Mumeemagic is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Comotomo baby bottles are popular with parents that want an effective solution for their gassy babies. The product’s anti-colic vent is designed to improve the flow without being a hassle for the parent. Kids can get a better feed with these bottles, and so parents are keen to use them every time.
The problem with consistent use is that you need to figure out the best possible cleaning regime. Those bottles need to be spotless and hygienic enough for babies to feed again without the risk of getting sick.
A common question from parents is whether they need to wash these bottles by hand or if they can get away with running them through a dishwasher cycle. Is it possible to put them through the machine or is it best not to?
Comotomo Baby Bottles
Are Comotomo Bottles Dishwasher Safe?
The good news for all parents that prefer to wash all their baby bottles in a dishwasher is that you can put these Comotomo Baby Bottles in there too. The quality of the silicone and clever construction make them a lot easier to wash than some other products.
However, there are still some considerations with cleaning and sterilization to keep in mind. The bottles aren’t impervious to damage when mistreated and you want to be sure that they will last as long as possible. You also want to be sure you are doing the best job possible to keep the bottle hygienic.
So, what do you need to know about cleaning these Comotomo bottles in a dishwasher or by hand? Why is sterilization such a concern? Also, why do some parents complain about odor and a yellow tinge to their bottles?
What Are Comotomo Baby Bottles Made From?
The majority of this bottle – the exception being the plastic ring – is made from 100% food-safe silicone. What this means is that you get a soft material that is much kinder on children than plastic. Hard plastic doesn’t have the same mouth feel for an infant and could leach chemicals after a while. This safer silicone is the preferred material for a lot of parents now, and it provides a little extra peace of mind when choosing a great anti-colic product for our kids.
Comotomo Original Bottles Vs Fake Comotomo Bottles
One thing to be aware of here is that you can get fake Comotomo bottles. These are products designed to imitate the look of the original to draw parents in. They will claim to be as beneficial and effective for kids and parents alike. This also means the expectation for the same sort of quality materials and ease of use.
But, this may not be the case at all. You don’t know that these fakes are pure food-grade silicone, so they may be more prone to damage and discoloration. They may not be able to handle being heated, washed, or sterilized in the same way. They also may not have the same quality vents or other parts.
Here is a video from What to Expect that talks about the 5 main features of Comotomo Bottles.
Why Do Comotomo Bottles Smell?
At some point in your time using these Comotomo baby bottles, you may notice a little bit of an odor coming from them. This can be a little concerning for any parent that is strict about hygiene and is sure they did their best to clean the bottle. The simple reason for this smell is that these bottles’ silicone build makes them more prone to absorbing smells.
So, if there is milk in there for a little longer than it needs to be, the smell may linger. Unfortunately, you may also get a smell if you leave your bottles to soak. The company suggests a little boiling with baking soda if this happens. Baking soda is a brilliant natural deodorant so you aren’t adding any unnecessary risk for your child through chemical cleaners.
On top of this, there is the risk of discoloration from leaving bottles too long and even from excessive sterilization. This is where the nice clear silicone bottle and its teat begin to develop a yellowish tinge. The bottle could be perfectly clean, but it won’t ever look like it and you may not want to use the bottle for your baby’s feed again.
This is why it is so important to follow the best cleaning practices for Comotomo baby bottles. Not only do you get the best results for the next feed, you protect the bottle for many more feeds to come.
Can Silicone Baby Bottles Go In A Dishwasher?
The first instinct you may have is to put your baby bottle in a dishwasher. It is a convenient way to get a lot of things clean and shiny without the hassle of scrubbing and the risk of missing something. You can load it up, leave it, and return to a bottle that is almost ready to reuse. But can you do this with silicone?
The answer is yes, but as long as you are careful with them. Silicone doesn’t respond quite the same way as plastic to hot water and could endure some damage. Damage to baby bottle parts is a big problem because it could inhibit the structural integrity of the vessel or make the vents or other features less effective.
The best thing to do here is to set a temperature limit of 180 degrees for the cycle so it doesn’t get too hot. At the same time, remember to load the bottle away from the heating element and to use a more gentle detergent. You can’t have those harsh chemicals eating away at the silicone. Also make sure the bottle is fully disassembled with the cap, ring, and teat in the basket for small items.
How To Clean Comotomo Bottles In A Dishwasher.
A great thing about these Comotomo baby bottles is that there are so few parts to deal with. You can easily take off the cap, ring, and nipple for cleaning and reassemble them later. That is because the clever vent system in these anti-colic bottles is in the teat, rather than some separate detachable element.
All you need to do is load the machine as stated above, use the correct cycle, and then consider sterilization afterward. Remember the sooner you get the bottles in the machine, the lower the chance of them building up germs, odor, or discoloration.
How To Clean Comotomo Bottles By Hand.
If you are worried that a dishwasher cycle will be too abrasive or hot – or if you simply don’t want to waste water on a couple of bottles – the other option is to clean the bottle by hand. This can take a bit more time and effort, but at least you will see the bottle getting cleaner as you work. Again, you need to be careful here with the actions and dish soap used.
It is better to work with a soft brush inside the bottle where it is harder to reach into the crevices. But, you should work with your fingers in the teat to remove the remaining milk or formula to prevent damage to the vent. If you damage that, it won’t be so effective for managing the flow of the feed.
Once clean, you need to put the bottle on a secure drying rack where it can air dry quickly and safely without the risk of any stagnant water picking up germs. Make sure all the components are ready for re-use before reassembling the bottle.
How Often To Sterilize Comotomo Bottles.
Sterilization is possible with these bottles and a good idea for a more thorough clean. You can be sure that the worse of any lingering bacteria is gone. However, you don’t want to overdo it. The company advises on cleaning the bottles after each feed, with keen attention to the vents and teat, but to only sterilize them once a week. There is no need for this to be more frequent unless your child, or a member of the household handling the feeds, has some form of illness.
Can You UV Sterilize Comotomo Bottles?
There are strong warnings from the people at Comotomo that you should not use any form of UV sterilization on your bottles. While the method can be effective and a tine-saver compared with boiling bottles, there is also the risk of excessive exposure, which can damage the silicone and lead to discoloration. It is best to stick with a more traditional sterilization unit or a cycle on your dishwasher, where available.
Clean Your Comotomo Bottles Well Every Single Time You Use Them
You have the choice between putting your bottles in a dishwasher cycle or washing them by hand. There is nothing wrong with the former if you know you are using the right temperature, dish soap, and method. But, it is also fine if you prefer to clean by hand.
Whatever you do, make sure not to leave the bottle for too long before washing and to avoid excessive sterilization. This will not only protect your child but will protect the bottles themselves and improve their lifespan.
