Quick answer: Baby bottles made from glass or stainless steel do not release microplastics. Plastic bottles, even BPA-free ones, can shed tiny plastic particles over time, especially when exposed to heat, shaking, sterilising, and repeated use.
In those early months especially, you’re making bottles often — late at night, reheating, washing, and starting again. It’s one of the few things that gets used over and over, every day. Choosing plastic free baby bottles made from glass or stainless steel is a simple way to reduce that repeated exposure to microplastics.
What are microplastics in baby bottles?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can break off from plastic surfaces over time. With baby bottles, that can happen through heating, shaking to mix feeds, sterilising, dishwashing, and general wear.
Heat and repeated use tend to increase this — especially when preparing warm milk or formula. Because bottles are used often throughout the day, they can become one of the more regular points of exposure in early life.
Should I worry about microplastics in baby bottles?
Yes — it’s something worth paying attention to.
Plastic baby bottles are exposed to a lot in everyday use — hot liquids, shaking, and frequent washing — which is why they’re often highlighted in research on microplastic exposure. 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.
Glass and stainless steel baby bottles are the most straightforward alternatives if you’re looking to avoid microplastics.
Is there a healthier alternative to a plastic baby bottle?
Yes — glass and stainless steel baby bottles are the healthiest alternatives to plastic. They do not release microplastics and remain stable when exposed to heat.
Plastic baby bottles can break down over time, especially with repeated heating, shaking, and washing. Glass and stainless steel don’t behave in the same way — they’re stable materials, which means they don’t shed particles into milk or formula.
We talk more about this in are glass baby bottles safe? what to know.
Glass baby bottles are a simple, low-tox option for everyday feeding. They’re easy to clean, don’t absorb odours, and tend to last well over time. Stainless steel baby bottles offer a more lightweight, durable alternative, which can be especially useful for travel or daycare.
Which baby bottles do not have microplastics?
Baby bottles made from glass or stainless steel do not release microplastics.
Here are a few of our favourite plastic-free baby bottles, and why they stand out:
Baby Quoddle glass baby bottles
Why it stands out: Made from borosilicate glass with natural rubber teats, meaning no plastic comes into contact with milk during feeding. Great teat option for newborns.
Why it stands out: Combines glass with a natural rubber teat and simple anti-colic design to minimise synthetic materials in contact with milk. Milk lock helps prevent leaking during travel.
Lifefactory glass baby bottles
Why it stands out: Durable glass with protective silicone sleeves, designed to be used daily without degrading. Multiple lid options to grow with baby.
Pura Kiki stainless steel bottles
Why it stands out: A fully plastic-free system with a lightweight, durable design that keeps plastic away from milk and can grow with your child. Great for travel and everyday use.
What else can I do to reduce microplastics when feeding my baby?
Choosing a non-plastic bottle is a strong first step, but there are a few other simple shifts that can help reduce exposure day to day.
- avoid heating milk or food in plastic
- store baby food in glass containers where possible
- replace worn or scratched plastic feeding items
- use plastic-free plates and utensils where possible
- focus on simple, stable materials for everyday use
If you are starting solids, you might also like → Safest way to freeze baby food (without plastic)
Small shifts like these can make a difference over time, especially with the things used every day.
If you’re looking to reduce microplastics more broadly, the same idea applies across other parts of daily life too — things like bath toys, clothing, and everyday baby products. You can explore more in our Ultimate Non Toxic Baby Guide.
FAQs
Which baby bottles are safest for newborns?
Glass baby bottles and stainless steel baby bottles are considered the safest options for newborns as they do not release microplastics and remain stable when exposed to heat.
Do BPA-free bottles still release microplastics?
Yes. BPA-free removes one chemical, but the plastic itself can still break down over time.
Are glass baby bottles safe for everyday use?
Yes. Most are made from strengthened glass and often include silicone sleeves for grip and durability.
Related reads
Are glass baby bottles safe? What to know
The ultimate non-toxic baby essentials guide
Safest way to freeze baby food (without plastic)
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