Sterilising your baby's bottles and accessories is really important, and UV sterilisers are among some of the best sterilisers out there, making life a lot easier. Sterilising can be a long and tedious task, and according to the NHS, you'll need to do it until your baby is one year old, so you'll want to invest in a good piece of kit that won't disappoint you.
You have enough to think about as a parent without having to worry about how to clean and sterilise your baby's bottles when you are bottle-feeding your little one. There are different ways to sterilise bottles, including steam, boiling, cold water sterilisation, and also UV, so how do you know which option is right for you?
UV sterilisers allow you to sterilise your little one's bottles quickly and on the move, which is great for busy parents. They really do take the hassle out of sterilising, and may also ensure the bottles are dry and even act as storage.
Best UV sterilisers at a glance:
Using UV power, UV sterilisers can sanitise your baby's bottles in as little as three minutes with no need for cooling or drying. It's one of the more advanced sterilising options.
Sound too good to be true? Keep reading for everything you need to know about this nifty device, plus the best UV sterilisers you can buy in the UK. You'll also find advice from the experts; Malcolm Jackson, EMEA Product Marketing Manager at Tommee Tippee.
How we choose the best UV sterilisers
For essential products such as sterilisers, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product pages. Our mum and dad testers have been putting these UV sterilisers through their paces all year round and reporting back to help us coordinate this list of the best ones out there.
The Mother&Baby Awards parent testers are provided with some guidelines while testing so that they take into consideration four key areas: usability, design, quality, and value for money. We ask them to score each of these out of 10, as well as give their overall impression of the product. For sterilisers we also considered the size of the UV steriliser, i.e., how much can fit in it, as well as how much counter space it take up. Speed of sterilisation was another factor, plus functionality and variety of settings, as well as what can go in the steriliser. While there aren't that many UV sterilisers on the market, all our picks are from reputable brands with expertise in sterilisation.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we consider in our testing process.
The best UV sterilisers 2024
Awarded Silver for Best Steriliser/ Sterilising Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
This UV steriliser has a spacious interior and a lightning-fast seven-minute sterilisation cycle, ensuring that your baby's bottles, teats, soothers, and more are germ-free in no time.
The Vital Baby NURTURE Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer is not just for baby items; it’s also suitable for things like makeup brushes, keys, and even your phone. Plus, it does not need water, chemicals, or heat, making it great for those things babies like to put in their mouths that they probably shouldn’t!
Parents love how easy it is to use its various cycles, whether you're sterilising a few bottles or a mix of items. Its compact size means it fits easily on any countertop and is great for travel.
Items come out of the steriliser dry and cool, ready to use immediately, so no more waiting around for a sterilised bottle. Though some testers wished for a larger capacity, many found that its efficiency outweighed the size.
Read our full Vital Baby NURTURE Advanced Pro UV Steriliser review.
Pros
- Auto shut-off
- Quick
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Available in black or white
- Large capacity
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Despite its large capacity, its design doesn't allow for many bottles
Best energy-efficient UV steriliser
MOTHER&BABYShortlisted for Best Steriliser/ Sterilising Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2022.
The Tommee Tippee Ultra UV Steriliser offers a convenient solution for busy moms who want to efficiently sterilise baby bottles and accessories.
With the capacity to sterilise and dry six bottles in just 35 minutes, the Tommee Tippee Ultra UV Steriliser ensures items are ready for immediate use, eliminating 99.9% of harmful germs using UV light without needing heat, steam, or chemicals.
Parent testers found it very easy to set up and control, and the removable shelves make it more versatile for different-sized bottles. Mum tester Maria loved this feature, commenting, “for me, the size and the removable shelves are a great feature. As a mum who combi-feeds, I have plenty of bottles and breastmilk expressing equipment which need sterilising often multiple times a day.” Although it’s sleek in design, it is on the larger side compared to other models, meaning it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens, and it means it isn’t portable.
Some testers also would have liked the sterilising time to be much shorter, as it does take a while longer than other sterilisers. Mum tester Siobhan said, “The shortest sterilising option is 35 minutes, which just doesn't work with babies!”
Read our full Tommee Tippee Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser review.
Pros
- Three-in-one product
- Easy to use
- Available in black or white
- Efficient
- Auto shut-off
- Compatible with most baby bottles
Cons
- It has a slightly longer cycle than some others on the market
- A larger unit
Best 3 minute cycle UV steriliser
NubyAwarded Bronze for Best Steriliser/ Sterilising Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023.
This innovative steriliser uses ultraviolet light to zap away 99.9% of bacteria in just three minutes, with no water, microwave, or chemicals required. It's a quick, hassle-free solution for sterilising bottles, dummies, teethers, toys, and even breast pump parts.
It’s super easy to use. Simply pop two bottles into the compact unit, zip it up, press the button, and voila! The sterilisation cycle begins, leaving you free to focus on your little one. It’s lightweight, stylish, and made from easy-clean material, so it won't clutter your counter space.
Our parent tester appreciated being able to use items immediately after sterilisation, commenting, “I found it much less time-consuming when trying to make my child a bottle with the peace of mind that the quickness of the sterilisation has been complete."
While some mums would have liked a larger capacity, one tester said, " The only downside I found is that there was only space for 2 bottles.” Thanks to its compact size and portability, many found it perfect for travel.
Read our full Nuby UK UV Steriliser review.
Pros
- Versatile cleaning
- Auto shut-off
- Quick
- Lightweight
- Handle for portability
- Stylish design
Cons
- Only fits two bottles
Best UV steriliser for dummies
Awarded Silver for Best Steriliser/ Sterilising Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2022.
A compact yet powerful solution for on-the-go sterilisation, this nifty device uses UV light to zap away 99.99% of bacteria and viruses in just 59 seconds (less than a minute), making it ideal for busy parents. Mum tester Kelly said, “I like that it only takes 59 seconds to kill almost all bacteria and viruses.”
Perfect for dummies, teats, and other smaller items, parents love how portable this steriliser is. Mum tester Helen said, “When you are out of the house, and the baby has dropped their dummy, being able to sterilise a dummy quickly is invaluable.” They loved the long-lasting battery and a USB charger that’s included. Its sleek design and handy silicone strap make it a stylish and practical addition to your baby bag or buggy.
As well as loving the speed, efficiency, and peace of mind it provided, parents found it easily removed odours without harsh chemicals. While some parents found the catch and button a bit stiff, with mum tester Joanna commenting that “the catch and button on the steriliser can be quite stiff and difficult to open, thus needing extra force which occasionally causes the dummy or bottle teat to fall on the floor,” they liked its reasonable price point and impressive performance.
Read our full Munchkin UV Mini Steriliser review.
Pros
- Auto shut-off
- Portable
- Dual power (USB or batteries)
- Quick to sterilise
- Lightweight
Cons
- Catch and button can be stiff
Best portable UV steriliser
This portable steriliser with ultraviolet light is a brilliant solution for on-the-go sterilisation. It sterilises with ultraviolet light in just three minutes, and no water, microwave, or chemicals are required.
It’s compact and lightweight in design, making it perfect for holidays, camping trips, or days out. It's powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery, providing approximately 17 cycles per charge, ensuring you're always prepared to sterilise wherever you go. One mum tester who loved how convenient this was said, “We started off with a cold water steriliser, but after purchasing this for days out, etc., we are really tempted to get another Nuby UV steriliser for at home as we are so impressed with this portable one.”
To use, simply place a bottle or other item into the bag, zip it up, and press the button to start the 3-minute UV cycle. The bag's UV light swiftly eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, leaving items clean and safe for immediate use. Plus, its easy-clean fabric makes for easy maintenance.
Parents rave about its speed, portability, and storage capacity. However, some parents would have liked for it to fold down to a more compact size when not in use, with one mum saying, “It would be handier if it collapsed down smaller.”
We love that this steriliser bag includes a Nuby baby bottle and dummy, making it great value for money. It also works to sterilise toys, breast pump parts, teethers, and even your mobile phone without the hassle of steam or chemicals.
Pros
- Portable
- Adjustable carry strap
- Lightweight
- Includes a storage compartment to carry dummies and bottles
- Auto shut-off
Cons
- Could be more compact when folded down
Are UV sterilisers safe for babies?
"Yes," says Malcolm. "UV sterilisers are safe for sterilising baby's equipment, provided the instructions for correct use are followed, and the items to be sterilised are suitable."
In fact, medical professionals have relied on UV sterilising to sterilise rooms and equipment for years now. Also, unlike UVA rays, which cause skin aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn, UV sterilisers use artificial UVC rays. These kill germs and bacteria safely and quickly.
However, as Munchkin advises, not all UV sterilisers are built similarly. You should research to ensure you are buying from a reputable brand. It'll have high standards for product safety and can back up its sterilisation claims. It's also recommended to choose UV sterilisers that are "UL Safety certified, has premium child safety features, and meet regulatory standards." They should prevent UV light from emitting out of the steriliser with auto shut-off should the lid be opened.
Do UV sterilisers work?
Yes, and pretty amazingly too. They require no water, tablets, or drying, so are brilliant for sterilising your baby bits, fuss-free. And, if they are portable, they're great for sterilising dummies and bottles if you're out on the go. Once it's sterilised, your baby's bottles and equipment can be used immediately after too, with no cooling time necessary.
How do UV sterilisers work?
Malcolm says, "A UV steriliser uses a special type of light UV-C to sterilise baby feeding equipment in place of other methods of conventional sterilisation, i.e., Hot steam or cold-water sterilisation using chemicals.
"UV-C is a proven disinfectant against a variety of viruses, bacteria, moulds, and spores and has been a trusted technology for some considerable time having the power to break down the DNA/RNA of bacteria and viruses so they can no longer reproduce or cause illness."
You'll find most UV sterilisers are used the same. All you do is pop your baby's item into the steriliser, close it, push a button. Within a few minutes, your baby's item will be sterilise.
UV steriliser FAQs
How long do bottles stay sterile once removed from the UV steriliser?
Once the sterilising cycle is finished, your bottles and other baby accessories will stay sterile for up to 24 hours—whether you leave them in the steriliser or remove them straight away. While some people might stop sterilising at six months old, the NHS advises sterilising for the first year.
Can you put wet items in a UV steriliser?
Before you use a steriliser, you should wash, rinse, and drain the items you want to put in. Some UV sterilisers have a dryer function, like the Tommee Tippee Ultra UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, Dryer, and Storage. However, you should not put wet items into the steriliser as water can gather at the base. Tommee Tippee advises, "If there is water at the base or leaking from the steriliser, please turn off the machine and wipe away water."
What can you sterilise in a UV steriliser?
Malcolm says, "Typically, a variety of baby equipment can be safely sterilised in a UV steriliser, including feeding bottles, teats, and soothers (non-latex), tableware, cutlery (non-metallic), breast pumps (not the air tube or electric components), teat tongs, storage lids, storage pots, and nipple shields."
You may find that the size of the UV steriliser dictates what you can fit in it. Also, some UV sterilisers, such as the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser & Dryer, can clean toys, mobile phones, and keys. Make sure to check what the manufacturer recommends before throwing anything old in!
How to clean a baby UV steriliser?
The beauty of a UV steriliser is that you don't need to worry about descaling or maintenance. However, you should clean it regularly. So, here's how to sterilise baby bottles and feeding equipment.
To clean your UV steriliser, follow these simple steps:
1) Turn off the power supply and wait for your steriliser to cool down before cleaning
2) Remove all items from the steriliser, including any trays
3) Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe clean the inner and outer walls of the steriliser. Don't forget the screen where dust may have accumulated
4) Wash and dry any trays before returning them to the steriliser
5) Run a 'sterilise' cycle to kill off any remaining germs
It's recommended that your steriliser be cleaned every few days.
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor and has been a writer for titles such as Mother&Baby and Yours. In her role, she has researched and recommended the best products for parents, from breast pumps to toys, nursery décor to car seats. She's also kept a keen eye on celeb mums and influencers to share what they've been using to help make parenting that little bit easier.