Plastic Free Baby Bottles: Why You Should Switch

Have you considered switching to plastic free baby bottles? Almost all common baby bottles on the market are plastic, and they are popular for good reason. They’re cheap, unbreakable, and convenient. However, more and more studies are finding that plastic isn’t safe when it comes into contact with food and drink. Let’s discuss.

Are plastic bottles dangerous?

In 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned BPAs, a type of plastic that has been shown to leach chemicals into food and drinks, from plastic sippy cups and baby bottles. While this was a good step forward, other forms of plastic are still dangerous. 

BPA, or bisphenol-A, is just one form of bisphenol. Other forms of bisphenols are still allowed in the making of baby bottles. Bisphenols mimic reproductive hormones in the body, which can negatively impact fertility, puberty timing, body fat, the nervous system, and the immune system. 

Apart from the chemical risk, there’s also a risk of microplastic consumption. Sippy cups and plastic baby bottles are often made of polypropylene. In a recent study, this type of plastic has shown that it sheds millions of microplastics into whatever liquid it contains. Although we don’t yet know the health effects of microplastic consumption, it’s better to lead with caution.

“As a new mum, I felt enormous pressure to keep my baby safe, healthy and happy. I was completely overwhelmed and exhausted, and then to discover years later that those feeds I gave my son had potentially thousands of microplastics leached into each bottle of milk was disturbing. The more research I did, I realised that the act of making up a bottle alone wasn’t the only opportunity for microplastics to be introduced into my baby’s feed. At nearly every stage of cleaning and preparing a bottle, there was potential to release thousands of microplastics into my baby’s milk. With my first child, I combination fed him for over a year, and it dawned on me that even when I was pumping breast milk, that milk would have come into contact with microplastics in various ways before even hitting the bottle. From being emptied into a plastic pump that had been sterilised to then being reheated in its plastic storage bag – these are all processes that have been shown to produce hundreds if not thousands of microplastics. I made the decision with my second child to switch to glass and stainless steel bottles, and I have to say that they are 100% better quality. I’ve even found special offers and deals to make it more economical than plastic.” – Lucy Sheinman

Plastic free baby bottles

Plastic baby bottles may be the norm today, but they are a fairly new invention. Like everything else, we had more eco-friendly alternatives before plastic became popularised. Most commonly, glass and stainless steel. Here are a few that my friend’s with babies recommend:

Sophie La Girafe Glass Bottle

• Thermal shock borosilicate glass bottle, medical-grade silicone nipple
• All materials are recyclable
• No BPA, BPS, lead, phthalates, or toxins
• 8oz/230ml
• Hand wash only
• Triple vented to reduce colic, gas, and reflux
• Also comes in a 4oz/120ml option

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Bottle

• 18/8 food-grade stainless steel bottle, medical-grade silicone nipple
• Bottle is recyclable with scrap metal collections
• Klean Kanteen is a certified B Corp and member of 1% for the Planet
• Dishwasher safe
• Toxin free
• Wide mouth for easy filling
• Wide base and nipple shape for proper latching
• Medium flow nipple with double venting to reduce colic
• Choose between 9oz (266ml) or 5 oz (148ml)

Hevea Glass Bottle with Star Ball Cover

• 100% pure borosilicate glass bottle, 100% natural rubber nipple, upcycled rubber star ball cover
• Non-toxic, chemical-free color pigments
• Biodegradeable
• No phthalates, parabens, or heavy metals
• Bottle and nipple are dishwasher safe
• Rubber cover protects the bottle when dropped and is easy to grasp for small hands

NUK Active Cup Toddler’s Drinking Bottle

• Double-walled stainless steel cup body retains warm or cool temperature for longer
• Lightweight and leak-proof on-the-go
• High-quality stainless steel (18/8) is durable and scratch-resistant while being uncoated, odourless and tasteless
• Pleasant drinking sensation thanks to silicone drinking spout with integrated soft zone, BPA-free
• For children over 12 months, 215 ml content

Pura Kiki 5oz Stainless Steel Infant Bottle

• 100% BPA/BPS-free and adapts to the needs of a growing child
• Both the bottle and collar are crafted from safe, high-grade #304 stainless steel and their Natural Vent Nipple™ (slow flow) is made from medical grade silicone
• The natural vent nipple is designed to mimic the variable flow of breast milk, encourage proper latching and helps to prevent colic, aiding proper digestion
• Easy to read measurements on the inside make preparing your baby’s milk simple and the wide mouth allows for easy cleaning, pouring, and filling
• The bottle easily converts into a sippy bottle or straw bottle by simply swapping the nipple out for another Pura silicone lid
  

Closer to Nature Glass Baby Bottles

• 100 recyclable glass bottle base
• Soft silicone, breast-like teat feels closer to skin and flexes like mum for a comfortable feed. – voted mum’s #1 bottle for switching between breast and bottle
• Sensitive Closer to Nature® teat with anti-colic valve reduces excessive airflow, so little ones ingest more milk and less air, preventing symptoms of colic
• Encourages your baby’s intuitive feeding action whilst the compact bottle shape allows baby to be closer to you
• Dishwasher, microwave and steam steriliser friendly
• The baby bottles and teats are free from BPA, phthalates and toxins

Are you ready to make the switch to plastic free baby bottles? Let me know in the comments below!

If you’re looking to reduce other plastic in your baby’s daily routine, check out my recommendations for eco-friendly nappies or read this fantastic guest blog on eco baby changing stations.

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