Absolutely, and we encourage parents to look into equipment like a baby bottle washer machine to help make that process even easier and less risky. Each bottle component has to be washed and sterilized after every use to prevent buildup or cause extra moisture to linger in components. Buildup and moisture can lead to bacterial growth and germs that can harm the baby. This is why bottle washing & sterilizing for the first 12 months of a baby’s development are both so important.

While it is possible to find and use dish soaps that are safe for baby to use, it is not recommended due to the common presence of ingredients that can harm babies. If you haven’t found the ideal baby bottle washer for your home yet and need a quick option using dish soap, make sure to avoid these ingredients: the detergent sodium lauryl sulfate, known for its association with carcinogens; sodium laureth sulfate, which can be carcinogenic and cause liver damage; and artificial fragrances, which are known to cause allergic reactions. If nothing else, ensure you’ve boiled all of your baby bottle parts and have a bottle brush nearby– but we encourage parents to consider investing in an automatic bottle washer.

Again, this can be a case-by-case issue depending on the types of equipment that you have. If you do not have a bottle washing machine yet and want to use your dishwasher as your at-home bottle washer, there are two steps parents should always consider and follow accordingly: first and foremost, make sure that each bottle and its associated parts are, in fact, dishwasher safe– manufacturer’s labels will typically be found printed on the bottles themselves or on the packaging; secondly, make sure to use fully-heated washing and drying cycles that will kill germs and eliminate any moisture afterward. Extra moisture can promote bacterial growth and germs that are potentially harmful to baby.