Plastic is a common material used when it comes to serving babies, toddlers, and children food and beverages. It is convenient, lightweight, durable, easy to clean and affordable.
Parents do not have to worry about breakage if the item is dropped (or thrown) by a child. However, plastic serving vessels might not be safe, especially when it comes to baby bottles. Here’s why.
Why are plastic baby bottles bad?
BPA or Bisphenol A is a chemical used in plastic baby bottles and cups to make them clear and hard.
Unfortunately, it is now proven that BPA breaks down over time especially when there is repetitive heating and cleaning of the bottle. This results in chemicals leaching into formula, milk or liquid when the bottle is used.
BPA is an endocrine disruptor that has been linked to various health issues. These include breast cancer, obesity, behavioral and developmental problems, disruption of brain and neurological development of fetuses as well as asthma and reproductive disorders.
Are BPA-Free plastic baby bottles safe?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and children’s cups in 2012. These days, you will see the ‘BPA-Free’ label on many baby bottles. While this is the right step in keeping drinking and eating vessels safe for babies, it does not mean that BPA-Free plastic bottles are the answer.
There are studies that suggest that even BPA-Free plastics can be dangerous to babies as most plastics release estrogenic chemicals that are potentially harmful even in low doses. As such, perhaps the answer to this dilemma is to use plastic free baby bottles
Alternatives to plastic baby bottles
Here are some plastic free baby bottles alternatives that you can consider to avoid the health risks that plastic bottles pose.
Glass baby bottles
Glass bottles are safe, durable, recyclable and we used for decades before plastic bottles existed. It is also easy to sterilize with boiling water.
The drawbacks of glass bottles are the fact that they are breakable and a little heavier than plastic bottles. These days, many glass bottles come with silicone or fabric sleeves to prevent breakage.
Stainless steel baby bottles
Stainless steel is durable and unbreakable. It is also naturally insulating and thus, able to keep milk warm (or cold) for a long time. It is an especially good option if you are going out as milk will still be warm when your little one needs a feed.
These days, steel bottles are designed to suit small hands so little ones will have no problems holding on to them.
Silicone baby bottles
Silicone baby bottles are non-toxic, lightweight, unbreakable and soft. It is the perfect eco-friendly material for baby bottles and does not leach harmful chemicals when heated up.
The flexible and squishy material is also perfect to keep your little ones entertained while they have their feed.
Best Plastic Free Baby Bottles
Making the switch to plastic free baby bottles is not difficult. We’ve put together some of the best glass, stainless steel and silicone baby bottles that will help reduce the use of plastic in your baby’s world.
Best Glass Baby Bottles
Here are several glass baby bottles options that will definitely keep your baby happy and healthy:
Philips Avent Glass Baby Bottle

Philips Avent glass baby bottle is made with pharmaceutical-grade borosilicate glass. It is heat and thermal shock resistant. This means that these bottles can be put straight from the fridge into warm water and sterilized in boiling water.
What’s more, this bottle is anti colic and designed to grow with your baby.
Dr Brown’s Glass Baby Bottle

Dr. Brown’s glass baby bottles have a vent system that works to keep air out of your baby’s tummy. The paced flow mimics the natural breastfeeding rhythm, that helps babies to be colic-free.
These bottles come with silicone sleeves in several colors that make it easier to grip and prevent breakage.
Evenflo Vented Glass Baby Bottle

Evenflo glass baby bottles are designed with a twist to ensure that both baby and parent have a good grip when feeding.
Made with tempered glass, this bottle is eco friendly and sturdy enough that you do not have to worry if it is dropped, or thrown by the little one. It fits many regular breast pumps, providing mothers with the pump to bottle convenience.
Lifefactory glass bottles

Lifefactory glass bottles are made with borosilicate glass. It is thermal shock resistant and can go from the freezer straight into hot water. This makes it super convenient when it comes to storing or heating up milk.
Lifefactory glass baby bottles come with a non-slip silicone sleeve that enables the little ones to have a good grip on the bottle. The sleeves do not have to be removed before washing, making cleaning up easy.
Best Silicone Baby Bottles
While silicone bottles are gaining popularity, there are not many on the market as yet. Here are some good brands for your plastic free baby bottle journey.
Boon NURSH Silicone Bottles

Boon NURSH Silicone Bottles are a good plastic free baby bottle alternative. It is made of silicone, is safe to freeze, boil and microwave, PVA-free and BPA-free. This intelligent bottle ‘collapses’ while your baby drinks, thereby cutting down on air bubbles and reducing colic.
Comotomo Baby Bottle

Comotomo silicone baby bottles are made from silica and are BPA-free, PVC-free and phthalate-free. They are lightweight, dishwasher safe, easy to fill and easy to clean. Babies love the soft, skin like texture of this bottle. Additionally, the nipples that mimic breastfeeding eases fussiness and colic.
Olababy Gentle Bottle

The Olababy Gentle Bottle is made from non-toxic silicone. It is available in six trendy colors including mint, sky and coral. These bottles are BPA-free, PVC-free and phthalate free.
The soft texture and shape enables little ones to grasp the bottle easily for effortless feeding. This bottle has an off-set nipple that mimics breastfeeding and allows for easy latching.
Best Stainless Steel Baby Bottles
Stainless steel baby bottles are also a good plastic free baby bottle alternative. Here are some good ones that your baby will love:
Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Baby Bottle

Pura Kiki stainless steel baby bottle is one that will grow with your little one. It is made from food grade stainless steel and medical grade silicone. You can be rest assured that it is BPA-free, BPS-free, EA-free, PVC-free and phthalates-free.
The Pura Kiki bottles come in different colors and will last you for years. All you need to do is to swap the top for a sippy bottle or even a sport bottle. This entirely plastic free baby bottle comes with a silicone travel cover to keep it clean when you’re on the go.
Kid Kanteen Baby Bottle

Kid Kanteen stainless steel baby bottles are designed to promote natural and relaxed feedings as well as to suit small hands.
It is easy to clean, easy to fill and dishwasher safe. These plastic free baby bottles also come with silicone nipples that are safe for teeth and oral development.
Conclusion
Plastic free baby bottles are a good option for parents who are concerned about the dangers that plastic drinking and feeding vessels contain. With the growing demand for alternatives to plastic bottles, there are now numerous eco friendly choices that parents can opt for when it comes to baby bottles.