This baby bottle sterilizer gets the job done right. Dishwashers just don't get hot enough to eliminate harmful bacteria. But the Avent iQ 24 Steam Sterilizer reaches the recommended temperature of 212 F for fast, easy, and reliable steam sterilization. Its six-minute cycle will have bottles ready in no time, and its digital display, electronic countdown, and sound alerts let you know when it's done. It can accommodate up to six 9-ounce bottles, and can also be used for the washable components of your breast pump.   Visit Seller.

Baby care requires so much time and vigilant attention. Any appliance that takes the guesswork (and a few precious minutes) out of the endless feeding routine is a blessing to caregivers. The Avent IQ24 Sterilizer is a relatively small, simple appliance that sterilizes up to six (Avent brand) bottles and/or screw rings, nipples, pacifiers, and breast pump components in just six minutes. The contents then stay sterile for six hours, providing the lid is not removed. An optional second mode keeps bottle- and breastfeeding accessories sterile for up to 24 hours by continuously repeating the cycle, so baby can have clean, sterile bottles day and night. And as we know, babies actively require feeding 24/7, so this is no idle bonus!

A Sterilizer with an IQ
The Avent iQ24 Electronic Steam Sterilizer is so named because the makers consider it an "intelligent" product, using "advanced iQ technology." And it really is pretty smart. The machine communicates each phase of the sterilization cycle, so you never have to guess whether the bottles or breast pump accessories are actually sterile yet. A digital display, electronic countdown, and sound alerts give parents the assurance that baby will not be contaminated with the bacteria that lurk in unclean feeding equipment. Another cool feature is the ability to "pause" the cycle (again, read the instructions to do this properly!) in order to remove some items without interrupting the cycle.

Putting the Sterilizer Together
Although the iQ24 Sterilizer is relatively easy to assemble and use, it’s not necessarily intuitive. In other words, you’re probably going to have to read the instruction manual pretty carefully the first time around. After that, it should be a piece of cake. Basically, there is a pot with power cord, a lower basket, a bottle rack, an upper basket (plus a spare upper basket), a lid, measuring cup, and tongs. Two 9-ounce bottles are included, as well, along with nipples, screw rings, and dome caps. The baskets and bottle rack slide onto a central stem, and the bottles and breast pump components are placed in the appropriate baskets or rack. The sterilizer cleverly uses bottle screw rings to separate the baskets and bottle rack, putting the very items to be sterilized to good secondary use! Once the correct amount of water is added and all parts are assembled and loaded (and that’s the hardest part, figuring out which basket and bottle parts go where), simply plug the sterilizer body into an electrical outlet, select mode one or two (for six-hour or 24-hour sterilization cycles), and wait six minutes (for either mode). You’ll also need to study the information pamphlet for a translation of the various beeps and flashing lights on the display, but generally it will be obvious when the sterilization cycle has begun and ended, and what to do next (feed that baby!).

Dishwasher Basket
As a bonus feature, two baskets can be clipped together to hold small items such as nipples, breast pump parts, pacifiers, etc., for washing in the top rack of your dishwasher prior to sterilization. Keep in mind that Avent items may discolor over time if they are washed in the dishwasher with dirty dishes covered with remnants of strong sauces, such as tomato or curry sauce.

Note: Sterilization is not the same as, nor should it replace, washing! All bottles and breast pump supplies should be washed carefully in mild, soapy water, and rinsed, before sterilizing. Also, for optimal effectiveness of the sterilizer, and to reduce limescale build-up, use distilled water for sterilizing. Regardless of whether you use tap or distilled water, you should de-scale the sterilizer every four weeks or so (read manual for instructions).--Emilie Coulter

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