As a mom, one of the things you’ve probably realized is that a majority of baby items are made out of plastic. A good number of pacifiers, bottles, toys, and teething soothers are all plastic-made.
Back in 2012, the FDA banned the use of bisphenol A, popularly known as BPA, in the manufacture of sippy cups and baby bottles. But even with this prohibition, you can never be 100% sure that the plastic bottles and other baby items you’re purchasing are safe for your baby.
Some still try to sneak harmful chemicals in because it makes bottles easier and cheaper to manufacture.
The best thing to do is to use alternatives. In the case of baby bottles, glass is a pretty good substitute.
In my post, I’ll explain why you should use glass as opposed to plastic bottles for babies and recommend a few models which have proven to be better than the competition of their plastic counterparts.
Before we dive into it, here’s a quick list of our top picks for all of you moms in a hurry:
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Top Top | NUK Simply Natural Glass Bottles Gift Set | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top Top | Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottle | Prime | Buy Now | |
Top Top | Evenflo Feeding Classic Glass Twist Bottles | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top Top | Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottle | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top Top | Lifefactory 4-Ounce BPA-Free Glass Baby Bottle | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
haakaa Gen.3 Natural Glass Baby Bottle | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Why Use Glass Bottles For Babies?
For some moms, the idea of buying a glass bottle for your baby might not sit well with you.
Perhaps you’re worried that it will break easily and injure your little one in the process.
Contrary to popular belief though, the glass baby bottles of today are tough as nails; thus making them a superb option for storing and feeding breast milk to your infant.
This is because they’re made using special tempered glass.
This type of glass is usually toughened to give it more strength than ordinary glass.
Thanks to this construction, glass baby bottles are able to withstand impact better than plastic bottles.
Glass bottles for babies are fairly easy to clean.
Although this can’t be said for all of them, a good number of bottles in our review have very few components.
This makes them much easier to clean.
A few, like the Lifefactory bottles, are even dishwasher safe.
Another factor to consider regarding glass vs plastic baby bottles is their thermal-shock resistance.
A majority of them are made from thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass.
To put this simply, it means that you can take the bottle from an ice-cold setting into a bottle warmer without them breaking.
This is an important aspect if you’re used to storing breast milk in the fridge and need to heat it up prior to giving it to your baby.
This feature also comes in handy when you have to sterilize the glass bottles by placing them in hot or boiling water.
Worried about the impact that your plastic baby items are causing on the environment? If you are, then glass baby bottles and glass sippy cups are the way to go.
RELATED: Glass Sippy Cups: All You Need To Know For Your Little One’s Safety
With plastic baby bottles, they are non-biodegradable, which makes them a risk to the environment.
They are also not as durable as tempered glass, meaning they’re not easy to reuse.
The best glass baby bottles are so durable that most families choose to recycle them for their next toddler or even donate them to family members and friends.
Plus, glass bottles are clear and cleaner, so you can comfortably use them time and time again.
How to Clean Glass Bottles for Babies
There are two options to cleaning glass baby bottles.
You can either clean them by hand or toss them in a dishwasher.
Cleaning in the dishwasher
1. Take the components apart
The first step is to detach all the parts that make up the bottle. These include the nipple, cap, ring, and valves.
2. Rinse
Hold the components under running water and rinse them. You’re free to use either cold or warm water for this step.
3. Wash
Once they’re properly rinsed, arrange the items nicely in the dishwasher.
For the smaller components like caps and rings, you can put them in a mesh laundry bag or closed-top basket.
This is to prevent them from getting into the dishwasher filter.
4. Remove from the dishwasher
Before you start removing the bottle components, it’s wise to wash your hands with soap and water.
Next, place the clean items on a dish towel or bottle rack to air dry before storing them.
Cleaning by Hand
1. Wash your hands
It’s important that you start by washing your hands with soap and water for a minimum period of 20 seconds.
This way, you won’t transfer germs from your hands to the glass bottles.
2. Take the pieces apart
Next, separate all the bottle components – the bottle, nipple, cap, ring, and valve.
3. Rinse
Rinse each part individually by running it under water. Be careful not to place the items in the sink as it could be harboring germs.
Again, you can use either cold or warm water for rinsing.
4. Wash the feeding components
Place all the components in a clean basin or container. It should be one that’s reserved for this specific purpose.
Next, fill it with hot water and add soap.
Scrub all parts thoroughly with a clean bottle brush, which should also be designated for cleaning infant feeding items.
When cleaning the nipples, ensure you squeeze out all the water.
5. Rinse a second time
Again, hold the items under running water for rinsing.
If you don’t have access to running water, you can also hold them under fresh water in a separate container that should only be used to clean your baby’s utensils.
6. Air dry
Once they’re clean, the only thing left to do is to air-dry them. You can do this by placing them on a clean and unused dish towel or hanging on a bottle rack.
Ensure the place where you’re air-drying them from is not susceptible to dirt or germs.
7. Clean the basin and the bottle brush
Don’t forget to clean the wash basin and brush as well. You can wash them by hand or pop them in the dishwasher.
Top 5 Glass Baby Bottle Reviews
Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottle
- The most natural way to bottle feed. Wide, breast-shaped silicone nipple promotes natural latch on, so its easy to combine with breastfeeding
- Advanced anti-colic system is directly integrated into the nipple with no extra hard-to-clean parts
- Made of premium quality, pharmacy-grade borosilicate glass. Heat and thermal shock resistant
- Nipple is soft and breast-shaped to promote comfortable latch-on
- Twin valves prevent babies from swallowing air to reduce colic
- BPA-free glass is easy to sterilize
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Philips Avent is one of the best glass baby bottles you can invest in.
It strikes a good balance between pricing and features, which makes it an excellent choice even for moms who are on a shoestring budget.
Manufactured in the United States, this glass bottle is as easy to piece together just as it is to take apart.
This is thanks to its four-piece design, which comprises of the bottle, nipple, collar, and travel cap.
One of the features that you focus on when purchasing a baby bottle is its weight and breakage.
Luckily, the manufacturer took this into consideration, which is why the Philips Avent Natural Glass Bottle has a better grip than others.
It also boasts a durable build, which is achieved by using pharmacy-grade borosilicate glass for its construction.
This makes it resistant to both heat and thermal shock.
Plus, it’s available in different capacities and quantities, so make sure to choose the right Avent nipple size for your little one.
It comes in 4-ounce and 8-ounce bottles and in packs of 1 or 3.
Pros
- Equipped with a wide mouth to enhance easy filling
- Avent bottles are simple to assemble, take apart, and clean
- Comes with dual valves to prevent infants from swallowing air
- Made of high-quality borosilicate glass for durability
- Contains a sophisticated anti-colic system
Cons
- In some units, the bottle collar doesn’t lock well
Evenflo Feeding Classic Glass Twist Bottles
- MOTHER NATURE APPROVED - Being environmentally kind is important to all of us which is why the Evenflo Feeding tempered glass baby bottle is recyclable, sustainable and safe for the environment.
- EASY TO HOLD - Evenflo Feeding’s classic and iconic shape now has a fun, ergonomic twist! These uniquely shaped glass baby bottles are incredibly easy to hold while feeding, ensuring both you and your little one are comfortable.
- BPA FREE - You’re committed to your child’s safety and so is Evenflo Feeding. Their baby bottles are 100% free of BPA, polycarbonates, PVC, and phthalates, and are constructed of FDA approved food grade materials.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you thought the Philips Avent was a little too expensive for you, you’ll love the Evenflo Classic Bottles.
They are incredibly cheap, making it possible to purchase several units simultaneously without spending a whole lot.
Just to put this into perspective, you’ll receive 6 quality glass baby bottles for the price of one.
Design-wise, the Evenflo glass bottle doesn’t look that different. It has the same curved glass design that runs up on the sides.
But one thing you might not know is that this curvature is not only incorporated for aesthetic purposes.
It provides the user with a more comfortable grip.
More importantly, it enhances air flow within the bottle.
Essentially, this prevents the breast milk or infant formula from combining with air, which can result in air bubbles.
These air bubbles are one of the primary reasons why babies suffer from gas and reflux.
RELATED: 9 Best Formulas For Reflux That Make Baby Feedings A Breeze
Another perk of this glass bottle is that it’s easy to clean. Consisting of only three parts, the glass twist bottle can be assembled and disassembled within a short time.
This feature really comes in handy, as it gives you an opportunity to clean the bottle with ease between feedings.
Furthermore, the silicone nipples on these glass bottles are fitted with micro air vents.
The purpose of these is to prevent the nipple from collapsing and, hence, facilitate a better feeding experience.
Pros
- Affordable
- Doesn’t contain any BPA, PVC, and phthalates
- Comfortable to hold
- Slow flow nipples to provide a comfortable feeding
- Micro air venting to prevent nipple collapse
Cons
- Design of the bottle caps can be improved; they’re not well fitted and are a bit difficult to screw into place
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottle
- Four 9-ounce baby bottles with Slow Flow nipple (size 1), ideal for newborn babies and up
- Acceptance Guaranteed*: Breast-like shaped nipple for an easy and natural latch – 97% mom recommended**
- Natural Feel: Super-sensitive bottle nipple flexes like mom, smooth silicone feels closer to skin
- Anti-Colic: Optimum venting anti-colic nipple valve for less air intake and less discomfort for baby
- Baby-Safe: Always BPA-free and phthalate-free for ultimate reassurance
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you’re looking for the most “mom-like” glass baby bottle, then look no further than Tommee Tippee’s Closer to Nature Baby Bottles.
Tommee Tippee’s is known for their attention to detail when it comes to making baby’s life easier and more comfortable.
What that means is that they make sure that the pure silicone nipple is made as real as possible to prevent nipple confusion and to enable easier latching.
Not only that, but the nipple is designed in such a way that it shifts with the movements of the baby’s mouth, with a lot more flexibility and smoothness than other bottles on the market.
The bottle features a patented Slow Flow design, ideal for newborns and preventing them for sucking too much at any given time.
The same design is made to be anti-colic as well, not allowing any sneaky air bubbles to pass through the nipple and cause discomfort for your little one.
And, as many others, Tommee Tippee’s Closer to Nature Baby Bottles are completely free of any potentially harmful substances like BPA and Phthalates.
Personally, this was my go-to choice for baby bottles for my kids. Once I tried them, I never looked back unless I needed to swap to a Fast Flow nipple design.
Pros
- Slow Flow nipple design that prevents accidental gagging from too much liquid intake
- Nipple shaped as close to a mother’s as possible and made from smooth silicone
- BPA and Phthalates-free
- Anti-Colic nipple valve to prevent air bubbles from forming
- Mom-like design reduces nipple confusion and is ideal for breastfed babies
Cons
- The nipples sometimes come defective in the packaging but that’s a rare occurrence
NUK Simply Natural Glass Bottles
- 11-Piece set includes: 2 4-oz bottles with slow-flow nipples, 3 8-oz bottles with medium-flow nipples, 3 fast-flow nipples with 9 holes, 1 Newborn pacifier (0-2mo), 1 orthodontic 100% silicone pacifier (0-3mo) and 1 bottle brush
- Multiple nipple holes and innovative, extra-soft nipple provide a natural feed-it feels just like moms breast
- Advanced 1-piece anti-colic Air System helps reduce colic, gas, and spit up for greater comfort and fewer messes
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
One brand that never ceases to surprise with its practicality and generosity is NUK, especially with their new Simply Natural glass bottles.
The bottles themselves are made out of stain resistant borosilicate glass with a high impact and temperature tolerance, making them more durable than regular glass bottles.
They have a capacity of about 4-8oZ, depending on which ones you pick.
The nipple on the top is fully flexible and completely orthodontic with a unique design that features multiple holes on the top, properly mimicking a mother’s nipple minimizing any potential nipple confusion.
The nipple is vented with an anti-colic air vent that alleviates any potential chances of spit-ups, colic, gas and overall fussiness. They’re also fully machine washable thanks to their one piece construction.
Should you opt for the gift set for a tiny bit of extra charge, you can even get a full set of bottles with slow flow, medium flow and fast flow nipples that you can alternate per your baby’s needs.
Not only that, but you’ll also receive two pacifiers, one meant for newborns and one for babies up to 3 months of age that are 100% silicone as well as a bottle brush to help make bottle cleaning a lot easier.
The best part is that all of the items are fully safe for dishwasher cleaning and are BPA-free as well.
Pros
- Durable borosilicate glass construction
- Nipples with multiple nipple holes to mimic a mother’s nipple better
- Bottle nipples have an anti-colic vent
- Comes with slow, medium and fast flow bottle nipples
- Two pacifiers in the gift set as well as a bottle brush
- Everything is BPA-free and machine washable
Cons
- The measurements on the side of the bottle can be off
Lifefactory 4-Ounce Glass Baby Bottle
- Protective medical-grade silicone sleeve provides durability and a tactile non-slip gripping surface
- Dishwasher safe (place cap parts and nipple on top rack/no need to remove silicone sleeve unless desired)
- Includes polypropylene (PP#5) cap, ring and stopper and silicone nipple. All materials are BPA/BPS-free and phthalate-free. All materials are FDA approved.
- Compatible with most major breast pumps
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you want to purchase glass baby bottles but are still a bit wary of their durability, the Lifefactory Baby Bottle is a great place to start.
It’s been constructed using borosilicate glass, which is resistant to thermal shock.
With this type of glass, you can easily take the glass bottle from the freezer to a boiling pot without worrying about breakage.
It’s available in two capacities – 4-ounce and 9-ounce – and it comes with a silicone sleeve, which enhances grip and durability.
Another feature that makes the Lifefactory stand out is the fact that it’s available in numerous colors.
In fact, you’ll find this glass baby bottle in every color you can think of: mint, ocean blue, grape, papaya, sky blue, raspberry, just to mention a few.
The Lifefactory glass bottle is also dishwasher safe, an aspect that’s lacking in the majority of other glass bottles for babies.
The package includes a polypropylene cap, ring, and stopper, as well as a silicone nipple.
The best thing about its build is that all the materials are BPA-free and approved by the FDA.
Pros
- Silicone sleeve that protects the glass bottle in case it’s dropped
- Can be used for boiling right from the freezer without shattering
- Each component is dishwasher safe
- Available in numerous colors
Cons
- Pricey
- Not suited for babies who don’t have a good latch
Haakaa Gen.3 Natural Glass Baby Bottle
- MOST NATURAL FEEDING EXPERIENCE - The Off-centre Orthodontic Thumb-shaped Silicone Teat mimics the shape of a mothers nipple during breastfeeding, making the TRANSITION from breast feeding to bottle feeding a pleasant one.
- WIDE NECK & ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED - Easy to hold, fill, and clean. OFFSET position allows you to feed your baby without completely inveting the bottle.
- TWO FLOW RATES - Get both haakaa Gen.3 Glass Botte sizes in one handy combo, perfect for feeding your little one as they grow!Compatible with the Gen. 3 Bottle and Breast Pump Attachements including Sippy Spout and Sealing Disk attachments
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you’re looking for a more modern design or just looking for the most natural baby bottle shapes, then look no further than the Haakaa Gen.3 natural glass baby bottles.
It’s the most realistic representation of a mother’s breast thanks to the off centre, silicone teat that’s shaped like a thumb, perfectly replicating the experience of breastfeeding for a baby.
This makes weaning off the breast and transitioning to a bottle much easier as well as preventing any form of nipple confusion during the period.
The unique design also doesn’t require the bottle to be completely lifted up just to get the last drops of milk out, all of it will just slide down with ease.
Haakaa has always worried about customer safety so they made sure that every part of the bottle is made from safe materials. From the borosilicate glass that makes the bottle shatter-proof and PP to the food grade silicone that keeps it non-toxic.
You’ll also find that the design has vents to help prevent colic and to allow your baby to breathe properly during feeding times.
Finally, the bottles come with two flows, the regular and the slow flow option in case your baby has trouble keeping up.
On top of that, they’re completely reverse compatible with older Gen.3 product attachments like the sealing disk, sippy spout and the breast pump attachments in case you have some of those laying around still.
Pros
• Most realistic breast shape to date helps minimize nipple confusion
• BPA and phthalate-free
• Made from high-quality borosilicate glass, food grade silicone and PP
• Two nipple speed options
• Reverse-compatible with other Gen.3 attachments
• Anti-colic vents to prevent baby fussiness
Cons
• Sometimes the cap isn’t fastened properly and comes off loose
Final Word
If you’ve opted for bottle-feeding instead of breastfeeding your infant, then the two most important accessories you’ll need are a breast pump (and a breast pump bag when you’re on the move) and baby bottle set.
When it comes to baby bottles, those made of glass are the best option. They’re safe, long-lasting, eco-friendly and easy to clean.
One glass bottle that I really recommend is the Philips Avent.
It’s affordable, has a wide neck to make it easy to fill, and is durable.
But, as always, it’s all up to personal preference so do a double-take, maybe even a triple so you can finalize your decision before buying.
Think of what your baby likes and think of their habits, then put those all together and see which glass bottle fits your baby the best.
What works for my baby and for the babies of other moms might not work for you and only you can make the right choice.
After all, mommy knows best!
References:
NPR, Jon Hamilton ”FDA Bans Chemical BPA From Sippy Cups And Baby Bottles”, 2017.
READ NEXT:
- Switching From Breast Milk To Formula: Step By Step Guide
- Enfamil Vs Similac: Which Formula Is Better For Your Baby?
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