Baby bottle suppliers beef up utility, safety features

Baby bottles that have temperature indicators and anti-colic designs are gaining traction.

TOP TRENDS

• Functional add-ons: To increase product usability, several makers are attaching temperature indicators such as LED and color-changing thermometers on models. Music ICs and flashing LEDs may also be placed on the bottom of the bottle to help entertain and calm down babies.
  
• Health-friendly design: Angled-neck bottles are gaining traction as these ensure that the nipple is filled mostly with liquid rather than air. This is to prevent gas problems and ear infections. Similarly, suppliers are adopting angled and flat-tip nipples that are said to reduce the risk of colic.
  
• PC now low-end: With increased restrictions on BPA, demand for PC bottles has dropped even further. Upscale models for the EU, the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Brazil and Malaysia now use safer PP, PES, PPSU, silicone, glass and stainless steel. The toxic chemical was even recently banned in China. PC is now found only in low-end items for less stringent markets.
  
• PP & glass dominate: Together, the two materials account for 70 percent of output in the line. They are favored for their lower cost and BPA-free quality. In addition, glass can resist heat and abrasion, while PP is lightweight.
  

PRODUCT GALLERY

Guangzhou Ealajane Silicone Tech. Co. Ltd
Model: DY140
Description: Liquid silicone; withstands high temperatures; food-grade; BPA-free

Ningbo Raffini Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd
Model: B1-131
Description: PP; withstands high, low temperatures; food-grade; odor-, tasteless; nontoxic; 250mL; EN 1435

S.E.B. Group Co. Ltd
Model: BFB-001
Description: 304 stainless steel bottle; PP handle, cap; rubber nipple; BPA-free; 300 or 350mL; FDA, CE; custom logos

Shantou Xinghe Electrical Apparatuses Co. Ltd
Model: X-2108Z
Description: PP; silicone nipple; 120mL

Wing Fat Plastic & Electrical Product Fty Ltd
Model: 1
Description: PP; wide neck; 11oz

Xiamen Innotech Electronic Co. Ltd
Model: 2
Description: PP; wide neck, nipple bottom; air-flow nipple; optional handles; withstands -50 to 200 C