Dr. Brown's Manufacturer Suggested Cleaning Guidelines for Hospital and Clinical Environments

Disclaimer

The manufacturer's “Suggested Guidelines” are suggestions based on the current instructions provided with both Dr. Brown's® Retail and Medical products. ALL suggestions provided are intended to be used as a guideline for supporting individual hospital cleaning requirements and/or infection control policies and protocols.

General Cleaning Requirements

The Dr. Brown's® products are reusable and require cleaning prior to first use and after each use.

1. Prior to first use, disassemble the bottle system, clean bottle and nipple with soap and water and consider sanitizing/sterilizing according to one of the options listed below.
2. The work area and equipment in the infant bottle preparation room/area should always be kept clean.
3. Wash work surfaces with cleaning solution appropriate for food contact before and after use.

Suggested Options for Sanitizing/Sterilizing

These options are for consideration per organization/facility guidelines:

• Microwave steam sanitizing bags (sanitize)
• Top rack dishwasher (sanitize)
• Electric Sterilizer (sanitize)
• Steam Sterilization – Autoclaving (sterilize)
• Other options approved by hospital cleaning requirements and/or infection control policies/procedures.

Suggested Cleaning Guidelines Following Each Use

• The Dr. Brown's reusable bottle system should be disassembled, washed with soap and water immediately after use, rinsed well and air dried between each use.
• Prior to each use, always inspect the nipple hole for signs of weakening and replace if the integrity of the nipple has been compromised or damaged.
• Dr. Brown's® Non-Metal Bottle Brush and AccuBrush™ should be utilized to eliminate debris from the interior of the Dr. Brown's® bottles/vessels and collars.
• The Dr. Brown's wire cleaning brushes should be used to thoroughly clean the internal vent system (insert and reservoir) and Infant-Paced Feeding Valve ONLY and replaced every 24 hours. Do not use the wire brushes to clean the nipples, as this could damage the material and make the nipple hole larger.
• Use the chevron tip at the bottom of the Dr. Brown's® Non-Metal Bottle Brush and AccuBrush™ to eliminate debris inside the tip of the nipple and assure the nipple hole is clean and open. Breast milk fats or formula residue in the nipple hole could alter the flow rate of the nipple.

Suggested Daily Sanitization/Sterilization (Per Organization/Facility Guidelines)

Consider sanitizing/sterilizing the Dr. Brown's® reusable feeding system at least every 24 hours after cleaning thoroughly with soap and water.

Individual Infant Use:

• Microwave Steam Sanitizing Bags: The Dr. Brown's® bottle system, nipples, Non-Metal Bottle Brush, AccuBrush™ and one-piece silicone pacifiers can be sanitized via the Dr. Brown's® Microwave Steam Sanitizing Bag. (Letter of validation is available if required).

  Each Dr. Brown's® Microwave Steam Sanitizing Bag can be used for a total of 20 times at the following power levels and timeframes:

  • 1.5 minutes for 1100W+
  • 3 minutes for 800 – 1100W
  • 5 minutes for 500 to 750W

  Follow the directions on the side of the bag and observe the ⚠️ WARNING – SAFETY NOTE to avoid injury when using.

Multiple Infant Use:

• Steam Sterilization (Autoclaving): All Dr. Brown's® bottle systems and nipples have been tested up to 30 cycles of autoclaving. (Letter of validation is available if required).

  NOTE: The Dr. Brown's® Non-Metal Bottle Brush and AccuBrush™ cannot be Steam Sterilized as the material will not sustain the high temperature. Handi-Craft Company has not tested the Specialty Feeding System Infant-Paced Feeding Valve or pacifiers with Steam Sterilization.

Additional Cleaning Suggestions for Dr. Brown's Cup Products

• Prior to first use, clean cups and parts with water and soap.
• Cups and parts are top rack dishwasher safe. Microwave steam sterilization may damage some components of the cup.

For further instructions for specific cups, visit: Dr. Brown's Baby Customer Support

References

• Infant Feedings: Guidelines for Preparation of Human Milk and Formula in Health Care Facilities, 3rd edition 2019, Steele, C and Collins E. Pediatric Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, American Dietetic Association.
• Dr. Brown's® Microwaveable Steam Sanitizing Bag and Bottle package insert for Instructions.