First published in 2015, updated April 2026.
Quick answer: Yes — glass baby bottles are considered one of the safest feeding options. They are naturally free from BPA and plastic additives, don’t absorb odours or stains, and stay stable with repeated heating. Popular options in Australia include Baby Quoddle, Lifefactory, BIBS, and HEVEA glass baby bottles.
More and more, parents are starting to question everyday plastic — especially in things used multiple times a day. Even “BPA-free” plastics can still contain other additives, and over time, with heat and wear, plastics can break down.
Glass offers a simpler alternative. No coatings, no hidden materials — just a durable, non-reactive surface that stays the same over time.
Are glass baby bottles safer than plastic?
Glass and plastic baby bottles behave quite differently over time — especially with regular use, heating, and washing.
Glass baby bottles:
Glass is a stable, non-porous material. It doesn’t contain plastic additives like BPA or phthalates, won’t scratch or become cloudy, and doesn’t absorb odours or colours. Even with repeated heating and sterilising, it stays consistent.
Plastic baby bottles:
Plastic bottles are lightweight and less fragile, which can make them appealing. But plastics don’t remain unchanged over time. With repeated heating, washing, and daily use, they can begin to break down.
As this happens, bottles may become scratched or cloudy, and small amounts of microplastics can be released. There is also ongoing concern around chemical migration from plastic additives — even in products labelled “BPA-free.”
Research, including a 2020 study published in Nature Food, has found that polypropylene plastic baby bottles can release millions of microplastic particles per litre when formula is prepared with hot water.
Because bottles are used so frequently — often with warm liquids, shaking, and repeated washing — they can become one of the more consistent points of plastic exposure in early life.
Glass and stainless steel baby bottles are the most straightforward alternatives to avoid microplastics, and typically preferred for stability and long-term use — particularly if bottles are being heated, washed, and used day in, day out.
If you want to explore this in more detail, including simple ways to reduce exposure, you can read our guide: Which baby bottles do not have microplastics?
What are the best glass baby bottles in Australia?
These glass baby bottles are commonly chosen for safety, durability, and ease of use. All are free from plastic additives and designed for everyday feeding.
Best for a fully plastic-free option:
Baby Quoddle glass baby bottle
Minimal design using borosilicate glass and natural rubber teats.
Why it stands out: One of the few completely plastic-free bottle systems available, making it a strong choice for parents wanting the simplest possible materials.
Best for durability and grip:
Lifefactory glass baby bottle
Glass bottle with a protective silicone sleeve and interchangeable lids.
Why it stands out: Extra grip and long-term usability across different feeding stages.
Best for portability:
BIBS glass baby bottle
Borosilicate glass with natural rubber teat and anti-colic design.
Why it stands out: Combines natural materials with practical design features like a milk lock to help prevent leaks and a silicone bumper for durability and grip.
What should you look for in a glass baby bottle?
- Borosilicate or tempered glass for strength
- Silicone sleeve for grip and protection
- Simple parts for easy cleaning
- High-quality teat materials
- Interchangeable lids and teats
Interchangeable lids are especially useful, allowing bottles to transition from newborn feeding through to sippy or straw stages.
Are glass baby bottles practical for everyday use in Australia?
Yes, glass baby bottles are more practical than many people expect.
Most glass baby bottles are made from tempered or borosilicate glass, designed to handle temperature changes and daily use. They’re heat resistant, safe for sterilisers, and non-porous, so they don’t hold onto smells or residue.
They are a little heavier than plastic, but often not by much. As babies grow, some families rotate with options like stainless steel baby bottles when out and about.
Breakage is usually the biggest concern, but the bottles we recommend are made from strengthened glass and are far more durable than standard household glass. Silicone sleeves can also help with grip and add an extra layer of protection.
Are stainless steel baby bottles a good alternative?
Stainless steel baby bottles can be a practical addition as babies grow. They’re lightweight, durable, and useful for on-the-go feeding.
Best for on-the-go use: Pura Kiki stainless steel baby bottle
Plastic-free design with interchangeable lids that adapt as your baby grows.
Why it stands out: A versatile option that transitions from bottle to sippy to straw.
Are glass baby bottles a good long-term choice?
One of the biggest advantages of glass baby bottles is how well they last. They don’t degrade in the same way plastic can, so a good set can often carry through different stages — and sometimes even multiple children.
Glass baby bottles offer a simple, stable alternative to plastic — especially for something used multiple times a day.
If you’re choosing bottles for everyday feeding, starting with glass or stainless steel can help reduce exposure to unnecessary additives.
Shop all plastic free baby bottles →
For a broader guide, see our Ultimate Non-Toxic Baby Essentials Checklist.
FAQs
Are glass baby bottles better than plastic?
Glass bottles are often preferred for their stability and simplicity. They don’t contain plastic additives and don’t change over time in the same way plastic can.
Do glass baby bottles break easily?
They’re much more durable than standard glass and designed for everyday use. While they can break, it’s not something most people experience with normal handling.
Are glass baby bottles safe for newborns?
Yes — they’re commonly used from birth, especially when paired with the right teat flow.
Can you put glass baby bottles in the dishwasher?
Yes — most are dishwasher safe and can also be sterilised using boiling water or steam.
Related reads
The ultimate non-toxic baby essentials checklist →
4 Hidden Toxins in Baby Products
Best Baby Wash for Sensitive Skin
Nappy Rash Worries? CastorBub Is Here For Your Baby’s Delicate Skin
From Bump To Baby: Brisbane's Number One Natural Baby Shop
