BPA in Baby Bottles: What It Is, Dangers, and What to Do
Baby bottles come into direct contact with your baby's food and mouth, making their safety even more critical than clothing or bedding. Yet, a substance widely used in these bottles—BPA—can actually impact a child's health and development. Why is it still used, and how can we protect against it?
What Exactly Is BPA and Why Was It in Baby Bottles?
BPA, or bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 60s of the 20th century. Specifically, it is a key building block of polycarbonate plastics.
Manufacturers have loved polycarbonate for decades because it is extremely hard, transparent and lightweight. It is not as fragile as traditional glass, making it a popular choice for various items such as water bottles and baby bottles.
However, as science advanced, researchers began to realize that this durability came at a cost. The chemical structure of BPA is not as stable as previously thought, especially when subjected to wear and tear (such as during daily feeding of babies).
While many countries have banned the use of BPA in baby products, the market is still flooded with obsolete products that may not meet strict safety standards. Knowing what exactly these bottles consisted of in the past helps parents understand why choosing the right material is so important today.
How BPA Affects a Baby's Developing Body
The main worry about BPA is that it tricks your baby's body by mimicking natural hormones, especially estrogen (the female sex hormone).
Your baby is especially vulnerable because their body and brain are still rapidly developing. When a chemical pretends to be a hormone, it sends false signals that mess with how their cells grow and work.
Even worse, your baby's liver and kidneys can't flush out toxins like yours can. When BPA leaches from a plastic bottle into their milk, it stays in their system longer and builds up to dangerous levels in their blood.
Because BPA accumulates in your baby's body and disrupts their development at such a critical stage, even "low levels" aren't safe. This is why baby products need to be 100% BPA-free, not just "low BPA" or "reduced BPA."
How BPA Leaches into Your Baby's Milk (And How to Prevent It)
How a hard plastic bottle can contaminate liquid milk? The process is called "leaching," and it happens primarily due to two factors: heat and damage.
When polycarbonate plastic containing BPA is heated—whether in a microwave, a bottle warmer, or a dishwasher—the chemical bonds can break down, causing BPA to release into the milk or formula.
Similarly, if a bottle is scratched or worn out from scrubbing, it creates pockets where chemicals can escape more easily.
However, the most effective prevention isn't about how you wash the bottle, but rather the bottle you choose to buy in the first place.
Your Guide to Truly Safe Bottle Materials
Top-Tier Baby Bottle Materials
| Material | Why It Is Safe | Best Features | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass (Borosilicate) | It releases zero chemicals and won't absorb smells | • Naturally BPA-free • Easy to clean • Handles heat well |
• Heavy to hold • Can break (needs a silicone sleeve) |
| Silicone (Food/Medical Grade) | Free from BPA, BPS, and phthalates. Does not break down into microplastics | • Unbreakable • Soft, skin-like texture (great for breastfed babies) • Heat resistant |
Squeezeable body might be tricky for some new users |
| PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) | Medical-grade plastic that stands up to high heat without degrading | • Lightweight • Durable • Honey-gold color |
More expensive than standard plastic bottles |
The Verdict: Which Common Materials are Safe?
Beyond the three premium materials above, you will see other abbreviations on bottle packaging. Here is how they rank from "Best" to "Strictly Avoid."
How to Identify BPA in Baby Products
If you have existing bottles at home and aren't sure of their composition, you can often find clues on the bottom of the bottle. Plastic containers usually have a recycling number(#1-#7) inside a triangle. These are the bottle's "Chemical ID Card." It tells you exactly what "ingredients" were used to make the plastic.
Codes like #2, #3, and #4 are used for things like plastic bags or pipes and are almost never used for baby bottles. For baby safety, you only need to recognize three specific numbers (#5, #7, and #1).
Check the color carefully. This is the "catch-all" category. While some safe new plastics fall here, polycarbonate (the BPA plastic) is also a #7. Use your eyes to decide: if the bottle has a honey-gold color, it is the high-quality, safe kind (PPSU)—keep it. However, if the bottle is clear, hard, and stiff (and doesn't say "BPA Free"), it is likely the old toxic plastic. It is safer to just toss it.
Keep these. Polypropylene is generally considered a safe plastic option, though it is less durable than PPSU.
Throw these away. These are strictly for single-use items like soda or water bottles. Never try to wash or sterilize them for your baby.
The safest bet is to look for packaging that explicitly states the material is PPSU, Silicone, or Glass, or states it's "BPA-free."
Protecting Your Baby from BPA Exposure
Eliminating BPA goes beyond just the feeding bottle BPA free choice. This chemical is pervasive in our environment. To reduce your baby's overall exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (chemicals that mess up your hormones):
Thyseed Prioritizes Material Safety
At Thyseed, we believe that safety is the foundation of love. We aim to exceed just the standard by partnering with world-class material suppliers.
Our Thyseed Glass Natural Anti-colic Baby Bottle utilizes high-purity borosilicate glass, ensuring zero chemical interaction with your baby's milk. For parents who prefer a lighter option or a softer touch, we use food-grade liquid silicone sourced from WACKER in Germany—a material so safe it's often used in medical applications. Coupled with our bottom-vent anti-colic system and a nipple designed to mimic the natural breastfeeding experience, we ensure that every feeding is as safe as it is comfortable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bottle material is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your baby's health. Opting for inert materials like glass, silicone, or medical-grade PPSU ensures your baby gets the nutrients they need.
Ready to experience the peace of mind that comes with high-end security? Explore Thyseed baby bottles today and choose a safer feeding journey for your family.
FAQs About BPA Baby Bottle Safety
Not always. Some manufacturers replace BPA with similar chemicals like BPS (Bisphenol S), which may have similar health risks. This is why materials like Glass, Silicone, and PPSU are safer bets than generic "BPA Free" hard plastics.
Silicone is generally better for newborns. It is softer, mimics the breast more effectively, and has a higher safety profile regarding heat resistance compared to standard plastics.
Yes. PPSU is designed to withstand very high temperatures, making it safe for boiling water sterilization and steam sterilizers.