So many bottles, so many decisions.When it comes to glass baby bottles vs. plastic, there is a lot to consider to pick the best bottle for your baby.
Even if you plan to breastfeed, many moms want the option to introduce a bottle at least once in a while…so one of the first decisions that you have to make as a parent is what type of bottle is suitable for your baby’s health and your lifestyle. Before we even get into which brands or nipple are best….you much first you will want to choose between glass bottles and plastic bottles. If you decide that plastic is the way to go, then you have to decide whether you want drop-in liners or a standard baby bottle. (YES! So many choices!)
While you consider the differences between glass and plastic baby bottles, remember that you may even choose to use BOTH bottle types. For instance, you may decide that you want to use glass baby bottles most of the time but will use plastic bottles when you have to take bottles outside of the home. You’ll understand why many mothers make that decision after you learn about the pros and cons of each bottle type. It is all about what works for you, your lifestyle and your baby.
What to Expect with Plastic Baby Bottles
There are some advantages to plastic bottles. Plastic bottles are favored by many caregivers because they’re lightweight and durable. You don’t have to worry about a plastic baby bottle breaking if it gets knocked off a table, and most plastic bottles are light enough for growing babies to hold once they start to gain independence during meal times. (Those are real benefits especially if your baby goes to daycare and there may be other children who could accidentally break a bottle!)
The biggest concern with plastic is the potential for chemicals leaking into the baby’s milk. Most bottles are now made with BPA-free plastic, but you have to check the packaging for each bottle that you buy to make sure that it has that label. Shopping online makes this easier because the specifications for each bottle are clearly listed.
One last concern: heating your plastic baby bottles. You can’t put plastic bottles in the microwave, so they’re less convenient than glass baby bottles if you need to quickly heat formula or breast milk for a baby demanding instant nourishment.
What to Expect with Glass Baby Bottles
Glass bottles are popular with parents who want to eliminate all concern over chemicals that are found in plastic (even ones labeled BPA-free). Glass is the healthiest option for any baby, but it’s also a much heavier material. It will take a bit more effort to hold a glass bottle for a long feeding session, and it’s more difficult for growing babies to hold their own bottles due to the weight.
Of course, glass bottles can break if knocked off a table onto a hard surface. This is a risk that some moms (or their caregivers do not like to take.) While they are designed for durability, but you still have to keep this in mind when selecting and handling your bottles.
On the plus side, glass bottles are easy to heat and are safe for the microwave and dishwasher. Many parents and caregivers also find them easier to clean. They’re considered the healthiest option if you’re worried about chemicals.
Glass Baby Bottles Vs. Plastic: Picking the Right Baby Bottles for Your Family
Is it now obvious why many parents decide to use glass bottles at home and plastic bottles when on the go? That is an option that makes sense, but you have to select the bottle type that best fits your lifestyle and the needs of your baby. Here are some questions to answer as you make this decision:
- How do you intend to heat your bottles?
- Are there circumstances that would limit you to the lightest bottle weight possible?
- Are you comfortable using BPA-free plastic bottles, or would you prefer to eliminate all concern over chemicals entirely?
- Do you want to keep lightweight bottles on hand so that your baby can eventually hold the bottle independently?
- How concerned are you about glass bottles breaking?
You answer to those questions will point you in the direction of plastic or glass baby bottles. Or, you may decide to use both in different circumstances. It is only important that you make an informed choice about what will work best for you.
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