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• 8 Reasons Why You Should Start Using Glass Bottles
• Glass Baby Bottles Vs Plastic Bottles

Deciding on whether to buy glass baby bottles vs plastic bottles can be tricky for lots of mums! There is so much choice out there, so how do you choose the right bottle for your baby? Some mums we have interviewed claim they are hesitant to buy glass baby bottles due to their fear of breaking. Others are not convinced that glass baby bottles are convenient as they are heavier than plastic. However, little do many mums know that tempered glass baby bottles are now less prone to breaking. Many have shockproof designs and come with silicone sleeves for added protection.

8 Reasons Why You Should Start Using Glass Bottle

Here are eight primary reasons why you should start using glass baby bottles vs plastic bottles:

1. Taste & Smell

A reason why many drinks are still stored in glass containers is because plastic bottles tend to pass on various flavours into liquids and absorb odours. This includes breastmilk or infant formula especially when heated. When looking at glass baby bottles vs plastic bottles, purity of taste is a major concern for many mums who only want the best for their babies. Other mums are concerned about the smell that plastic bottles retain. Glass baby bottles do not affect the smell or taste of milk, and preserves the natural flavor of infant milk formula or fresh breast milk.

2. BPA-free

In 2012, the US FDA banned the use of bisphenol-A in the manufacture of baby bottles and sippy cups. There were concerns that the chemical in polycarbonate plastic could lead to certain cancers, changes in the brain and reproductive system, and early puberty. All plastic baby bottles and sippy cups sold in Australia are now BPA-free. However, with recent discoveries of the dangers of the chemical BPA, people are changing back from plastic to tempered glass bottles. Even a small amount of BPA can damage hormonal systems in males and females, contributing to reproductive diseases and cancer. A recent study done by Environmental Defense found that more than 90 percent of plastic baby bottles leach small amounts of BPA and other chemicals.

3. Durable

Most mums fear glass baby bottles because they may break. Especially by toddlers who’ve reached the throwing stage. In addition, glass tends to be heavier and many mums fear that their baby may not grip them well and the bottle may fall and break. Other mums fear that glass may chip over time and will need replacing. However, all experts agree that glass is best in terms of its food safety qualities. Nowadays the majority of glass bottles are made from tempered glass. Others have shock resistant capabilities, giving the needed durability and making them very hard to break. Some also come with silicone sleeves for added protection and grip. Modern day glass bottles are durable and can be passed on to a new addition to the family, or another expecting mum!

4. Healthy option

By nature, glass is free of BPA – you don’t have to worry about different types of plastic and whether or not they’re safe. Glass is also easy to clean, and glass bottles are easy to sterilize in boiling water. You cannot heat plastic baby bottles to the temperatures needed for proper sterilisation for fear of  he plastic melting. If you want a non-toxic baby bottle, you can’t go wrong with glass.

5. Environment-friendly

Glass bottles are easy to recycle than plastic baby bottles. It is also more energy efficient to process glass than plastic bottles. Among the eco-benefits is that a glass bottle can be recycled endlessly into other glass bottles without chemical processing compared to plastic. Once in the recycling bin, glass manufacturers can get it back to the consumer as another glass bottle in 30 days. Adding recycled glass to the mix means manufacturers’ furnaces can run at lower temperatures. And for every six tons of recycled glass used, the carbon dioxide emissions also drop by a ton. Glass infant bottles, for instance, are 40 percent lighter today than they were 20 years ago, which means it takes less fuel and produces fewer emissions to transport them.

6. Hygienic 

Don’t want spoiled milk smell on your baby bottles? Then make the switch to glass baby bottles! Glass bottles are easy to sterilize using conventional bottle warming equipment. They are also easily cleaned  in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher. Plus they don’t leave the smell of milk clinging to the lining of the bottle. This ensures that you only use fresh clean bottles for your baby. Glass baby bottles also do not leach harmful substances and chemicals into the milk especially during heating and sterilizing.

7. Heating

When comparing glass baby bottles vs plastic bottles its important to note that glass baby bottles are east to warm compared to plastic baby bottles. Simply place the bottles in a standard and wide neck compatible electric or non-electric bottle warmer and instantly serve your child warm and comforting milk. Markings on glass bottles also do not wear easily compared to those markings on plastic bottles. Most warmers will not overheat glass baby bottles. However, just to be sure, use glass infant bottles that are made of tempered glass as they can fend off slips in the sink and will not break easily.

8. Breastfeeding

If you’re keen on breastfeeding your baby, then you’re probably well aware of all the vitamins and nutrients that breastmilk contains. What you might not know is that the oxidation of your milk can compromise its nutrient properties. Luckily, you can prevent oxidation by disabling air from mixing with your baby’s milk. Glass baby bottles are more effective in preventing milk from oxidation. Popular brands such as our Cherub Baby glass baby bottles have been proven to prevent leaks and oxidation.

Glass Baby Bottles Vs Plastic Bottles

To summarise the pros and cons of glass bottles vs plastic bottles we have created the following handy summary:

Glass Baby Bottles Pros:

• No chemicals
• Easy to clean
• Can be heated to temperatures where you are sure the bottle is sterilised
• Does not smell
• Modern bottles are strong and won’t break easily
• Eco-friendly

Glass Baby Bottles Cons:

• Heavier than plastic
• Cost – glass is more expensive than plastic

Plastic Baby Bottles Pros:

• Cost effective
• Lighter than glass
• Won’t break
• Readily available

Plastic Baby Bottles Cons:

• Risk of chemicals leaching into hot liquids
• More difficult to clean
• Cannot be heated to extreme temperatures needed for proper sterilisation
• Absorbs odours
• Less durable and will need replacing often

However, you can do all the research you want, but ultimately it will be your baby who decides. Babies can be fussy, so at first you may have to try a few different bottles before you find the one your little one is happy with. At least, armed with the above info, you can make the decision about whether to use glass or plastic.

Please share in the comments below your thoughts or experiences about choosing the right bottle that works for you and your baby.

Reference:

Baby Bottles and Bisphenol A (BPA) – HelathyChildren.org