing of pacifiers with rough sponges. This may destroy the material and leave small cracks which the bacteria may conceal. The other mistake that is common is the placing pacifiers in the dishwasher but forgetting whether they are dishwasher-safe or not. Some types of pacifier are easily spoiled by high heat and detergent.
It is also necessary not to use sterilizing water repeatedly. Never boil more than once with the same water, or you take a chance of burning a hole in the pacifier. Reused water could have bacteria and impurities that survive the sterilization process. And finally, do not use bleach or other household cleaners, they are much too mean on things you want your baby to put in his/her mouth.
FAQs of How to Sterilize Pacifiers
Last Reflections
There is no need to make the sterilization of pacifiers complex, yet it needs to be regular and attentive. You can keep your pacifiers safe without being harmful by picking what is the best method of storing them in by using boiling, steaming, using microwaves or cold water solutions. Personally, I have discovered that alternating between types is a way of prolonging the life of pacifiers and keeping them clean at all times to be used by my baby.
It is all about developing a habit that suits you and your small during the end of the day. The daily cleaning, regular sterilization, and timely replacements help to keep your baby pacifiers in the state of safety, hygiene and comfort every time you need it.
