What type of infant bottle is recommended?

Recommended Infant Bottles

Glass bottles are recommended for infant feeding due to superior cleanliness and lower risk of chemical leaching compared to plastic alternatives. 1, 2

Types of Infant Bottles

Glass Bottles

• Glass bottles demonstrate superior cleanliness for both organic and inorganic residues compared to plastic alternatives 1
• Glass bottles show no detectable leaching of harmful chemicals such as BPA, lead, or cadmium, making them a safer alternative to polycarbonate bottles 2
• Glass bottles filled to 2/3 capacity during cleaning show the most efficient cleansing performance 1

Plastic Bottles

• Polypropylene (PP) bottles show relatively poor cleansing results, particularly for organic residues which tend to accumulate on the bottle interior 1
• Polycarbonate (PC) bottles can leach bisphenol A (BPA), with migration increasing with temperature and contact time 2
• BPA exposure through plastic bottles may lead to biochemical changes in infants, including altered lipid profiles and increased CK-MB and serum urea levels 3
• Some plastic bottles labeled as "BPA-free" may still contain other concerning chemicals, including plasticizers, esters, antioxidants, and even BPA in some polyamide bottles 4

Proper Bottle Use and Cleaning

Cleaning Recommendations

• Rinsing with soapy water followed by tap water is an effective cleaning method, reducing pathogen load significantly 5
• For disinfection, submersion in 50 ppm hypochlorite solution for 30 minutes produces a reduction in pathogens comparable to boiling 5
• Glass bottles should be filled with rinsing water to 2/3 of their capacity for optimal cleaning 1

Feeding Practices

• Toddlers should not be given juice from bottles to reduce risk of dental caries 6
• Infants should not be put to bed with a bottle in their mouth to prevent prolonged exposure of teeth to sugars 6
• The practice of allowing children to carry bottles throughout the day should be avoided as it promotes development of dental caries 6

Special Considerations

For Preterm Infants

• For preterm infants with chronic lung disease of infancy (CLDI), suck and swallowing dyscoordination may initially limit the use of bottle feeding 6
• As respiratory status improves in these infants, bolus feedings may be initiated, though additional supplemental oxygen may be required 6
• Oral-motor dysfunction during feeding should be recognized early, and appropriate maneuvers such as thickened feeds may be implemented 6

For Breastfeeding Mothers

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends human milk as the only nutrient for infants until approximately 6 months of age 6
• For mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, prepared infant formula in appropriate bottles can be used 6
• Breast milk may be ingested up to 4 hours before elective procedures requiring anesthesia, while infant formula may be ingested up to 6 hours before such procedures 6

Potential Risks and Mitigation

• Plastic bottles may leach chemicals including BPA, phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors 4, 3
• BPA glucuronide has been detected in the urine of bottle-fed infants, indicating exposure and metabolism of this chemical 3
• To minimize risks:
  • Choose glass bottles when possible 2
  • If using plastic, avoid heating bottles or washing with harsh detergents 3
  • Replace bottles that show signs of wear or damage 4
  • Follow proper cleaning protocols to reduce bacterial contamination 5