HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 10-11
Postpartum/Maternal/Newborn: Bottle Sterilization __RN
PURPOSE:
To prevent contamination of infant formula.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. This procedure is necessary only if risk of
contamination is high or child is immunosuppressed.
2. There are various types of bottles that require
different sterilization methods.
3. Disposable bottles require sterilization of nipples
and caps only.
4. Thorough cleaning of the bottles and nipples with
hot, soapy water, rinsing, then air-drying is usually
an adequate method of cleaning bottles and nipples
for most newborns. Use of a dishwasher is also
acceptable.
EQUIPMENT:
Bottles with nipples, rings, and caps
Formula
Bottle and nipple brushes
Tongs
Sterilizer
Rack for sterilizer
PROCEDURES:
#1 - Terminal
High Risk of Contamination:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Rinse bottles, nipples, rings, and caps in cold water
to remove milk.
3. Wash bottles, nipples, rings, and caps in hot, sudsy
water; rinse and air dry or wash in the dishwasher.
4. Pour formula into bottles. Put nipples, rings, and
caps on bottles loosely so that steam can escape
from the bottles.
5. To sterilize, place bottles on rack in sterilizer, add 3
inches of water, and cover with tight-fitting lid.
6. Boil for 25 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and allow to cool gradually, for
about 2 hours. Tighten caps.
8. Refrigerate.
#2 - Simple:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Wash bottles in dishwater or by hand in hot, sudsy
water.
3. Sterilize nipples, rings, and caps in pan of boiling
water for 5 minutes. If bottles washed by hand,
sterilize in pan of boiling water for 5 minutes.
4. Pour formula in bottle, put nipple and cap on.
5. Refrigerate until ready to use.
6. Store extra nipples in jar until ready to use.
#3 - Disposable:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Sterilize nipples, rings, and caps in pan of boiling
water for 5 minutes.
3. Remove disposable bottle liner from box, without
touching inside of the sac.
4. Place liner into bottle holder per manufacturer
recommendations.
5. Fill with formula, put nipple and cap on.
6. Refrigerate until ready to use.
AFTER CARE:
1. Document in patient's record:
a. Type of bottles and sterilization procedure used.
b. Instructions given to patient/caregiver.
234