frequently asked questions
Why glass baby bottles over plastic?
Studies have shown throughout its lifecycle, plastics can continually leach chemicals. Of most concern are plastics labeled #3 polyvinyl chloride, which contain phthalates, #6 polystyrene and #7 polycarbonates which contain BPA. However, there are still concerns associated with ANY plastics, even BPA free plastics. With infants being the most vulnerable, more and more medical experts are recommending GLASS as the preferred choice in bottle feeding.
BPA-Free products still contain bisphenols of equal toxicity ~Dr. Mercola
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es301334j
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3222987/
What is BPA and phthalates and why are they bad for us?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in many products used by the modern day consumer like polycarbonate baby bottles (just recently banned in baby bottles), water bottles, dental sealants, linings for canned foods, microwave ovenware, flame retardants, floorings, nail polishes, enamels, varnishes and much more. We are totally inundated with this chemical. According to the CDC, over 90% of Americans have BPA in their urine. In animal studies, even low levels of this chemical have been linked to cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders and miscarriages.
Phthalates are the softening agents of plastics and they're what make hoses flexible, lotions creamy and plastics more durable. Phthalates have also been used in many baby products, including teethers. The concern is that studies show this chemical has been linked with malformation of the reproductive tract, decreased semen quality, cancer and damage to liver, kidneys and other organs. With these findings, many companies have stopped selling products containing phthalates. Look for products that say “phthalate free.”
About Phthalates - Our Stolen Future
What are Hormone Disruptors?
Studies have shown that many synthetic chemicals interfere with our body’s own natural hormone system. Hormone disruptors can block, alter and magnify the function of natural hormones. Our bodies are fooled by these “toxins” when they bind to the same sites of natural hormones. This can cause a wide variety of health problems. Studies have found BPA, and phthalates to be hormone disruptors.
What are our baby bottles made of?
All components are BPA, phthalate and PVC free. The removable glass insert, when assembled with the translucent plastic sleeve, helps protect the glass. Should breaking occur, glass and liquid are contained in the plastic shell away from baby with no mess. Both nipple and glass bottle plug are silicone. Our bottles have been third party tested to meet strict FDA and EU guidelines.
Why buy our bottles over the traditional baby bottles?
Our unique patented design provides the healthful benefits of glass + the protection of BPA free plastic. Should breaking occur, the plastic sleeve keeps the glass and liquid contained in the plastic sleeve away from baby with no mess. They are a great alternative for glass users in daycare! It is very easy to disassemble for cleaning. The clear plastic sleeve allows you to fully view the contents of the bottle making it easier for mixing formulas. Our nipples are vented and have easily identifiable numbers for different flow rates. We realize our bottles are more expensive than the average baby bottle. Having the ability to purchase the less expensive interchangeable replacement glass inserts separately make our bottles more convenient and affordable. Because the glass inserts are microwaveable and freezer safe they make excellent storage containers for pumped milk and premixed formulas. They can also be used in standard bottles warmers.
How do we assure our bottles comply with saftey standards?
Chemicals and safety were our greatest concern when developing our hybrid glass baby bottle. 5 Phases glass bottles have been inspected and tested by a third party for known toxic and harmful chemicals. This third party is recognized in the US by the FDA, Canada and in the EU for product safety and quality control. Our bottles have passed rigorous infant safety and chemical testing. All tests comply with the specifications and regulations required in the US, Canada and EU.
How do you wash and care for bottles?
Before initial use, disassemble all parts and wash thoroughly. Sterilize both nipple and glass insert by boiling for 5 minutes. For subsequent cleanings, all bottle parts can be placed in the dishwasher, top rack only, not to exceed 140 F (60 C) or hand washed with mild soap and water. Do not force bottle brush into nipple as tears may occur. Glass inserts are microwaveable and freezer safe.
Can each part be bought separately?
We currently offer 3 different flow rate nipples and the replacement 4oz and 8oz glass inserts, which include the silicone glass bottle plug. We realize our bottles are more expensive than the average baby bottle. Having the ability to purchase the less expensive interchangeable glass inserts and nipples separately makes our products more convenient and affordable.
Do we carry different flow rate nipples?
Fully assembled bottles come with a 0-3mos silicone nipple. We currently offer 3 different flow rates to accommodate your baby's feeding demands (0-3mos, 3-6mos and 6-9mos). Each nipple will have a flow rate number on the nipple itself for easy identification. The silicone nipples do have a venting system to help prevent vacuum build up and help baby swallow less air while feeding.
What is our return policy?
We are proud of our products and want you to be fully satisfied with every item you purchase from 5 Phases. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, return the item within 30 days of purchase for a full refund of the purchase price.Our products are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 90 days from purchase. For return insturctions or details on our 5 Phases "EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY" please refer to our policy page.
How we try to make a difference?
Because we feel our environment is having a huge impact on our children, a portion of our profits goes to " Operation Smile". The team at Operation Smile consist of medical volunteers who provide free physical exams and reconstructive surgery for children and young adults with cleft lips, palates and other facial deformities. The causes of the deformities are unknown but environmental factors are suspect. These surgeries change the life of a child forever.
Troubleshooting
Please read all 5 Phases baby bottle warnings and instructions prior to use. If you do not have this information please call us at 877-659-1459 or email us at info@5phases.com.
The bottle is leaking
CHECK TO MAKE SURE GLASS INSERT IS NOT BROKEN! Fully assembled bottles are not shatter proof. If there is fluid between glass and the plastic shell this fluid will leak.
Make sure bottle is properly assembled. Insert glass into plastic sleeve; center the glass in plastic shell, hold glass centered by squeezing the waist of the plastic shell simultaneously screwing on the screw cap. Verify screw cap is on correctly. If the cap is not screwed on straight the silicone nipple will not seal onto the glass resulting in leakage.
My baby is not getting anything out of the nipple
Try a larger flow rate nipple. 5 Phases offers 3 different flow rate nipples 0-3mos, 3-6mos and 6-9mos.
Verify vent hole at the top of the nipple is not being obstructed while feeding.
Practice, practice practice! Babies who have only breast fed may have a harder time transitioning to the bottle. This may take some time. Keep with it!
The screw cap is not tightening when using the silicone plug
Bottles are not designed to use both nipple and glass bottle plug simultaneously. The function of the silicone plug is to allow the interchangeable replacement glass inserts to be used as storage containers for pumped milk and formulas. Nipple caps prevent bottle leakage quite well.
The nipple is collapsing
Verify vent hole at the top of the nipple is not being obstructed while feeding.
Tilt the bottle enough to allow a constant uninterrupted flow of fluid through the nipple while feeding. If the baby sucks only air this can cause the nipple to collapse down into the bottle. Pinch the vent at the top of the nipple opening the vent hole. This will allow air back into the bottle releasing the nipple.
(Coming soon new and improved vent location to prevent vent hole obstruction)
I can’t remove glass insert
The hex shaped glass may twist and become lodged in the plastic sleeve. To remove, hold the waist of the plastic shell. Insert and spread index and middle fingers along the inside wall of the glass insert. Twist the glass until it releases and remove from the plastic shell.
(Coming soon, the new round glass insert. New glass shape will make for easier glass insert removal).
This is for informational purposes only. All claims strive to come from current and reliable information. Become informed. All information is at your fingertips.