Choosing safe baby bottles: PPSU vs other materials
Feb 24, 2023
As a new mum, choosing a safe baby bottle when the time is right for your baby can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose which baby bottle will meet your needs and budget. Not only that, but as a new mama, you also want to have peace of mind. Meaning - that once you introduce a bottle that your baby agrees with, your baby stays healthy.
That bub is being fed from a bottle that is durable and made from the best baby bottle material. Plus, with the added benefit of a nipple - that replicates your little one's instinctive breastfeeding motion. The right bottle that helps your baby thrive - feeling happy and contented.
In short - making feeding from a bottle a relaxing and special time for the whole family.
As fellow mums, we get your concerns. We understand that choosing to give your baby a bottle isn’t always a simple decision. Especially when you start looking into the various hidden materials from which some baby bottles are made from. As parents, we have a right to be concerned about nasties such as phthalates, bpa, lead, mercury and other toxins. Which is why our PPSU baby bottles have been tested to comply with the stringent EU and FDA safety standards. In short this means that they've tested safe, are practical and easy to clean!
Choosing safe baby bottles: PPSU vs other materials
Care to know more about our medical-grade PPSU bottles? In this article, we’ll share more information about these bottles and what they are made of. We’ll do this by comparing PPSU vs other baby bottle materials and share their pros and cons. Also, we’ll discuss the benefits of using PPSU baby bottles and why they are worth the investment for your baby.
but first … let’s look at different baby bottle materials
To understand the difference between different baby bottle materials, let’s have a look at their pros and cons.
PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone)
Pros:
Thinking of all those nighttime feeds that require a bottle? One that can withstand high levels of usage? PPSU is a medical-grade, long-lasting plastic that's naturally honey-toned and incredibly hard-wearing.
It’s made of crystal-clear solid material and is the 'gold standard' when it comes to baby bottles. Firstly, it’s highly resistant to heat and impact, making it a safe choice for your baby's feeding needs.
This means it can handle both hot and cold liquids without affecting the bottle's shape or texture. It’s also free from BPA, BPS, and other harmful chemicals, ensuring your baby's health and safety.
It is very lightweight and temperature resistant (up to 180 degrees Celsius) without any release of toxic substances. It’s also easy to clean and sterilise, making it a convenient dependable choice for busy, on the go mamas!
By selecting a medical-grade PPSU bottle, you can be confident you’ve chosen one that will stand the test of time.
Cons:
PPSU baby bottles are more expensive compared to some other materials such as PP, but the investment is worth it in the long run. This is due to them being more costly to manufacture as they are built to last. For a bottle that will last for baby and beyond - a PPSU bottle is the one you need.
PP (Polypropylene)
Pros:
PP is the material most baby bottles are made from. It is a lightweight and durable plastic that is safe for use with baby bottles. These bottles are affordable and widely available in the market. They are also BPA-free, making it a safer option for your baby's health.
However, it must be noted that they are less durable. They also age faster and have lower heat resistance. However, these bottles are still deemed safe, free of toxins, and are ergonomic and lightweight. PP bottles are strong enough to withstand standard bottle cleaning methods, however, cannot withstand high temperatures.
Cons:
PP is not as heat resistant as PPSU and may deform or become brittle when exposed to high temperatures. It is also prone to losing its luster with frequent use. If so, replace them at the first sign of weakness. For this reason, we recommend PP for light use only.
Plastic
Pros:
Plastic baby bottles are known to be lightweight, strong, unbreakable, durable, and affordable. They are also widely available in the market, making them a convenient choice for parents. If you’re buying these bottles brand-new, you can also rest assured that they’re relatively safe from nasties. This is because those available in the marketplace today are largely chemical-free. However, do replace a plastic baby bottle if it is cracked, leaking, discolored, or has a funny aroma.
Cons:
Plastic bottles may contain harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS, which can be harmful to your baby's health. They are also not as heat resistant as PPSU and may deform or become brittle when exposed to high temperatures. Also, plastic baby bottles may not last as long as glass. And if you’re using older, secondhand bottles, they may still have bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to make hardened plastic. While the FDA banned the use of BPA in 2012 from baby bottles, the older ones may still have it.
Glass
Pros:
Glass baby bottles are safe and do not contain harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS. They are also durable and can handle both hot and cold liquids without affecting the bottle's shape or texture. They last a long time, and you can boil them for a deep clean. It’s best to sterilise new glass baby bottles and nipples by putting them in boiling water for 5 minutes.
Thereafter, you can wash bottles in the dishwasher, or wash by hand with hot, soapy water and rinse well. Our word of warning? Do replace a glass baby bottle if it’s cracked or chipped. And especially if you find a certain set just doesn’t agree with your baby’s needs!
Cons:
Glass baby bottles are heavier compared to plastic and PPSU, which could make holding them more difficult for baby and less convenient for busy parents. They are also more prone to breaking if dropped, making them a less practical choice for some parents.
benefits of using PPSU baby bottle
safety
PPSU is a type of thermoplastic that is medical-grade and has high resistance to heat and impact. This makes it such a safe and dependable choice for your baby's feeding needs. Unlike other bottles, PPSU does not contain nasties like BPA, BPS, and others that can potentially harm your baby's health.
durability
High-performing PPSU bottles are more resistant to scratches and cracks compared to other plastic bottles. This ensures that they will last longer and provide a safe feeding environment for your little one.
chemical-free
PPSU is free from BPA, BPS, and other harmful chemicals, making it a safer option for your baby's health. It is also certified to be safe, ensuring that your baby's formula or breastmilk stays fresh and healthy. PPSU plastic also does not absorb odour or color.
temperature control
PPSU has excellent thermal stability. This means it can handle both hot and cold liquids without affecting the bottle's shape or texture. This makes it convenient for parents who want to feed their baby with warm or cold formula or breastmilk. It also makes it possible to clean the baby bottles in the dishwasher (top rack) , microwave steamer or sterilizer.
ease of cleaning
PPSU bottles are also easy to clean and sterilize, making it a convenient choice for busy parents. Its smooth surface and lack of seams also make it easier to clean. This prevents bacteria buildup and ensures your baby's health and safety. cost
While PPSU bottles are more expensive compared to PP and plastic bottles, the investment is worth it in the long run. With its durability, safety and ease of cleaning, you can be sure that you’ll be getting the best quality product. That it will last longer and provide a safe feeding environment for your baby.
more about our b.box PPSU bottle from our product designer
watch this video to find out more about PPSU baby bottle from our product engineer.
our PPSU bottle
Our PPSU bottle doesn’t contain any nasties, such as BPA, BPS, and others, so it’s known to be safe. It’s of high quality, highly durable, and endures high temperatures for washing and sterilising. In a nutshell, we picked PPSU to protect a baby’s immune system. It’s also lightweight and comfortable for parent-led or baby-led feeding. And, it’s not going to absorb colours or odours - unlike other plastics.
our teats
Our silicone teats are also of great quality. They are non-toxic and don’t contain nasties such as BPS, BPA and other harmful chemicals. The material is soft and flexible, which makes it easy to attach and provides a natural feel for feeding. Because it’s soft, its gentle on little mouths and sensitive gums. It’s so durable that its great for frequent use and withstands regular washing and sterilising.
our add-on handles
At b.box, we are all about products that grow with your child. And the handles that come with this bottle are no exception. Our handles support little ones with limited dexterity, to learn to grasp and hold the bottle, which encourages independence. The handles are designed to fit on both the 180ml and the 240ml bottle.
The differences between PP and PPSU bottles may seem small, but understanding their comparisons could save you time and money! Ultimately, only you can decide what’s going to be best for your family. With PPSU baby bottles, parents can be ensured of their quality and good value for money. They are a great, safe investment for new parents who want to ensure their baby’s health and well-being. With its chemical-free composition, temperature control and ease of cleaning, parents can’t go wrong. One thing’s for sure - PPSU baby bottles are a wise choice for those who want the best for their baby!
Mamas, we understand your plight – especially when it comes to bottle feeding your baby. You want to dive deeply and know about the exact materials used in baby bottles. You want to protect your baby’s health and development.
Knowing that your bottle can withstand the bumps that it may endure along the motherhood journey! Hopefully we have helped you to understand the difference baby bottle materials in the marketplace. Pretty soon - you’ll use your newfound bottle know-how with a happy, smiling baby in tow!
And remember … if you still aren’t sure which bottle to use and when its time to bottle feed? Always ask your local maternal health nurse, GP or recommended health professional first!