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I think it’s safe to say that we all know that breastfeeding is the ideal baby feeding option. However there are definitely some who cannot breastfeed and must rely on formula and bottles.
There are also plenty of women who do breastfeed but who pump and use bottles to feed baby breast milk when they are away.
If you fall into either of these categories then you know that baby bottles are a necessity for you!
Baby bottles have come a long way in the fact that they are now supposed to be BPA free and many are also Phthalate fee.
However, since even BPA free plastics can still leach hormones and chemicals, I do not ever recommend plastics.
Thankfully, there are two great natural baby bottle options when looking for alternatives to plastic bottles: glass and stainless steel.
Two Alternative to Plastic Bottles
Glass bottles have been around for ages now but they have definitely improved. Now glass bottles are made out of borosilicate glass, which makes the bottles stronger, and thus they can usually handle being tossed from a bottle-flinging baby.
Many glass bottles now also include silicone sleeves, which add just a bit more protection from breaking as well as providing a bit more grip.
Stainless Steel bottles are the newcomers in the bottle world but are fast gaining popularity. Like glass, they are non-toxic and do not give a taste to liquids (like plastic does).
Stainless steel also matches the temperature of the liquid it holds, so if you have warm milk it says warm, if you have cold milk it stays cold. (At least for a few hours)
Natural Baby Bottle Options
Glass Bottles:
Evenflo – These glass bottles have been around for ages and are definitely a popular choice. If you buy the ones without the silicone sleeves, they are definitely the cheapest glass bottles on the market. Available in 4 oz and 8 oz sizes.
Born Free – One of the advantages to Born Free is that the nipple is slightly larger. It’s not as perfect as some of the “breast-like” nipples on the markets (but as far as I’ve found only the “breast-like” ones are compatible with plastic bottles) however, as far as glass bottles go, it is definitely one of the larger nipples. Available in 5 oz and 9 oz sizes.
WeeGo – If you are looking for absolutely hip and cool looking baby bottles then WeeGo is a great choice. I practically drooled over these when I was researching bottles. If you purchase the sippy caps, these bottles can adapt into sippy cups later on. Available in 4 oz and 9 oz sizes.
Dr. Brown’s – The two-piece internal vent system is what makes these bottles unique. This is supposed to help with colic, spit-up, and gas. The internal vent system is made of plastic however so if you choose this bottle you won’t be completely avoiding plastic. Available in 4 oz and 8 oz sizes.
Stainless Steel:
Klean Kanteen – One of the newer stainless steel baby bottles on the market but not new to the water bottle market. Klean Kanteen now has a baby bottle line. These wide mouth baby bottles are hourglass in shape so it is easier for a baby to hold. These bottles also have one of the wider nipples in the stainless steel bottle market.
Another added bonus, is that once your baby is done with this bottle, you can buy the Klean Kanteen Wide Caps and you can then use it as a water bottle (note: unfortunately since this bottle is of the wide variety, you cannot adapt it to Klean Kanteen’s sippy cup. The sippy cup adapter is just for the classic versions) Available in 5 oz and 9 oz sizes.
Pura – These fun bottles also have wider nipples and are compatible with some of the other big brand nipples out there in case your baby has a particular preference. Their 11 oz bottle is also one of the largest in the bottle market which probably isn’t necessary for a baby bottle is would be nice for a sippy cup.
Which brings me to a perk of Pura which is that these bottles can convert to sippy cups with the purchase of a sippy spout. Available in 5 oz and 11 oz sizes
There are of course, many more brands for glass and stainless steel bottles. These are just some of the more popular brands.
Being natural doesn’t mean you must make everything from scratch (cause it’s not like I’m going to come up with a DIY bottle!) Thankfully there are some amazing green and natural minded companies out there who help you in your natural journey.
Ready to move on to sippy cups?
Best Non-Toxic Sippy Cups from Rooted Childhood
Best Non-Toxic Sippy Cups from The Artisan Life.
LOVE the new look !!
If your child attends daycare (I know a totally uncrunchy thing…sorry ;)) they may not allow glass bottles. Check with them. Otherwise I would have gone glass for when I pumped. I think the metal gives a taste even though it isn't suppose to. Too many years of camping maybe.
Interesting, I had not thought of daycare. You are probably right though, I can see them not wanting glass. Stainless Steel should be ok though.
I think some metal bottles could give off a taste but good quality stainless steel should not. I know my Klean Kanteen water bottles do not.
I choose glass bottles, Evenflo 8 oz works fine for me!
Those weego ones you have posted are actually made by http://www.lifefactory.com and the other great thing with them is even after the toddler/sippy cup stage they have plain caps my older kids use the 9oz size and it's perfect for them. Plus they have pretty cool "adult size" bottles!