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Bottle Feeding

Plastic vs Glass Baby Bottles: Which Should I Choose?

Article By
Stu
Published On
28 May, 2025
Read Time
5 minutes

Choosing the right baby bottle might seem simple, until you’re faced with a shelf (or website) full of options. One of the biggest choices? Plastic or glass. 

Both materials have their strengths, and both are safe when made to the right standards. So how do you decide? 

Truthfully, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about what will work best for you, your baby, and your feeding routine.  

At Tommee Tippee, we know lots about baby bottles. Here’s a straightforward look at both options, so you can feel confident, whichever type of baby bottle you choose. 

The basics: Glass and plastic baby bottles what’s the difference? 

 

Plastic Bottles 

Glass Bottles 

Material 

Polypropylene 

Borosilicate glass 

Weight 

Lightweight and easy to carry 

Heavier, especially when full 

Durability 

Won’t shatter if dropped 

Strong and long-lasting but may break if dropped on hard surfaces 

Safety 

BPA- and phthalate-free 

Naturally free from chemicals 

Cleaning 

May stain or absorb odours over time 

Stain-resistant and odour-free 

 

Plastic baby bottle benefits 

A go-to for many parents, plastic baby bottles are lightweight, durable and widely used. Most are now made from BPA-free polypropylene (PP) or similar materials, which are tough enough to handle daily use and repeated sterilising.  

Their lightness makes them easy to pack in a nappy bag and simple for little hands to hold, especially during early attempts at self-feeding.  

Benefits of glass baby bottles

Glass bottles, especially those made from borosilicate glass, are growing in popularity. Why? They’re naturally free from chemicals, scratch-resistant, and built to handle temperature changes without cracking.  

Many parents like the reassurance of a clean, pure material, and find they last longer, without turning cloudy or holding onto smells. While they’re a little heavier than plastic, today’s glass bottles are toughened and designed with real life (and real babies) in mind. 

Explore the Range

Glass Baby Bottles & Feeding Accessories

Glass or plastic, what’s best for baby? 

  • Peace of mind: When it comes to feeding, peace of mind matters. Modern plastic bottles are typically BPA-free and tested to meet strict safety standards. But some parents still prefer to steer clear of plastic altogether. That’s where glass comes in. Borosilicate glass is completely non-toxic and naturally resistant to chemicals. It doesn’t absorb smells or stains, and it won’t degrade over time. 
  • Weight and portability: Plastic bottles are lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for feeding on the move. Glass bottles are a little heavier, but that added weight can make them feel sturdy and stable in your hand or on a surface. 
  • Durability: Glass is tough, especially borosilicate glass, and resists scratches and staining over time. While it can break if dropped, many are now designed to be shock-resistant and some come with a protective silicone coating. Plastic won’t shatter but can show signs of wear with frequent use and sterilising. 
  • Ease of use: Both baby bottle types are designed for everyday use. Glass often feels smoother and stays looking fresh for longer, while plastic is a popular pick for its lightweight ease, especially when juggling feeds on the go. 
  • Hygiene: Both plastic and glass bottles are designed to be sterilised, but glass has an edge when it comes to long-term cleanliness. It’s less prone to scratches, which can harbour bacteria, and will look like new, even after months of feeding, washing and sterilising.  

Are plastic baby bottles recyclable?

In the UK, Polypropylene (PP) is identified as plastic type 5, and items like baby bottles made from polypropylene can often be recycled if your local recycling service accepts plastic type 5. However, not all local councils collect polypropylene for kerbside recycling, so it depends on your area. It’s always best to check with your local council to confirm whether polypropylene is accepted in your recycling bin. 

In the UK, bottles made from borosilicate glass can’t be recycled by standard household or kerbside glass recycling services.

What to do with borosilicate glass bottles:  

  • Specialist recycling services: Some specialist waste management companies may accept borosilicate glass for recycling. 
  • General waste disposal: If the bottle is broken or no longer usable, wrap it securely and dispose of it in your general waste bin. Always check with your local council for specific disposal guidelines, as policies can vary by area. 
  • Reusing or repurposing: Consider repurposing intact bottles for other uses around the home.  
  • Pass on or donate: You could pass glass baby bottles on to another parent (just make sure they get new teats). Alternatively, some charity shops may accept heat-resistant glassware in good condition. 

So, are glass bottles better than plastic for babies?

Both plastic and glass baby bottles come with their own benefits. Plastic bottles are lightweight and great for on-the-go, while glass bottles are long-lasting and stain-resistant. 

The right choice depends on your family’s lifestyle, priorities, and everyday needs. There’s no wrong answer, just what fits best for you and your baby. 

Rest assured, whichever you pick, choosing bottles that are always BPA-free and made to trusted safety standards, like ours, means you’re giving your baby a safe start.  

At Tommee Tippee, we’re here to support your feeding journey every step of the way, whatever you choose. 

Do glass bottles break easily?

Glass baby bottles are designed with durability in mind and are made from borosilicate glass that's stronger than regular glass. They can withstand everyday use and are less prone to breaking compared to standard glass. However, they're still glass, so they may break if dropped on a hard surface. 

Borosilicate glass is a type of glass specially designed to handle heat, shocks, and everyday wear. Unlike regular glass, it’s made with boron trioxide, which means that it’s: 

  • More heat-resistant and won’t crack with sudden temperature changes 
  • Stronger, more durable and less likely to shatter if knocked or dropped 
  • Chemical-resistant and won’t absorb smells, stains, or leach anything into liquids 

It’s used to make things like laboratory beakers, cookware, and increasingly, baby bottles. For parents, it means a bottle that stays crystal clear, handles repeated sterilising, and gives peace of mind with every feed.  

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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