While there are many feeding options for babies, including nursing, plastic bottles, glass bottles, bottle liners and disposable bottles, most baby bottles on the market today are constructed from plastic materials. Plastic bottles, like any bottle choice, have some problems. Be sure to consider all the options when choosing a baby bottle.
While there are many feeding options for babies, including nursing, plastic bottles, glass bottles, bottle liners and disposable bottles, most baby bottles on the market today are constructed from plastic materials. Plastic bottles, like any bottle choice, have some problems. Be sure to consider all the options when choosing a baby bottle.
BPA
Baby Center explains that bottles made from polycarbonate plastic may contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has caused health problems in animals, such as cancer, hormonal changes regarding brain development, the immune system and the reproductive system, lower sperm count and fertility, as well as obesity and diabetes. There have been no human studies linking the animal findings to human health, but most medical experts feel that parents should limit a baby's access to plastics including BPA. As of 2010, Congress is evaluating the risk of BPA to determine the importance of regulation.
Bottle vs. Breast
The American Pregnancy Association reports that breast feeding holds benefits over bottle feeding. When bottle feeding, milk has to be warmed and prepared, and buying plastic bottles and formula is an expense. Breast feeding, however, is free. In addition, Dr. Jeffrey Hull, a practicing pediatrician in Decatur, Alabama, explains on his website that babies who are bottle fed have more gas problems, as well as issues with swallowing air, as a result of nursing from an artificial nipple.
Other Considerations
Plastic baby bottles are often difficult to recycle, according to Rodale. The Ecology Center states that plastic containers are not always able to be recycled, and when they are, they are not always turned into new containers, but instead are turned into products that are non-recyclable, unlike glass, which is always converted to a new, recyclable container. Rodale also explains that heating and cooling a plastic bottle causes the plastic to break down, shortening the useful life of plastic bottles.
