Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Tiny Tummy Troubles - Survey reveals 1 in 10 parents do not sterilise

A new survey has revealed that 1 in 10 parents don’t sterilise their baby’s bottles and feeding equipment, putting them at risk of sickness and diarrhoea caused by bacteria in the bottles. The survey of 3,000 parents by sterilising experts Milton found that out of those who do sterilise, 36% only sterilise equipment once a day rather than before/after every feed as recommended by the NHS (1).

The survey also revealed that 25% of parents stop sterilising at 6 months, the time when a baby’s immune system is at its weakest, indicating that there's a lack of information given to parents about the importance of sterilising and good hygiene. 65% of parents revealed that they get their baby care advice from their GP or midwife however friends and family also have a strong influence for half of parents.

50% of the parents surveyed said their babies had suffered between 1 to 3 stomach upsets during their first 12 months, with a further 8% stating their babies suffered diarrhoea more frequently.

When it comes to choosing a sterilising method, the most popular choice factor was ‘quick and easy’ with over a third of parents stating this at their main reason for using a particular method followed by ‘recommended by midwife/GP’ for 22% and ‘my mother used the method’ for 18%.

6 in 10 parents are worried about germs in their home, with 52% of parents revealing they were more worried with their first child than subsequent children.

76% of parents worry if they see their children put something in their mouth, yet only 47% would sterilise their babies dummy if it fell on the floor. When asked what the strangest thing was their baby had put in their mouth, the list answers included conkers, a snail, seaweed and a spider – proving that babies really will put anything in their mouths given half a chance!

To help educate parents on the importance of sterilising and maintaining a hygienic environment around young babies, Milton have put together a free guide entitled ‘Keeping Your Home Baby Friendly and Germ Free’. The guide is packed with advice on why it’s important to sterilise, the development of baby’s immune system, where in the home the germs are lurking and how to keep things clean.

Parents can request a free copy by calling 01202 780558 or by writing to Baby Hygiene Guide, PO Box 4030, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1RZ.

Further information about the Milton range of hygiene and sterilising products and for tips on baby hygiene visit www.milton-tm.com

Regional Statistics

Northern Ireland

• 31% don’t sterilise at all
• 54% of those who do sterilise only do so once a day and 46% sterilise every time they feed
• 69% are worried about germs in their home
• 54% said their baby had 1-3 stomach upsets in the 1st year

Scotland

• 17% don’t sterilise
• 40% of those who do sterilise only do so once a day and 53% sterilise every time they feed
• 52% are worried about germs in their home
• 54% said their baby had 1-3 stomach upsets in the 1st year

London

• 17% don’t sterilise
• 68% sterilise feeding equipment everytime they feed their baby
• 26% of those who do sterilise only do so once a day
• 5% sterilise less than once a week
• 59% are worried about germs in their home
• 47% said their baby had 1-3 stomach upsets in the 1st year

Midlands

• 10% don’t sterilise
• 36% of those who do sterilise only do so once a day and 58% sterilise every time they feed
• 54% are worried about germs in their home
• 48% said their baby had 1-3 stomach upsets in the 1st year

North East

• 11% don’t sterilise
• 36% of those who do sterilise only do so once a day and 63% sterilise every time they feed
• 68% are worried about germs in their home
• 46% said their baby had 1-3 stomach upsets in the 1st year

North West

• 11% don’t sterilise
• 28% of those who do sterilise only do so once a day and 63% sterilise every time they feed and 6% sterilise less than once a week
• 63% are worried about germs in their home
• 50% said their baby had 1-3 stomach upsets in the 1st year

South East

• 13% don’t sterilise
• 43% of those who do sterilise only do so once a day and 48% sterilise every time they feed their baby
• 67% are worried about germs in their home
• 53% said their baby had 1-3 stomach upsets in the 1st year

South West

• 9% don’t sterilise
• 36% of those who do sterilise only do so once a day
and 54% sterilise every time they feed their baby and
8% sterilise once a week
• 61% are worried about germs in their home
• 41% said their baby had 1-3 stomach upsets in the 1st year

Wales

• 19% don’t sterilse
• 33% of those who do sterilise only do so once a day
and 56% sterilise every time they feed their baby and
7% sterilise once a week
• 65% are worried about germs in their home
• 44% said their baby had 1-3 stomach upsets in the
first year

(1)http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=...


Press enquiries:Laura Cook (01903) 821550
Email:lcook@pegasuspr.co.uk
Issued by:Pegasus Public Relations
On behalf of:Ceuta Healthcare