Plastic or glass bottles: which one should you choose?
More and more parents are wondering whether it is better to breastfeed their babies with a plastic or glass bottle.
In fact, there are numerous options on the market that you can choose from and this can be confusing for first-time parents.
Today, these utensils are not only used when choosing to breastfeed with formula milk. Even when you opt for breastfeeding, a bottle can be a necessity to get back to work or if you are having difficulty promoting latching to the breast.
Therefore, in addition to the type of milk, it may be necessary to purchase a bottle, and knowing the options available will allow parents to make better decisions about feeding their little one.
Characteristics of the plastic or glass bottle
Before opting for a plastic or glass bottle, you should know the characteristics of both. Among these, the following are highlighted:
- Weight: Plastic bottles are lighter and easier to handle. Those made of glass, on the other hand, are much heavier.
- Resistance: a glass bottle resists scratches and heat sources. For its part, plastic can crack, favoring the accumulation of germs and releasing toxins when heated.
- Color: plastic and glass bottles are characterized by being transparent, although the former tend to have a more opaque shade. It often happens that plastic darkens over time and gets stained with certain foods.
- Odor: Plastic can absorb odors, glass cannot.
- Breakages: the plastic bottle can be considered unbreakable. The glass one is quite fragile and if it falls, it will most likely break. This increases the risk of cuts and injuries.
Other features to consider:
- Wear : Plastic deteriorates with use, especially if subjected to heat sources such as sterilization. Glass, on the other hand, does not wear out and does not change with temperatures.
- Maintenance: Both plastic and glass bottles may require frequent replacement. Plastic ones need to be replaced after a while due to deterioration from daily use. Glass ones tend to break more frequently accidentally.
- Environmental impact : glass is considered a much more ecological material than plastic.
- Size: Both plastic and glass bottles come in different sizes. From vials of 60 or 90 milliliters for the first few weeks, to others of 150 and 300 milliliters for the growth of the child.
Differences between plastic or glass baby bottles
As you have seen, there are notable differences between a plastic bottle and a glass bottle. The choice of one or the other is based on your child's needs, age and preferences.
In the next few lines, we will talk in more detail about the characteristics of each of these materials.
The plastic bottle
This material is characterized by being light, transportable and resistant to shocks and falls. For this reason it is the most convenient option when on the move or when the baby is already able to hold the bottle by himself.
Today, most plastic bottles are made from safe and child-friendly materials. However, the time of use and the sterilization temperature deteriorate them little by little.
It often happens that the color of the bottle becomes duller, acquires a certain smell and cracks. Germs proliferate inside which is why we insist on keeping these containers very clean .
It would be advisable not to heat them in microwaves to avoid deterioration and thus prolong their useful life.
An important aspect to consider
When choosing a plastic bottle, you should know that there are regulations for the manufacture of these utensils. For example, the ban on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) among its components.
This chemical is commonly used for the production of various plastics.
However, the accumulation of this substance in the children's body can be quite harmful. Among some of the diseases related to BPA, metabolic, hormonal, liver and even cancer diseases have been described.
The use and sale of bottles containing BPA is prohibited in the European Union. Therefore, to check the quality of the bottle that you are going to buy, it is necessary to observe two aspects:
- Labeling: if the legend “UNE-EN14350” appears on the package, it means that it complies with European standards.
- Bottom of the bottle: There is a triangle with a number. Those with numbers 3, 6 and 7 or the letters PC should be avoided, as they may contain BPA. Those with the number 1, 2, 4 or 5 are safe.
The glass bottle
Glass is often recommended because it is easier to clean and sterilize. The characteristics of the material prevent germs from adhering to the walls of the container.
Therefore, glass bottles are considered safer for the baby's health in terms of the risk of contamination.
Furthermore, the wear of this material is almost nil: it does not change over time, does not stain, does not absorb odors or flavors and does not deteriorate with temperature. This makes it suitable for microwave heating, as it does not give off any toxic substances with heat.
Finally, it is a transparent, hard, waterproof, non-porous material and has a great resistance to scratches. These features give it great durability, unless it falls and breaks.
In any case, glass is a more environmentally friendly material and in case of breakage it can be recycled.
One of the drawbacks is their weight, which can be a problem during transport. In addition, it is a fragile material, so the glass bottle is not an object that is recommended to be left in the hand of small children.
A personal choice...
As you have seen, the choice between a plastic or glass bottle largely depends on the preferences and needs of each family. Each of the materials has its advantages and disadvantages, but it responds better to different situations.
Glass bottles can be useful for the baby's first few months. But when it comes to using this tool outside the home or when the baby wants to hold the bottle, the plastic ones are lighter and safer.
To choose between a plastic bottle and a glass bottle, it is best to think about the times in which the bottle will be used, the age of the child and the preferences of the family. Both options have their advantages and you and your child will be able to find the one that best suits your needs.
