Vital Baby NURTURE Advanced pro UV Steriliser and Dryer review

The Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer boasts several impressive features that have already cemented its popularity with parents and comes complete with 4 different modes for sterilising both baby products and household items, giving families more customisation and versatility than ever before.

Tested by

Amber is a journalism and history graduate with a background in newspaper journalism and editing. She lives in semi-rural Derbyshire with her partner and their two children, 4-year-old Caleb and 6-week-old Harlow. The product was tested everyday with Harlow’s bottles and dummies, and occasionally with Caleb’s bath toys. Her partner also used it to sterilise his mobile phone and house keys, and it was also used to sterilise Amber’s makeup brushes.

What were your first impressions of the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer?

Any new technology or gadget on the market is always appealing to me, especially when it can make my life as a mum-of-two easier, with the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer promising to do just that. On first impressions, it’s a luxe looking steriliser and I can’t wait to try it out! With a new baby in the house, I’m keen to have products around that we can all rely on – with this machine moving away from traditional water or steam sterilisers, promising to eliminate 99.9% of germs with UV technology. With that in mind, it’s a real bonus that as well as its credentials, it also looks fantastic and comes in two colours, Arctic White or Onyx Black, to suit your home decor.

How does the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer compare to other models?

The Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer is the latest version of Vital Baby’s UV steriliser, with its predecessor released back in November 2019. Arriving in June 2021, the new-and-improved version is sleeker, more modern and most importantly, has a shorter sterilising cycle of 7 minutes compared to the previous 11 minutes, making it the most advanced UV steriliser on the market right now.

Reviewers of the original model, which was a previous MadeForMums Award Gold winner in 2020, have mentioned how loud it was while on a sterilising cycle, with Vital Baby really taking past criticism on board and correcting issues customers may have had in the past.

After using the latest version continuously for almost 3 weeks, I can safely say that it runs incredibly quiet, and the only noticeable sound is the beeping noise to alert you when the machine is finished. The shorter sterilising cycle is praised unanimously along with the condition of the bottles after sterilising (they really do look brand new), as well as other improvements such the wire basket now being removable and the faulty lid mechanism issue being rectified.

The COVID-19 pandemic between the release of both UV sterilisers also highlighted the need for sanitation of household baby products as well as providing a multi-functional product that would work well outside of baby and toddler items.

How easy was the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer to set up?

Compared to steam sterilisers that require you to measure out the water and assemble various bits and pieces, the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer was a breeze to set up. The instructions were really clear and within 5 minutes of opening the box, I knew exactly how to use each function, how to clean it, and after the preliminary cleaning cycle, it was ready to use. MFM parent tester Amy also praised how it was “very simple” to set up, which is a real selling point.

What are the different functions of the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer?

There are 4 different functions of the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer:

1. Auto: Combining drying and sterilising, this setting takes 29 minutes.
2. Dry: Handy for drying bottles, this setting takes 17 minutes.
3. Sterilise: For a quick and easy sterilise setting, this takes just 7 minutes.
4. Store: The storage setting is a really handy option for keeping bottles overnight or for keeping dummies in, so you know where everything is and that it’s clean at the same time. UV light being emitted once an hour keeps the contents sterile for up to 72 hours.

How do you use the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer?

• Always start by wiping out the steriliser after each use; I just used warm soapy water and a cloth (ringing the cloth out so as not to drench the inside of the appliance).
• After washing bottles/dummies/teats etc, place them in the steriliser and close the lid.
• Press the ON button and then select the function you want by pressing the symbol for it. I mostly use the Auto feature, so press the corresponding button and the countdown timer will appear on the screen; that’s it!
• When the steriliser is finished, it will beep for a few seconds and you can open the lid and grab your sterilised baby stuff.

How easy is the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer to use?

I must start by saying that all of the settings are incredibly easy to use and for our family, it has been a lifesaver. MFM parent tester Shelby, who used the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer with her 3-month-old, also noted: “This steriliser is so quick and easy to use, it makes my life so much easier by saving me time. It's just one button to turn it on and one button to start the cycle, which is so easy and foolproof.” Fellow MFM parent tester Amy also complimented its “very simple buttons” and liked how the machine gave a countdown, so you knew how long a cycle had left.

How do you rate the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced pro UV Steriliser and Dryer against other sterilisers you have used?

When my eldest son was a baby, I used the Tommee Tippee steam steriliser as it matched the bottles we were using at the time. The Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer is completely different, it’s much more of a ‘gadget’ steriliser and none of its features rely on boiling water, steam or descaling which is not something I was used to.

How does the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced pro UV Steriliser and Dryer compare to a steam steriliser?

I had no previous experience with a UV steriliser and was completely reliant on steam sterilisers for bottles, which is why this product was so intriguing to me. The biggest positive in comparison was the use of UV technology as opposed to the use of steam, which meant no soaking wet, boiling hot bottles at the end of a cleaning cycle, and the bottles looked factory new. Overall, I would say I was happy with the cleanliness of the bottles after both the steam and the UV sterilisers but was pleased to have dry bottles at the end of a UV cycle. MFM parent tester Chloe, who tested the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced pro UV Steriliser and Dryer with her 4-month old, was also impressed by this factor, adding: “I love that the bottles come out dry with no residue that even makes them feel that little bit cleaner. With there being no heat or water used means as soon as the timer finishes you can use them straight away without having to wait for them to cool or dry!”

What are the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer USPs, and what did you think of each of them?

With parents growing tired of steam sterilisation and frequent descaling, there was definitely a gap in the market for something new, which is where the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser & Dryer fits in quite nicely. The USP is definitely the UV technology and the dry sterilisation to kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses in just 7 minutes – with no need to use a kettle or spend time descaling the machine. It also means you no longer have to deal with dripping wet bottles that are too hot to handle. MFM parent tester Amy added that she found it “innovative that it dries the bottles, which a lot of sterilisers don’t do”, adding: “It’s also handy that you can use it to sterilise a range of other items not just bottles, dummies etc.”

How effective is the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer?

Compared to your usual steam steriliser, I would say the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV steriliser is incredibly effective. The drying setting leaves absolutely no water behind, and the auto setting has my daughter’s bottles and teats coming out looking pristine. The storage option is fantastic for keeping dummies and bottles safe and sterile before the night feeds. MFM parent tester Colleen also added that she found this product “effectively sterilises bottles” and that the setting to dry the bottles was “really handy” when using it with her 7-month-old baby.

How long does each cycle take, and does it indicate time left?

The settings for the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer are as follows:

• Auto Setting: 29 minutes
• Drying setting: 17 minutes
• Sterilise setting: 7 minutes
• Storage setting: continuous for up to 72 hours

The auto setting, which is probably the best all-rounder for sterilising, takes 29 minutes and does have a time indicator, so you know exactly how much time is left. Almost half an hour feels like quite a long time for me, especially if there’s something in there you’re desperate for. However, compared to similar products, notably the Tommee Tippee UV 3-in-1 Steriliser, which takes 60 minutes to complete a full sterilising cycle, this machine is much quicker and efficient. MFM parent tester Shelby added: “This steriliser definitely makes a difference with time saving! The full sterilising and drying cycle only takes 29 minutes and the sterilising only cycle takes just 7 minutes which is amazing!!”

What is the capacity of the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer and how many bottles can it hold?

Unfortunately, this is where the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer loses points, as the capacity is my biggest issue with the product. I like to sterilise my daughter’s bottles all at once, so that’s 6 bottles, 6 teats and 6 lids, which my steam steriliser has the capacity to do. The Advance Pro UV steriliser really lacks in storage considering its size (H25 x W27 x D27cm), and I can fit around 4 bottles, 3 teats and 2 lids comfortably. I would say this steriliser is better suited to smaller items (dummies, keys, bath toys) alongside a couple of bottles, rather than relying solely on the steriliser for frequent bottle sterilisations. MFM parent tester Colleen was also disappointed when it came to its limited capacity, stating: “When using MAM bottles I could only fit 2 bottles in the unit, as there cannot be anything blocking the UV rays. The greatest drawback is that it cannot hold more bottles, particularly if you’ve been out and have a few to sterilise at once.”

How easy is the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer to stack? Does it have removable trays/accessory trays?

You can not stack items in the Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer as the UV rays need to be able to pass through bottles, teats etc in order to sterilise properly, meaning you aren’t able to use the space underneath. It comes with a small removable wire metal basket at the top which is ideal for dummies/smaller items, or 2 teats, or 2 lids. Ideally this basket would be the whole width of the steriliser, leading to the unit accommodating more bottles and accessories as you could only really sterilise a few bottles or items at once.

Is the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer easy to clean?

The manufacturers recommend wipe cleaning the product, especially inside before every cycle to keep it maintained. The components are not dishwasher safe but it is very easy to clean as the shiny reflective surfaces inside make it easy to spot anywhere that may need wiping. The biggest bonus is unlike steam sterilisers, there is no need to descale – which can be time consuming. However, you will need to replace the HEPA filter, which removes dust, pollen and airborne pollutants, every 6 months, with the instructions stating these are available to buy on the Vital Baby website. I found this interesting as I was unaware that you needed to change the filter and feel this should have been stated more clearly on the product.

What size is the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer?

The Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser is H25 x W27 x D27cm and weighs 3.2kg when empty, with it having around the same footprint as a 4-slice toaster. While it isn’t incredibly compact, it is still smaller than some other UV sterilisers on the market, with the Tommee Tippee UV 3-in-1 machine measuring H39.5 x W35.3 x D35.5cm. A review on John Lewis also felt the Advanced Pro UV Steriliser was “a pleasing looking object that doesn't take up a ridiculous amount of space”, with it being a welcome addition to any family kitchen.

What did you think of the look of the UV steriliser?

The look of the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer is probably my favourite feature as it looks modern, with its sleek design complimenting any home. Both colours – Arctic White or Onyx Black – are incredibly easy on the eye too. The black touch screen buttons give it a real classy feel and the diamond reflective surfaces inside add to the quality and modern style of the steriliser. MFM parent tester Colleen was also a fan of its look, stating: “The product is very aesthetically pleasing. It does not look like a baby product and really easily blends in with other kitchen or baby appliances.”

How portable is the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer?

While it is not the most compact steriliser to travel with, I have still managed to take it away on daily outings for my baby, due to the fact you can quickly and efficiently sterilise most items with little fuss. There is not a travel bag available to buy for easier transportation, but I found that a huge plus for travelling with the Advanced Pro UV Steriliser is that the lid closes and stays shut, whereas the Tommee Tippee lid balances on and isn’t secure.

Would you say the product feels robust and durable?

Absolutely – it feels incredibly durable without being overly bulky or heavy like others on the market. With weeks of constant use and being driven around, there is not a single mark or scratch on the steriliser. According to a review on Amazon, the UV LED bulbs should last around 20,000 hours, so if looked after, this product should allow a new mum to use it for many years.

How does the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer compare to similar sterilisers on the market?

What’s in the box?

• Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer unit
• Internal Basket
• User Guide

What are the additional accessories that you can buy?

NURTURE advanced pro UV steriliser & dryer HEPA filters 2pk £1.99

Who would the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer be most useful for?

This UV steriliser is marketed as a product for those with babies and young children and I’d have to agree. As well as using it to sterilise bottles, teats and dummies, it can also be used for everyday family objects such as make-up brushes, car keys and mobile phones - meaning it is suited to constant use for the whole family. I would say the steriliser is suited for smaller kitchens and it’s also quiet, so it wouldn’t be a disturbance if used in a communal kitchen or office space. While you can sterilise anything using this product, I would say that it's probably not worth investing in unless you are a bottle feeding parent or carer.

Is the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer worth the money?

The Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer is without doubt one of the most expensive on the market, with a RRP of £129.99. While I think it’s a really sleek, impressive product and a fantastic alternative to steam sterilising, the price is far higher than I would be prepared to pay for a steriliser. I feel I would only personally use it until my daughter no longer requires bottles, and due to its capacity and the fact you can only sterilise only a few items at a time, I’m not sure it justifies the hefty price tag. MFM parent tester Shelby also summarised: “I think the steriliser is a good price but because of the size of it, you can't sterilise much at once. It's not really suitable for sterilising lots of bottles at the same time for example, so you'd still need another steriliser for that. If you're only looking for something smaller and quick to sterilise smaller bits like dummies and teethers then it's perfect and worth the money in my opinion as it is really quick and easy.”

Where can I buy the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer?

It is available from Vital Baby, John Lewis and Amazon.

MadeForMums verdict:

Overall, I was really impressed with the Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer. The first impressions straight out of the box were fantastic, it was really easy to set up and has a luxe feel that’s worlds apart from other sterilisers I’ve used before. It has been a complete game changer for my family, especially for the fact you can sterilise a bottle for use in just 7 minutes, with it coming out of the machine looking as good as new. However, due to its high price point, I’d be hesitant in recommending this UV steriliser to those on a budget as while it looks the part, there are more reasonable sterilisers with a greater capacity on the market that still get the job done.