How to Clean a Baby Soother: Sterilising and Care Tips
By Dr Browns | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to clean a baby soother safely, including daily rinsing, sterilising methods, and when to replace. Practical tips for pacifier care with Dr Brown's soothers.
Quick Answer
Clean a baby soother daily by rinsing with warm soapy water and sterilising using boiling water, steam, or a dishwasher. Replace pacifiers every 2-4 weeks or at the first sign of damage. Dr Brown's One Piece Silicone Soother is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
Why Proper Soother Cleaning Matters
A baby soother goes into your baby's mouth repeatedly, so keeping it clean reduces the risk of germs causing oral thrush or stomach upsets. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sterilising new pacifiers and cleaning them daily. Dr Brown's silicone soothers are BPA-free and designed for easy maintenance, but the cleaning routine applies to any brand.
Step-by-Step Soother Cleaning Routine
- Rinse Immediately After Use: Run the soother under cool tap water to remove saliva and debris before it dries. This prevents buildup and makes the next steps more effective. Common mistake: letting a used soother sit in the diaper bag. A quick rinse now saves scrubbing later.
- Wash with Warm Soapy Water: Use a mild dish soap and a clean bottle brush or your fingers to gently scrub the entire soother, especially the teat and shield. Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove all soap residue. Checkpoint: avoid using abrasive sponges that can scratch silicone and create bacteria traps.
- Sterilise Daily (Choose One Method): Boil the soother in water for 5 minutes, use an electric steam steriliser, or place it on the top rack of the dishwasher (if dishwasher-safe). Dr Brown's silicone soothers are steriliser-safe and top-rack dishwasher-safe. Common mistake: boiling for too long can damage silicone. Stick to 5 minutes and let it cool naturally.
- Air Dry Completely: Place the sterilised soother on a clean, dry cloth or a drying rack with good airflow. Avoid using a towel that might leave lint. Store in a clean, sealed container when fully dry. Checkpoint: moisture trapped in a storage case can breed mold. Only store when bone-dry.
- Inspect and Replace Regularly: Check the soother for cracks, tears, stickiness, or discoloration. Replace every 2-4 weeks or immediately if damaged. A worn soother can harbor bacteria or become a choking hazard. Verdict: a damaged soother is unsafe no matter how well you clean it. Keep spares on hand.
Product Spotlight
- Dr Brown's One Piece Silicone Soother 2 Pack - Blue & Green 0-6 Months: Dr Brown's One-Piece Silicone Soother is 100% silicone, lightweight, and features a contoured butterfly-shaped shield that curves away from the nose and cheeks. The one-piece design means no crevices where moisture or bacteria can hide, making it simpler to clean and sterilise thoroughly. The silicone material is dishwasher-safe on the top rack, fitting into a busy care routine.
