Steriliser review

Lara Green from Babyworld.co.uk has been testing out sterilisers with a panel of parents. We asked her what points parents should consider when looking to purchase this product. Sterilisers are quite an important piece of equipment. Lara has two children.

 Are they important?

They are relatively important yes. If you're bottle feeding they're essential. If you're breastfeeding you can probably go without them for a few months if you're not using brushes and things like that.

Are there lots of models to choose from?

There are lots of different styles and sterilsers work in different ways. You can get microwavable sterilisers. People seem to prefer the electronic ones which work by using steam. They take about 8 minutes but they are quite big. You can also get steriliser bottles which do all the work for you and you don't need any other equipment apart from the bottles. They do clean thoroughly. They can create limescale and get a bit clogged up. You do need to clean them regularly.  

What should we look for?

Something that's easy to use. Something you can connect up, put the bottles in and the job's done. Storage size is something else to consider. Check on the box to see how long the cycle takes. Look for any special features, some come with bottles and dummies and teats. Some have cleaning accessories. It's worth spending a little bit more on a good steriliser.

Do you have to buy the same brand steriliser as the bottles you use?

No, some of the sterilisers say will fit six Avent bottles but you don't have to use Avent bottles.

How much should you spend on a steriliser?

You can get a relatively good one for about £30. The best value in our test was given to the Lindam rapid steam steriliser which was £29.99. Some go up to 50 or 60 pounds. They're normally the ones that come with extras and can keep the equipment sterile for longer.

Which product won with your panel?

The winning one was a Tommee Tippe steam steriliser which retails at £60. It was really quick but quite compact. It ticked all the boxes.