Why Many Parents Ditch Plastic Baby Bottles

In the US, 87% of infants older than 4 months are fed from bottles at least some of the time, according to the World Health Organization. These bottles are incredibly popular, but parents need to be careful not to use kinds that are harmful.

We at Bright Side want your kids to stay healthy. So we studied why plastic bottles aren’t the best option for your babies along with some other baby items that you’re better off avoiding.

Plastic bottles add microplastics to baby formula.

Researchers have found that babies who are fed with plastic bottles consume up to 16 million plastic particles per liter. The microplastics are released when bottles are sterilized and while the formula is being prepared. The higher the temperature is, the more microplastics are released.

Microplastics are pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters. They form from plastic items that decompose into smaller pieces again and again.

They intoxicate kids with dangerous chemicals.

Many plastic bottles contain a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). When consumed, it can act like hormones or disrupt our hormone’s functions. Research has shown that in animal’s bodies, it has a negative impact on reproductive, developmental, and metabolic functions. While its full influence on humans hasn’t been thoroughly studied, it’s already clear that BPA is harmful to children.

Scratches inside the bottle serve as a home for bacteria.

Plastic bottles can get scratched easily, creating a space for bacteria growth and unpleasant odors. While we can fully sanitize glass bottles, plastic can melt and release harmful substances, making it difficult to keep them clean and safe. Plastic bottles should be replaced every 3-6 months — after this period, bottles are even less safe than before.

Alternatives that can be used safely

The full effect that plastic has on our kids hasn’t been studied yet. So scientists suggest trying to avoid exposure in their early years. The simplest solution would be to use glass bottles since they’re safe and easy to keep clean.

If you’re not ready to ditch plastic bottles, try preparing formula in a non-plastic material. Then, after it cools a bit, pour it into your kid’s favorite bottle. This way, the number of participles consumed will be lowered.

When buying a bottle, choose ones that are marked “BPA-free.” And since BPA can be found in plastic formula containers too, try buying formula in solid metal cans.

Bonus: other baby products that can be harmful

It’s not just bottles that pose this risk. Cutlery for children and teethers for babies are just some of the other items that release harmful participles when sterilized. The influence of this hasn’t been studied well yet, but in some places, like the EU, microplastics are already classified as harmful and dangerous, and BPA products are prohibited. The good news is that there are always safe alternatives to take place of plastic childcare products.

What do you think about plastic bottles? Are you using them with your kids? We’d love to hear about your experience.