Babies, children and plastic: what to change first
Infants are the most exposed group. Bottle preparation and kids' tableware come first.
By PlasticFreeHome Research Team · Reviewed by Khalid · Updated 26 September 2026 · 1 min read
Babies and small children take in more plastic for their size than anyone else, so their swaps rank highest. Start with anything heated, then anything they eat from.
1. Bottle preparation
Preparing formula with hot water in polypropylene bottles has been shown to release microplastics. Mix formula in glass and cool it before transferring, or switch to glass or steel bottles. See plastic baby bottles → glass or steel.
2. Plates, bowls and cups
"Bamboo" kids' tableware is almost always a melamine plastic composite, which UK regulators say is not authorised for food contact. Stainless steel is unbreakable and cheap. See kids' tableware → steel.
3. Wipes
Many wet wipes are plastic fabric. Cotton cloths and warm water work for most nappy changes. See baby wipes → cloth.
Keep it realistic
Silicone teats, soothers and mats are widely used. They count as plastic under our definition, but they're not the priority. Focus on heat and daily contact first.
Sources
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Top swaps in baby & kids
Plastic and "bamboo" kids' tableware → stainless steel
"Bamboo" kids' tableware is usually melamine plastic. Steel is unbreakable and safe with hot food.
High priority · about 200 g of plastic a year
Polypropylene baby bottles → glass or steel
Preparing formula with hot water in plastic bottles releases particles. Glass bottles avoid it.
High priority · about 300 g of plastic a year
Plastic-based baby wipes → cloth wipes
Many wet wipes are plastic fabric. Cotton cloths and warm water do the same job for pennies.
High priority · about 2.0 kg of plastic a year