Picking out baby feeding bottles can be challenging if you’re new to the whole parenting journey. Not only is there a wide range of brands to choose from, but there’s also the choice of glass vs plastic vs silicone. With silicone bottles becoming all the rage, you may be wondering about the silicone baby bottles pros and cons. More importantly, are silicone baby bottles safe?
Silicone baby bottles are one of the safest types currently available. Constructed from food-grade silicone, they don’t contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, microplastics or phthalates. They are also lightweight and unbreakable. The only drawback is that they are generally more expensive.
Key takeaways
- Silicone bottles are made from medical-grade silicone, making them super safe
- They are designed to mimic mom’s breast, making the transition between breast and bottle easy
- Simple to clean, sterilize and freeze
Are Silicone Baby Bottles Safe?
Yes! Many new parents will be delighted to learn that silicone bottles are considered to be the safest baby bottle option currently available. Since they’re flexible, toxin-free and easy to clean and sterilize, they make excellent alternatives to stainless steel and glass options.
Why are Silicone Baby Bottles Better?
One of the features that make silicone bottles better is that they look and feel natural. Many silicone bottles mimic the mother’s breast, making it easier for babies to transition between breast and bottle. Furthermore, their flexibility makes it easy for babies to hold and get used to.
Silicone Baby Bottles Pros and Cons
As with all other baby products, silicone baby bottles have a series of pros and cons that parents should consider before making the final choice. Some of the more prominent pros and cons are listed below.
Pros
- These bottles contain no BPA or chemical toxins
- Safer and much more durable than plastic
- Easier for breastfed babies to transition between breast and bottle
- Safe to place in boiling water, microwave, sterilizers and dishwashers
- Wide neck design makes them easy to clean
Cons
- Can fall over if almost empty as the base is made of silicone
- May leak if the plastic ring is not tightened correctly
- Shouldn’t mix formula in the bottle as the bottle isn’t sturdy
How to Pick the Best Bottle for Your Baby
When choosing the best bottle for your baby, consider the following:
- Opt for at least two types in case your baby doesn’t like the one you chose
- Always have an anti-colic bottle on hand for any potential anti-colic symptoms
- Choose BPA-free options
- Select bottles with minimal parts to make cleaning quick and easy
- Dishwasher and microwave-safe options make sterilizing easier
- For glass options, always choose shatter-resistant options
Are Silicone Baby Bottles Better than Glass Bottles?
Glass bottles have always been a popular choice because they don’t leach toxins and also don’t harbor bacteria. However, as hygienic as glass bottles are, they are also the heaviest option. This can produce a challenge for tiny hands trying to hold their own bottles.
Is Silicone Safer than Plastic for Babies?
The use of older plastic bottles has been discouraged by medical experts because of the BPA content. Modern plastic bottles may advertise that they are BPA and phthalates-free, however, research has shown that even modern plastic bottles contain a considerable level of microplastics. Silicone on the other hand is made with medical-grade silicone, making them safe to use. The only advantage plastic has over silicone is that plastic is the cheapest bottle type.
Silicone Bottles vs Other Baby Bottles: Glass, Plastic and Stainless Steel
It’s always easier to highlight the differences between bottle types when you can view their features side by side. Here’s a comparative table highlighting the key features.
| Feature | Silicone | Glass | Plastic | Stainless Steel |
| Material | Medical-grade silicone | Medical-grade glass | BPA-free plastic | BPA + toxin-free |
| Safety | Very | Very | May still contain microplastics | Very |
| Cost | More expensive than glass and plastic | More expensive than plastic | Most affordable option, available in most stores and online | Most expensive option, not readily available |
| Durability | Excellent | Can shatter if dropped | Won’t break but may crack or scratch after consistent use | Won’t break, scratch or dent |
| Easy to clean | Wide neck makes it easy to clean | Easy to wash and sterilize | Easy to clean but tends to retain odors and stains | Wide necks are easy to clean |
| Size | Mostly 8 oz | Different sizes | Different sizes | Available in different sizes and transforms into a sippy cup |
Silicone Baby Bottles vs Plastic Bottles
Because of the no BPA factor, silicone bottles are safer than plastic bottles. They’re also easier to handle and don’t retain odors.
Silicone Baby Bottles vs Glass
Silicone bottles are better than glass because they’re lightweight and easier for babies to handle. There’s also no risk of the bottle breaking if it falls on the ground.
Silicone Baby Bottles vs Stainless Steel
Stainless steel bottles also don’t contain any BPA, making them an equally safe option. They are however not as easily available as silicone bottles.
Best Silicone Baby Bottles
Here is a list of the top silicone baby bottles currently doing the rounds.
Comotomo Baby Bottle
Features
- Made of medical-grade silicone
- Wide neck design
- Anti-colic vents to prevent colic and reflux symptoms
- Breast-like design with a wide mound makes it easy to latch
Pros
- Wide neck design makes it easy to clean
- Medical-grade silicone ensures its safe to use
- Mimics mom’s breast, making transitioning easier
- Comes with dual-vent anti-colic valves
- Comotomo bottles can be microwaved
Cons
- Has more parts than the average silicone bottle – takes more time to wash
- Milk tends to pool in the nipple due to the straw feature
- Shaking the bottle disassembles the straw
Ola Baby Bottle Transitional Set
Features
- Designed to make breast/bottle transition easier
- BPA and toxin-free
- Dishwasher safe
- Silicone handle is easy to hold
- Offset nipple imitates real breast
- 8 oz capacity
Pros
- Safe and easy to use
- Soft spout and straw turn bottle into a sippy cup
- Easy to clean
- Facilitates natural latching
Cons
- Not ideal to mix formula in the bottle as it tips over due to the unsturdy base
- Nipple slow flow is slower than other brands
- More expensive than other silicone brands
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Soft Feel Silicone Baby Bottle
Features
- Made to mimic mom’s breast
- Medical-grade silicone makes it extremely safe
- Nipple flexes like mom’s nipple ensuring a comfortable feed
- Anti-colic- features a sensitive closer to nature nipple and anti-colic valve
- Guaranteed no leaks with lid and travel disc
Pros
- Most recommended option by 95% of moms
- Anti-colic valve can reduce airflow to reduce excessive air flow, minimizing reflux
- Makes breast to bottle transition much easier
- Very easy to slow-feed younger babies
- Easy to clean and sterilize
Cons
- Numbers can be hard to read
- Fall over easily as the base isn’t solid
- Can leak if not tightened properly
Watch this short clip to see more than fun features of the Tommee Tippee silicone bottle range.
Boon NURSH Reusable Silicone Baby Bottles
Features
- Innovative silicone pouch collapses eliminating the chances of ingesting air
- Mimics breast to make the transition between breast and bottle easier
- Design encourages proper tongue positioning
- Silicone pouches are reusable
- 8 oz capacity
- Variety of colors to choose from
Pros
- Reasonably priced, compared to other silicone models
- Can easily be microwaved, boiled, sterilized or frozen
- Ideal for babies who suffer from excessive colic symptoms
- Value for money as the pouches are reusable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can leak if the pouch doesn’t line up correctly
- Ounce markings can be hard to read
- Silicone is thinner than other brands
Final Thoughts
Opting for silicone bottles is an effective way to ensure your baby isn’t exposed to chemical leaching from potential toxins. Additionally, silicone bottles are non-porous, they don’t retain odors or stains. Another plus is that silicone bottles are easy to clean and flexible. If you can afford the price tag, it’s an option well worth considering!
