Sterilising bottle-feeding equipment  By Julia Youll  Why
sterilise?  During their first year of life, babies are at their
most vulnerable to viruses, bacteria and parasitic infections,
which can lead to anything from a mild attack of thrush to the
more serious condition of gastroenteritis. This is an illness
similar to food poisoning, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea
and subsequent dehydration.  Before sterilisation was the norm,
thousands of infant deaths were caused by gastroenteritis
problems. The cases we see now, which are rarely as serious, are
often connected to inadequate sterilising procedures. It is not
possible or practical to create a totally germ-free environment
for your baby but you can reduce the risks during his vulnerable
first year.  Cleaning your baby's equipment  It is not enough to
wash bottles in soapy water alone, although before sterilising
they need to be cleaned thoroughly along with the teats, so that
every trace of milk is removed. Make sure that the detergent you
use has been