Best Baby Bottles: Glass vs. Plastic

Baby Bottles

Decades ago, the only baby bottles available were made of glass. While glass bottles were durable, their weight and fragility were significant drawbacks. When lightweight, shatter-proof plastic bottles were introduced, glass bottles quickly became less popular.

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However, concerns arose when studies suggested that certain plastics used in baby bottles could cause potentially harmful effects in developing babies. This led many parents to reconsider glass bottles. Today, the market offers various types of bottles, including hybrid options.

Here's some background on baby bottles and tips on how to choose and use them safely and effectively.

How Many Baby Bottles Do I Need?

Once you've chosen a bottle type, it's advisable to buy at least a dozen. Even if you're breastfeeding, extra bottles can be useful for storing pumped breast milk.

Even for breastfeeding moms, having non-toxic baby bottles on hand can be a lifesaver. While my goal was for my husband to handle night-time bottles with pumped milk, it didn’t quite work out as planned.

1. Pura Stainless / 2. Como Tomo / 3. Natursutten / 4. Evenflo / 5. Klean Kanteen / 6. haakaa / 7. Life Factory

If you're expecting and considering bottle-feeding, finding the best non-toxic baby bottles is probably a top priority.

1. Avoid Plastic Baby Bottles, Including "BPA-Free" Ones

Plastic bottles are appealing due to their affordability, availability, and durability. However, plastic can leech chemicals, including known endocrine disruptors.

While "BPA-free" labels are common, research suggests that BPA substitutes like BPS might be equally harmful. A recent study found that babies could ingest up to 4.5 million plastic particles every day when fed from plastic bottles.

Bottom Line: To ensure safety, avoid all plastic baby bottles.

2. Be Choosy with Glass Baby Bottles

Glass is often considered the safest material for baby bottles due to its inert nature. However, some glass bottles may be contaminated with lead, especially in the paint used for logos or other markings. Choose clear, unmarked glass bottles to avoid potential lead exposure.

Brands to avoid include:

• Comi
• Lansinoh
• Nouri
• Pigeon
• Simba

Best Non-Toxic Glass Baby Bottle

LifeFactory tops our list for glass baby bottles. Their ergonomic design makes them easy to handle and clean, and the silicone sleeve adds grip and protection. These bottles are also freezer-safe due to their thermal shock-resistant glass, and they come in various sizes and vibrant colors.

Bottom Line: Avoid painted logos on glass baby bottles and steer clear of the brands listed above.

3. Consider Stainless Steel Baby Bottles

Food-grade stainless steel is another excellent choice for non-toxic baby bottles. Stainless steel is lighter and less breakable than glass.

While some stainless steel bottles may contain lead, particularly in the insulated section, this is not typically an issue unless the bottle is compromised. Opting for brands like Klean Kanteen or Pura, which avoid using lead, is a safer bet.

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We love Pura’s infant bottles because they are entirely plastic-free, available in multiple sizes, and can be adapted for toddlers, kids, and adults.

Bottom Line: Stainless steel is a lighter, safer alternative to glass.

4. Silicone Baby Bottles Are Okay

Silicone baby bottles are favored for their lightweight, durable, and flexible nature. While silicone is safer than plastic, it may not be as safe as glass or stainless steel. It can leach chemicals at very high or very low temperatures, so avoid using silicone bottles for hot liquids or freezing them.

Best Non-Toxic Silicone Baby Bottle

The Comotomo silicone bottle is a top choice. It's lightweight and plastic-free, and many parents report that their babies love it.

Bottom Line: Silicone bottles are a safer alternative to plastic but may leach chemicals at extreme temperatures.

5. Don’t Forget the Nipples

For bottle nipples, choose natural rubber from reputable brands like Natursutten or food-grade silicone. Avoid synthetic latex nipples, which may contain harmful additives.

Best Non-Toxic Baby Bottle Nipples

Natursutten’s 100% natural rubber nipples are highly recommended and compatible with most baby bottles.

Bottom Line: Opt for natural rubber or medical-grade silicone nipples for safety.

Best Non-Toxic Baby Bottles

It can be overwhelming to find the best non-toxic baby bottles, as even seemingly safe materials like glass can have contaminants. However, informed choices can simplify this process.

Our top recommendations, considering current research and safety standards, include LifeFactory (glass), Pura (stainless steel), and Comotomo (silicone).