When it comes to buying the best baby sterilisers, the options really can seem endless — do you go for a steam steriliser, a microwave one or an electric one? And even then, which brand should you buy? To make things easier, we've found the best sterilisers on the market to help you make the best decision.
Breast milk is the perfect first food for your baby, as it's easy to digest and full of all the nutrients they need. But it also contains bacteria that can upset your baby's tummy if traces are left on feeding equipment and given time to multiply. That's why we sterilise our babies' bottles, as this is the best way to kill bacteria. It's important to know how to sterilise baby bottles and equipment correctly, as it'll make it impossible for germs to survive and be passed on to your baby. You can't sterilise baby bottles without some kind of baby steriliser, as it's the best way to kill bacteria, so it's important to find one that works for you and your routine.
The NHS say babies don't start producing germ-fighting antibodies until they're six months old, but by the time baby reaches their first birthday, their body will be able to kill off bacteria all by themselves. Therefore, it is important to sterilise your baby's feeding equipment until they are at least 12 months old. That means sterilising breast pumps, bottles and teats.
There are so many types of sterilisers to consider including steam and UV. Maybe you are looking for something more compact, or faster.
Best sterilisers and sterilising equipment at a glance:
Take a look at our full list of the best baby sterilisers for your little one's bottles and teats, plus breast pumps. We have carefully considered features, prices, and designs for all of our choices in this list, as well as used recommendations from our mum testers in the Mother&Baby awards.
The best sterilisers for 2024
Best dual-use baby sterilisers
Awarded Silver and Gold for Best Steriliser/Sterilising Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024
The MAM Easy Start Bottle & Microwave Steriliser Set holds up to six bottles, which are also included in this set. This steriliser can be used as both a microwave steam steriliser or with cold water tablets. Bottles can stay sterile for up to 48 hours if stored in the steriliser and are ready in just five minutes.
Our parent tester found that it didn't actually fit in her microwave, but it did her in-laws', so it's worth double-checking the measurements of your microwave before purchasing.
Another plus of this set includes a SkinSoft™ silicone teat and a ventilated base designed to reduce colic. Our parent tester also said that their son really took to the MAM bottles, having previously breastfed, and reduced the amount of winding he needed.
Read our full MAM Easy Start Bottle & Microwave Steriliser Set review
Pros
- Comes with six baby bottles
- It helps make sterilising easier
- It can fit up to six bottles
- Can also be used as a cold water steriliser
Cons
- Some parents found the steriliser didn't fit their microwave, so check measurements
Dimensions: | Unspecified |
Sterilisation Time: | Minimum of 5 minutes |
- Works in as little as 5 minutes
- Comes with 2 bottles
- 2 basket levels
Best premium baby sterilisers
Awarded Silver for Best Steriliser/Sterilising Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2024
Tied for Silver, we have the Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer from Vital Baby. Sleek, efficient and fast, this steriliser works at the speed of light, eliminating bacteria in just seven minutes in a longer cycle. Isn't that impressive? This handy bit of kit has a drying cycle that automatically switches to a sterilising cycle. Plus, it's not just for babies, it can take keys, cosmetic brushes and beyond.
Our Reviews Editor Emily was really impressed at how easy this steriliser was to use, and thought the drying function was really convenient too. It also looks nice to have out in your kitchen as opposed to some alternatives.
One thing some parents advised was overfilling the steriliser, as they were conscious too much would prevent even sterilisation.
Read our full Vital Baby advanced pro UV steriliser & dryer review
Pros
- It has multiple sterilisation modes, including a 7-minute and 29-minute cycle
- It's easy to use
- The steriliser looks more stylish than most
Cons
- Some parents advised not over filling, to ensure even sterilisation
Dimensions: | H25 x W27 x D27cm |
Sterilising Time: | 7 minutes |
Not suitable for microwaves or dishwashers | |
Batteries not included |
- HEPA filter
- Energy efficient
- Four modes
- Sterile and dry in 29 minutes
Best sterilising fluid
Awarded Bronze for Best Steriliser/Sterilising Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024
Milton Sterilising Fluid allows you to sterilise in just 15 minutes. Milton is a well-trusted brand, and has been approved by midwives. It is also perfect for travelling when you might not have a microwave to hand, and it allows you to sterilise all sorts of different toys and other items, not just bottles.
While it might not be as convenient as other electric sterilisers, it does have a more multi-functional purpose as it allows you to sterilise a lot more.
Read our full Milton Sterilising Fluid review.
Pros
- Kills up to 99.9% of Germs
- Can be used multifunctionally to treat stains and brighten whites
- It's ideal for travelling and can be stored in a suitcase
Cons
- Using the fluid might not be as convenient for some parents than having a separate device
- Cannot be used in metal containers
Ingredients: | Active Chlorine Released from Sodium Hypochlorite (Cas N°7681-52-9), 1.9% w/w |
Contains: | 500ml |
- Milton Sterilising Fluid 500Ml
- Anti-germ efficacy: Bactericidal: en 14561 in 15 min at 0.6% v/v and en 16615 in 5 min at 3.0% v/ v.
- Yeasticidal: en 14562 in 15 min at 0.6% v/v and en 16615 in 5 min at 3.0%.
- Kills 99.9% of Germs
- Effective for 24 hours
- Sterilising Means Disinfecting
Best baby sterilisers for quick sterilisation
Bronze Winner for Best Steriliser/Sterilising Product for M&B Awards 2023
The Bronze winner in the 2023 M&B Awards was the Nuby UV Steriliser, which sterilises items using UV light. Whether you're looking to sterilise your baby's bottles, or other items such as a soother or teether, this versatile steriliser will keep items sterile for 24 hours if it is left unopened.
While it can't be collapsed down to make it easier for travel, our parent testers still found it to be more convenient when going travelling, which was a big win. There's no need to worry about drying items either, with this product due to it using the UV method.
Read our full Nuby UK UV Steriliser review
Pros
- It's ideal to take travelling
- Easy to wipe clean
- Doesn't need water, chemicals or a microwave
Cons
- It can't fold down smaller
Dimensions: | 240 x 195 x 150mm |
Sterilisation Time: | Minimum of 3 minutes |
- No water, chemicals or microwave needed
- Works in 3 minutes
- Lightweight
Best practical baby sterilisers
An Amazon bestseller, this Milton cold-water steriliser kills all harmful bacteria in 15 minutes. It has a lockable lid to prevent it from accidentally being knocked open, and the contents inside stay sterile for 24 hours. It also has a handle to make it easier to transport; one dad was very happy with it, saying that it's more practical than steam sterilisers.
Testers did find it to be more bulky, so if you want a sleeker design you might prefer the Vital Baby Advanced UV Steriliser. They also find it did require more effort than alternate sterilisers, as the contents needed steriliser fluid and to be dried.
Pros
- Large design means more can fit in
- It's a simple process to use
- Solution stays sterile for up to 24 hours
Cons
- It's a bulky design
- Requires more effort to use than an electric steriliser
Dimensions: | 25 x 16.5 x 24.5cm |
Sterilisation Time: | 15 minutes |
- Lockable lid
- Sterilises in 15 minutes
- Solution stays sterile for 24 hours
Best convenient baby sterilisers
Shortlisted for Best Steriliser/Sterilising Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2021
If you're looking for something that is really convenient, then these Munchkin Steriliser Bags are brilliant. They are an easy way to sterilise anytime, anywhere, and are handy for packing in your bag. They kill up to 99.9 per cent of common bacteria on bottles, pump parts and accessories in as little as 90 seconds (high-wattage microwave), with each bag having up to 30 uses.
Our mum tester, Lyndsay, says: "The munchkin steriliser bags are great as a travel solution for sterilising. As long as you have access to a microwave, then they provide a compact space-saving solution to sterilising on the go, rather than taking bulky cold water sterilising equipment. They are particularly useful if you are just going out for a day or two to visit friends or family and want to travel light."
Read our full Munchkin 6pk Steriliser Bags review
Pros
- Ideal for taking on the go or on holidays
- It has a cool-touch grip for safer handling
- Can sterilise in as little as three minutes
- The bags can be used up to 30 times each
Cons
- Cannot be used for sterilising a lot of products at once
Dimensions: | Unspecified |
Sterilisation Time: | 90 seconds - 5 minutes |
- 30 uses for each bag
- Lightweight
- Cool-touch grip
Best baby bottle steriliser and dryer
The Baby Brezza Bottle Washer is a great choice as a steriliser for your baby bottle and nursing products, as it's the ultimate all-in-one system for busy parents. An automatic wash, dry and sterilising system makes cleaning bottles a lot easier and more efficient.
While quite large and takes up a lot of counter space, the Baby Brezza uses a lot less water than hand washing the bottles first, meaning it's more eco-friendly, too.
Our parent tester loved how it gave back freedom to her day than having to do each wash, sterilise and dry step seperately. It does take a long time, so you do have to be more organised with the items you're needing when sterilising, but overall our tester thought it was a brilliant steriliser.
Read our full Baby Brezza Bottle Washer review
Pros
- The instructions are clear and easy to follow
- It's eco-friendly as it saves water and time
- It has multifunctional settings such as washes, sterilises and dries
Cons
- May need to do a separate cycle for the lids, depending on the bottles
Dimensions: | 46 x 23 x 39cm |
- 20 high-pressure spray jets
- All-in-one solution
- Hot air drying system
- Uses 50% less water than hand washing
Best travel baby sterilisers
These Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Sterilisation bags work like microwave steam cleaners for all your feeding accessories. Each bag fits most breast pumps, teats or bottles and cleans and disinfects in around three minutes.
The only downside is you have to ensure the bags are properly sealed when using, as otherwise the sterilisation isn't effective. One bag can be used up to 20 times though, so this is a great idea if you are travelling and don't want to carry your normal steriliser with you, with one reviewer saying 'These are so handy!".
Pros
- Convenient to take on the go
- Each bag can be used up to 20 times
- They're fast and efficient
Cons
- You have to ensure the bag is perfectly sealed, so you cannot put too much in
Dimensions: | 5 x 14.7 x 10.8cm |
Sterilisation Time: | 3 minutes |
- Works in minutes
- 20 uses per bag
Best UV baby sterilisers
All parents want to protect their little ones; that's why Tommee Tippee Ultra UV 3-in-1 sterilisers are designed to kill viruses and 99.9 per cent of bacteria. Using UV light is a safe and dry method of killing 99.9 per cent of harmful germs without using heat, steam or harsh chemicals. You can rest assured that it sterilises those hard-to-reach areas, getting rid of germs that may linger in bottles, teats, breast pumps and other accessories even after thorough washing. Our tester said: "We found that it helps prepare the bottles quicker when your baby is hungry."
It takes longer to sterilise than most others, with a 25-minute cycle, so you might prefer something quicker, such as the Philips Avent Steam Steriliser. The steriliser suits alternative bottle brands and can keep items sterilised for up to 24 hours.
Read our full Tommee Tippee Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, Dryer and Storage review
Pros
- Has a convenient auto re-sterilising programme
- It doesn't use steam or chemicals
- Helps keep contents sterilised for up to 24 hours
- It fits alternative brands too
Cons
- It does take 35 minutes to sterilise, which is a lot longer than some alternatives
Dimensions: | 378.1 x 35.5 x 35.3cm |
Sterilisation Time: | 10 minutes |
- 3 different functions
- Long-lasting UV bulbs
- 2 replaceable, washable filters
Best baby sterilisers that's easy to use
The Philips AVENT Microwave steam steriliser is compact and easy to use. While easy to clean, it only holds four AVENT bottles. However, it is also compatible with various other brands and can keep items sterile for up to 24 hours if left unopened after the two-minute sterilisation cycle.
It's convenient for its quick sterilisation, but it is a large steriliser, so ensure your microwave is big enough.
Pros
- Takes up to two minutes to sterilise products
- Works with bottles from other brands
- It's easy to clean
Cons
- Can only store up to four bottles at once
Dimensions: | 28 x 28 x 16.6cm |
Sterilisation Time: | A minimum of 2 minutes |
- Steralises in just 2 minutes
- Fits 4 Avent bottles at once
Best compact baby sterilisers
If you're looking for a simple-to-use steriliser that you can use out and about, then the Milton Portable Soother Steriliser would be great. It's particularly a good buy if your little one is constantly dropping their dummy.
While it can't sterilise bottles, our parent tester found it really convenient to take on the go thanks to its small size. This watertight sterilising device allows you to clean the dummy in 15 minutes, with the contents staying sterile for 24 hours.
Read our full Milton Mini Portable Soother Steriliser review
Pros
- It's ideal for taking on the go
- Convenient to use for dummies
- The solution can be re-used throughout the day
Cons
- It cannot be used for bottles
Dimensions: | 8 x 13.5 x 17cm |
Sterilisation Time: | 15 minutes |
- Leak-proof lid
- Works in 15 minutes
- Can attach to prams and strollers
Choosing the right steriliser for you
Superintendent pharmacist Abbas Kanani said there's a few thing to look for when choosing a steriliser.
"You'd aim to get one with a large capacity so you can sterilise multiple items helping you save time. Always check the sterilisation timeframe too, up to 15 minutes is convenient," he said.
"See if it's easy to clean and dismantled to be washed properly. Safety features like an automatic shut-off, cool-touch to prevent any accidents and child lock are all beneficial."
Here are things to take into consideration:
Space: How much room do you have for a steriliser? Can you stretch to a larger one that will sterilise several bottles at once? Or do you need a more compact product?
Time: How long will it take to sterilise each item? Will that then fit into your routine and schedule easily? Do certain features take longer than others?
Accessibility: Is everyone that needs to use it able to use it? Will it work for a family with multiple children?
Ease of use: Do you find all the features useful? Are you able to fit it into your daily routine with baby easily?
Convenience: Does it make the task of sterilising easier and more efficient? Does it take up minimal time?
Easy to clean: Will cleaning it be quick and simple to do? Will it need regular descaling?
Sterilisation method: What kind of sterilisation method will work for your bottles, pumps, and teats? Will it give you the peace of mind you need when it comes to cleanliness.
Where: Do you want something you can use while travelling? Or will you be using it at home with mains electricity?
Portability: Will you be able to take it with you if you're going anywhere with your little one?
When: Do you plan to ditch the steriliser once your baby is 12 months? Or would you like to use it again?
Additional accessories: What else comes with the steriliser that might make it easier to use and worth the money?
What are the different types of sterilisers?
There are six different types of bottle sterilisers. Pharmacist Abbas says: "Steam sterilisers are the most commonly used and tend to work well for daily use at home. They work quickly and you can sterilise multiple items at once."
He adds, "Cold Water can be good for when you have limited access to electricity. However, it involves using chemical sterilising tablets or liquids, which must be handled properly and rinsed thoroughly. This form of sterilising can take longer, typically around 30 minutes."
"UV is found to be effective too; the light disrupts microbe DNA, making them inactive. It can be more expensive to sterilise in this way, but no heat or chemicals are required. All methods are incredibly effective in sterilising so preference is usually based on lifestyle and budget."
Electric steam sterilisers: These clean your baby's bottles, dummies and breast pump by using steam to kill germs. This is plugged into the mains which turns into steam and sterilises the items inside.
Steam sterilisers are now being developed with fast cycles, which is always a winner, and they're a great option if you don't have a microwave in your kitchen.
The only downfall is you will need to clean or descale the elements every few weeks, which can be time-consuming. Electric steam sterilisers can also be quite bulky, so if you're pushed for space in your kitchen, this might not be the best option for you.
Microwave steam steriliser: These also use steam to sterilise your baby's bottles/your breast pump, yet unlike electric sterilisers, they do not need to be plugged in and work in the microwave. Once you've added water, the bottles and the cover, you can simply pop these sterilisers in the microwave.
These take up a lot less space than electric sterilisers and do not need to be left out all the time. They do the job quickly and are much easier to clean. But you'll need to make sure the steriliser will fit in your microwave, as some of them can be quite bulky.
Cold water steriliser: A cold-water steriliser uses a sterilising tablet or liquid and cold water to sterilise bottles or feeding equipment submerged in it. It's a silent sterilising option if you're up in the middle of the night, and a huge plus of using a cold-water option is that your equipment will stay sterilised as long as they are submerged in water.
When using steam sterilisers, once the lid has been opened, the bottles are no longer sterile. However, unlike steam sterilisers, when using cold water methods, you'll need to wait up to 15 minutes.
Travel sterilisers: These are usually microwave steam sterilisers but on a smaller scale which is perfect if you're on the move. Whether it's that first family holiday or just a weekend with the grandparents, these usually only fit one or two bottles.
They can usually be used both in the microwave and with cold water tablets (which is a good backup when staying in hotels). However, you won't be able to fit too much in, so you might find you're constantly using it depending on how young your baby is.
Self-sterilising bottles: These work in a similar way to microwave steam sterilisers. Simply fill the base of the bottle with cool water and pop it in the microwave. They're super easy to use and a great option for when you are on the go. The only downfall is you are only sterilising one bottle at a time.
UV bottle sterilisers: These gadgets are new on the market and innovative. They use special LED lights to emit UV, killing off bacteria safely and quickly. They're easy to use, with no mess or water required, but are the most expensive option of all bottle sterilisers.
Do I need a steriliser?
Whether you are planning to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby, a steriliser is always handy to have. If you are not using baby bottles, you might still need a steriliser for dummies or teething toys for your baby.
You can also sterilise some breast pumps with a steriliser which can be incredibly useful.
Sterilising safety
Is it necessary to sterilise baby bottles?
It is important that you sterilise anything that goes into your baby's mouth to ensure that they remain safe.
Pharmacist Abbas said that a steriliser is important as, "babies are at a higher risk of getting sick because their immune and digestive systems are not fully developed, making them more sensitive to contaminants."
"Sterilising baby items helps to reduce the risk of your baby coming into contact with harmful bacteria and viruses that could cause illnesses."
This should be a part of your routine with your child for at least the first year.
How do I clean bottles before I sterilise them?
It's important to clean bottles, teats and other feeding equipment in hot, soapy water and rinse all your equipment before sterilising.
You can use a clean bottle brush (only use this brush to clean bottles) and a small teat brush to clean the inside of the teats. You can also turn the teats inside out and then wash them in hot, soapy water. Don't use salt to clean teats, as this can be dangerous for your baby.
Your baby's feeding equipment can also be put through the dishwasher to clean. Be aware that the dishwasher will clean but not sterilise. Ensure bottles, lids, and teats are facing downwards.
What is the difference between sanitising and sterilising?
Sterilising - This will remove the microorganisms that cause infections, preventing issues like diarrhoea and vomiting.
Sanitising - This will kill bacteria, removing them from surfaces that your baby may be touching like the table.
Do I need to sterilise bottles after every wash?
Before your little one hits the six-month milestone, it is best to sterilise their bottles after every use and wash. After six months, their immune system will be stronger, so you can sterilise them once a day (still washing after every use). If they're poorly, we'd recommend returning to sterilising more frequently.
How do you store bottles after sterilising?
To keep everything sterile, we would recommend keeping the bottles and their teats/lids in the steriliser until you need to use them. If that's not possible, make sure the teats/lids and bottles are stored away somewhere clean, with teats/lids put on the bottles as soon as they're removed from the steriliser.
How long do bottles stay sterile for once out of steriliser?
As you can see by our list above, different sterilisers promise to keep your bottles etc sterilised for different amounts of time. On average, they're likely to stay sterile between 3-24 hours, so it's best to double-check when buying your choice of steriliser.
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About the expert
Abbas Kanani is a Superintendent Pharmacist at Chemist Click. He graduated in 2013 and spent three years working for high street multiples, before moving to a consulting role within the NHS.
Sophie Knight is a journalist and mum of two, and previously edited motherandbaby.com before moving on to write about family cars for Parkers.co.uk - now Sophie is Commercial Content Editor for Mother & Baby, Closer, Heat, Empire, Yours, Garden News, and WhatsTheBest.co.uk