As parents, we want to make the best choices for our babies’ health and wellbeing. When it comes to feeding, many parents opt for bottles at some point, whether exclusively or to supplement breastfeeding. In recent years, concerns have emerged about microplastics in baby bottles and their potential health impacts.
Comotomo bottles have gained popularity as a silicone alternative to plastic, but questions remain about their safety in regards to microplastics. This article will explore what we know about Comotomo bottles, microplastics, and how to make an informed decision about baby bottles.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size. They can come from larger plastic items breaking down over time or be intentionally manufactured at that small size. Microplastics have been found in our air, water, food, and even human bodies. As plastics degrade, they can shed these microscopic particles.
When it comes to baby bottles, microplastics can potentially leach into milk or formula, especially when the bottles are exposed to heat from washing, sterilizing, or warming contents. This has raised concerns about babies ingesting microplastics through their bottles.
About Comotomo Bottles
Comotomo is a popular baby bottle brand known for their soft, squeezable silicone bottles. Some key features of Comotomo bottles include:
- Made of 100% safe, hygienic silicone
- Wide-neck design for easy cleaning
- Dual anti-colic vents to reduce air intake
- Nipple designed to mimic breastfeeding
- Available in 5oz and 8oz sizes
- Dishwasher, microwave, and sterilizer safe
- BPA, PVC, and phthalate free
The silicone material is promoted as a safer alternative to plastic. But how do Comotomo bottles compare when it comes to microplastics?
Comotomo and Microplastics
Comotomo bottles are made of food-grade silicone rather than plastic. This means they do not contain the same chemicals found in plastic bottles that can leach microplastics. Silicone is generally considered more stable and resistant to breaking down compared to plastic.
However, it’s important to note that silicone is not completely immune to degradation. While silicone bottles may shed fewer particles than plastic, some studies have found that silicone can still release small amounts of chemicals, especially when exposed to heat or fatty substances (like milk).
A 2020 study on microplastic release from baby bottles found that polypropylene plastic bottles released millions of microplastics when subjected to standard sterilization and use. The study did not look at silicone bottles specifically. More research is needed on silicone bottles and microplastic release.
Comotomo states their bottles are free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates – chemicals often associated with plastic. However, the company does not make any specific claims about microplastic release from their bottles.
Pros and Cons of Comotomo Bottles
To help parents weigh their options, here are some pros and cons of Comotomo bottles:Pros:
- Made of food-grade silicone, not plastic
- Free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates
- Soft, squeezable material mimics breastfeeding
- Wide neck for easy cleaning
- Anti-colic venting system
- Dishwasher and sterilizer safe
Cons:
- More expensive than many plastic bottles
- Some parents find them too soft/floppy
- Measurements can be hard to read
- May still release trace amounts of chemicals, especially when heated
- Limited research on long-term safety/durability of silicone bottles
Alternatives to Consider
For parents concerned about microplastics, there are a few alternatives to consider:
Glass Bottles
Glass bottles are inert and do not leach any chemicals or microplastics. Popular glass bottle brands include:
Pros of glass bottles:
- Do not leach chemicals or microplastics
- Easy to clean and sterilize
- Can last for years if properly cared for
Cons:
- Heavier than plastic or silicone
- Can break if dropped
- More expensive upfront
Stainless Steel Bottles
Stainless steel is another inert material that does not leach chemicals. Some stainless steel bottle options include:
Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Infant Bottle
Pros of stainless steel:
- Do not leach chemicals or microplastics
- Lightweight and durable
- Keep contents warm/cool longer
Cons:
- Cannot see contents inside bottle
- May dent if dropped
- Limited nipple options
Other Silicone Bottles
If you like the idea of silicone but want to explore other brands, some alternatives to Comotomo include:
Boon NURSH Reusable Silicone Pouch Bottle
These may have slightly different features or designs that work better for some babies.
Tips for Reducing Microplastic Exposure
Regardless of what type of bottle you choose, there are some steps you can take to potentially reduce microplastic exposure:
- Avoid heating plastic bottles in the microwave or dishwasher.
- Let boiled water cool before adding it to bottles to mix formula.
- Don’t use very hot water to clean bottles – lukewarm is sufficient.
- Replace bottles regularly, especially if you see signs of wear and tear.
- Consider using glass or stainless steel for storing pumped breastmilk.
- Limit use of plastic food storage containers, especially for hot foods.
- Use natural fiber clothing and bedding when possible to reduce microfiber shedding.
- Filter tap water to remove potential microplastics.
- Eat more fresh, unpackaged foods to reduce plastic food packaging exposure.
The Bottom Line
While Comotomo bottles are likely a safer choice than plastic bottles when it comes to microplastics, they are not completely risk-free. Silicone is generally more stable than plastic, but may still release trace amounts of chemicals, especially when heated.
For parents who want to completely eliminate the risk of microplastics, glass or stainless steel bottles are the safest options. However, these come with their own drawbacks in terms of weight, potential breakage, and cost.Ultimately, there is no perfect solution and parents need to weigh the pros and cons for their individual situation. Comotomo bottles remain a popular choice for many families due to their soft texture, anti-colic features, and ease of cleaning.
If you do choose to use Comotomo or other silicone bottles, following best practices like avoiding high heat and replacing bottles regularly can help minimize potential risks.It’s also worth remembering that bottle feeding is just one potential source of microplastic exposure. Taking steps to reduce plastic use in other areas of life may have a bigger overall impact on your family’s health.
The Need for More Research
While concerns about microplastics are valid, it’s important to note that research in this area is still emerging. We don’t yet fully understand the long-term health impacts of microplastic exposure, especially for infants.More studies are needed to compare microplastic release from different bottle materials, including silicone. We also need more research on how factors like heat, cleaning methods, and duration of use affect microplastic shedding from bottles.Parents should stay informed about new research findings but avoid panicking about every potential risk. Focusing on overall healthy lifestyle choices is likely to have the biggest positive impact on a child’s wellbeing.
Making an Informed Decision
When choosing baby bottles, consider these factors:
- Material safety (including microplastic concerns)
- Ease of use and cleaning
- Cost and durability
- Your baby’s preferences
- Your lifestyle and needs (e.g. travel, daycare, etc.)
It may be helpful to try a few different options to see what works best for your family. Many babies will accept different bottle types, so you have flexibility to switch if needed.
Remember that fed is best – the most important thing is that your baby is getting the nutrition they need in a way that works for your family. If you have specific concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your pediatrician.
Conclusion
Comotomo bottles offer a silicone alternative to plastic that may reduce exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals. However, they are not completely risk-free and more research is needed on long-term safety of silicone bottles.
Glass and stainless steel remain the safest options for avoiding microplastics, but come with their own drawbacks. Parents need to weigh the pros and cons of different materials based on their individual needs and preferences.
Regardless of bottle choice, following best practices for bottle use and care can help minimize potential risks. Stay informed about emerging research, but try not to stress too much about every potential hazard. Focus on making overall healthy choices for your family and enjoy this special time with your little one.