How long do empty bottles stay sterile?

[shellideaks]

So after the previous thread on how to make up bottles, I've decided I'm going to keep the bottles empty and add boiled water via a thermos flask (at night time and when I'm out). However, once I've sterilised the bottles, how long do they stay sterile for if they're just empty and sealed? Is it 24 hours?

 

[skunkpixie]

I was told 24 hours, but Ive heard others say 12, and even 6! An alternative is to use a Milton cold water steriliser, which keeps things sterilie for 24 hours. You just add things and take things out when you want (leave parts in there at least 15 mins to sterilise) and change the solution every 24 hours. xxx

 

[Ktothema]

It depends on the bottle you are using. If there are no holes in the lid then in theory it's 24hrs. If you use the closing disks this should keep the bottles sterile, but not the teats if your bottle lids have holes.

I use Dr Browns bottles and they have 3 large holes in the lid, so what I do is put the bottles together using the closing disks, and keep the teats in a breast milk bag - ready to pop in when I need to feed lo (though I'd never go more than 12 hrs max with a bottle like this - personal preference)

Though if you want them staying sterile at home, a Milton bucket and cold water sterilising is brilliant. We started when taking dd to France when she was 5 months, and never went back. It's so much more convenient than an electric or microwave one.