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At first thought, the idea of glass baby bottles for your little one may seem crazy. Too dangerous, right?
Turns out, not necessarily. The old-school bottles you may be picturing have come a long way over the years and there are various reasons as to why you may want to opt for glass over plastic.
Glass bottles are built to last, making them a worthwhile investment for your child’s earliest years. They can be easier to clean and sterilize than plastic ones, as they won’t eventually fog over or develop a film that’s hard to scrub off, as plastic often does.
They can also be heated in a bottle warmer straight from the fridge and boiled to sanitize, and they won’t eventually develop a lingering funky smell after a while or if you don’t wash them right away, which is definitely a plus.
It’s true that unlike plastic bottles, glass bottles can break if dropped or thrown on the floor. However, most of today’s glass bottles are made of sturdier glass that can handle rapid changes in temperature when warmed up and won’t break when thrown from a stroller.
Not only that, but the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests “using alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.”
We chose these glass bottles based on affordability, product information from the manufacturers, and reviews from consumers who had positive experiences. We also kept both formula and breastfed babies in mind when researching and selecting these bottles.
Price: $ This 5-ounce bottle is a great option for newborns, as it’s contoured for a proper latch and offers an anti-colic vent system that grows with your baby, creating a paced flow as your baby develops their feeding technique. The manufacturer says these features can help reduce spitting up, burping, and gas, while aiding in digestion. One reviewer noted that the wide neck makes it easy to pour formula inside.
Price: $ Six of these 8-ounce glass bottles retail for under $20, so this value pack is definitely a steal. They’re also easy to hold and to clean, and they’re made to fit most standard breast pumps so you can pump directly into them. They also offer premium venting technology that the manufacturer suggests keeps bubbles inside the bottle rather than in your baby’s tummy, helping to prevent reflux, gas, and fussiness.
Price: $$$ One aspect that can make glass bottles less safe than plastic is that they’re more likely to break, and a weak grip can only add to that possibility. This bottle comes with a silicone sleeve to prevent slippage and make you feel more confident in handling the bottle with a wiggly baby. You can also leave the sleeve on when heating the bottle in a warmer, which adds to its convenience.
Price: $ This glass bottle is made with venting technology meant to reduce colic and stomach discomfort by making air flow away from your baby’s belly. It also features a wide breast-shaped nipple to promote a natural latch if you’re combining breast- and bottle-feeding.
Price: $$$ This bottle is made with super-strong borosilicate glass that can withstand heat and thermal shock, making it a convenient and reliable option to use straight from the freezer. It’s also equipped with a nonslip silicone sleeve to provide a better grip, which can be left on in the dishwasher. Lastly, this bottle is compatible with most breast pumps.
Price: $$ These premium glass bottles are equipped with wavy nipples that are designed to reduce nipple confusion and help babies switch back and forth between the breast and bottle. They’re said to encourage babies to use the same natural sucking action used when nursing to help maintain similar breastfeeding patterns. The bottles’ air ventilation system is also designed to minimize stomach discomfort and colic.
Price: $$$ Glass bottles are generally more environmentally friendly than plastic, but this bottle takes it a step further. It’s made from durable borosilicate glass with a plant-based natural rubber nipple that is free of phthalates, BPA, PVC, and plastic material. Reviewers note that their breastfed babies took to these easily and that these bottles stood up to being forcefully dropped without breaking.
Price: $$$ It’s hard to find an eco-friendly glass bottle that isn’t so, well, boring-looking. These bottles come in a variety of colors and are hued to match the silicone sleeves they come with for easy gripping. They’re also easy to clean and come with two different sized nipples to grow with your baby as they transition to a sippy cup.
Yes, glass bottles cost a bit more than plastic, but as a healthier option for both you and the environment, they can be a worthwhile investment.
Consider saving yourself the headache of keeping plastic looking and feeling clean by choosing bottles that will stand and shine strong for years to come.
Last medically reviewed on September 25, 2020
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