How to sterilise baby bottles on holiday
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Sterilising baby bottles when travelling can be tricky, but with the right equipment, you should have every confidence you can keep baby safe.
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You’ll either need a microwave steriliser, a self-sterilising baby bottle if you’re only doing the one feed, or sterilising tablets. If taking pre-sterilised feeding equipment with you, make sure to store it in a sealed container or bag.
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To sterilise a bottle while on a plane, ask to use the microwave so you can make use of your microwaveable steriliser.
Getting out of the house with your baby is a part of everyday life - whether you're going to play in the park, away on holiday, visiting family members, or popping to the shops - but we know it's not always straightforward.
Bottle feeding on the go needn't be stressful thanks to our travel sterilising range. Practical and portable, these products make sure that your baby bottles are germ-free and ready to go, so their tummy stays protected when you're away from home.
Best ways to sterilise baby bottles when travelling
Steps for sterilising away from home
When planning how to sterilise baby bottles on holiday:
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Check what facilities will be available
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If formula feeding, prepare for travel mishaps by packing more than you need. You might also want to take a travel formula feed maker
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If you're looking to buy new equipment, think about what will also be handy to have at home in the future
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Wash baby bottles and feeding equipment before sterilising, then follow the product instructions carefully
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Remember you'll also have to sterilise other items such as breast pump parts
Popular, convenient, and fast travel sterilising options
Tommee Tippee 2-in-1 microwave steriliser
Ideal if you're taking a trip away, our travel-friendly steam Microwave Steriliser is the ideal portable bottle steriliser for travel. It uses natural steam to thoroughly clean items and is compact and designed to fit most standard microwaves.
Just put in your bottles, teats, breast pump parts and more, pop it in a microwave and job done.
You can also use it as a cold-water sterilising unit with tablets if you don't have access to a microwave, so you can keep feeding equipment hygienically clean while travelling.
Self-sterilising baby bottles
Only need to sterilise one baby bottle? We've got you. Whether it's an anti-colic baby bottle, or bottles with narrow teats or fast flow, Tommee Tippee bottles can be sterilised in the microwave in just 3 minutes.
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Add 50ml of water, rest the assembled hood, ring and teat on top (but don’t fasten), and heat in the microwave for 3 minutes.
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Add expressed breast milk or formula to the sterile bottle.
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Twist the sterile bottle hood, ring and teat back on, pop off the lid, and feed.
Cold water steriliser
Many parents choose to buy antibacterial tablets, another practical option, as they can be used with cold water and don't require access to electricity. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and be sure to leave all feeding equipment in the solution for at least 30 minutes before rinsing and drying.
Sterilising bottles on a plane or in a car
Sterilising bottles in vehicles can be a challenge, especially when you have limited resources.
On a plane, you may be able to use their microwave and our compact 2-in-1 steriliser, clean microwave bags, or self-sterilising bottles.
If you’re on a long car journey, we recommend either taking a break and using a microwave at a service station or storing pre-sterilised bottles.
For even more ease, you might want to go with ready-to-feed formula or pre-measure your feeds.
How to store sterilised bottles when travelling
While on the go, storing sterilised bottles can be a worry. To make sure that they stay hygienic and safe for your baby, there are different ways to be ready for feeds.
We recommend storing freshly sterilised bottles in a clean, sealed container or bag to keep them germ-free. Our microwave steriliser keeps bottles sterile for up to 24 hours if you keep the lid on, making it extra useful on holiday, or clean microwave bags are a lightweight, travel-friendly sterilising option when luggage space is limited.
Travel preparation advice
What are the best travel-friendly bottles?
The best travel-friendly baby bottles for a newborn are lightweight, easy to pack, and simple to clean and sterilise. It can be helpful if they have a leak-proof lid, too.
Many parents use anti-colic bottles but they sometimes have extra parts to clean. While this may be more hassle, it's important you don't change to different equipment as being away from home can be disruptive and familiarity can help.
Tommee Tippee Natural Start bottles feature an anti-colic valve in the teat, without extra parts or fuss.
Quick self-sterilising bottles can be especially convenient when travelling, as they sterilise in the microwave without a separate steriliser. Tommee Tippee's Natural Start Bottles self-sterilising and feature an anti-colic valve built into the teat so they're a great option for parents looking to save space on the go.
Which feeding accessories make newborn travel easier?
The right bottle-feeding accessories can help you keep your newborn’s feeding routine on track while travelling.
Portion powdered formula into a clean dispenser and keep it separate from water until you prepare a feed. Ready-to-feed formula can be useful when mixing a feed safely is difficult. For more tips on feeding, check out our article here.
Pack enough clean bottles and spare teats for the feeds you expect, plus extras in case of delays. A portable steriliser or sterilising tablets can help you clean feeding equipment away from home.
Use an insulated cool bag with ice packs to store prepared formula or expressed breast milk, and follow current guidance for safe storage and use; an insulated bag alone does not keep feeds safe. Read our article on how long can breast milk sit out so you can plan ahead.
What is a simple feeding routine for a day out with a newborn?
Planning ahead helps ensure your baby's feeding routine remains consistent while travelling.
Pack enough bottles, formula, or expressed breast milk, sterile bottles, spare feeding supplies, and allow extra time for feeds throughout the day. Our on-the-go guide has more tips and tricks for this.
When can you stop sterilising baby bottles?
Recommendations can vary, but feeding equipment should be kept hygienically clean throughout the early months of your baby's life. During the first 12 months, regular sterilising helps keep feeding equipment safe and hygienic.
Are sterilising tablets or a steam steriliser better for travel?
Both methods can work well, but the right choice depends on your travel plans.
A microwave steam steriliser is convenient when you have access to a suitable microwave. A cold water steriliser, using sterilising tablets, can be more practical when there’s no electricity, but you’ll need a clean container, correctly prepared solution, and enough time to leave equipment submerged.
What parents should look for in a travel steriliser
The best portable electric bottle steriliser for travel with a newborn depends on where you can power it and how many baby bottles you need to sterilise. Instead of needing a vehicle to have a USB outlet or be mains-powered with a socket, a handy car-compatible model is one you can also use to cold-water sterilise.
Compare bottle and feeding-part compatibility, capacity, cycle time, and size, and check the verified power requirements before buying. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for power, water, and use - don’t assume a USB connection will provide enough power unless the product confirms compatibility.
Can I use the water abroad to sterilise bottles?
Always check to see if drinking the local water is recommended first. If it’s allowed, then be sure to boil it first but don't use previously boiled water.
If using bottled water when travelling, check that it is suitable for infant feeding and follow current guidance before preparing formula. Bottled water is not sterile, so bottled water should not be assumed to be suitable without checking the label and recommendations.
Bottle feeding safety when travelling
Bottle feeding safety while travelling involves more than sterilising baby bottles. Wash your hands before preparing a feed, and clean and sterilise bottles, teats, and other feeding equipment according to current guidance and the product instructions. Keep sterilised equipment in a clean, sealed container until use - don’t assume it will remain sterile for a set period in every travel condition.
With the right travel sterilising equipment and a little preparation, you can keep baby bottles clean, safe and ready to use... wherever your travels take you.
