Do Sippy Cups Need to Be Sterilised?

Do Sippy Cups Need to Be Sterilised?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Official guidelines from health organisations recommend sterilising sippy cups for children 6 months and younger, but handwashing or dishwasher cleaning can also be effective. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your sippy cup.

Cleaning sippy cups is a necessary step in preventing babies from contracting diseases. In order to kill any bacteria or germs that may be lingering on the cups, many parents opt to sterilise their sippy cups. There are several ways to do this, but the most common methods are boiling, using a steriliser, or using bleach.

Cleaning Sippy Cups Safely and Effectively

Sippy cups need to be cleaned and sterilised regularly in order to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. Cleaning them effectively can be a challenge, but there are several safe and effective ways to do so. Disposable sippy cups are not the best option for the environment or your wallet, so try one of these methods to clean your child's sippy cups safely and effectively.


How To Properly Sterilise Sippy Cups

Traditional Sterilising With Boiling Water

When you get a new glass baby bottle or sippy cup, it is important to sterilise it before the first use. You can do this by boiling them in water for less than  5 minutes. It is also important to boil glass bottles and cups before each use to prevent any infections.

To sterilise sippy cups, the parts must be boiled in water. This will kill any germs that may be present on the surface. Be sure not to remove the parts with your bare hands, and check them after 10 minutes to make sure they are properly sterilised.

Wash Your Sippy Cup in Soap & Water

It is important to wash your sippy cup with soap and water on a regular basis in order to prevent the growth of mould. 

Cleaning instructions for each part of the sippy cup are provided (for example, nipple holes, valve, rings, caps).

It is important to keep your sippy cup clean by washing it in soap and water after each use. Rinse the cup well and allow it to air-dry. You can also wash the sippy cup every few days by hand with soap and warm water.


Can I Stop Sterilising Bottles at 6 Months?

Around the age of six months, most babies are ready to transition from bottles to sippy cups. This is a gradual process that should be overseen by a paediatrician.

There are some important physical milestones your baby needs to meet before making the switch, such as being able to hold their head up on their own and having good hand-eye coordination.

If your baby is not quite ready at six months, you can wait until they reach an appropriate developmental milestone before making the switch.


Why Mould Grows In Sippy Cups?

Sippy cups come with a valve that can trap particles of milk or juice and harbour harmful moisture, creating a perfect place for mould to grow.

The most common place you will find mould on a sippy cup is in the spout, valve, or straw since they are the most difficult areas to clean thoroughly.

Mould is a fungus that grows from tiny, microscopic spores and can be problematic when it grows. If you notice any black, green, or white patches on your sippy cup-especially if it smells musty-it is best to discard the cup immediately.

Mould grows in sippy cups because of the combination of moisture and food. If left uncleaned, these cups can become a breeding ground for mould.

Mould spores can cause an illness if ingested, so it is important to keep your child safe by seeking medical attention if they experience any symptoms after drinking from a mouldy cup.

How Often Should I Clean and Sanitize The Sippy Cups?

Mould can be a common issue with sippy cups, so it is important to check them for mould on a daily basis. Additionally, you should wash and sanitise your child's sippy cups on a daily basis. This will help keep them clean and free of any harmful bacteria or mould.

Parents often wonder how often they should clean and sanitise their child's sippy cups. The answer, unfortunately, is that it depends on the type of cup.
If the sippy cup is not dishwasher safe, then it must be boiled in order to achieve sterile conditions.

However, if the manufacturer's instructions state that the cup can be washed in a dishwasher, then parents can follow those instructions.
In either case, it is important to read the instructions before cleaning or sterilising a sippy cup in order to avoid damaging the product.

Can I Wash and Sanitize Sippy Cups in the Dishwasher?

Some Sippy cups can be washed and sanitised in a dishwasher. They can also be boiled or sterilised in steriliser machines. Sippy cups should be washed and sanitised at least once a week.

In general, we highly encourage you to check the specific instructions for the brand of sippy cup you are using and follow their cleaning instructions.

This is because some brands may have different recommendations or limitations on how they can be washed and sanitised.

Conclusion

So if your child is under 6 months old, then you should keep on sterilising the sippy cup. And you probably clean and wash it after and before every usage.

Please tell us what method of sterilising sippy cups you liked the most? Was it soap and water? Steriliser machine or something else?
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