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The Best Glass Baby Bottles
The Best Glass Baby Bottles

There are a lot of baby bottles on the market these days. The bulk of them are made from plastic, but a growing number of brands (and parents) are now embracing the once-retro idea of glass bottles and bringing them back in a big way. In fact, in our annual poll of thousands of actual Babylist parents, 41 percent said they preferred glass bottles over plastic (almost double the year before). More recently, we also asked parents if they were thinking about making the switch in a newsletter poll, and 20 percent said they were on the fence.

Why the shift? Some parents prefer to steer clear of plastic bottles due to concerns with chemical leaching and microplastics, and some want to go greener with their baby’s products or like the look and feel of a sturdier glass bottle. 

But choosing a bottle for your baby can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help you figure it all out. After testing and research, the Philips Avent Natural Glass Bottle is our best overall pick for most families because it’s durable, easy to find and one of the more affordable options on the market. But bottles are one of the most subjective pieces of baby gear, so we also included even more options to help you choose the best glass option for your baby. 

Why Trust Babylist?

Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.

  • Firsthand and professional experience. As a mom of two and Babylist’s associate editor, I’ve spent a lot of time researching bottles, including glass options. I am also a certified lactation counselor and used all of these experiences to help choose the bottles on this list. Jen LaBracio, Babylist’s senior gear editor, is the original author of this guide; I leaned into her initial research and expertise.

  • Expert POV. For an expert POV, I spoke with Jessica Madden, board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist, and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at Aeroflow Breastpumps. 

  • Baby bottle data. I regularly analyze which baby products our users are adding to their baby registries the most (and which ones they aren’t) and what our team of Merchandising experts—our buyers who are responsible for ensuring the Babylist Shop is stocked with the best and newest gear—is excited about. Studying this kind of data helped us choose which glass bottles to narrow in on and which ones to recommend to new and expecting parents.

  • Feedback and reviews. I reviewed comments and feedback from Babylist’s annual product survey of thousands of parents, read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our staff about their real-life product experiences.

Durability
Glass + babies sounds intimidating. The good news is that glass bottles are designed with safety in mind. We paid close attention to durability when considering bottles for this guide.
Cost
Glass bottles tend to be more expensive than their plastic counterparts. Affordability was a factor when narrowing down our recommendations.
Availability
While the preference for glass over plastic is increasing, it can be tough to find certain brands in stock, so we also considered accessibility when purchasing.

Best Glass Bottle Overall

Philips Avent Glass Natural Bottle Baby Set.

Philips Avent Glass Natural Bottle Baby Set

From $59.95
Buy
Buy

Pros

  • Thermal shock-resistant glass
  • Included silicone sleeve helps to reduce breaking
  • Anti-colic venting system

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Nipple not ideal for breastfed babies

Philips Avent bottles are a parent-fave, and the glass version features all of the components they love but in a plastic-free version. When we polled Babylist parents about their favorite baby products, many called out these particular glass bottles. “Philips Avent bottles [are] easy to clean, baby loves it from day one,” one wrote in their response.

They’re also super durable, something many parents mentioned in their reviews. “I was a little nervous to use glass bottles in case I accidentally dropped one, but I have to admit these bottles are extremely sturdy. The glass is very thick and with the sleeve that was provided in this set I have had no close calls,” one Babylist parent mentioned. Speaking of that silicone sleeve, it not only protects the bottle in the event of an accidental drop, it also makes it super comfortable for you to hold. And when it comes to warming up your baby’s pumped breastmilk or formula, “I also love that they're glass so I'm not heating plastic up!” another parent mentioned. The glass is also thermal-shock resistant, meaning it can transition between hot and cold without an issue. 

They have a wide, flexible nipple that allows baby to control the flow of milk, and an anti-colic venting system helps reduce the chance your baby will swallow air (which can lead to gas and spit up). One Babylist parent shared, “There's no extra parts or crevices for milk to get stuck in and get gross.” Few parts make these pretty easy to clean and they’re also top rack dishwasher safe.

The main downside to these bottles is that they’re pretty heavy. “The overall weight of the bottle is heavy and I think it would be difficult for an older baby to manage [on their own],” one parent said in their review. And looking at them from a CLC lens, if you’re planning on offering a bottle to your baby who primarily breastfeeds, the nipple isn’t the best shape for a seamless transition between the two. 

Most Affordable Glass Bottle

Evenflo Classic Glass Twist Bottles (6-Pack) image.

Evenflo Classic Glass Twist Bottles (6-Pack)

From $14.49
Buy
Buy

Pros

  • Great value (<$3.00 per bottle)
  • The ergonomic-twist design makes them easy to hold
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • No anti-colic system
  • Not as durable as other glass baby bottles

Looking for an affordable glass bottle? Look no further than Evenflo’s glass version of their classic bottle. They’re the most affordable glass bottle on our list by far—one parent raved, “These bottles are a steal for a pack of six!” They break down to about $3 a piece—and we love the simple, no-frills design.

They’re super lightweight compared to the other glass options out there and the unique twist design makes them easy to grip and hold on to. “Despite being glass, they’re not too heavy, and my baby can handle them comfortably because she is 15 months,” one parent mentioned in their review. Since there are only four pieces (the lid, nipple, collar and bottle) there aren’t a lot of pieces to keep track of and clean. The bottles are also dishwasher safe, though top rack is recommended.

While they’re super lightweight, they don’t feel as durable as other glass bottles on the market. The most common gripe when it comes to these bottles has to do with the nipple and the lack of anti-colic venting features. “They don't vent well and end up causing a vacuum in the bottle. I have to keep pulling the bottle out of the baby's mouth to let air get inside,” one parent said. Though quite a few parents mention they’ve been able to use Dr. Brown’s nipples (which do have air valves) with these bottles to solve for that. 

Best Anti-Colic Glass Bottle

Dr. Brown's Options+ Glass Narrow Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Gift Set.

Dr. Brown's Options+ Glass Narrow Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Gift Set

From $39.99
Buy
Buy

Pros

  • A parent + lactation consultant fave
  • Can also be used without the venting system
  • Consistent nipple flow performance

Cons

  • A lot of parts to clean
  • Some parents say they’re heavy
  • Longer nipple may cause gag reflex for some babies

Dr. Brown’s plastic version of this bottle is well-known for its unique venting system and is consistently a top pick in our best baby bottles guide. Their glass option features the same anti-colic action parents have come to love. “I found that it has the same reliability of all Dr. Brown's products,” one Babylist parent wrote in their review. 

The nipple and venting system are designed to aid in digestion and reduce feeding issues like colic, spit-up, burping and gas. Dr. Brown’s bottles are also a great option whether you’re exclusively bottle feeding or doing a combination of breastfeeding, too. The heat-resistant glass is built to withstand temperature changes, and it has a nice, solid feel. 

The biggest complaint about these bottles is that it’s tough to get the nipple just right so milk doesn’t leak out. “These bottles leak! We have tried tightening harder and not so hard...Nothing seems to work,” one Babylist parent shared. The second biggest gripe is that these bottles have a lot of pieces—which can be cumbersome to clean. Dr. Brown’s does say they’re dishwasher safe (top rack only).

Some parents also say they’re heavy: “The only downside is that it is thicker and heavier than the plastic bottles, which is probably no issue if you are specifically looking for glass bottles,” another Babylist parent said.

Best Hybrid Glass Baby Bottles

Chicco Duo Hybrid Baby Bottles with Invinci-Glass - Grey, 5 Oz.

Chicco Duo Hybrid Baby Bottles with Invinci-Glass - Grey, 5 Oz

From $20.20
Buy
Buy

Pros

  • Lighter compared to an all-glass bottle
  • Anti-colic valve
  • Durable

Cons

  • Some parents say the nipple leaks easily when the bottle is tilted

The Chicco Duo Hybrid bottles feature an innovative pure glass inner layer and a plastic outer layer—meaning your baby’s milk only actually touches the inner glass layer. And since they’re not fully made of glass, they’re extremely lightweight, so you’re sort of getting the best of both worlds. “I highly recommend the Duo Hybrid Baby Bottles. They offer peace of mind with their glass interior, while still being practical for everyday use,” one Babylist parent raved. 

If you’re planning to return to work, navigating glass bottles and daycare can be a toss up, as some daycares won’t allow them. However, one Babylist parent said the Duo bottles are the “perfect option for parents who have a baby in daycares that do not allow fully glass bottles.”

The nipple shape is another thing parents appreciate. It features a gradual slope (making it a good choice for babies who are also breastfeeding) and has an anti-colic valve to help with air intake. “My son went through a lot of brands and this is the only bottle he will take! I breastfed him and sometimes I wanted to sub a bottle. He was very picky but this one he loved from [the] first try,” one parent said. Another mentioned these were “Everything I was looking for in a bottle, perfect for my breastfed baby who goes back and forth between the breast and bottle.” 

The bottle has a wide enough opening that makes it easy to clean and that inner glass layer helps prevent the yellowing that can sometimes happen with plastic bottles over time. (And yes, they’re dishwasher safe for even more convenience.) 

One of the most common complaints is that the nipple leaks easily when tipped—and this is something I personally noticed when using these bottles with my baby. They’re also a bit expensive, costing around $10 or more per bottle, depending on where you buy them from. 

Best Glass Bottles for Breastfed Babies

Pigeon Wide Neck Glass Nursing Bottle (2 Pack) .

Pigeon Wide Neck Glass Nursing Bottle (2 Pack)

From $34.99
Buy
Buy

Pros

  • Sloped nipple great for breastfed babies
  • Easy to clean
  • Anti-colic vent system

Cons

  • They’re only available on Amazon and the brand’s website
  • Pricey

Pigeon bottles are a popular bottle pick for breastfed babies, and they’re also available in a glass. The gradual nipple shape mimics the latch mechanics babies use while nursing. “Great option for avoiding plastic and proper latching for anyone still wanting to breastfeed as well,” one parent raved in their review. The flow rate of the nipples is also conducive for paced bottle feeding, which is an important part of getting baby to seamlessly transition between breast and bottle. Many parents mention they found success with this bottle for babies who’ve been particularly picky. There are only a few parts to keep track of and clean and the nipples can be used on some other bottle brands (like Lansinoh). 

The main downside to Pigeon bottles is that they’re not easy to find; Amazon seems to be the main retailer here in the US at the moment, besides their own website. They also come at a higher price tag, costing around $15 per bottle. 

Best Glass Baby Bottle Bundle

Babylist Glass Bottle Box.

Babylist Glass Bottle Box

From $42.99
Buy
Buy

Pros

  • Allows you to try 5 popular baby bottles before committing
  • Four different glass bottles

Cons

  • No plastic options
  • Can’t select nipple size

While not all babies are picky about the bottles they love, many are, and you run the risk of ending up with a whole lot of wasted bottles (and wasted money) if you register for or buy a large set of bottles only to find out your baby won’t take them. This Glass Bottle Box is a game-changer in that regard. It features four popular glass bottles (and two are on this list!), allowing you to test out a variety of shapes, sizes and styles to see what your baby prefers before you go all in. And the specific assortment in this try-it kit is something many parents appreciate. “I bought so many individual bottles when my girl was first born just to have her not like any of them, so this would have been a lifesaver and a money saver if I had got these to begin with,” one Babylist parent said in their review. 

Not only is the Glass Bottle Box helpful in figuring out which bottle your baby prefers, it’s also great for parents who are interested in trying out glass versus plastic in general. One Babylist parent shared, “I would definitely recommend this box to someone looking at glass bottles to try before splurging on a whole set of a certain brand.” 

Some parents mention in their reviews that they wish there were a way to choose different nipple flows—each pick in the box comes with a slow flow nipple—so they may not be ideal for older babies. While this set only includes glass bottle options, there’s also the original Babylist Bottle Box if you’re interested in testing out some plastic and silicone options.

Babies + bottles can be a tricky thing to figure out. Here are a few more recommendations in case none of the picks above seem like the right fit.

Do I need glass bottles for my baby?

There are pros and cons to both glass and plastic baby bottles. Deciding which type of bottles are right for you is a matter of personal preference. A few reasons parents may gravitate toward glass include:

  • Glass bottles don’t absorb colors or odors like silicone or plastic bottles sometimes can.  

  • They can go from cold to hot without breaking.

  • Most can go into the dishwasher without the fear of chemical leaching. 

  • Glass bottles hold up better over time since they’re less likely to get scratched, cloudy or worn down.

There’s also some not so great things to consider, including:

  • Glass bottles are heavy and harder to hold. 

  • They’re more expensive.

  • There are fewer options to choose from. 

  • Some daycare centers may not accept glass bottles due to their potential to break, so check with yours if you’re using glass bottles. 

Is it safe to give my baby a glass bottle?

If the idea of giving a baby something made of glass doesn’t sound like the best decision, we get it. But not to worry, because glass baby bottles have some unique features that set them apart from everyday glass. Here’s what makes them a safe bet:

They’re made with ultra-durable glass. Most glass baby bottles are made from tempered glass—a type of toughened glass that’s processed to be much stronger than regular glass. That means they can handle being dropped or banged around. And if they do break, they’ll shatter into pebble-like pieces instead of sharp shards (more like a car window than a wine glass).

They’re designed to be thermal-shock resistant. Glass bottles can go from the fridge to a bottle warmer without cracking. This is especially useful if you’re storing breast milk in the bottle and then heating it up for feeding time.

Ease of cleaning: Many glass bottles have a simpler design and fewer parts than plastic ones, making them easier to clean. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe (top rack only for the ones in our guide) and don’t come with concerns about chemical leaching.

Are glass bottles safer than plastic bottles?

“Glass bottles are safer in that they can be heated up and put into a dishwasher without a risk of chemical or microplastic exposure to baby,” says Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician, neonatologist and IBCLC. .

The initial concern over plastic baby bottles was because of bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA, an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics. Studies have shown that BPA can leach into food or beverages, potentially causing negative health effects. Because of this, the FDA banned BPA from all sippy cups and baby bottles in 2012.

Removing BPA from plastic bottles was a definite step in the right direction. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the jury’s still out on health and safety concerns around plastics, especially in children. It’s recommended to avoid excessive heat if you’re using plastic baby bottles—and this goes for both warming milk and sterilizing. That’s because of the potential risks for shedding microplastics

Dr. Madden explains that the best way to mitigate the risk—and exposure to microplastics and chemical leaching—is to hand-wash plastic bottles. In terms of warming up milk, she says parents should never put any bottles in the microwave. A warm bowl of water is the preferred method.  

If you’re still on the fence, be sure to check out our article on the safety of plastic bottle where we take a deeper dive into the commonly asked questions—complete with insight from an environmental chemist—plus tips and best practices for lowering the risks.

Expert Sources

Babylist uses high-quality subject matter experts to provide accurate and reliable information to our users. Sources for this story include:

  • Dr. Jessica Madden, Medical Director, board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist, and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant at Aeroflow Breastpumps.

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