Glass Baby Bottles vs Plastic: Which is Better for Babies?

Over the years, I’ve used both plastic and glass baby bottles to feed my kids. For my eldest, Avery and Aiden, I exclusively used plastic baby bottles and alternated between plastic and glass for Fiona, Teagen, Sawyer, and now Theo.

So, I’ve had years to puzzle out how they are useful and how they are lacking as well. And I thought I’d pass on that knowledge to you, my fellow new moms and caregivers, if you are confused about what to choose between glass baby bottles vs plastic.

Let’s dive in now.

Plastic Baby Bottles

Plastic baby bottles are the most common type of feeding bottle, widely used by new-aged parents. These are super affordable and are easily available in the market.

plastic-baby-bottle-with-formula-and-other-accessories

Affordable: Quite cost-effective, even when you purchase multiple ones.
Durable: Does not break easily, and can handle accidental falls.
Variety: Lightweight bottles that are available in different shapes and sizes, too.
Easy to Carry: Your little ones can hold and drink from them easily. Also, useful for travel.

Harmful Substances: Plastic bottles that contain BPA (bisphenol A) can negatively affect a baby’s health.
Wear and Tear: Needs a replacement occasionally; can’t be used in the long run.
Loses Shape: Can’t withstand high temperatures and can lose their shape with time.

Glass Baby Bottles

Glass baby bottles were the traditional norm (I still use them myself, but only for specific instances), and are still the safest bottles for feeding babies. But, just like plastic baby bottles, these have their pros and cons too.

glass-baby-bottle-with-measuring-cup-and-formula

Toxin-Free: Does not emit toxins or chemicals, and can keep away bacteria when cleaned and maintained well.
Long-Lasting: Highly durable and can last longer when stored safely.
Retains Shape: Does not change its shape and size with fluctuating temperatures or time.

Cost: Expensive compared to other options available in the market.
Heavy: Heavy and difficult to hold for infants and toddlers while drinking milk.
Risky: There is always a risk of them breaking. If it slips down to the floor, the glass can shatter, harming everyone in the area, be it kids, pets, or adults.

Glass Baby Bottles vs Plastic: Other Factors to Consider

Apart from the usual pros and cons, I’ve also found that maintenance and sustainability play a huge role in what you choose. I know a lot of you are working mothers and there are also eco-friendly practices that we need to consider making more conscious choices.

1. Cleaning and Maintenance

When I talk about cleaning the baby bottles and maintaining them well, I mean washing, sterilization, and storage too.

Honestly, plastic bottles take a lot of effort to clean. They need to be washed properly with no residue left and then sterilized with utmost care, without leaving hotspots.
I usually handwash the bottles and sterilize them in boiling water once that’s done. Once they are completely sanitized, these bottles must be air-dried and stored in a clean place.
Whereas, when it comes to glass bottles, these are super easy to wash and remove all traces of residue. Also, they can be sanitized quickly.

baby-bottles-in-a-bucket-filled-with-soap

You might also like: Can You Reheat Breast Milk?

2. Protecting the Environment

We know that plastics pollute the environment, especially single-use ones. So, it’s always good to find recyclable baby bottles and reduce plastic waste as much as we possibly can. I know we’ve got a long way to go, but every little gesture matters!

Today, a few brands do have recyclable plastic bottles, so, please ensure you choose your plastic baby products carefully. Some plastics still contain BPA, which is doubly harmful.
But glass baby bottles? They are eco-friendly by nature and are completely safe for the environment. They can even be used for longer and do not require frequent replacement.

Safety Tips for Using Plastic Baby Bottles

Even plastic bottles can last longer if used with care. So, here are some safety tips you can follow if you use plastic baby bottles.

Wash the bottles using your hands. Please limit putting the plastic bottles in the dishwasher. Also, it is suggested to use mild soap for baby bottles.
After washing them thoroughly, either sterilize the bottle in boiling water or with an electric sterilizer. Please don’t sterilize them in the microwave, as it may leave hotspots that may end up hurting your baby!
Only use plastics labeled eco-friendly and avoid BPA plastics at all costs.
Over time, you might find cracks and dents in your baby bottles. If that happens, stop using them and dispose of them safely because they can spoil the formula or breast milk or, worse, collect bacteria.

My friend’s been using plastic baby bottles for a long time now, and she told me:

“I never put my plastic baby bottles in the dishwasher. I clean them myself, and I double-check that the dirt is all gone. I have a system to clean these bottles, and it’s because of this that I have been able to maintain these bottles quite well for such a long time”.

Recommended Reading: How to Clean, Sanitize, and Sterilize Breast Pumps

Takeaway on Glass Baby Bottles vs Plastic Ones

Baby bottles are trusty partners for us parents. They are convenient and useful to have! And while we have both plastic and glass options, it’s up to you to choose what can work well for you.

While plastic bottles have a few setbacks, they are also cheaper, unbreakable, and easier to carry. Likewise, glass feeding bottles are super safe and last longer.

If you still have doubts or health concerns about plastic or glass baby bottles, do not hesitate to consult the doctor.

Until then, explore your options and happy parenting.