How to Sterilise MAM Bottles: A Complete Guide
- Holly Matthews
- Apr 4
- 5 min read
Sterilising baby bottles is easily one of the dullest parts of parenting (and a constant reminder that I should have stuck with breastfeeding). But like it or not, it’s essential for keeping your little one germ-free. Whether you’re using the microwave, a MAM bottle steriliser, or the old-school boiling method, we dive into how to sterilise MAM bottles until they’re squeaky clean. 👇
Why Sterilise MAM Bottles?
Formula might seem harmless, but it can be a breeding ground for nasty bacteria like Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella. If bottles aren’t properly sterilised, these germs can multiply fast, putting babies at risk of serious infections that could even land them in hospital. That’s why it’s important that every part—from the teats to the MAM bottle lids—needs careful sterilisation after each use.
To stay on the safe side, formula should only be used within two hours of preparation—or one hour if it’s touched your baby’s lips. Anything left over should be binned, and bottles need a proper clean before their next use. So, how do you do it?
Clean First, Sterilise Later!
Before we tell you how to sterilise a MAM bottle, there’s an important step you can’t skip out on. You have to give them a wash with warm, soapy water to get rid of any old formula.
Here’s How:
Wash all the MAM bottle parts (teat, silicone valve, etc.) in warm, soapy water using your regular dish soap.
Scrub the parts with a bottle brush and get into all those nooks and crannies.
Rinse everything thoroughly with clean, cold running water to make sure no soap hangs around.
Once they’re squeaky clean, you’re ready to sterilise using any of the methods below!
How to Sterilise MAM Bottles in the Microwave
One of the best features of MAM baby bottles is their self-sterilising ability. Now, don’t get too excited, this doesn’t mean they magically clean themselves (I wish!). What it means is that you can sterilise them in the microwave with zero fuss or extra equipment. So, let’s break down how to self-sterilise MAM bottles in the microwave.
Sterilising MAM bottles in the microwave:
Take your MAM bottle set apart—separate the teat, base, and lid.
Pour 20ml of water into the base.
Stack the parts in this order: base (with water), teat, top section, then screw the lid on loosely.
Pop them in the microwave for 3 minutes at 600-1000W (this is how long to sterilise MAM bottles in the microwave).
Carefully remove (it’ll be hot!) and leave to cool before reassembling.
And just like that, your MAM bottle is sterilised and ready to go—no extra steriliser required! This quick and easy microwave sterilise MAM bottles method is perfect for keeping things clean with minimal effort.
Pros:
✔ No extra gadgets or equipment needed
✔ Sterilises in just 3 minutes
✔ Keeps bottles sterile until they’re used again
Cons:
❌ It’s easy to forget to add the water, which can cause the bottle to overheat
❌ Not ideal for large batches if you have multiple bottles to sterilise at once
❌ Balancing all the parts together can be a bit fussy
Using a MAM Bottle Steriliser (or Any Steam Steriliser)
If you love the idea of a no-fuss steriliser and don’t mind spending some cash, the MAM bottle steriliser is a solid option. You can find the MAM bottle steriliser instructions in the box or on the manufacturer's website.
Add 200ml of water to the base, pop your bottles on one of the two basket levels, and microwave for just 5 minutes. It’s that easy! Your bottles stay clean for up to 48 hours, which is perfect for busy parents who need a bit of extra convenience.
Now, we already have a Tommee Tippee steam steriliser and it works well enough for our MAM bottle set. However, keep in mind that MAM bottles are much taller, so it takes some basic Tetris skills to fit in all the parts. Still, it gets the job done just like the MAM bottle steriliser. Other microwave or electric steam sterilisers might work, too, but make sure your bottles fit and check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pros:
✔ Quick and easy to use
✔ Kills 99.9% of germs
✔ Sterilises in as little as 5 minutes
✔ Keeps bottles sterile for up to 48 hours
Cons:
❌ It's another expensive baby gadget to add to the collection
❌ It can take up quite a bit of counter space, so not ideal for small kitchens or cramped homes
❌ Steriliser machines need regular cleaning and descaling—just one more thing to add to your ever-growing to-do list
Cold Water Sterilisation
If you’re out and about or don’t have access to a microwave, cold water sterilisation with sterilising tablets is a game-changer. These tablets are compact for travel—much easier than squeezing a bulky steriliser into your suitcase. All you need is a container, a sterilisation tablet (we recommend Milton tablets) and some cold water!
How to Sterilise MAM Bottles with Cold Water:
Take your MAM bottles completely apart (don’t forget the teats and lids!).
Dissolve the sterilising tablet in cold water, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Completely submerge the bottles and accessories in the sterilising solution for at least 30 minutes.
Change the solution every 24 hours.
Make sure no air bubbles are trapped inside the bottles or teats when placing them in the solution.
Pros:
✔ Ideal for travel or on-the-go situations
✔ Effective at killing 99.9% of germs
✔ Affordable
Cons:
❌ Takes 30 minutes for full sterilisation
❌ Requires a container or washing-up bowl for the solution
❌ Must change the solution every 24 hours
Popular choices for sterilising tablets include Milton tablets, but any tablet designed for baby bottle cleaning will do the job.
Sterilising by Boiling
Boiling is a classic and one of the very few free methods out there! As long as you’ve got a kettle or a pan, you don’t need any fancy gadgets or sterilising tablets. Perfect for when you’re on the go or just don’t feel like faffing around with extra equipment. Just be sure the items you’re sterilising are suitable for boiling.
How to Sterilise MAM Bottles by Boiling:
Fill a large pan with water and bring it to the boil.
Drop in all your MAM bottle parts (teats, lids, etc.) and make sure they’re all submerged.
Boil for at least 10 minutes.
Set a timer so you don’t forget it’s on!
Pros:
✔ Totally free, you just need boiling water!
✔ Perfect for when you’re out and about and don’t have your fancy steriliser
✔ Does the job and kills germs
Cons:
❌ Teats can wear out faster with this method
❌ Hot water means you’ve got to be careful!
❌ Not the best if you need to do a big batch at once
And it may seem obvious, but always keep babies well away from the boiling water, and let everything cool down before you go making that next bottle.
And There You Have It!
Sterilising your MAM bottles might not be the most exciting part of parenting (we all know there are way more fun things to do!), but it’s essential for keeping your little one safe and healthy. Whether you’re boiling, microwaving, or using sterilising tablets, you’ve got plenty of options to make bottle cleaning a breeze. 🙌
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