What Age Can You Stop Sterilising Baby Bottles?

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If you're wondering when it's safe to stop sterilising your baby’s bottles — you’re definitely not alone! It’s one of those questions that seems like it should have a straightforward answer, but interestingly, the advice actually varies quite a bit depending on where you live.

Why the Difference in Advice?

Different countries have different public health guidelines based on local environments, healthcare priorities, and access to safe water. So, while some parents are told they can stop sterilising bottles at 3 months, others are advised to continue until 12 months.

Here’s a quick look at what the guidelines say in various countries:

• New Zealand: The Ministry of Health recommends sterilising bottles and feeding equipment until your baby is at least 3 months old. After that, washing thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinsing well — or using a dishwasher — is considered sufficient for healthy babies in homes with clean drinking water.
• United Kingdom: The NHS advises sterilising bottles and teats up to 12 months of age, as babies’ immune systems are still developing, and milk residue can breed bacteria.
• Australia: According to Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, sterilising is recommended until 12 months of age, especially since milk is a rich environment for bacteria to grow.
• United States: The CDC notes that sterilising is important for babies under 3 months, those born prematurely, or with weakened immune systems. For healthy babies over 3 months, daily cleaning with hot soapy water or a dishwasher is usually sufficient.

So What Should You Do?

The key message? Follow the advice of your own healthcare provider or your country’s health authority. If you’re living somewhere with access to clean drinking water and caring for a healthy, full-term baby, sterilising may not be needed as long as it once was — but if you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking in with your Plunket nurse, midwife, GP, or pediatrician.

And if you find comfort in continuing to sterilise — that’s okay too! There’s no harm in being cautious, and every parent finds their own rhythm.

I’ll be honest — I was an enthusiastic steriliser, probably far longer than necessary! But eventually, I realised my baby was happily mouthing toys, floors, and all sorts of not-so-sterile things… so I let go a little.

Just remember, every family’s situation is different, and the best approach is the one that feels right for you, based on good information and gentle support.

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