Why should I stop boiling water for bottles at 4 months? Can I continue beyond 4 months?

Question

Hello, my baby has just turned 4 months old and all the references mention that before 4 months old we must boil the water we use and his bottles. However, I can't find any explanation on why 4 months (besides his weaker immune system before) or if there are any impacts to continue boiling. Can I also stop sterilizing her things?

Sarah-Yan Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello, When a child is 4 months old or less, his immune system is still immature which does not allow him to fight infections. Therefore, it is recommended to boil the water and the bottles to remove all traces of bacteria/virus that could be in them and to avoid that the child consumes them. After 4 months, it is still possible to boil the water/bottles, it is just not as compulsory, because the child's immune system is stronger. So if you want to continue to do this, there is obviously no problem. However, it becomes optional. Hope to see you soon, Sarah-Yan Chagnon, pharmacist