Plastic vs glass baby bottles: Which should I choose?

When you’re stocking up on feeding essentials, one question comes up time and again: should you get plastic or glass baby bottles? And with so many opinions floating around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? There’s no wrong answer – just the right choice for your family. 

Here’s a clear breakdown so you can decide what works best for you and your baby. 

A quick comparison

Plastic baby bottles 

Plastic bottles are by far the most commonly used. They’re lightweight, hard-wearing, and easy to toss into a diaper bag without much thought. 

Benefits of plastic bottles: 

• Lightweight: Easy to hold, even one-handed  
• Durable: Won’t shatter if dropped – ideal for late-night feeds and busy mornings
• BPA-free and safe: All Tommee Tippee plastic bottles are BPA- and phthalate-free, so you can feed with confidence 

• Can plastic baby bottles be recycled?

  Most plastic bottles are made from polypropylene (plastic #5), which is considered safe and is accepted in some curbside recycling programs across the US. But recycling guidelines vary, so check with your local provider.

Glass bottles are made from borosilicate glass and are making a comeback. For many parents they’re a solid feeding option. Literally. 

Benefits of glass bottles: 

• Naturally chemical-free: No plastic, no worries, glass is completely free from BPA, phthalates, and other synthetic chemicals 
• Easy to clean: Resists stains and odors, and stands up well to repeated sterilizing 
• Eco-friendly: Long-lasting and reusable  
• Great for at-home feeding: A solid choice for parents who mostly feed at home or want to avoid plastic altogether 

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• Are glass baby bottles recyclable?

  Borosilicate glass, known for its durability and heat resistance, is technically recyclable. However, in the United States, it is not accepted in most curbside recycling programs. Always check with your local waste management authority for specific guidelines in your area. 

  What should you do instead? 

  • Reuse: If the bottle is still in good condition, consider repurposing it at home or donating it to someone who can use it. 
  • Specialty recycling programs: Some companies offer mail-in recycling programs for borosilicate glass products. For example, TerraCycle provides Zero Waste Boxes for specific items, including labware and glassware. 
  • Disposal: If no recycling options are available, wrap the bottle securely and dispose of it in your regular trash. 
• Will glass baby bottles break?

  Our glass bottles are made from durable borosilicate glass, designed to handle temperature changes and everyday wear and tear. 

• Can I use both plastic and glass bottles?

  Absolutely. Some parents use glass bottles at home for their ease of cleaning and peace of mind, and more lightweight plastic bottles when they’re out and about. You don’t need to choose just one, do what works for your routine and your baby.

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Here’s the honest answer: both have their place. Some parents start with glass at home and use plastic on-the-go. Others stick to one material for consistency. Whatever works best for you is the right answer. 

Whether you go for plastic, glass, or a mix of both, every Tommee Tippee baby bottle is thoughtfully designed to make feeding simpler, safer, and more comfortable for you and your baby. 

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