Tommy Tippee Closer to Nature® Microwave Steam and Cold Water Steriliser

Whether you opt for electric, steam, microwave or cold water, if you are going to bottle feed a steriliser is a must have. Bought for my little girl by my best friend, this steriliser came with a starter kit comprising two Tommy Tippee wide neck bottles, bottle brush and teat tongs.

This steriliser allows bottles to be sterilised in two ways - either in the microwave or using a cold water method. My personal preference has been to use the latter which essentially involves filling the steriliser up with cold water and letting one sterilising tablet dissolve into this. Then all the bottles, teats etc are put into the sterilised water. The solution needs to be replaced with fresh water and a new tablet every 24 hours. 

Once bottles have been submerged for 30 minutes they are sterilised and ready to use. To re-sterilise after a feed give the bottle, teat and any additional components a good clean in fresh soapy water, using a bottle brush. Remove excess washing up liquid and then place back into the steriliser. 

If you choose to use this unit to microwave sterilise, I understand that bottles can be sterilised in four minutes. A bonus if you find yourself without any clean bottles and a baby crying the house down!!

The great thing about this particular steriliser is that it's big. I initially used Tommy Tippee wide neck bottles to feed Lily before moving onto Dr Brown's and the unit comfortably fits four of either of these bottle designs in it. In fact as the Dr Brown bottles aren't as wide, I also have enough room to sterilise a few teething dummies and a couple of lids for the bottles.

The hinged lid can be folded back to create a sterile surface to allow bottles to be prepared in hygienic conditions (although in all honesty I have my steriliser positioned in such a way that the lid can't go all the way back and so I prepare the feed on a work surface which has been cleaned with milton). The lid itself is lockable which is a handy feature if you have curious toddlers! Be warned though, these locks can be quite stiff initially but need gentle handling. In my rush to open the unit, I have to confess that I was a little heavy handed and ended up snapping one of the lockable sides. 

The only downside to the unit, despite Tommy Tippee's claims that it's ideal for Mums on the move, is that it really is too big to travel with. Mine stays at home and I take a smaller travel steriliser, picked up at my local superstore, which fits two bottles in.

Although I didn't have to splash out any cash on this, as it was a gift, I know my friend purchased it when there was a deal on all Tommy Tippee products so it's worth keeping a beedy eye out for specials. Even if you paid full price for it though it's pretty good value, especially when you consider just how much you need to use it.