Avent Microwave Steam Steriliser > Reviews (32)

Ok, so what's the one thing that all parents, especially first time new parents who don't have a clue, worry about all the time? Whether or not the equipment you and your baby use is clean enough or whether it will make the baby ill. The solution? And the one thing a parent should not do without? A steriliser! The Avent ExpressMicrowave Steriliser to be precise.

What is the difference between Clean and Sterilised?

Clean means that no dirt is visible on the surface whereas sterilised means that harmful bacteria is reduced to a safe level and poses no threat to your baby. Therefore it is important to both clean, in hot soapy water, and sterilise equipment thoroughly before and after you use it.

What is a Steriliser?

A Steriliser is a piece of equipment that, after washing thoroughly bottles and teats etc, ensures that they are sterile and germ-free. The Avent

Steriliser is very simple to use and requires just 4 minutes in a microwave. It couldn't be easier to sterilise your baby's equipment.

Where did I get it and for how much?

I purchased mine from Mothercare and it cost me a mere £19.99 which I can only say is excellent value for money 1, for what you get 2, for how much you will use it and 3, for the piece of mind that your baby is safe from germs and bacteria.
I know that they are also available at all leading supermarkets that have a Mother and Baby section such as Tesco and Asda, for the same price and all Mother and Baby specialists.

What does it come with?

· 1 x 260ml Avent bottle (9oz bottle)
· 1 x 125ml Avent bottle (4oz bottle)
· 1 x VIA breastmilk container (for storage) with Isis breast pump adaptor
· 1 x Avent bottle brush (for cleaning)
· 1 x Avent teat tongs (for handling the teat)
· 2 x Avent newbornsilicone soothers (dummies)

For more info on the VIA container and pump adaptor see me previous review on the Avent Isis Breast Pump.

What does it look like?

The steriliser is made of hard plastic all the through. The base is white and the lid is clear and transparent so that you can see what is held in it without having to open it. This is good so that you know that what you need is inside before opening the lid and exposing the contents.
Inside is a blue bottle rack designed to make squeezing several bottles and accessories in easily.
How does it work?

The steriliser holds up to 4 9oz wide neck bottles. It needs 200ml of water to be placed in the bottom. This is to create steam, which sterilises the equipment. Once the equipment is stored inside and the lid has been clipped into place, you simply need to place the steriliser into the microwave for 4-8 minutes depending on the power of your microwave. Mine is 850w so I only need to use the 4-minute cycle.
The contents stay sterilised for up to 3 hours providing the lid isn't removed hence why I said that the transparent lid is useful for seeing whether the piece you require is inside without having to expose the rest. I think it's fab !

Can only Avent products be used with it?

Surprisingly enough, yes, only Avent bottles are compatible because of the shape.

I wonder if this is to encourage you to buy Avent bottles as well as an Avent steriliser? Hmm ….

Can I buy Extra Avent Bottles?

Yes again almost anywhere with a Mother and Baby section has Avent Products as it is such a popular, well known and trusted name in the parenting world. The 4oz bottles come in single packs for around £2.50 and double packs for around £5. The 9oz bottles are available in single pack for around £3, double packs for around £6 and treble packs for around £8.50. They are worth stacking up on in my opinion because the 4oz bottles are only used for a limited amount of time and the 9oz bottles can be used for longer whether they only have 5oz feed or the full 9oz as they get older.

A Drawback?

We've all had those times when the baby's screaming and we're rushing around trying to sort a feed out and it seems like nothing can be done quick enough and the screams are getting louder and louder but the time waiting for the kettle to boil, or the microwave to ding seems to drag.
Because Rylee slept through the day for the couple of weeks after birth, my milk flow has established itself so that I don't produce during the day, as my body doesn't think I need the milk. Now that he's older and hungrier and his body clock is learning the difference between night and day he has started needing more milk during the day and less at night so my body has to establish the flow all over again. I have to express at night to prevent my breasts becoming swollen and engorged. I have to save the milk from the nighttime to use as a top up during the day when he's really hungry.
The point to this story is that I need to heat up the milk from being in the fridge and sterilise the teat before use. One time when Rylee was screaming through hunger, I dashed over to the microwave and dragged out the steriliser as soon as it pinged. As I removed the lid, the steam burnt me quite badly on my finger. Poor Rylee had to wait even longer while silly mummy held her finger under the running cold water. Lesson learned, leave well alone for at least a minute to let it cool slightly.
In my opinion, this is not a good enough not to have it though.

Assembly?

The directions that are included state the following for assembly and use:

Assembly and Use:
1.) Remove sterilizer from the box, and wash all items in soapy water before use.
2.) Add 7-ounces of water to the base.
3.) Load the sterilizer. Follow loading instructions. Do NOT overload.
4.) Secure lid to the base.
5.) Place sterilizer in the microwave, and set. (Follow the instruction guide, as steaming time will vary depending on microwave wattage.)
6.) Wait 2 minutes to remove from the microwave.
7.) Remove lid, and place contents on drying rack

Personally, I don't think putting it together could be any easier, I can do it in my sleep. Literally, as I have done many a time at 2am lol.
De-scaling?

Avent recommends de-scaling once a month to ensure continued effectiveness. Mix 4-ounces of cold water with 2-ounces of white vinegar, and pour into the sterilizer with the bottle rack in place.

Heat for 2 minutes, and let stand until lime-scale has dissolved. Empty the unit, and rinse thoroughly.

Dimensions?

Steriliser dimensions: 26.5cm x 26.5cm x 15.5cm

Would I recommend this product?

Absolutely 100% yes! It's easy and convenient to use, it's cheap and most importantly it's fast. In my opinion, it makes a parent's life so much easier as well as giving the all important piece of mind that your baby is safe from germs and bacteria. I think this product is fab. I think all of Avent's products are, and I definitely trust them as a brand. The only draw back, as I've mentioned is that if you try to use it too quickly you can get burnt by the steam, but it's common sense really isn't it ? Of which I have none. Steams Burns - see ? Lesson learnt lol

Big eLLeBee Thumbs up - ***

Where can I find out more about Avent Products ?

Visit: www.aventbaby.com

Write to them at:

Avent
Glemsford
Suffolk
CO10 7QS

Email: england@cannonavent,com