How to sterilise dummies: Step by step guide

Find out about the different types of dummies and how to choose the best one

Babies are born with an innate suckling instinct. That instinct not only helps them to survive, but it also calms them because it reminds them of feeding from their mother's breast. That is precisely why dummies were invented. Dummies stimulate the suckling reflex in newborn babies, soothing and calming them.

Dummy teats come in different shapes and sizes and can be made from different materials.

According to shape:

• Anatomical: they replicate the nipple shape.
• Physiological: flat and symmetrical, and always fit properly in the mouth. They apply minimal pressure to the palate.
• Round: they are larger and have a spherical shape.

According to material:

• Latex: natural rubber taken from the latex of the bark of some trees. It is 100% natural and is amber or yellow in colour. Dummies are strong, soft, very elastic and transparent. These teats can change with use and sterilisation.
• Silicone: soft and elastic. It does not absorb smells and these dummies do not lose their shape. They are transparent. Their size does not change through use, although they can acquire the colour of any food they come into contact with. They are very strong but less flexible.

According to size. The size of the baby’s palate changes as they grow, and therefore dummies come in different sizes:

• Dummies for newborn or premature babies
• Dummies for 4 to 6 month old babies
• Dummies for 12 month old babies
• Dummies for 18 month old babies and older

With this variety of dummies, we are unable to claim that any one of the materials is better than the others. They are different and both are suitable for babies. The choice of dummy will depend on the baby. The first and most important thing to consider is to make sure they meet all safety requirements.

As for the size, you can check this on the packet, where you will find all the information you need. You may notice that your baby has to make an effort to keep the dummy in its mouth. That is because the dummy is too small. If you notice your baby retching, the dummy is too big.

Sterilising dummies in the microwave

Before starting to sterilise anything, the first thing you should do is wash your hands properly. If you are not going to use the dummy immediately after sterilising it, you should keep it in a closed container without any moisture, or a specific dummy case.

The microwave steriliser sterilises dummies using steam. Step by step:

• First wash the dummy with soap and water to get rid of any food remains.
• Then fill the base of the steriliser with water (using the amount indicated by the manufacturer), place the dummy inside and close the  lid.
• Place it in the microwave for 4 to 7 minutes.
• After than time, the receptacle may scald, and you should therefore allow it to cool. If you do not take the lid off the steriliser, the items inside will remain sterile for 24 hours.

Sterilising dummies in boiling water

• The first thing is to wash the dummy with soap and water.
• You will then need to heat the water in the chosen receptacle and put the dummies in it.
• Allow it to boil for around five minutes.

Sterilising dummies in UV sterilisers (h2 para el párrafo siguiente)

These are the most recommended types of sterilisers for silicone dummies, but not for latex. That is because silicone is able to withstand higher temperatures than latex. Nevertheless, make sure the temperature does not exceed 110ºC. The shield is made from PP, which can be damaged at temperatures over 110ºC. This is something we should also bear in mind when sterilising dummies in the microwave.

Sterilising dummies in electric steam sterilisers (h2 para el párrafo anterior)

We do not recommend using UV sterilisers for natural rubber latex or silicone dummies. That is because natural rubber latex is a natural material and it ages naturally. It can age even quicker when exposed to external forces such as ultraviolet light (UV). We should not leave natural rubber latex dummies in direct sunlight either.

Furthermore, UV light only kills germs if they are directly exposed to it on the surface of the dummy, unlike steam, which is a gas and is easily distributed all over the surface of the dummy regardless of the shape.