How to Sterilise and Clean Lansinoh Baby Bottles Safely
By Lansinoh UK | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: How-to Guides
A practical step-by-step guide to cleaning and sterilising Lansinoh baby bottles, including NaturalWave teat care, glass bottle hygiene, and UK-safe methods.
Quick answer
Clean Lansinoh bottles and NaturalWave teats in warm soapy water immediately after each feed, then sterilise using steam, boiling, or a cold-water tablet method. Glass bottles can be boiled or steam-sterilised, but NaturalWave teats need gentle handling to protect the soft silicone. Always check the teat for damage before reuse.
Why bottle feeding hygiene matters
Milk residue is a perfect environment for bacteria, so cleaning and sterilising are not the same job. Cleaning removes milk proteins and fats; sterilising kills remaining germs. For babies under 12 months, the NHS recommends sterilising all feeding equipment until they are at least a year old. If you use Lansinoh bottles, the wide neck and few parts make thorough cleaning easier, but the NaturalWave teat still needs careful attention because its soft, stretchy silicone can trap milk in the ridges.
What you need before you start
You do not need a dedicated bottle-cleaning laboratory. A bottle brush, a small teat brush, warm soapy water, and a sterilising method are enough. For sterilising, choose one: a steam steriliser, a pan of boiling water, or a cold-water sterilising solution or tablets. If you use a dishwasher, check that it has a hot rinse cycle above 70°C, but be aware that dishwasher detergents can degrade silicone teats over time.
Step-by-step: cleaning and sterilising Lansinoh bottles
- 1. Wash your hands and assemble your cleaning tools: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Gather a bottle brush, a small teat brush, and warm soapy water. Separate the bottle, teat, collar, and cap. Common mistake: skipping handwashing or using a sponge that has been sitting in the sink. Use a clean brush dedicated to baby bottles.
- 2. Rinse bottles and teats immediately after feeding: Rinse all parts under warm running water as soon as possible after a feed. This stops milk proteins from drying and sticking to the glass or silicone. Checkpoint: if you cannot clean immediately, submerge the parts in cold water until you can. Do not let milk dry inside the teat.
- 3. Clean the bottle and teat with warm soapy water: Fill a clean bowl with warm water and mild washing-up liquid. Scrub the inside and outside of the bottle with a bottle brush, paying attention to the neck and threads. Turn the teat inside out and gently rub it with a teat brush or your fingers to remove milk residue from the ridges. Common mistake: scrubbing the teat too hard or using a bottle brush on it. The silicone is soft and can tear. Use only a soft teat brush or your fingers.
- 4. Rinse everything thoroughly: Rinse all parts under running warm water until no soap bubbles remain. Soap residue can affect the taste of milk and may irritate your baby’s mouth. Checkpoint: hold the teat up to the light and check for any milky film or soap film. If you see either, rinse again.
- 5. Sterilise using your chosen method: Steam steriliser: follow the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 5–10 minutes. Boiling: place glass bottles and teats in a pan of boiling water for at least 10 minutes, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cold water: use sterilising tablets or solution according to the pack, usually 15–30 minutes. Glass bottles can be boiled or steam-sterilised; NaturalWave teats can be steam-sterilised or boiled, but check the teat regularly for wear. Common mistake: boiling teats for too long or letting them touch the hot pan base, which can degrade silicone. Keep teats moving and do not leave them in boiling water longer than recommended.
- 6. Air-dry and store safely: Shake off excess water and place all parts on a clean, dry surface or a dedicated drying rack. Allow them to air-dry completely. Store dry parts in a clean, covered container in the fridge if you are not using them within a few hours. Checkpoint: do not dry with a tea towel, which can transfer bacteria. Air-drying is safest.
- 7. Inspect the teat before every use: Hold the teat up to the light and stretch it gently. Look for cracks, tears, discolouration, or thinning. If you see any damage, replace the teat immediately. NaturalWave teats are known as the ‘teat babies take’ because they support breastfeeding, and a damaged teat can undermine that. Common mistake: using a teat that looks fine but has tiny cracks. Silicone can weaken over time, so replace teats every 2–3 months or sooner if worn.
Lansinoh bottle details that affect cleaning
- Glass Feeding Bottles 160ml with NaturalWave® Teat: Lansinoh’s glass feeding bottle is easier to clean and sterilise, and is 100% eco-friendly. Glass does not absorb smells or stains, so you can scrub it thoroughly without scratching, and it can be boiled or steam-sterilised repeatedly.
- Pack of Feeding Bottles 160ml with NaturalWave® Teat: Lansinoh’s NaturalWave teat is anti-colic with a wide-based, extra-soft and stretchy teat, and is clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion. The soft silicone and internal ridges need gentle but thorough cleaning to remove milk residue without tearing, so a dedicated teat brush is worth using.
- Pack of NaturalWave® Fast Flow Teats: NaturalWave teats are clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion and preserve the same wave-like tongue movements babies use at the breast. Because the teat is designed to support breastfeeding, keeping it clean and undamaged helps maintain that function and protects your baby’s latch.
