Choosing a Non-Toxic Baby Bottle
Baby bottles are one of those new baby essentials that really are essential. Every new parent should have at least one ( even if you are planning on exclusively breast feeding, it is recommended to have at least one in case something happens that prevents you from breast feeding exclusively)
So what type of baby bottle should you buy?
BPA Free Plastic bottles
I do not recommend plastic baby bottles. Period. We know that plastics that say ‘BPA free’ almost always contain substitute chemicals (BPS or BPF etc) that are just as harmful as BPA linked to diabetes and obesity, asthma, birth defects or even cancer
Additionally “safer “ plastics like polypropylene have been found to leach quaternary ammonium biocides-anti-bacterial agents
Sterilizing bottles in high heat can further increase leaching of chemicals
Finally, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to use glass or stainless steel when possible due to the transfer of harmful chemicals during the reheating or dishwashing process
My number one choice for everyday use is GLASS.
The reason?
Glass does not absorb odor, color, or taste.
More importantly glass does not contain chemicals that can affect our endocrine (hormone) system, as is the case with most plastics. You can safely heat milk in glass bottles without fear that you’re releasing more toxins into your baby’s food
The great news?
This is one switch that is affordable and goes a long way in protecting your child from known harmful chemicals…. plus almost all major brands make glass baby bottles!
Worried about breakage? Most of these bottles are made with thicker resistant glass, but if you have an older baby who likes throwing their bottle to the floor, then consider purchasing a silicon protective sleeve.
Glass Baby Bottles that I love:
Stainless steel baby bottles
Though not as widely available, stainless steel baby bottles can be a great alternative to glass. However, the fact you cannot see through them is kind of uncomfortable. I would recommend these as a safe alternative for occasional use: particularly for situations when glass is just not practical (ie when traveling with a baby, and a million baby essentials in a diaper bag that already weighs 50 lbs!). Look for 8/8 stainless steel
What about silicone?
Similarly, silicone baby bottles are a better alternative to plastic. Just like stainless steel, I would reserve these for situations when glass is too heavy or impractical…..I would not use silicone every day and would sterilize once before the first use and then avoid high heat as this can cause silicone to leach siloxanes ( if your drinking water is not safe then you really should sterilize bottles always and I would then recommend using glass) . Always look for food grade or medical grade silicone
Comotomo
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