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If you’re thinking of going green as you shop for feeding equipment or you’re worried about overuse or chemical leaching of plastics or simply like the look and feel of a sturdier bottle, then glass baby bottles might be for you.
But are glass bottles any better than plastic ones? And with so many options to choose from, how do you know what’s right for you and for baby? We’re breaking it all down.
There are a lot of baby bottles on the market these days. The bulk of them are made from plastic, but a growing number of brands (and parents) are now embracing the once-retro idea of glass bottles and bringing them back with full force. But why?
The initial concern over plastic baby bottles was because of bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA, an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics. Studies have shown that BPA can leach into food or beverages, potentially causing negative health effects. Because of this, many countries banned BPA from all sippy cups and baby bottles in 2012.
Removing BPA from plastic bottles was a definite step in the right direction. However, the jury’s still out on health and safety concerns around plastics, especially for children. Paediatricians now recommend avoiding microwaving beverages in plastic when possible, for example, as well as avoiding placing plastics in the dishwasher. There’s a new studies that suggests plastic bottles can shed microplastics when heated. If you don’t think you’d be up for hand-washing your baby’s bottles, or have concerns around leaching, then glass bottles may be the right choice for you.
If the idea of giving a baby something made of glass doesn’t sound like the best parenting decision, we get it. But not to worry, because glass baby bottles have some unique features that set them apart from everyday glass and from their plastic counterparts:
There are pros and cons to both glass and plastic baby bottles. Deciding which type of bottles are right for you is a matter of personal preference.
Glass bottles:
Pros: Glass bottles don’t absorb colours or odours like silicone or plastic bottles sometimes can. Glass bottles can go from cold to hot without breaking and can go into the dishwasher without the fear of chemical leaching. Glass bottles often have fewer parts to clean. Cons: Glass bottles are heavy and harder to hold. They’re more expensive and there are fewer options to choose from.
Plastic bottles:
Pros: There are lots of options if you want plastic bottles. They’re more affordable than glass and are lightweight, won’t break when dropped and are easy to hold. Cons: The jury’s still out on health and safety concerns around plastics in children, especially when heated. Many plastic bottles have a lot of small parts and are time-consuming to clean.
Well-known for the unique venting system in their popular plastic bottles, Dr. Brown’s glass option feature the same anti-colic action parents have come to love. These bottles are designed to aid in digestion and reduce feeding issues like colic, spit-up, burping and gas. The nipple and wide-neck design are perfect for bottle- and breastfed babies, and the heat-resistant glass is built to withstand temperature changes.
Don’t let the no-frills look of these glass bottles fool you—they’re well-loved by parents and babies alike, and for good reason. The ergonomic twisted design is easy to hold, and the molded measurement markers let parents and caregivers clearly see how much breast milk or formula is in the bottle. The slow-flow nipples feature micro air vents to prevent collapse, and the tempered glass is safe and sturdy. And you simply cannot beat the price.
Specially designed for breastfed babies, these glass bottles feature the brand’s NaturalWave Nipple, a soft and flexible silicone nipple that helps babies mimic the same sucking motion they do at the breast when they’re bottle feeding. Another perk: the nipple, collar and cap on these bottles are compatible with Lansinoh plastic bottles, making it easy to switch between the two.
Love the feel and light weight of a plastic bottle but the purity of glass? Meet the Hybrid, a first of its kind. These bottles feature a pure glass inner layer and a plastic outer layer. They’re break-proof and won’t shatter, chip, crack or flake. They also won’t discolour or stain. This set comes with four bottles in two different sizes, three nipples and two pacifiers.
This bottle set is perfect if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for glass bottles. It comes with five glass bottles (in two different sizes) and one bottle sleeve. The soft, petal-shaped nipples have a wide, breast-like shape to encourage a natural latch and prevent collapse, and a slow flow that won’t overwhelm baby. Like other glass bottles on our list, these are also thermal-shock resistant, meaning they can transition between hot, cold and everything in between without the risk of breakage. And less parts equals less time cleaning, which always scores major points.
With a rainbow of colour options to choose from, picking out your favourite is going to be your biggest problem when it comes to these bottles. Known for their modern design and high quality, Lifefactory delivers once again with these durable, medical-grade glass bottles. They’re completely dishwasher safe—no need to remove the silicone sleeve—and can safely transition from freezer to boiling water. It’s easy to mix and match nipples, caps and sleeves and to transition the bottles to sippy cups once your little one is ready. This set includes two four-ounce bottles, two nine-ounce bottles, two flat caps, two sippy caps, two Stage One nipples (up to three months), two Stage Two nipples (three to six months) and two Stage Three nipples (six months and up). You can also purchase the bottles individually.
Although these bottles will work just as well for exclusively bottle-fed babies, the unique design of the NUK Simply Glass nipples mimics the flow and shape mom’s breast takes while breastfeeding, making them helpful for babies who are transitioning between the breast and the bottle. The scooped nipple cavity also allows space for baby’s tongue and jaw to move naturally. And the one-piece anti-colic air system helps reduce colic, gas, and spit up.
If you’re going to invest in glass baby bottles, it’s smart to buy something that goes the distance. These glass bottles transform from a baby bottle to a drinking cup, open feeding cup or storage jar for years of use. They come with a flexible, breast-like nipple and feature a wide opening for easy cleaning.
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