When it comes to your baby's feeding equipment, especially bottles, sterilising is non-negotiable.

Sterilising your baby's bottles and other items, such as teats, dummies and breast pump parts, isn't just a good habit; it's a vital step in protecting your little one from harmful germs and avoidable illness.

"In the first year of life, your baby's immune system is still developing and is less equipped to fight off bacteria and viruses. Harmful germs that adults might handle easily can cause serious infections in babies, including gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and vomiting," warns Catherine Oluwadare, brand manager for Milton.

Milk residue (breast milk or formula) can easily stick to the inside of the bottle, especially in hard-to-reach places, such as the teat or the screw cap. If this leftover milk is not thoroughly washed out of these places, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria such as E-coli and Salmonella.

"Sterilising is about wiping equipment completely clean of bacteria, viruses and fungi, the full microbial line-up. And, because milk is such a rich growth medium, even a tiny trace can multiply in bacteria surprisingly fast," explains Oluwadare.

Bottles, teats and certain breast pump parts must be properly sterilised to eliminate all germs.

"Soapy warm water is not enough to remove germs, and it doesn't kill all bacteria," says Oluwadare.

"When sterilising, using a trusted sterilising agent, such as Milton, which kills 99% of all germs, and is a safe solution."

Here are a few tips to ensure you allow your little one to avoid as many germs as possible:

Read our articles on breastfeeding and dummies.

There are different ways for parents to sterilise their baby's bottles:

No matter the sterilising method you use, make sure you are consistent - germs don't take a break.

With so many safe and simple sterilising options available today, it's a small task that brings big peace of mind. After all, when it comes to your baby's health, every drop of effort counts.