When you’re a new parent, one of the first decisions you have to make is choosing the right bottle for your baby. With so many different types of bottles on the market, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which bottle is best for your little one. Let’s break down some of the key features of these bottles and what they mean for you and your baby.
Glass Bottles
Glass bottles are not only trendy but also environmentally friendly—they’re reusable and recyclable! While glass bottles are heavier than their plastic counterparts, they won’t retain odors or residues from formula or breastmilk—an important factor when it comes to keeping your little one safe from harmful bacteria.
Glass bottles also don’t contain any chemicals that could potentially leach into the liquid inside them. People might worry that the bottle will break if they drop it, but it is less likely to break than some other materials like plastic or silicone.
Glass bottles are best to use if being environmentally-friendly is important to you and if you are wary of feeding your baby any chemicals that may seep into baby's milk.
Plastic Bottles
Many parents opt for plastic baby bottles because they are lightweight, inexpensive and readily available in stores everywhere. They come in different shapes and sizes and many parents like them because they’re easy to clean (just throw it in the dishwasher!).
However, plastic isn’t quite as durable as glass or silicone meaning over time they may start to show signs of wear and tear. Additionally, since plastic isn’t inert like glass or silicone, certain chemicals can leach into liquids stored in them over time. This means that it may be wise to replace your plastic baby bottle every six months or so for safety reasons.
Plastic bottles are great for parents that want something lightweight and inexpensive. They have most options available in plastic so if your baby has any additional requirements such as needing an anti-colic valve then you're likely to be able to find a variety in plastic.
Silicone Bottles
Silicone baby bottles are a great choice if you want something lightweight yet durable. Silicone is non-porous which helps keep bacteria away from your little one’s food or drink; plus, these types of bottles don't retain odors like plastic does!
They are also generally easier on gums during teething than traditional plastic nipples which makes them ideal for babies who tend to chew on their bottles. The downside is that silicone tends to be more expensive than other material options such as glass or plastic so if budget is an issue this might not be the best choice for you.
For the best on the market in all of the above types, check out my blog Mum's Guide to the Best Baby Bottles for a Happy Feed.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for glass, plastic or silicone there are plenty of options out there when it comes to picking out the perfect baby bottle for your little one! Take into consideration factors such as durability, weight and cost when deciding which type is right for you and know that no matter what kind of bottle you choose - all that really matters is that your little one gets what he needs!