Congratulations on choosing to breastfeed your baby! Breast milk strengthens your baby’s immune system and protects it from invading germs, viruses, and infections. Providing breast milk gives your baby the very best start in life. Whether you are occasionally or exclusively pumping, proper cleaning and care of your pumps and accessories are essential. Follow these steps to sanitize and carefully care for your Spectra breast pump and accessories.

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SANITIZING ACCESSORIES AND INITIAL USE

Spectra Baby USA accessories (clear/pink) include breast shield/flange, upper & lower case backflow protector, and bottle with cap, disc, and cover. Silicone parts (white or clear) include duckbill valves and white backflow membranes. All Spectra Baby USA breast pumps are closed systems, meaning the tubing never comes in contact with your milk and never needs to be washed or sanitized. The CDC recommends sanitizing your accessories at initial use and once daily after being cleaned for extra germ protection.

Follow these initial steps to ensure proper safety and cleanliness of your pump parts:

• Always start with clean hands. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds.
• First, wash all parts (except tubing) in a designated bin with non-antibacterial soap and warm water.
• Next, rinse all washed parts with running water.
• To sanitize, use a pot large enough to submerge all parts and bring water to a boil fully.
• Boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
• Remove accessories carefully using clean tongs and place them on a clean washcloth or paper towel.
• Allow parts to air dry before use thoroughly, or store in a covered container or storage bag once dry.

DAILY MAINTENANCE

The CDC recommends washing all pump parts that come in contact with your breast/breastmilk after every use in a designated basin with warm, soapy water. Pump parts should never be placed directly in the sink because of possible bacteria contamination.

Follow these steps to clean your pump parts after every use:

• Always start with clean hands. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds.
• First, disassemble all pumping parts and set aside the tubing.
• Wash all parts (except tubing) in a designated bin with non-antibacterial soap and warm water.
• Next, rinse all washed parts with running water.
• Place washed pump parts on a clean washcloth or paper towel.
• Allow parts to air dry before use thoroughly, or store in a covered container or storage bag once dry.
• Sanitize daily for extra germ protection.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• To ensure the health and safety of your baby, do NOT refrigerate pump parts between uses. Bring along extra accessories if you do not have access to a sink.
• Wipe the tubing with a disinfectant wipe or damp cloth. If the tubing is washed and appears cloudy or moldy, replace it immediately.
• You can use a clean bottle brush to clean your pump parts. Do not insert any tools or brushes inside the duckbill valves, which can cause damage.
• Sanitizing can be done with steam, boiling water, or in the dishwasher using the sanitization cycle – do not use heat dry. Microwave steam bags work with the appropriate amounts of water. Follow the instructions of the bag manufacturer. Be aware that exposing pump parts to excessive heat can result in warping and discoloration, which is cosmetic and not shown to cause harm.

The above guidelines are for healthy, full-term babies. If your baby was born prematurely, has a weakened immune system due to illness, has other health challenges, or is hospitalized, follow the hospital’s recommendation and your child’s health care provider. For the CDC’s full guidance on breast pump part cleaning, click the link: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/hygiene/breast-pump-fact-sheet-p.pdf.