Plastic Bottles

Today, most mothers choose plastic bottles for feeding baby. Plastic bottles are lightweight, inexpensive and unbreakable. In fact, the vast majority of baby bottles sold today are plastic. You’ll find many different styles and brands of plastic baby bottles in all sizes. Today’s plastic is easy to sterilize, and dishwasher safe, making it more convenient than ever.

In recent years, there’s been some controversy about plastic baby bottles. Some studies have shown that Bisphenol A, a substance found in polycarbonate bottles, is linked to cancer, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes and hyperactivity. About 90% of the plastic baby bottles on the market today are polycarbonate plastic bottles.

Baby bottles, along with other baby feeding accessories are regulated by the FDA in the US. The FDA and other entities have done extensive research on polycarbonate bottles and have found them safe for use. In addition, the plastics industry has commissioned independent researchers to study polycarbonate plastics and test them for safety. All of this research has suggested that polycarbonate baby bottles are safe for use. Many people who are concerned about the plastics used in baby bottles suggest that we need to examine much longer term effects of plastic use before we truly understand whether or not it’s safe.

Each parent should decide for themselves whether or not they feel comfortable using plastic baby bottles. If you want to use plastic baby bottles, but are concerned about their safety, experts recommend that you not use plastic bottles for reheating baby’s milk. The research that has shown evidence that Bisphenol A can leak into milk, suggests that this is most likely to happen when the plastic gets hot. So, if you avoid reheating baby’s milk in the plastic bottles, you may alleviate any concern.

While glass bottles are known to be safe from a chemical perspective, there are disadvantages to glass bottles, too. The most important concern about using glass bottles is the fact that they’re breakable. This is not such a concern when babies are very young, but once they’re old enough to hold the bottle on their own, a breakable bottle can be very dangerous. In addition, glass bottles are far heavier than plastic and are also more expensive.

So, as you can see, choosing your baby’s bottle is a big decision. Take the time to research plastic bottles to ensure that you’re comfortable with using them for your child. If you don’t feel comfortable, glass bottles are also easy to find and readily available.