Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer
User Manual and Safety Information
Product Overview
Thank you for purchasing the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer. This appliance is designed to provide a simple, easy, and reliable method for sterilizing baby bottles and parts before feeding. It utilizes intense steam heat to eliminate common household germs. The sterilizer can hold up to six Dr. Brown's™™ baby bottles and associated parts, and is also compatible with most major competitive brands. It can also be used to sterilize other items like pacifiers, teethers, toys, cups, utensils, and breast pump parts, provided they can withstand boiling water.
Important: Always pour water into the device before turning it on.
Parts Identification
The Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer includes the following parts:
- A. Top cover
- B. Main cover
- C. ON/OFF Button [⚙️]
- D. Cycle Start Button [▶️]
- E. Cycle Indicator Lights
- F. Tray
- G. Tongs
- H. Measuring Cup
Diagram Description: A visual representation of the sterilizer unit with labels A through H pointing to the different components.
How to Use
- Ensure all bottles, bottle parts, and accessories are clean, washed, rinsed, and empty before use.
- Place the appliance on a flat, stable surface, out of reach of children, to prevent it from being knocked over during operation. Remove the tray.
- Remove the measuring cup and tongs from the unit.
- Fill the measuring cup to the FILL LINE (3 oz/80 ml) with water. Pour this water into the bottom of the heating chamber. For optimal results, use distilled water. Using tap water may require monthly descaling. Note: Do not exceed the recommended water amount. Hard water may lead to increased build-up or residue on the heating plate.
- Place the tray (Part F) into the sterilizer heating chamber. Arrange bottles and other parts within the tray. (Refer to Figures A-G for suggested layouts for both narrow and wide-neck bottles and parts.)
- Close the main cover (Part B) and arrange parts on the grate as shown in Figures C and G.
- Close the top cover (Part A).
- Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet and press the ON/OFF Button (C). The cycle indicator lights (E) will illuminate in a RED-BLUE-GREEN sequence, indicating the unit is powering on. Once this sequence completes, the green light will remain illuminated, indicating "READY" mode.
- Ready Cycle: When the green "READY" symbol [✅] is illuminated, press the Cycle Start Button (D) to begin sterilization.
- Heat Cycle: The red symbol [?] indicates the unit is "HEATING" to create steam. This light remains on until all water is consumed and the cycle is complete, typically around 8 minutes, though this can vary based on water amount and number of items.
- Cool Down Cycle: Upon completion of the sterilization cycle, the blue symbol [❄️] indicates the "COOL DOWN" cycle. Note: If the unit started the heating cycle without water, it must complete the cool down cycle before another heat cycle can begin. CAUTION: Do not open the sterilizer during the cool down cycle.
- READY (unload) Cycle: When the cool down cycle finishes, the green "READY" symbol [✅] will illuminate again. You may now unload your items or allow them to air dry.
- Open the main cover and remove all sterilized items. Place them on a countertop or other flat surface. Re-assemble bottles with their components.
- To turn the unit off, press the ON/OFF Button (C). You can start another sterilization cycle by adding another 3 oz/80 ml of water.
Diagram Descriptions for Part Placement:
- Figure A: Shows the placement of narrow reservoirs within the sterilizer.
- Figure B: Illustrates the arrangement of narrow bottles.
- Figure C: Depicts the placement of narrow parts such as nipples/teats, collars, inserts, and pacifiers/soothers.
- Figure D: Details the placement of wide-neck reservoirs*.
- Figure E: Shows the arrangement of wide-neck bottles.
- Figure F: Illustrates the placement of wide-neck caps, with two on the bottom and four on the top.
- Figure G: Depicts the placement of wide-neck parts, including nipples/teats, collars, inserts, and pacifiers/soothers.
*Note for Wide-Neck Bottles: When sterilizing six (6) 9 oz/270 ml Wide-Neck Options+™™ bottles, remove the detachable handle from the inner tray to accommodate all six bottles, reservoirs, and caps. The green reservoirs should be placed inside the bottles during sterilization. Ensure all parts are completely cool before removing them from the unit.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To Clean the Appliance:
The Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer should be cleaned at least once a week with regular use. Allow the device to cool for at least 60 minutes after a sterilization cycle before cleaning. Always disconnect the power plug from the outlet before cleaning.
- The removable tray, tongs, and measuring cup can be washed in hot, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly.
- The exterior base, heating chamber, and both covers can be cleaned using a damp sponge or cloth.
CAUTION: Do not immerse the sterilizer base in water, as this will damage electrical components.
To Clean the Heating Element:
Mineral deposits may form on the metal heating element at the bottom of the heating chamber. It is important to de-scale the appliance every 4 weeks to maintain proper function.
- Unplug the device.
- Remove the tray.
- Prepare a de-scaling solution: Mix 3 oz (80 ml) of white vinegar with cold water up to the dashed line (0.5 oz/20 ml), for a total of 3.5 oz (100 ml).
- Pour the vinegar/water mixture directly over the heating element.
- Turn the unit on and run a sterilization cycle.
- Empty any remaining solution and rinse the heating chamber with clean water.
NOTE: Do not use bleach, harsh abrasives, or solvents to clean the heating chamber or heating elements, as this can cause permanent damage and void the warranty.
Warranty and Support
Limited Product Warranty:
The Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer comes with a one-year warranty covering defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase. In the event of a malfunction or defect during the warranty period, Handi-Craft Company will, at its discretion, replace or repair the product. To initiate a warranty claim, send the defective unit, proof of purchase with a valid date, and a description of the problem to:
Handi-Craft Company
4433 Fyler Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Attention: Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Deluxe Bottle Sterilizer Warranty
Please Note: This warranty does not cover defects resulting from negligence, accidents, or improper use of the appliance. For questions, contact Dr. Brown's at drbrownsbaby.com or 1-800-778-9001. This product is intended for household use only.
The product is covered by a 1 Year Limited Warranty and is ETL Listed by Intertek.
Important Safeguards
This product is for household use only. When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including:
- Read all instructions before use.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To prevent electrical shock, do not immerse the cord or plug in water or other liquids.
- Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used by or near children.
- This appliance shall not be used by children. Keep the appliance and its cord out of reach of children.
- Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before attaching or detaching parts.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after it malfunctions or has been damaged. Return the appliance to an authorized service facility for examination, repair, or adjustment.
- The heating element surface remains hot after use.
- Using accessory attachments not recommended by Handi-Craft Company may cause injuries.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Exercise extreme caution when moving an appliance containing hot liquids.
- To operate, plug the cord into a wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to "off" and then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
- Do not use the appliance for any purpose other than its intended use.
- A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the risk of entanglement or tripping over a longer cord.
- Longer extension cords may be used if care is exercised. If a longer extension cord is used, its marked electrical rating should be at least as great as the appliance's rating, and it should be arranged so it does not drape over the countertop or tabletop where children could pull on it or someone could trip over it.
- Never immerse the sterilizer or power cord in water.
- When in use, the sterilizer contains hot water. Be careful to avoid spilling or splashing water on yourself when removing contents.
- For Model AC045 only: This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse it. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug.
- This appliance is intended for household use only.
- Appliances may be used by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning safe use and understand the hazards involved.
- Children shall not play with the appliance.
- If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or a similarly qualified person to avoid hazard.
- NOT FOR SPACE HEATING PURPOSES.
Warning: Do not misuse this sterilizer for other than its intended use to avoid potential injury. Surfaces are liable to get hot during use.