Glass Baby Bottles Vs. Plastic Baby Bottles

Glass baby bottles have been the traditional choice parents make for feeding their infants. But glass breaks easily, and tiny shards can be a danger to babies and young children. Most modern parents today choose plastic baby bottles. Lightweight and shatterproof, their benefits appear to outweigh the solidity of glass. Yet, plastic bottles also contain toxic chemicals. Glass bottles may actually be the more natural alternative.

History

• The modern glass baby bottle is the result of centuries of design changes and improvements. Early ceramic feeding devices that were shaped like saucers or bowls were eventually replaced by nonhygienic bottles. Shaped like banjos, these bottles were popular through the 1920s because they could be propped up beside the feeding baby, freeing the mother for other work. Easy-to-clean, modern glass bottles first appeared in 1910. They would save the lives of millions of children.

Modern Bottle Design

• The basic design of all modern baby bottles derives from the wide-mouthed glass bottle. A rubber, latex or silicone nipple fits snugly into a collar that screws onto the top of the bottle. A plastic tube, or straw, extends from the nipple down toward the bottom of the bottle. Both glass and plastic models are easy to clean and sterilize. Many plastic bottles are disposable, or contain disposable sleeves.

Dangers of Plastic Baby Bottles

• Until recently, most plastic baby bottles were made of polycarbonate plastic. Heating polycarbonate plastic releases Bisphenol A, a chemical linked to increased risk of various cancers, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and early-onset puberty. Further advisories warn against storing milk or formula in plastic bottles because of the possibility of Bisphenol A leaching out of the plastic and into the formula. Parents should not store milk or formula in plastic baby bottles.

Alternatives to Polycarbonate Plastic

• Today, parents can purchase plastic bottles that are not made from polycarbonate plastic by avoiding purchase of bottles with the stamp "PC" on the bottom or the recycling symbol "#7," which usually contain the suspect material.
  Most parents switched from glass bottles to plastic ones because of the perceived safety advantages. Yet, experts say that glass bottles may be used safely with very young infants, as adults must feed them -- these babies cannot feed themselves. In the case of older infants that walk around with their bottles, parents can opt for plastic bottles with sleeves. The sleeves do not usually contain polycarbonate.

"Green" Glass

• For many parents, glass bottles are the only true, "green" choice. Glass does not leach chemicals. It can be sterilized in boiling water. Best of all, glass bottles can be recycled without difficulty.
  Toddlers must be supervised when using glass bottles. Parents can even purchase newer varieties that feature a protective silicone sleeve. The sleeve will prevent breakage even if the child or parent accidentally drop the glass bottle.