Lifefactory Glass Bottle

The Lifefactory Glass Bottle, formerly known as Wee-Go, is popular with parents concerned about the safety of any plastic material. Other than the name, nothing has changed with this brand since it was purchased by Lifefactory.

Silicone sleeve adds an extra measure of safety

The Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottle takes safety seriously; it has a silicone sleeve that helps prevent breaks when dropped and is also made from a shatter-resistant glass. Reviewers say bottles they own have been dropped many times without any damage. There are no small parts to create a choking hazard. The bottle can go directly from freezer to boiling water according to the manufacturer, who also cautions that the glass can crack if subjected to rapid temperature variations.

Straightforward design makes this bottle easy to use

The Lifefactory Glass Bottle is as simple as a bottle comes -- the bottle (with colorful silicone sleeve) nipple, nipple ring and protective cap are included with each bottle. The cap can be used as a cup as baby gets older and wants to experiment with drinking like a big kid. All components are dishwasher safe. There are no fancy venting systems or special assembly instructions.

Formula can be mixed directly in Lifefactory bottles, and it is compatible with a variety of breast pumps. Standard size nipples from other manufacturers can be used with Lifefactory bottles. Moms seem to particularly like that it is compatible with Medela breast pumps and nipples.  Formula or breast milk can be stored, refrigerated or frozen, in the bottles. The plug set is sold separately (*Est. $3 for a cap, ring and plug set) as is the solid cap, recommended for storing juice (*Est. $3 for a pack of two).

Best for babies with no feeding issues

Because it does not have any special venting systems, the few complaints Lifefactory bottles get are that they do not help reduce gas or reflux in babies prone to those issues. Parents whose babies have feeding problems may be better off experimenting with bottles designed to help reduce air intake.

The four available nipple configurations -- from Stage 1 for newborns to Y-Cut for fast flow or cereal feeding -- will take a child through all stages of bottle feeding. Sippy caps (sold separately, *Est. $9 for a pack of two) can convert the bottle to a sippy cup, thus extending its useful life and providing a greater value for a relatively expensive bottle. The silicone sleeves are attractive and make the bottle easier to hold for both parents and child than a plain glass bottle. The bottles are heavier than plastic bottles when filled, which is noticeable when carrying multiple bottles in a diaper bag and may result in younger babies not being able to hold the bottle independently. 

The bottom line

Lifefactory glass bottles are an excellent choice as an alternative to plastic, especially with the bright sleeves to help prevent breakage and give little hands a better grip. The only downsides are the expense and the extra weight of a glass bottle. Also, if you need an anti-colic system, it's best to look elsewhere.