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Bottle Comparison: Glass, Plastic, or Silicone?
Bottle Comparison: Glass, Plastic, or Silicone?
Introduction to Baby Bottles
There are countless baby bottles available on the market, varying in brands, sizes, styles, and materials. The materials can generally be sorted into three primary categories: plastic, silicone, and glass. To assist you in selecting the right type for your baby, we have compiled a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each material.
Glass Bottles
Avent Natural 9 oz Bottle
Link to HEORSHE
Glass bottles were once the sole option available. However, the advent of plastic bottles diminished the popularity of glass. Recently, concerns over BPA in plastics, which have been addressed, have seen a resurgence in the interest in glass bottles.
Cons:
- Glass bottles are often the most expensive option.
- They are heavier than their plastic or silicone counterparts, making them harder for infants to hold.
- When dropped, they can shatter easily.
Pros:
- Glass bottles are all-natural, free from chemicals, and resistant to scratches.
- They are easy to clean and have a long lifespan.
- Silicone sleeves can be purchased to enhance grip and reduce breakage risks.
- Due to their natural composition, they are favored by environmentally conscious parents.
Silicone Bottles
Cons:
- Silicone bottles can be hard to find, but they are available at The Baby Cubby, including ComoTomo bottles.
Pros:
- Silicone bottles are relatively rare but cherished by many.
- They are moderately priced and are soft, making them easy for babies to hold.
- These bottles are dishwasher safe, BPA free, and lightweight.
- They provide a balance between the sturdiness of glass and the affordability of plastic.
Plastic Bottles
Cons:
- Plastic bottles have a shorter lifespan due to wear and scratches.
- They can develop stains or become cloudy over time due to their porous nature.
Pros:
- Plastic bottles are the cheapest and most widely used option.
- They offer a vast variety of choices and are travel-friendly.
- Most are BPA free, ensuring safety for your child.
- The versatility of plastic bottles, including different nipples and venting options, makes them popular among parents.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice depends on your preferences and budget. All types serve the same purpose and are safe for your baby. Choosing a bottle is just one of many decisions parents make, and you can't go wrong regardless of your choice!
Silicone Bottles; What's the Hype?
When choosing a bottle for their baby, parents often have numerous questions: What type of bottle is best? Should I choose glass, plastic, or silicone? What shape of nipple is most suitable? Even after careful selection, your baby might refuse the bottle! It's advisable to select a few different types to find out which one your baby prefers.
It's Squishy!
Silicone bottles are soft and easy for both parents and babies to hold. The flexible material is comfortable, unbreakable, and resistant to scratches. This softness is particularly beneficial for breastfed babies, as it allows them to squeeze the bottle, mimicking the feel of breastfeeding. Additionally, the warmth of the bottle can provide comfort when nursing isn't possible.
Non-Porous Material
Silicone is resistant to staining and condensation, making it a cleaner option compared to plastic bottles. Ensure that the silicone is 100% food grade. Silicone bottles are also dishwasher safe.
BPA Free
All baby products sold in the USA are mandated to be BPA free. Silicone naturally meets this standard, being safe for heating and dishwasher cleaning. Studies show that heating silicone above 300°F may release toxins, but since boiling water is only 220°F, practical use remains safe.
Lightweight
Compared to glass and even some plastic bottles, silicone is lightweight. It is easy to carry in a diaper bag without being cumbersome. Although glass bottles are safe from leaching, their weight can be burdensome for both parents and babies during feedings.
Durability
Silicone bottles are exceptionally durable and nearly unbreakable. They can withstand heat and can be dropped without fear of damage. There are no worries about chipping or cracking.
Which Brand of Silicone Bottle is Best?
Many brands of silicone bottles are available for parents to consider. Below are some popular options:
Comotomo Baby Bottle
Comotomo is among the original silicone bottle brands, available at major retail stores. Their design closely mimics the breastfeeding experience, and the wide neck facilitates easy cleaning. However, their rounded base may make them easier to tip over.
Nanobebe Flexy Baby Bottle
After its recent launch, Nanobebe Flexy is quickly gaining popularity, priced around $9. Its triple-vented, non-collapsible nipple promotes a "perfect latch" to minimize colic, with easy-to-read measurements provided on a stable base.
Boon Nursh Silicone Baby Bottle
Boon Nursh features a collapsible silicone pouch to minimize air intake during feeding. Priced at approximately $8, it is the most cost-effective option. The pouch is versatile and can be boiled, microwaved, or frozen. However, measurements can be difficult to read.
Haakaa Silicone Baby Bottle
Haakaa, known for their silicone hand breast pump, offers a shorter and thicker baby bottle for stability. Its anti-colic vented nipple aims to reduce air ingestion during feeding. However, it is one of the pricier options on the market.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Silicone Baby Bottle
Tommee Tippee embodies innovative design, recently introducing a silicone version of their popular plastic bottle, averaging around $12. Their award-winning breast-like nipple minimizes excessive airflow, assisting in reducing colic symptoms.
How Do I Warm Milk in a Silicone Bottle?
The best approach to warm a silicone bottle without risking overheating is using a specialized bottle warmer like The Baby's Brew portable warmer. This method heats only the milk inside, ensuring safety for your baby's nutrition.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of silicone bottles?
A: Silicone bottles are soft, non-porous, BPA free, easy to clean, and lightweight.
Q: How long do babies drink from bottles?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends fully weaning from bottles by 15 months. Most dentists advise transitioning to sippy cups by 12 months.
Q: How do you warm a silicone bottle?
A: The Baby's Brew provides a safe way to warm silicone bottles, heating only the contents and minimizing the risk of leaching toxins.
Q: How do you clean silicone bottles?
A: Silicone bottles can be easily washed with soap and water or in the dishwasher, as silicone is highly heat-resistant.
Q: Can I sterilize silicone baby bottles?
A: Yes! Comotomo recommends boiling the silicone bottle and nipple for five minutes for effective sterilization. Just ensure the bottles do not touch the pot's sides during boiling.
Written by: Kristen Bickel
Kristen is a mom of four and works at The Baby's Brew.
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