- Is putting a baby bottle in the microwave to heat it risky? And if so, what are its risks?
- Are there some baby bottles that are more “microwavable” than others?
- How to warm your baby's bottle, other than using a microwave, and without this representing a danger for your child?
Young parents ask themselves all these questions. It was therefore normal for us to speak out on this subject in order to help you see it more clearly! 😉
SUMMARY
- Baby bottle in the microwave: a risk of plastic micro and nanoparticles
- The destruction of nutrients: this side effect of microwaving…
- Which baby bottle is “safe” in the microwave?
- 2 alternatives for warming a baby bottle without using your microwave!
- In summary
Baby bottle in the microwave: a risk of plastic micro and nanoparticles
Provided of course that the bottle is plastic. This material, under the effect of heat, will tend to let microscopic particles escape that are invisible to the naked eye. These particles will take the opportunity to mix with your baby's milk .
Since they do not generate any odor, they cannot be seen, and their size does not allow them to modify the flavor of the preparation, they are undetectable. 🐱👤Yet there are indeed millions of them that pass into your child's body during their meal! Plastic baby bottles release microparticles even when heated in a water bath or using a bottle warmer.
Remember that these fine particles are considered artificial disruptors capable of disrupting the endocrine system of children in adulthood.
Among these plasticizers , Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalate have been gradually banned from manufacturing processes, according to very strict standards, including a law passed in France banning its use in 2015 and classification as a substance of extreme concern. (SVHC) in 2017.
But this component was replaced by Bisphenol S (BPS), which, a priori, has very similar characteristics.
The destruction of nutrients: this side effect of microwaving…
Microwaving your baby's bottle presents another problem: the destruction of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the milk. For this reason, some parents choose to only heat the water first, and then add the industrial milk powder. 🍼
A solution that parents who have decided to opt for the breast pump obviously cannot afford , since breast milk, once thawed, does not require the addition of any special preparation and must be warmed well before being offered to baby. !
Which baby bottle is “safe” in the microwave?
Not all materials disintegrate and are not the cause of the diffusion of micro and nanoparticles. Fortunately ! It is therefore possible to equip yourself with microwaveable baby bottles , such as glass or silicone bottles.
Note that this latter material has the advantage of not breaking in the event of a fall. However, a baby does not yet have precise dexterity, giving him an unbreakable bottle is often synonymous with saving time and money!
2 alternatives for warming a baby bottle without using your microwave
Heating a baby bottle in the microwave has other disadvantages, such as uneven heating!
Some areas may therefore be warmer than others. Although it is enough to mix the milk well, this will not be enough to cool the container itself, which can turn out to be almost boiling if heated in the microwave, while the milk contained will be barely lukewarm...
This oddity can actually be explained very simply: the action of a microwave is not continuous. Unlike a conventional heat source which heats constantly, a microwave oven uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate the molecules present in the food. This creates molecular agitation, thereby generating heat.
However, as these waves are emitted intermittently, the energy is not distributed evenly throughout the food! Some places can absorb more energy than others.
Therefore, we advise you to warm the bottle with one of these 2 alternative methods:
Electric bottle warmer
Invest in an electric bottle warmer or water heater designed specifically for warming baby bottles. These devices are designed to heat milk evenly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe and effective use.
Always be sure to test the temperature of the milk before giving your baby a bottle to avoid any risk of burns.
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Did you know ? The Élhée adapter was designed to allow mothers to express, store and warm their milk directly in the Élhée bottle. This adapter screws onto BibRonds and Bubble Élhée training cups to make them compatible with Philips Avent and Medela brand breast pumps, as well as with several brands of nomadic/portable bottle warmers (Munchkin, Mini Cupid, Tommee Tippee, Izybaby)! |
Water bath
Use the traditional water bath method. Fill a saucepan with water to heat, but do not boil it. Then place the bottle in the water, ensuring that it is well submerged, without risk of spilling.
Hot water will slowly transfer heat to the bottle more evenly than microwaving. Be sure to stir the milk regularly to ensure an even temperature.
In summary
- Warming a baby bottle in the microwave can pose some risks, which is why many experts recommend safer alternatives .
- As mentioned previously, the action of microwaves is not always uniform, which can cause hot and cold spots to appear in the milk in the bottle. This problem presents a risk of burns for your baby.
- Some baby bottles can release harmful substances when heated in the microwave. If the bottle is made from plastic materials, the risk is particularly increased and the child's endocrine system may suffer over the years.
- Glass and silicone baby bottles are considered free from this problem. Silicone will, however , have the advantage of not breaking if baby were to drop it.
- Finally, heating a bottle in the microwave causes the degradation of nutrients present in breast milk. A paradox and a certain injustice when we know that the latter contains, basically, everything necessary to allow a young child to develop correctly!
- It is entirely possible to warm a baby bottle other than in the microwave, for example in a bain-marie or using a bottle warmer.
