Glass Baby Bottles
The Best Glass Baby Bottles in 2019
Glass baby bottles are now more popular than ever (see below on why glass is preferred over plastic, even when plastic is BPA-free). The natural result of this growing market demand is a wider selection of brands, and an even more difficult task when it comes to making a decision on which bottles are best for your baby. I put together this brief guide to help make the decision a little easier.
First, what should you look for in glass baby bottles? There are two main characteristics that are universally important:
- Strong, durable glass that can withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking and perhaps even a drop to the floor.
- Little to no leaking
- A nipple that works well and doesn’t collapse or trap air bubbles.
Beyond these factors, there are other considerations that depend on your unique circumstances and how you will be using the bottles:
- Would you like to pump directly into the bottles? If so, it is good idea to choose a bottle that is compatible with your breastpump.
- Are you transitioning from breastfeeding to bottlefeeding (or doing both). If so, some parents like wide-mouth bottles with nipples that are more familiar shape for their baby.
Read on to find out my recommendations on each of these points.
Best All-Rounder and Best Value: EvenFlo
EvenFlo Classic Glass Twist Bottles are what I ended up using for both my boys, because the bottles are very sturdy, rarely leak (if screwed on medium tight), and have good quality nipples with a venting system that works well. Evenflo bottles are also the best value, costing about $15 for a set of six 8 oz bottles, and are compatible with breast pumps.
Most likely to Survive a Drop: LifeFactory
LifeFactory bottles are significantly more expensive than Evenflo, but they are beloved by many parents because of their unique silicone sleeve. This sleeve helps to protect the bottles somewhat if they are dropped. The bottles are also made of strong borosilicate glass that can withstand rapid temperature changes.
Other advantages: all components are dishwasher safe and the bottles are compatible with breast pumps.
Best Wide Mouth Bottle: Philips Avent
Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottles are specifically designed for breastfeeding babies, with a wider and softer nipple. They are also made of heat and shock resistant borosilicate glass and are much less likely to break than other wide-mouth bottles.
Why use glass ? Aren’t plastic baby bottles BPA-Free now?
Although the type of plastic currently used for baby bottles is much safer than that used a few years ago, even the newer plastics can still potentially leach chemicals when in contact with liquids for a long period of time, especially if the plastic is damaged by cleaning in hot water. For this reason, it is much better to use baby bottles made from glass. (As discussed in more detail in Chapter 12 of Brain Health from Birth).
Glass bottles have the added advantage of being much easier to keep clean. After a few months of use, plastic baby bottles can become scratched, cloudy, and develop an odor of old milk, even with the most dedicated cleaning. Glass bottles, however, will remain sparkling clean after months or even years of use.
The main downside to glass is the fact that the bottles may break when dropped. This problem can be minimized by choosing a brand made from sturdy glass — I have found EvenFlo and LifeFactory bottles to be most likely to survive a fall.
If breakage is still a big concern for you, or you want a lighter bottle your baby can hold herself, I highly recommend Pura’s stainless steel bottles.
