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Are Baby Bottles Safe? How to Make the Best Choice for Your Baby
 If the controversy over baby bottles has you confused about the safest options, you are not alone. Many parents are wondering if the bottle they slip into their baby’s mouth could be dangerous, due to some studies that have shown dangerous chemicals may leak into the milk when the bottles are warmed. Though it is still being studied, most officials believe that some plastic bottles may leak a chemical called Biphenol A (BPA) when heated, but they state the minor traces that get into the milk likely will not cause any harm.
BPA is a concern not just for babies, but for anyone who eats off of certain types of plastic that have been heated in the microwave. BPA comes from polycarbonate, a material that manufacturers use due to its flexible nature that is easy to mold into shape; and it is nearly impossible to break. These were highly attractive features when plastic bottles first hit the market, since bottles were made of glass before that.
There is particularly more concern with babies of course, since they are still growing and developing and are more sensitive to chemicals than an adult may be. While some parents are not concerned with BPA, most parents are looking for safer alternatives just in case some harm could be done to their baby in the long run. It has been linked to everything from cancer and early onset of puberty to diabetes, so it is better to err on the safe side on this issue.
Plastic Bottles
Not all plastic bottles contain BPA, and many stores have already pulled those that do from the shelves. If you want to stick with plastic, check the bottom of the bottles for codes that will tell you if it is safe. If you see “PC” or #7 on the bottom, chances are high that it was made with polycarbonate plastic. Look numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 to ensure that the plastic does not contain BPA. There types of plastic are safe, even when heated.
There are brands that say clearly on the package that they do not contain BPA. They are the best options if you want to ensure that your plastic bottles are safe.
Plastic Liner Bottles
Bottles that use disposable liners may be a little more expensive since you have to continue buying the liners, but they are preferred by many parents for a variety of reasons. For starters, they are BPA free and cleaning them simply involves taking out the liner and throwing it away. Beyond convenience, many parents like that you can squeeze out the air from the liner before feeding the baby. This eliminates a lot of the air that causes discomfort and crying for most babies.
For mothers who are breastfeeding and just supplementing with bottles, liners are often the preferred choice of bottle simply because they can hook the liner directly to their breast pump, and then easily insert it into the bottle to feed.
Glass Bottles
Traditional glass bottles were replaced by the plastic alternative a long time ago, but many mothers still prefer them. Since they have absolutely no risk of leaking any type of chemical into the milk, they have made a small comeback. Most stores carry at least one classical glass bottle, though safer plastic alternatives still dominate.
The problem with glass is they are heavier and can break. Many women are on the go these days and must take bottles with them. The chances of a glass bottle breaking and the extra weight they add to a diaper bag rule them out for many families. Yet, there are many families who really prefer their design to plastic, so it may be worth investing in a couple to use at home even if you do go with plastic most of the time.
Finding safe baby bottles is not very difficult these days, especially if you just look for glass or a brand that clearly states it is BPA free. It ultimately comes down not just to the material, but the needs of your family as well. If you are a stay at home mother you may really want to use the glass bottles, while a working mother who needs to haul them around will likely go with something different.
Remember also that your little one will quickly graduate into toddler-hood and you should be just as careful with Sippy cups. They are usually not heated, but it can’t hurt to check the number on the bottom just to ensure that a safer plastic is used.
BABY BOTTLE & NIPPLE TYPES
No one type of bottle or nipple is better than another. You and your baby are the best judges. Here is some information to help you decide which type of bottle and nipples to use.
Bottles:
As discussed above there are 2 types of bottles: glass bottles and plastic bottles. Some bottles use plastic liners. You may know them as the Playtex Nurser®. The plastic liners collapse while the baby feeds decreasing the amount of swallowed air.
The newest type of bottle is the Johnson & Johnson Healthflow ®. This plastic bottle has a bend in the middle. The bend in this bottle fills the nipple completely with formula and helps prevent your baby from swallowing air during feedings. This reduces the amount of air swallowed.
Nipples:
Nipples made from silicone are the easiest to clean, do not get gummy, and do not taste rubbery. However, the best one for your baby is the one he feels most comfortable with. If an infant likes it, he'll quickly grab on to it and suck vigorously. If he doesn't, he'll let go after a few sucks, his body may tense up, and he may begin to fuss or cry. Here are some of the different types of nipples available:
- ORTHODONTIC The bulb, the part of the nipple the baby sucks on, is flattened to resemble the shape of the mother's nipple during breastfeeding. Because of its shape, this type of nipple sometimes sticks shut after feedings, making it difficult to clean.
- ANGLED The nipple leans to one side so that it automatically tilts into your baby's mouth.
- VENTED A small hole in the neck of the nipple lets air into the bottle while keeping liquid in. This prevents the nipple from collapsing. While vents help the nipple stay erect, most babies instinctively suck just fine without them by opening their mouth and letting air back into the bottle.
- SIZE 1 (or labeled "for babies 0 to 6 months") The hole is smaller, to prevent the baby from taking in too much at once and gagging. The entire nipple may be smaller than those designed for older babies.
- SIZE 2 (or labeled "for older babies" or "faster-flowing") A larger hole -- or sometimes more than one hole -- allows for a quicker flow.
- FOR PREMATURE BABIES This nipple has a tinier hole than others, and is softer, to make sucking easier until a preemie gains more strength.
In summary, bottles and nipples come in various types; which ones you choose will be a matter of your own and your baby’s preference. You can try a few types, if necessary, and then stock up on the ones your baby prefers.
Typically, bottles come in four-ounce and eight-ounce sizes. If you are bottle feeding from birth, you’ll probably want four to six of the small bottles and six to ten of the larger ones. Or, to economize, you can use the big bottles from the start, but put in just a few ounces of formula at first.
And remember, both baby bottles and nipples can deteriorate with time and use. So they should be replaced when bottles or nipples become cracked, discolored or brittle.
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