Choosing your baby's first bottle is one of those decisions that feels simple until you are actually standing in the aisle (or scrolling at 2am) staring at a wall of options. Glass, PP, PPSU, T-Ester. Clear, honey-toned, shatterproof, heat-resistant. The terminology multiplies quickly, and so do the questions.
The honest answer is that there is no single right material, but there are meaningful differences worth understanding. This guide breaks down every bottle material Pigeon offers across both the SofTouch™ and Flexible™ ranges, so you can make a confident, informed choice based on your lifestyle, feeding frequency, and what matters most to you as a parent.
Why Bottle Material Actually Matters
Before getting into the specifics, it is worth understanding why material choice is not just an aesthetic decision. Research published in PMC has found that BPA (bisphenol A), a chemical historically used in polycarbonate plastics, can leach from bottles into their contents and acts as an endocrine-disrupting chemical with potential effects on infant development [1]. As a result, BPA has been banned from baby bottle manufacturing in the European Union since 2011 and is now regulated or prohibited in many countries worldwide [2].
All Pigeon baby bottles are completely free of BPA and BPS, as well as formaldehyde and phthalates. But understanding the differences between the materials that remain available, glass, PP, PPSU, and T-Ester, helps you choose the option that best fits the way your family feeds.
Glass Baby Bottles
Glass is the original bottle material and remains a strong choice for parents who want the most chemically inert feeding option available. It contains no plastics, no additives, and will not leach anything into your baby's milk regardless of temperature or cleaning method.
Pigeon uses borosilicate glass in their glass bottles, which offers excellent heat resistance and durability. Glass does not absorb odours or residue, making it one of the easiest materials to clean thoroughly. It also has an indefinite lifespan, so if properly cared for, a glass bottle can last from your baby's newborn days through to toddlerhood and beyond.
The practical trade-off is weight. Glass bottles are noticeably heavier than plastic options, which can be a consideration for parents doing many feeds a day or older babies who begin to hold their own bottle. Modern borosilicate glass is far more durable than older glass was, and is unlikely to shatter from normal drops, but breakage risk is higher than with any plastic option.
Glass bottles are available across both the SofTouch™ and Flexible™ ranges:
In the SofTouch™ wide-neck range, the Pigeon SofTouch™ Glass Bottle 160ml is a popular starting option for newborns, featuring the breast-shaped wide-neck teat, the latch-on line, and the built-in Anti-Colic System. Ideal for parents who are combination feeding or breastfeeding and want to reduce the risk of nipple confusion.
In the Flexible™ slim-neck range, the Pigeon Flexible™ Glass Bottle 120ml is suited to formula-fed newborns from birth. The slim neck is the more traditional bottle shape, with a double-thickness silicone teat and a venting system that helps minimise swallowed air.
Both glass options are BPA and BPS free, dishwasher safe, and compatible with all sterilisation methods.
PP (Polypropylene) Baby Bottles
PP is polypropylene, a lightweight thermoplastic that is the most affordable bottle material in Pigeon's range. PP bottles are slightly opaque in colour, and while they are rated for standard sterilisation methods, they are not suited to sustained exposure to very high temperatures. With regular use, PP can become cloudy over time; this is normal and does not affect safety or performance, but it is worth factoring in when thinking about longevity.
Pigeon recommends replacing PP bottles every six months with regular use. For families who are part-time bottle feeding or combining breast and bottle, PP offers excellent value and perfectly reliable performance within that window.
For wide-neck feeding, the Pigeon SofTouch™ PP Bottle 160ml is consistently voted one of Australia's favourite baby bottles. It comes with the SofTouch™ SS teat for newborns, features the breast-like wide-neck design, the latch-on line, and the AVS Anti-Colic System, and is made with 20% ISCC-certified bio-based plastic for a more sustainable footprint.
For the slim-neck Flexible™ range, the Pigeon Flexible™ PP Bottle 240ml is a practical, lightweight choice for formula-fed babies from birth. Like all Flexible™ bottles, it uses the double-thickness peristaltic teat with a venting system to support calm, comfortable feeding.
PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) Baby Bottles
PPSU is the premium plastic in Pigeon's range. It is a medical-grade material, naturally honey-toned (the colour comes from the material itself, with no added dyes), and engineered for parents who bottle feed frequently and sterilise heavily. PPSU can handle temperatures up to 180°C, which means it holds up reliably to boiling, steam sterilisation, electric sterilisers, and UV sterilisers without warping, discolouring, or degrading over time.
Unlike PP, PPSU does not become cloudy and does not absorb odours or flavour from breast milk or formula, which makes it particularly popular for families using a large rotation of bottles every day. Pigeon recommends replacing PPSU bottles every 9 to 12 months, giving significantly longer useful life than PP at a higher upfront cost.
For wide-neck feeding, the Pigeon SofTouch™ PPSU Bottle 160ml offers the full SofTouch™ feature set, including the breast-shaped wide-neck teat, the anti-colic venting system, and 20% bio-based plastic components, in PPSU's more robust and heat-tolerant construction. The 240ml option is available as a single or as a twin pack for families who want to keep two in rotation.
In the slim-neck range, the Pigeon Flexible™ PPSU Bottle 160ml brings the same premium durability to the traditional bottle shape. Naturally honey-toned, lightweight, and designed for high use, it is a great long-term option for parents who prefer the narrower teat.
A Simple Bottle Material Decision Guide
If you are still weighing up the options, these practical questions can help narrow it down:
You bottle feed occasionally or are mostly breastfeeding: PP is excellent value and performs reliably for lower-frequency use. Replace every six months.
You bottle feed multiple times daily and sterilise heavily: PPSU's heat resistance and durability make it the better long-term investment.
Chemical-free feeding is your top priority and you don't mind the extra weight: Glass offers the most inert feeding experience with an indefinite lifespan.
You are combination feeding or transitioning from breastfeeding: The wide-neck SofTouch™ range in any material supports a natural latch and minimises nipple confusion. See our guide on bottle acceptance for breastfed babies for more detail.
You are formula feeding from birth: The slim-neck Flexible™ range in any material is designed for formula-fed babies who have not been breastfeeding.
What Parents Are Saying
Pigeon bottles are the best!
Love these bottles. So does baby! Durable, easy to clean and no leaks. Highly recommended
- Natalie, Pigeon SofTouch™ BPP Bottle Glass 240ml
Great botle
I’ve tried a few bottles and got recommended to try this bottle by a friend and I’m so grateful…
I breastfeed my baby majority of the time. I pump milk to give my bubs when we’re out or even if she just needs a top up and these bottles just work.
No issues with getting her to take this bottle. This bottle doesn’t leak and most importantly no nipple confusion.
I only bought 3 to try and I’ll definitely be buying more of these bottles.- Frankie, Pigeon Flexible™ PPSU Bottle 240ml
Great bottle
The best bottles! My baby took these bottles straight from birth with no nipple confusion. Made feeding so much easier and able to be shared. Plus the cute designs are a bonus!
- Megan, SofTouch™ BPP PP Bottle 240ml Winter
Related Reading
- Tips for Choosing Your Baby's First Bottle
- Wide Neck vs. Standard Neck Baby Bottles: Which Is Best for Your Baby?
- Baby Bottle Materials: A Guide to Choosing Safe Baby Bottles
- Paced Bottle Feeding: What It Is and Why It Matters
- Guide to Finding the Right Bottle for Your Baby
FAQs About The Difference Between Plastic and Glass Baby Bottles
Are plastic baby bottles safe?
Yes, provided they are free from BPA, BPS, phthalates, and formaldehyde. Research has established that BPA, historically used in polycarbonate plastics, is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can leach into bottle contents, particularly at high temperatures [1]. This is why BPA has been banned in baby bottle manufacturing in the EU since 2011 and is now regulated in many countries. All Pigeon bottles, across every material, are BPA and BPS free, and also free from formaldehyde and phthalates.
What is the difference between PP and PPSU baby bottles?
PP (polypropylene) is a lightweight plastic suited to low to regular use. It is slightly opaque, affordable, and Pigeon recommends replacing PP bottles every six months. PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) is a medical-grade premium plastic with heat resistance up to 180°C, a naturally honey-toned colour, and greater durability suited to high-frequency use. PPSU does not cloud over time and resists odour absorption. Pigeon recommends replacing PPSU bottles every 9 to 12 months. Both are completely BPA and BPS free.
Can I use Pigeon glass bottles in the microwave steriliser?
Glass bottles can be sterilised by boiling, steam, and most standard sterilisation methods and are heat resistant up to 120°C. For microwave sterilisation specifically, always check the instructions for your steriliser as compatibility can vary. All plastic components including collars, caps, and hoods are also heat resistant up to 120°C.
How long do Pigeon baby bottles last?
This depends on material and frequency of use. PP bottles are recommended for replacement every six months; PPSU every 9 to 12 months. Glass bottles can last indefinitely if cared for correctly and are not chipped or cracked. All Pigeon teats should be replaced every two to three months regardless of bottle material, or immediately if there are signs of damage, discolouration, or thinning.
Can I use the SofTouch™ teat with the Flexible™ bottle (or vice versa)?
No. The teats are not interchangeable. Wide-neck SofTouch™ teats are only compatible with wide-neck SofTouch™ bottles, and slim-neck Flexible™ teats are only compatible with Flexible™ slim-neck bottles. Choosing between the two ranges comes down to your baby's feeding history: SofTouch™ is recommended for breastfed babies or combination feeders, while Flexible™ suits formula-fed babies who have been bottle feeding from birth.
