Breast
milk consumption can provide numerous benefits to both infants and their
parents. It provides the most optimal nutrition to facilitate the growth of
infants. While you are not physically breastfeeding your infant, you can keep
your milk supply and provide breast milk by pumping. Conversely, breast milk
may rapidly become contaminated with pathogens if it is not correctly preserved
following pumping. Consequently, it is imperative to guarantee that your breast
pump is thoroughly cleansed and sanitized to protect your child's health. The
subsequent illness of newborns has been caused by the accumulation of breast
milk residue on pump parts or the development of hazardous bacteria in breast
milk due to improper cleaning of pump parts. The most straightforward method of
guaranteeing your infant's safety is to sanitize the components of your breast
pump after each use. To preserve the pristine condition of your breast pump,
adhere to the cleaning of fridge method pump parts instructions provided
below.
Tips
for Keeping Your Breast Pump Germ-Free
Manually
Wash the Pump Components
It
is imperative to employ a bottle brush and wash basin specifically designed to
clean the pump kit and the items used for feeding the infant when cleaning by
hand. Ensure that the components of your pump are not directly placed in the
basin. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the pump kit when using the
bottle brush to cleanse the items. The pump can be cleansed by either holding
it under flowing water or soaking it in a bowl filled with fresh water. It is
recommended that all components be placed on a clean dishtowel in a clean
location and left to air dry completely.
Using
of Dishwasher When Cleaning the components
Initially,
verify that the components of your pump are suitable for dishwasher use.
Subsequently, the more significant items should be disposed of in the
dishwasher, while the smaller ones should be stored in a mesh laundry bag or a
container with a closed lid. While the dishwasher is filled with hot water,
employ the heated drying cycle or the sanitizing preset. Upon completion of the
dishwasher, remove the items from the machine with your clean hands. If they
are still damp, sit them on a dish towel that is clean to dry naturally.
Sanitize
the Components of Your Pump
Sanitizing
the components of your pump and the cleansing supplies will offer your infant
an additional layer of protection. You must thoroughly cleanse the bottle brush
and wash basin and allow them to air dry between cleaning applications.
Further, it is advised that you clean them every few days using either a
dishwasher or a manual wash option. It is imperative to clean the bottle,
brush, and washbasin daily for infants who were delivered prematurely or have
other health conditions. Steam, boiling water, or the sanitizing setting of a
dishwasher can be used to sanitize pump elements.
Supplementary
Safety Precautions
Even
though most breast pump manufacturers recommend cleaning the pump's components
after each use to ensure the maximum level of protection against germs for your
infants, there may be circumstances in which this is not feasible. If you find
yourself in this situation, we recommend that you rinse the components of your
pump to remove any milk residue and then store them in a sealed container in
the refrigerator to prevent contamination. If it is not practicable to clean
the pump components beforehand, an alternative approach is to use a clean paper
towel to remove milk residue from the pump parts. However, no studies have
demonstrated that this procedure is entirely safe, as refrigeration only slows
the development of bacteria and does not entirely prevent it. Sanitary wipes
that are exclusively intended for the cleansing of the components of bottles
and pumps are also manufactured by certain businesses.
Conclusion
Manual
washing, using a dishwasher, using a sanitizer, and following other safety
precautions are efficient ways to clean your pump. By adhering to these
recommended cleaning and sanitizing procedures for the components of your
breast pump, you are ensuring the safety of your neonate and preserving the
exceptional nutrients and protective properties of your breast milk.
