Plastic and Your Baby: A Practical Guide for Australian Parents

Many new parents worry about plastics in baby feeding products. With so many bottles, storage containers and utensils made from plastic, it’s important to know which materials are safer and how to use them correctly. At Bubs n Grubs, we select feeding products that prioritise safety and quality so you can make informed choices with confidence.

Why plastic types (recycling codes) matter

Different plastics behave differently when heated, scratched or reused. As a simple rule of thumb:

• Use with care / avoid for heating: codes 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), 7 (OTHER – may include polycarbonate/BPA).
• Common safer choices for feeding gear: codes 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), 5 (PP) – durable and typically BPA free.

Wear and tear (scratches, clouding) can increase the chance of chemicals migrating. Replace worn items and follow the product’s care instructions.

Are plastics safe for baby feeding in Australia?

Australian authorities continue to monitor food?contact plastics. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) – BPA overview reports that typical BPA exposure from food and packaging is low and within current health based guidance levels. Even so, many brands have shifted to BPA free materials (such as polypropylene) and parents often prefer to minimise heating plastics as an extra precaution.

Simple, evidence informed tips for everyday use

• Prefer polypropylene (code 5) or glass for bottles and storage where practical.
• Don’t microwave plastics unless the label explicitly states it’s suitable; avoid heating very fatty/sugary foods in plastic.
• Discard worn, cracked or cloudy items and replace teats/bottles per the manual.
• Hand wash or use top rack only if specified; avoid harsh abrasives that scratch surfaces.
• Store cool: let hot liquids cool slightly before transferring to plastic; avoid leaving plastics in hot cars.

Medela BPA Free Feeding Range (optimised for safety & convenience)

Medela bottles and breast pump kits are made from polypropylene (PP, recycle code 5) and are BPA free. PP is a light, semi cloudy plastic chosen for durability and cleanability. You’ll typically see a “5” and/or “PP” stamped on the base. For parents who want to minimise chemical exposure without sacrificing practicality, PP and glass are the most popular options.

• Why parents choose Medela PP bottles: BPA free construction, easy clean surfaces, compatibility with Medela pumps, reliable seals for storage.
• Good practice: replace bottles/teats when worn; follow the cleaning & sterilising instructions in the manual.

Explore our curated range of baby feeding products (including Medela bottles, pumps and storage) selected for Australian families.

Additional reading

• FSANZ – BPA: Information for consumers
• EcoMall – Baby Alert: New Findings About Plastics
• Babies Vs Plastics Report

FAQs: Plastics, BPA and baby feeding

About the Author

Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. He has been personally evaluating baby products & testing them before offering them to our customers since 2009. In addition, he is consistently giving manufacturer’s feedback & product development advice, reviewing & getting customer feedback. He has been doing this since the business started in 2009. He is proud to be one of the rare baby store owners in Australia who regularly engages with customers in his store. Frank values the constant feedback and regularly seeks it out. He has been featured on the Morning Show & the Today Show on Channel 7 and Channel 9 and is a recognised expert in baby products as a result.

Safety Disclaimer

This content is general information for Australia. Always follow product manuals and relevant Australian guidance, consult a qualified professional (GP/child health nurse/lactation consultant) for advice specific to your needs.