Medically reviewed by Emiliana Hall, Founder & CEO, The Mindful Birth Group®, and Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy.
If you're planning on giving your baby a dummy, you'll want to ensure it is sterilised both before you first give it to them and at regular intervals.
Just like bottles, any items that are in your child's mouth should be sterilised to ensure good hygiene and avoid infection. Here are a few quick ways that you can sterilise your baby's dummies...
According to Emiliana Hall, they say: "Sterilising your baby’s dummy once a day is usually sufficient, provided it’s stored in a clean container between uses. However, if the dummy is dropped on the floor or comes into contact with unclean surfaces, it’s safest to sterilise it again before offering it to your baby. Newborns and younger babies are particularly vulnerable to germs, so a little extra caution goes a long way, says Emilliana.
Is boiling water safe, or should I use a steam or microwave steriliser? And how?
Boiling water is a safe and effective method of sterilising a dummy. Simply place the dummy in a pan of boiling water for 5 minutes, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Alternatively, steam sterilisers (either electric or microwave-based) are just as effective and can be more convenient for daily use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
If the dummy falls on the floor, do I need to sterilise it again or just rinse it?
If the dummy falls on the floor, especially outside the home or in a high-traffic area, it’s best to sterilise it again before offering it to your baby. A quick rinse isn’t enough to remove bacteria or viruses. In the early months, when babies’ immune systems are still developing, it’s safest to be thorough, says Emilliana.
How to sterilise a dummy in UV
UV sterilisation is a modern, effective, and chemical-free method. Place the dummy inside the UV steriliser according to the device's instructions (most take around 3 to 10 minutes). Make sure the dummy is dry and clean before sterilising, as dirt or residue can block the UV light from reaching all surfaces, says Emilliana.
Are chemical sterilising solutions or tablets okay to use for dummies?
Yes, cold water sterilising solutions or tablets are safe for most dummies, as long as you follow the instructions on dilution and soaking time. Ensure the dummy is fully submerged and rinse thoroughly with cooled, boiled water before use to remove any residue.
Is it okay to use the dishwasher, or could that damage the dummy?
Some dummies are dishwasher-safe, but it’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidance first. Use the top rack only and choose a gentle setting. Dishwashers can reach high temperatures that may warp or degrade the material over time, so frequent dishwasher use isn’t recommended unless specified by the brand, says Emilliana.
How often should I replace the dummy itself?
It’s generally recommended to replace a dummy every 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner if you notice any signs of wear and tear. Frequent replacements help ensure the dummy remains safe and hygienic for your baby, says Emilliana.
Are there signs that a dummy is no longer safe to use, even if I’ve sterilised it?
Yes, look out for cracks, tears, stickiness, swelling, or changes in shape or texture. These signs suggest the dummy is deteriorating and could pose a choking hazard. Even with regular sterilisation, once the material begins to break down, it’s time for a new one.
How long should I boil or steam a dummy to sterilise it properly?
To sterilise by boiling, submerge the dummy in a pan of boiling water for 5 minutes. For steam sterilisers, follow the product’s specific timing instructions (usually between 5 and 10 minutes). Always allow the dummy to cool and dry thoroughly before giving it to your baby", concludes Emilliana.
And according to Dr. Deborah Lee, they say: "A dummy can be a source of infection for your baby. Like anything a baby puts in their mouth, it needs to be clean and free from any infecting organisms that could cause harm.
Studies have shown that ‘biofilm’ can develop on a dummy – this is a community of microorganisms that are attached to the dummy surface. The dummy biofilm most commonly contains staphylococci and candida but can contain a wide variety of organisms. Sterilisation removes the biofilm from the dummy.
A baby has an immature immune system and is especially prone to infections of all types. One study showed otitis media (ear infection) was doubled in babies using dummies than in those who did not use a dummy, says Dr. Lee.
A dummy should be sterilised once a day for the first 6 months. After this, the dummy should be sterilised twice a week. In between, it should be washed with warm soapy water and dried on a clean towel. It’s a good option to sterilise the dummies at night along with the bottles for the next day’s feeds.
Cleaning and sterilising are different processes. The first step is to wash the dummy as this removes dirt, debris and germs. However, it is the second step, sterilisation, that physically kills bacteria, viruses and other organisms. Sterilisation of baby feeding equipment and dummies, is essential to keep them safe, says Dr. Lee.
There are five ways to sterilise a dummy. They are all equally good at getting rid of microorganisms, apart from UV sterilising which is not quite so efficient (see below), says Dr. Lee.
Always start by washing and drying your hands.
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Boiling water - Boil the dummy in water for 5 minutes. Fill a small saucepan with water, and bring it to the boil. Having washed the dummy in warm soapy water, add it to the saucepan. Put the lid on the saucepan and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Lift the dummy out with tongs. Allow the dummy to cool completely. Make sure there is no water left trapped inside the teat. Always keep boiling water well away from babies and young children.
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Sterilising solution - Wash the dummy in warm soapy water. Then, take a clean bowl or plastic container, and add the sterilising tablet to cold tap water as per the manufacturer’s instructions. It will quickly dissolve. Immerse the dummy in the solution and wait the recommended time – usually 15-30 minutes. Remove the dummy using clean tongs, and rinse it under the tap. Ensure there is no sterilising solution left inside the teat. Dry the dummy with a clean towel and place it in a dry, clean container until use, says Dr. Lee.
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Microwave – Some dummies are purchased with a specially designed box you fill with water. Place the washed dummy inside it, and put it in the microwave. Alternatively, you can fill your own bowl with water and use this instead. The manufacturer will recommend how long this should be for. After this, ensure the dummy is properly cooled, and any water inside the teat has been expelled, before giving it to your baby.
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Steam steriliser – Wash the dummy and place it inside the steam steriliser. Add the required amount of water. Close the lid and switch the machine on to start the sterilising cycle. When it is finished, use tongs to remove the clean dummy, dry it if needed on a clean towel and allow it to cool. Place the dummy in a clean container for use, says Dr. Lee.
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UV steriliser – This uses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill microorganisms. It does not need water. Note that some dummies are not suitable for UV sterilisers. The UV light only kills foreign organisms on the surface of the dummy, the UV does not penetrate the device. UV can also weaken latex and silicone. Check with the manufacturer's instructions that come with the dummy before relying on this as a method for sterilising your baby's dummy.
If the dummy falls on the floor, do I need to sterilise it again or just rinse it?
The answer is yes. This is especially important for a baby under 6 months of age. Don't believe the 5-second rule. As soon as the dummy hits the floor it is instantly covered in germs – these are bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that may well be lurking on the floor or the carpet.
Another option especially if you are not at home when the baby drops the dummy, is the use of soother and teething wipes. These are made from a safe, non-toxic formula.
Do not suck the dummy yourself and put it in your baby’s mouth as your own mouth is full of bacteria.
Make sure you carry a spare sterilised dummy with you in a clean case, says Dr. Lee.
Dr. lee adds that, "Chemical sterilising solutions usually contain sodium hypochlorite in a dilute solution. They have been used for many years in hospital settings and are believed to be safe and effective so long as they are used according to the manufacturer's instructions. The sterilising solution has no smell or taste. You can use these to sterilise baby feeding equipment and dummies without concern.
It’s not a good idea to put a dummy in the dishwasher. Latex dummies will be damaged by the heat making them liable to breakage. The dishwasher will clean the dummy but not sterilise it. Also, dishwasher detergent is too harsh for your baby, says Dr. Lee.
Always check the dummy for wear and tear before you put it in the baby’s mouth. Both latex and silicone can wear out over time, weakening the structure and altering the shape of the dummy. A dummy should be replaced every 4-8 weeks, says Dr. Lee.
Look for signs of wear such as cracks, tears and holes. Do the pull test – give the teat a tug and see if it springs back into position as it should. Look for any discolouration. If any of these signs are present, it’s time for a new dummy. A disintegrating dummy is a choking hazard for your baby, says Dr. Lee.
A dummy should be boiled for 5-10 minutes to sterilise it. A steam steriliser should be used according to the manufacturers’ instructions but typically the cycle will last around 4 minutes", concludes says Dr. Lee.
Meet the expert
Emiliana Hall is an experienced antenatal educator and hypnobirthing practitioner with a robust professional background in supporting expectant parents through their pregnancy and postnatal journeys. With almost a decade of experience, Emiliana has dedicated her career to providing compassionate and evidence-based guidance to families, ensuring they feel empowered and prepared for childbirth and beyond. She is a sought-after speaker and mentor in the field of prenatal education, known for her reassuring, respectful, and knowledgeable approach.
As the founder of The Mindful Birth Group®, Emiliana is committed to making antenatal and postnatal support equitable for all, ensuring every family—regardless of their circumstances—has access to expert guidance and emotional reassurance. She continues to teach Mindful Natal® courses as well as train teachers to teach the classes she created, and supports families as a birth and postnatal doula. Her dedication to accessible care is reflected in the creation of PregnaHub®, an app offering expert-led pregnancy yoga, relaxation sessions, midwife chats, expert Q&As, and a comprehensive e-learning library to support parents from early pregnancy through to one year post-birth.
Her passion for supporting families stems from her own journey into motherhood in 2014, and beyond her work as an educator, she has also experienced an incredible journey as a gestational surrogate, carrying a baby for close friends who struggled to conceive.
Dr. Deborah Lee, has worked for many years in the NHS, mostly as Lead Clinician within an integrated Community Sexual Health Service, and now works as a health and medical writer, with an emphasis on women's health, including medical content for Dr Fox pharmacy. She has published several books and remains passionate about all aspects of medicine and sexual health. After completing her Medical Degree at University of Southampton Medical School in 1986, Dr Lee trained as a GP and after a number of years specialised in Sexual & Reproductive Health (S&RH).