Sterilization of infant formula: current practices and recommendations.

ABSTRACT

Home sterilization of infant formula became a standard of well-baby care in the 1940s. Its purpose was to eliminate bacterial pathogens that could contaminate water and bottles. Public water supplies are now rarely contaminated, and studies have confirmed that sterilization is no longer necessary. Connecticut family physicians and Connecticut mothers were polled and it was found that 48 percent of physicians recommend sterilization and that 54 percent of mothers (using public water supplies) sterilize formula. Formula sterilization recommendations by physicians and sterilization practices by mothers need to be updated.