Cleaning and sterilisation of infant feeding equipment: a systematic review

Abstract

Aim: To assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of different methods of cleaning and sterilisation of infant feeding equipment used in the home. Design: Systematic review of studies from developed countries on the effectiveness of methods of cleaning and sterilisation of infant feeding equipment used in the home. A brief telephone survey of UK-based manufacturers of infant feeding equipment and formula to ascertain the evidence base used for their recommendations, and a comparison of current relevant guidelines in developed countries, informed the work. Results: National guidelines from six countries demonstrated variation and lack of evidence to support current guidance. Manufacturers did not report evidence of effectiveness to support their recommendations. Nine studies were identified; eight conducted between 1962 and 1985 and one in 1997. All had methodological weaknesses. Hand-washing was identified as fundamentally important. Health professionals were reported as not providing appropriate education on the importance and methods of cleaning and sterilisation. Mothers of subsequent babies and women from lower socio-economic groups were less likely to follow recommended procedures. Conclusion: There is a lack of good-quality evidence on effective ways of cleaning and sterilising infant feeding equipment in the home. The evidence base does not answer the question about which of the methods in common use is most effective or most likely to be used by parents. Hand-washing before handling feeding equipment remains important. Further research on the range of methods used in the home environment, including assessment of the views of parents and carers, is required.

Women's perceptions of their healthcare experience when they choose not to breastfeed

“…Education regarding the correct preparation and storage of infant formula is vital to avoid infants being compromised from bacterial infections, diarrhoea, hypernatraemia or hyponatraemia, under nutrition and possible future hospital admissions. 4 The results of this study have uncovered that the participant bottle-feeding mothers want to be taught and be given the information they need, but they feel that they are not receiving it. Women in this study who were bottle-feeding felt uncomfortable asking for help and felt that others assumed that bottle-feeding was easy and that they should already know how to do it.…”

“…4 If equipment is not cleaned and sanitized appropriately infants may be put at risk. Recent research has shown that infants younger than 6 months whose bottles and teats were not sterilized were more susceptible to diarrhoeal infections.…”

“…Recent research has shown that infants younger than 6 months whose bottles and teats were not sterilized were more susceptible to diarrhoeal infections. 4 Risks to the baby can be reduced and possible future clinical treatment costs can be minimized by effective equipment cleaning techniques 4 . Recently there has been a change in the recommended method for reconstituting formula milk 5 .…”

“…If the correct preparation and storage of infant formula is not followed, infants are compromised from bacterial infections, diarrhoea, hypernatraemia or hyponatraemia or under nutrition. 3,4 Mothers who do not breastfeed and do not feel they were supported in their choice are also at risk. 2 The potential risks for the mother involve feelings of guilt, anger, worry, uncertainty and a sense of failure.…”

Good clinical practice advice for the management of pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 in Nigeria

“…If a pump is used, follow guidelines to clean the pump after each use. 31 • If babies are bottle-fed with formula or expressed milk, strict sterilization guidelines should be followed.…”