When it comes to taking care of your breast pump parts, cleanliness is undoubtedly a top priority. After all, we want the best for our little ones. But there’s no denying that the constant cleaning and sterilising is the last thing we feel like doing, especially if you’re pumping multiple times a day. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of cleaning pump parts, whether you need to sterilise them after each use, and an explainer on a way to save time with the fridge hack.
Cleaning Basics: Warm Soapy Water and Dedicated Brushes
Let’s start with the basics. It’s essential to give your pump parts a good clean. Here’s how:
- Separate All Your Parts: Before washing or sterilising, make sure you have taken all your pump parts apart. This is essential to ensure milk residue doesn’t build up between plastic pieces and harbour bacteria or mould.
- Sterilise Before First Use: When you first open your pump parts or if you haven’t used them in a while, it’s important to sterilise them using your preferred sterilisation method.
- Hot Soapy Water: Start by rinsing your pump parts with cold water to remove any leftover milk. Then, wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Rinse them well before leaving them to air dry or dry them with paper towel.
- Dedicated Brushes and Wash Tub: To reduce cross contamination with other dishes and cleaning tools, it’s recommended that you use a dedicated wash tub or bowl, brushes and sponges solely for this purpose.
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s tackle the big question: do you need to sterilise your pump parts after each use?
To Sterilise or Not
In short, you don’t need to sterilise your pump parts after each use. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), if you’re pumping multiple times in a day, it’s acceptable to store your pump parts in the fridge between uses, without the need for washing them after each session. This is called the fridge hack. If you’re pumping less regularly, washing them after each use is sufficient without sterilising.
However, if your baby is premature or has a weakened immune system, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and sterilise your pump parts after each use. Similarly, if you’re dealing with any health concerns that require heightened cleanliness, this extra step can provide peace of mind.
If you are using your bottles for formula, it is imperative to sterilise after each use.
The Fridge Hack: A Time-Saving Alternative
The fridge hack is all about convenience without compromising cleanliness. Here’s how it works:
- After you’ve pumped, simply place your parts in a clean, sealed Tupperware container and place them in the fridge.
- When it’s time to pump again, take the parts out and you’re good to go. Remember to ensure you dry your backflow protectors to prevent moisture from entering the tubes.
- If you don’t have access to a fridge for the day, the ABA says it is fine to rinse the parts in clean water and seal them in a clean Tupperware container to be used again that day.
- At the end of the day, thoroughly wash your parts as per usual so they’re ready for the next day. You may wish to sterilise at the end of the day too, this comes down to personal preference.
Trust Your Instincts
While the fridge hack works wonders for some, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you choose to sterilise after each use, wash with hot soapy water, or embrace the fridge hack, the goal is the same: providing safe and nutritious milk for your little one. So, go ahead, choose the method that suits your lifestyle, and keep rocking this amazing journey of parenthood.
The above article provides general guidance only and is not to be taken as advice for your particular circumstances. Always seek professional, personalised advice from a health professional.