What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
In a 2020 laboratory study, tested polypropylene baby bottles released up to 16.2 million microplastic particles per litre under particular formula-preparation conditions. That is a maximum concentration measured in the study—not a count shown to be consumed by every baby. The study’s regional daily exposure figures were modeled, and its authors said further assessment was needed to determine whether exposure at those levels poses a health risk.
What the study found
Li and colleagues tested polypropylene (PP) infant feeding bottles during formula preparation. They reported concentrations as high as 16,200,000 particles per litre in the tested scenarios. Sterilization and exposure to high-temperature water significantly increased particle release in those experiments. The result applies to the bottles and conditions tested; it does not establish that all bottles release that amount. The study was published in Nature Food on October 19, 2020.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The paper also estimated exposure for infants up to 12 months across 48 regions. Its modeled estimates ranged from 14,600 to 4,550,000 particles per capita per day, depending on region. These are regional model estimates, not measurements of an individual infant’s intake, and they should not be confused with the experimental concentration per litre.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Do baby bottles release microplastics?
The cited studies show that particles can be released from the particular bottles they tested, but results depend on the experiment and product. The 2020 study examined PP bottles during formula preparation. A separate 2021 study tested selected feeding and water bottles during repeated opening and closing. After 100 cycles, it reported 53–393 microparticles per millilitre in its tested samples. That use test measured a different situation, so its figures cannot be directly compared with the 2020 formula-preparation results. The 2021 study is available in Environmental Science and Pollution Research.
#1 Best Overall
- PREVENTS NIPPLE COLLAPSE - Evenflo Feeding's Patented Micro Air Vents help prevent nipple collapse, and promote a more comfortable feeding experience for baby.
- EASY TO HOLD - Evenflo Feeding’s classic and iconic shape now has a fun, ergonomic twist! These uniquely shaped Classic baby bottles are incredibly easy to hold while feeding, ensuring both you and your little one are comfortable.
- EASY TO CLEAN - Designed with only 3 pieces, the Classic Baby Bottles can be easily assembled and disassembled for a quick, thorough cleaning between feedings. And because there are only a few parts, there is nothing extra to worry about misplacing. These bottles are also dishwasher safe (top rack only), making your busy life a little easier.
- PUMP DIRECTLY INTO YOUR BABY BOTTLES - Breastfeeding and pumping can be a time consuming task and as a mother you have things to do. Pumping directly into your Classic Baby Bottles is convenient and our bottles will fit onto most standard neck breast pumps.
Does this prove the particles harm babies?
No. The 2020 study measured particle release and modeled exposure; it did not establish that the reported levels cause disease or other injury, nor did it establish that they are harmless. Its authors called for further assessment of whether exposure at those levels poses a risk to infant health.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it evaluates food-contact packaging materials, including baby bottles and nipples, before they enter the market. In a 2019 update, the FDA said a sample review of effective food-contact notifications affirmed the reviewed materials safe for their intended use. That general regulatory context does not directly resolve the long-term health implications of the specific microplastic exposure estimates in the 2020 study. Read the FDA’s 2019 update.
Rank #2
- PREVENTS NIPPLE COLLAPSE - Evenflo Feeding's Patented Micro Air Vents help prevent nipple collapse, and promote a more comfortable feeding experience for baby.
- EASY TO HOLD - Evenflo Feeding’s classic and iconic shape now has a fun, ergonomic twist! These uniquely shaped Classic baby bottles are incredibly easy to hold while feeding, ensuring both you and your little one are comfortable.
- EASY TO CLEAN - Designed with only 3 pieces, the Classic Baby Bottles can be easily assembled and disassembled for a quick, thorough cleaning between feedings. And because there are only a few parts, there is nothing extra to worry about misplacing. These bottles are also dishwasher safe (top rack only), making your busy life a little easier.
- PUMP DIRECTLY INTO YOUR BABY BOTTLES - Breastfeeding and pumping can be a time consuming task and as a mother you have things to do. Pumping directly into your Classic Baby Bottles is convenient and our bottles will fit onto most standard neck breast pumps.
- BPA FREE - You’re committed to your child’s safety and so is Evenflo Feeding. Their baby bottles are 100% free of BPA, polycarbonates, PVC, and phthalates.
Should you stop using plastic baby bottles?
The evidence here does not justify a blanket instruction to stop using plastic bottles, and it does not show that switching bottles improves health. In the 2021 opening-and-closing experiment, tested thin-necked glass bottles released fewer microparticles than tested thick-necked plastic bottles. That finding applies to those samples and conditions: it does not show that all glass bottles release fewer particles in every use, that glass releases none, or that one material is clinically safer.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If you are choosing between materials, consider the bottle’s care instructions and practical handling, including the possibility of breakage with glass. The available tests do not rank all current products or provide health outcomes, so particle counts alone cannot identify a safest bottle.
Rank #3
- ANTI-COLIC BABY BOTTLE. Dr. Brown's anti-colic internal vent system is clinically proven to reduce colic and helps reduce spit-up, burping, and gas.
- AIR-FREE FEEDING AND CONSISTENT FLOW. The silicone nipple and vent system work together to provide vacuum-free feeding and a consistent flow rate so babies can feed at their own pace without swallowing excess air.
- SMOOTH BREAST TO BOTTLE TRANSITION. The breast-like nipple shape encourages a proper latch for a more natural bottle-feeding experience and eases the transition from breast to bottle and back again.
- PRESERVES NUTRIENTS. The anti-colic vent system is proven to help preserve nutrients in breast milk and aids in digestion for a better night's sleep.
- TRUSTED BY PARENTS AND HOSPITALS. Used in hospitals and NICUs and trusted by parents, Dr. Brown's Anti-colic Options+ bottle is the #1 pediatrician recommended baby bottle in the US.*
Keep formula preparation and cleaning safe
Do not skip cleaning or sterilization because the 2020 experiment found greater release under some high-temperature conditions. WHO and FAO guidance treats cleaning and sterilization of feeding and preparation equipment as important steps in safe powdered-formula preparation. Follow the instructions for your equipment and the formula. WHO/FAO guidance on powdered infant formula.
The FDA advises caregivers to use safe water, follow the formula label’s mixing directions, clean feeding parts appropriately, and avoid warming formula in a microwave because uneven heating can create hot spots that burn an infant. For infants at higher risk of Cronobacter infection who are not receiving breast milk, the FDA identifies sterile ready-to-feed formula as the safest option; consult official guidance and your clinician about circumstances specific to your infant. See the FDA’s formula-handling guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Happy Feeding For a Happy Baby - Our patented Duo-Flo nipples included in the set are designed with 2 valves that flex and adjust the flow of milk to your baby's feeding pace, reducing colic, gas, and spit-up for a better feeding experience with no nipple collapse and no interruptions.
- Bottles That Grow with Baby - This set of anti-colic bottles includes fast flow flow nipples (9-12+ months) for milk & cereal, with options for interchangable medium flow nipples (3-9+ months), and slow flow nipples (0-3+ Months) available for every stage. Our wide neck bottles also transition seamlessly with our interchangeable silicone sippy cup spout tops as they grow into toddlers.
- Smooth Transition Bottles for Breastfeeding Babies - The included wider breast-like silicone nipples promote a natural latch for an easier transition between breastfed & bottle-fed feeding with our wide neck bottles that closely mimic mom.
- Easy to Clean & Dishwasher Safe - Our leak-proof design is easy to use & assemble with just 4 pieces, and each Avima Baby feeding bottle is dishwasher safe using the top rack, saving you precious time for cuddles - maybe even a nap!
- Parent Designed, Safety First - Avima Baby Bottles came to life after a frustrated first-time mom & physician's assistant needed a solution for her newborn struggling with colic, and existing bottles just didn't cut it. We prioritize safety with BPA-free bottles for babies that meet the highest US standards for peace of mind and a happy feeding experience for you and your baby, every time.
Rank #4
- BABY BOTTLES FOR 0+ MONTHS: Nuby standard neck baby bottles hold up to 10 ounces and are designed for newborns and growing babies, making feeding time comfortable and convenient for both babies and parents
- VARI-FLO FLOW CONTROL NIPPLE: The Vari-Flo valve allows your infant to control the liquid flow at a comfortable rate, helping support comfortable and relaxed feedings with liquids such as water or juice
- NON-DRIP NIPPLE DESIGN: The soft Non-Drip nipple helps reduce spills while allowing your baby to feed comfortably
- ANTI-COLIC AIR SYSTEM: The built-in, anti-colic air system helps reduce air ingestion during feeding, which may help minimize discomfort and fussiness
- GENTLE TEETHING NUBS: Small teething nubs on the nipple help massage and stimulate baby's gums, providing extra comfort during feeding
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
