Are You Sterilising Baby Bottles the Safe Way?
What Parents Need to Know About PP Plastic and Microplastics
As parents, we do everything we can to keep our babies safe, especially when it comes to feeding. That’s why sterilising baby bottles is a non-negotiable part of early parenting. But did you know that the very process designed to protect your baby might be quietly exposing them to something harmful?
Let’s talk about PP plastic bottles, sterilisation, and the growing concerns around microplastics.
What Are PP Bottles?
PP stands for polypropylene - a lightweight, affordable plastic commonly used in baby bottles. You’ve probably seen them: clear or frosted plastic, usually BPA-free and labelled as microwave or dishwasher safe.
They’ve been around for decades and are still one of the most widely used bottle types on the market.
But Here’s the Catch: Heat and Plastic Don’t Mix Well
Recent research has raised a big red flag: when PP bottles are exposed to heat, especially through steam sterilisation or boiling, they can release microplastics into your baby’s milk or formula.
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A 2020 study published in Nature Food found that sterilised PP bottles can release up to 16 million microplastic particles per litre when formula is prepared at 70°C (as per WHO guidelines).
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That number increases the more bottles are reheated, scratched, or reused.
Yes - that’s millions of tiny plastic particles potentially ending up in your baby’s tummy.
What Are Microplastics - and Why Does It Matter?
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic, invisible to the eye, that can enter the body through food or liquids. While research is still emerging, early studies suggest these particles may:
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Interfere with gut health
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Carry hormone-disrupting chemicals
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Trigger inflammation or immune responses
Babies, with their developing systems, are especially vulnerable.
Safer Alternatives for Peace of Mind
The good news? You have options.
If you’re sterilising bottles regularly (and most parents are!), consider switching to a material designed to handle heat without leaching plastic particles:
|
Material |
What It Is |
Why It’s Better |
|---|---|---|
|
PA (Polyamide) |
BPA-free plastic alternative |
High heat resistance, no microplastic release under sterilisation |
What Can You Do Right Now?
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Check your bottle material: Look for the recycling symbol or label. “PP” = polypropylene.
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Avoid reheating in the same bottle: Instead, sterilise, then prepare formula in a separate container and transfer if using PP.
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Switch to heat-safe materials, Especially if you sterilise daily.
At Lil’Kooee, we hope to make a difference.
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combo-feeding, we’ve got your back.
Got questions about bottles or sterilising safely? Let’s chat. Reach out anytime.
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