Currently, bottles made from the plastic polypropylene are popular. They are free from plasticizers, long-lasting and sturdy, but according to recent studies, they are still not harmless. They too are sources of microplastics.

It’s clear that if you want to feed your baby baby milk, you need a baby bottle. But which ones are actually better? Glass or plastic? Most parents prefer plastic baby bottles to glass ones.

The reasons why you might also be thinking about buying a plastic baby bottle, or why you have already decided on one, are obvious. Plastic is lighter and just as break-resistant. Babies can hold lighter baby bottles better, and it is also pleasant for you to hold a light bottle in your hand when feeding takes a little longer once again – perhaps because cuddling while feeding is particularly nice right now. But wouldn’t plastic have its downsides: microplastics and harmful substances.

Our tip: Unlike plastic bottles, glass bottles can easily be heated to high temperatures without the smallest particles breaking loose. Furthermore, they are long-lasting and very hygienic. And you can cuddle with glass baby bottles too.

Bisphenol A (abbreviated: BPA) is one of the most widely used plasticizers worldwide and is used in plastic production. This substance harms not only you, but also the environment. It has already been detected in the human body, in the air, in dust, and in the water of rivers, lakes, and oceans.

After numerous studies have shown that BPA can affect, among other things, the human hormonal balance, the chemical was banned for baby bottles in 2011[1]. However, not for pacifiers, dolls, teething rings, and rattles for babies, or other everyday products.

Due to BPA's poor reputation, many manufacturers of plastics in the baby product segment have switched to other plasticizers from the bisphenol group. BPS is popular, but so are BPF, BPAF, BPZ, BPP, or BHPF. 

Polypropylene is a plastic that does not require any plasticizers from the bisphenol family. A 2020 study by Li and colleagues published in the journal “Nature Food” found that 82.5 percent of the global market for baby bottles actually consists of bottles made entirely or partially from polypropylene[3].

Polypropylene is a very lightweight plastic that can be formed into many different shapes. It is also not easily biodegradable. Like other plastics, however, it persists for a long time as plastic waste and breaks down into tiny particles. In the ocean, polypropylene particles absorb environmental toxins and can be swallowed by marine animals or reach groundwater and thus end up in your home[4].  

Plastic baby bottles for infant formula are widespread. The plastic polypropylene often used for this purpose does not decompose as quickly if it is not exposed to UV rays or very high temperatures.

Researchers Li and colleagues from the University of Missouri-Columbia prepared baby bottles according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and then measured the microplastic content in the baby formula[5].

In short: The WHO recommends filling bottles with 70 degrees Celsius hot water to reduce exposure to harmful bacteria or germs. Milk powder is then added to the bottle and shaken well. Of course, regular sterilization of the bottle at 95 degrees Celsius is also recommended[6].

However, in Europe today, preparation with 40 degrees hot water is recommended and considered sufficient to kill any germs that may be present.

The problem is that repeated changes in temperature and shaking during preparation put a lot of strain on the material of the plastic bottle.

Through a mathematical model, researchers Li and colleagues found that the average intake of microplastics per infant per day is between 14,000 and 4.5 million particles. This is 300 times more than what applies to an average adult.[5]

Plastic baby bottles release microplastics that are absorbed by babies' bodies. There are already studies examining what consequences microplastics have on animals or our environment[7, 8]. The question of what damage or diseases it can cause in the human body has not yet been definitively answered. There is definitely still a need for research here!

When it comes to baby bottles, there is a very good alternative to plastic: Glass baby bottles.

Generally, it is worth avoiding plastic and packaging materials in everyday life. When it comes to products for your baby, there are alternatives made from natural materials, such as glass, natural rubber, or even wood.

If you cannot avoid plastic for certain products, it is best to make sure that you do not leave them in the sun, so that temperature fluctuations can be avoided.

It is also important to check that pacifiers made of latex or silicone are printed with “BPA-free” on the packaging. This is because plasticizers are also often added to these materials.

One more tip for everyday life: Bisphenol A is used as a color developer for bank statements, faxes, tickets, and parking tickets (i.e., thermal paper). Therefore, be sure to wash your hands after touching thermal paper! BPA has been banned for cash register receipts since January 1, 2020. Nevertheless, they belong in the black bin and not with the waste paper.  

Sources:

[1]https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/IP_11_229 [2]https://bondlsc.missouri.edu/person/cheryl-s-rosenfeld/ [3]https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-020-00171-y [4]https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/news-BPA-free-plastic-safety-chemicals-health [5]https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-020-00171-y [6]https://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/micro/PIF_Bottle_en.pdf [7]https://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=XF2017002714 [8]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468584417300119?via=ihub