Best and Safest Non-toxic and Eco-friendly Baby Bottles | 2024 Updated Guide
The Risks of Plastic Baby Bottles
With a wide choice of baby bottles in the marketplace, it can be an overwhelming choice, especially given the importance of the task they are designed to do, and if you are looking for non-toxic and eco-friendly alternatives. We've researched a variety of baby bottles, and based on findings, knowledge and experience rounded up a list for you to consider. We hope this guide will help you navigate the world of natural plastic free baby feeding solutions for sustainable and safe infant bottle feeding.
While plastic bottles continue to be popular, recent studies have raised concerns about their safety. As most plastic baby bottles are marketed as "BPA free", this often misleads parents to believe that means chemical free or completely safe. Here's why it's best to avoid plastic when possible:
- A study published in "Nature Food" (2020) found that plastic baby bottles can release up to 16 million microplastics per liter of liquid. The release is exacerbated during the milk warm-up / heating process. Research on microplastics and their impact on human health has been limited and not sufficient yet to know exactly how far reaching the effects are.
- While most plastic bottles are sold as "BPA free", it doesn't mean other nasty and potentially equally dangerous chemicals aren't lurking in baby bottles (i.e. other types of bisphenols such as bisphenol S and F, phthalates). Researchers think cumulative exposure to many different types of phthalates and other chemicals over time poses health risks - not something you want to take a chance at with your precious baby.
- Early studies show that chemicals from plastics can negatively affect:
- Brain development
- Endocrine system (hormones regulation)
- Immune system
- Reproductive systems
- Behavior and cognitive development
These health risks are particularly concerning for babies and young children, whose bodies are still developing.
Best and Safest Baby Bottle Materials
Let's talk about baby bottle materials and things to look for when shopping for baby bottles. It wouldn't be surprising to you by now that we recommend to stay away from plastic baby bottles for reasons highlighted earlier as well as environmental concerns. We won't go into too much detail in this article, but would encourage you to read our article about impact of microplastics as a growing global environmental and human health concern.
So what are the best alternatives to plastic for baby bottles?
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Our top choices are food grade stainless steel and glass.
Why Food Grade Stainless Steel:
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Most highly recommended material for kids dinnerware and drinkware by the American Academy of Pediatrics
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Food-grade 304 stainless steel is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, melamine and lead, and the rest of the nasty stuff
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Completely non-breakable, most durable out of all dinnerware materials (buy it once and it can last for generations)
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Very environmentally friendly due to high durability and recyclability
- Highly versatile, with various top options offered by our recommended brands, so the same bottle can grow with your child and convert to a sippy cup and even a straw bottle
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Easy clean-up (dishwasher safe)
Our favorite stainless steel baby bottles
Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Baby Bottle - this is an excellent sustainable and chemical free choice. We love that this bottle grows with your child. As your baby grows out of baby bottles, you can simply purchase the silicone sippy tops to replace the bottle nipple, or straw cup tops with silicone straws, which little ones love. This option is definitely an excellent affordable choice for a high-quality, non-toxic and minimal waste eco-friendly option. It does contain plastic parts, but they do not come in contact with the liquids.
Pura Kiki Anti-colic 5 oz Stainless Steel Baby Bottle (also available in 11 oz size) - another excellent choice, similar to Thinkbaby. The same bottle can also be used as the baby grows, replacing the nipple with a sippy spout, a silicone straw top, a silicone sport top, or universal lid. Lots of convenient options with this one durable cup. Unlike Thinkbaby, it also doesn't contain any plastic parts, making it 100% plastic free. At the same time, it is a pricier option.
Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Baby Bottle - another good baby bottle, although it doesn't offer an option of replacing tops for continued use as the baby grows.
Glass Baby Bottles
Glass is another excellent option for safe baby bottle materials:
- Doesn't leach chemicals at any temperature
- Endlessly recyclable
- Allows you to see the contents clearly
The main drawbacks are potential breakage and heavier weight.
Our favorite glass baby bottles
Philips Avent Natural Glass Bottles - this set is a popular choice, comes with 4 glass bottles with no-drip nipples and anti-colic valve.
Silicone Baby Bottles
High-quality food grade silicone is considered to be a much better alternative to plastic with similar benefits. We are underlining "high-quality", because low-quality silicone is likely to contain plastic fillers that can contain harmful chemicals, which defeats the purpose of using silicone in the first place. The following grades of silicone are considered high-quality and safe in descending order: medical (highest grade), platinum, and lastly food grade. The only concern identified with silicone so far is potential leaching at very high temperatures (over 350 degrees), if there is contact with fat. This is an unlikely occurrence with baby bottles, therefore we feel pretty good about this option (although it's third in the order of priority).
Our favorite silicone baby bottles
Comparison of Baby Bottle Materials
| Feature | Stainless Steel | Glass | Silicone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | High | Medium | High |
| Weight | Medium | Heavy | Light |
| Temperature Retention | Good | Poor | Poor |
| Transparency | No | Yes | Semi-transparent |
| Eco-friendliness | High | High | Medium-High |
| Cost | Medium-High | Medium | Medium |
| Lifespan | Very Long | Long (if not broken) | Very Long |
Bottom line, there are quite a few good non-toxic plastic-free baby bottle alternatives available in the marketplace. Our #1 recommended material remains to be stainless steel. The stainless steel baby bottles highlighted above aren't only most durable, they also grow with the child, given available bottle cap variations. You invest once, and these bottles would last for years and easily through multiple children, which makes them not only the best non-toxic option but also a great choice for eco-conscious parents preferring minimalist lifestyle.
Do you have other favorite bottles not highlighted on this list? We'd love to know!
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Baby Bottles
Q1: What makes a baby bottle "non-toxic"?
A: A non-toxic baby bottle is made from materials that do not leach harmful chemicals into the liquid contents. These bottles are typically free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and other potentially harmful substances. Common materials for non-toxic bottles include food-grade stainless steel, glass, and high-quality silicone.
Q2: Are all plastic baby bottles toxic?
A: Not all plastic baby bottles are toxic, but many contain chemicals that can potentially leach into the liquid, especially when heated. While most modern plastic bottles are BPA-free, they may contain other bisphenols or chemicals of concern. Another concern with plastic bottles is microplastics. Non-plastic alternatives are generally considered safer.
Q3: What's the difference between "BPA-free" and truly non-toxic?
A: "BPA-free" only means the bottle doesn't contain Bisphenol A, a specific chemical of concern. However, BPA-free plastic bottles may still contain other potentially harmful chemicals. Truly non-toxic bottles are made from inert materials like glass or stainless steel that don't leach any chemicals.
Q4: What makes a baby bottle eco-friendly?
A: Eco-friendly baby bottles are made from sustainable materials, are durable for long-term use, and can be recycled or biodegraded at the end of their life cycle. They often have a lower carbon footprint in production compared to plastic bottles. Materials like glass and stainless steel are considered eco-friendly due to their recyclability and longevity.
Q5: Are glass baby bottles safe from breakage?
A: While glass bottles can break if dropped, many modern glass baby bottles are made from tempered glass, which is more resistant to breakage. Some come with silicone sleeves for added protection. When handled properly, glass bottles are a safe option.
Q6: Can stainless steel baby bottles affect the taste of milk or formula?
A: High-quality food-grade stainless steel should not affect the taste of milk or formula. Proper cleaning and using high-grade stainless steel minimizes any potential taste issues.
Q7: Are silicone baby bottles as safe as glass or stainless steel?
A: High-quality, food-grade silicone is generally considered safe and non-toxic. It doesn't leach chemicals like some plastics can. However, it's important to choose medical-grade or high-quality food-grade silicone to ensure safety. We generally recommend glass or stainless steel options over silicone. However, silicone can be really convenient for use on-the-go.
Q8: How do I clean and sterilize non-toxic baby bottles?
A: Most non-toxic bottles can be cleaned with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher. For sterilization, you can use boiling water, steam sterilizers, or UV sterilizers. Always check the manufacturer's instructions, as methods can vary slightly between materials.
Q9: Are non-toxic and eco-friendly baby bottles more expensive?
A: Initially, non-toxic and eco-friendly bottles may have a higher upfront cost compared to basic plastic bottles. However, their durability often means they last longer, potentially saving money in the long run. Many parents find the health and environmental benefits worth the investment.
Q10: Can I use non-toxic baby bottles for storing breast milk in the freezer?
A: Yes, many non-toxic bottles are suitable for storing breast milk in the freezer. Glass and silicone options are popular for this purpose. Stainless steel can also be used but may not allow you to see the contents easily. Always leave room for expansion when freezing and follow proper breast milk storage guidelines.
Q11: How often should I replace non-toxic baby bottles?
A: Non-toxic bottles made from materials like glass and stainless steel can last for years if properly cared for with multiple children and even generations. Unlike plastic, they don't degrade or develop scratches that can harbor bacteria. Replace them only if you notice any damage, or follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Q12: Are there any certifications I should look for when buying non-toxic baby bottles?
A: Yes, look for certifications such as FDA approval for food contact, CPSIA compliance, and European EN 14350 safety standard. For silicone bottles, certifications like FDA food grade silicone or medical-grade silicone are important. Glass bottles should be made of tempered glass for safety.
Q13: Can I use non-toxic baby bottles in a bottle warmer?
A: Most non-toxic baby bottles are safe to use in bottle warmers. Stainless steel and glass bottles are particularly well-suited for this purpose. However, always check the manufacturer's instructions, as some silicone bottles may have temperature limitations. Never microwave any type of baby bottle as it can create hot spots in the milk.
Q14: What about when my baby outgrows baby bottles and needs sippy cups or straw cups? How do I find non-toxic cups for my toddler?
We have an article dedicated just for non-toxic and eco-friendly toddler cups (straw cups, sippy cups) here. We are recommending best toddler cups in this article that can help you be prepared for the transition.