New Safety Requirements for Baby Bottles in 2025

By Elena Fraser, Safety & Compliance Editor | Safety & Standards Column | Childcare Standards Council

As of 1 January 2025, new safety regulations for baby bottles have officially come into effect in the UK. These updated requirements, outlined in the Infant Feeding Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2025, are part of a broader effort to improve health and safety standards for infant care products across the country.

Whether you’re a parent, childcare provider, early years setting manager or product manufacturer, it’s essential to understand what’s changed and how to ensure full compliance moving forward.

This guide provides a clear breakdown of the new standards, what to look for when purchasing bottles, and practical steps for staying aligned with the latest safety expectations.

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Why the New Regulations Were Introduced

The updated requirements are designed to address growing concerns about chemical safety, overheating risks, and product durability. They also reflect recent research into infant feeding habits and exposure to materials such as plastics and silicone under repeated use and sterilisation.

The Department for Business and Trade, alongside the UK Health Security Agency, conducted a joint review in 2023 which highlighted inconsistencies in labelling, manufacturing materials, and heat resistance across widely available baby bottle brands.

In response, the new 2025 legislation strengthens consumer protection and prioritises infant health and safety.

Key Changes to Baby Bottle Safety Standards in 2025

Here are the most significant updates now in effect:

1. Mandatory BPA Free Certification

While many baby bottles have been marketed as “BPA free” for some time, this is now a legal requirement. Bottles and teats must:

• Be free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenol compounds such as BPS and BPF.

• Be independently tested and certified to meet EN 14350:2020 safety standards (updated from the 2004 version).

• Clearly display certification and expiry or replacement guidance on packaging and instruction leaflets.

  
  

2. Improved Heat Resistance Standards

Baby bottles must now meet stricter requirements for heat resilience. This ensures bottles do not degrade, leach chemicals, or warp when sterilised or heated in warmers.

New requirements include:

• Withstanding repeated exposure to temperatures of 100°C (for boiling and steam sterilisation)

• Clear labelling on whether microwave use is safe, along with precise heating guidelines

• Visual wear and tear indicators to help caregivers know when to replace bottles

  
  

3. Enhanced Labelling & Traceability

All infant feeding bottles must now include:

• Manufacturer name and contact details

• Date of production and recommended lifespan (typically 3 to 6 months per bottle or teat)

• Materials used (e.g. PP plastic, silicone, glass)

• Full cleaning and sterilisation instructions

• A QR code linking to the full safety certification and product batch information

  
  

This change is particularly helpful for childcare providers managing multiple bottle types, helping track and rotate stock more effectively.

4. Choking Hazard Design Reviews

Teats, caps, rings and anti colic inserts must now undergo more rigorous mechanical testing. The goal is to prevent detachment, breakage or sharp edges under pressure.

New safety checks include:

• Pull tests to ensure no small parts come loose during feeding

• Flexibility and puncture resistance testing

• Use of food grade dyes and markings only, with no flake or smudge risk

  
  

These updates ensure the entire bottle assembly remains safe and intact especially important in group settings where bottles may be handled more frequently.

What This Means for Parents & Caregivers

If you’re a parent or guardian, the new rules may feel technical but their practical impact is reassuring:

• All baby bottles sold after 1 January 2025 must comply with the new rules, so you can feel more confident in their safety.

• Look for “EN 14350:2020 certified” on packaging and make use of QR codes to check safety documentation.

• Avoid second hand bottles unless they’re clearly labelled and within their safe usage period.

• Replace bottles and teats regularly, especially after signs of wear (discolouration, thinning, cracks).

• Always follow sterilisation guidance provided by the manufacturer.

  
  

While glass bottles are gaining popularity due to their long term durability and non plastic composition, the updated regulations apply equally to glass, plastic, and hybrid designs.

For Childcare Providers & Early Years Settings

Nurseries, childminders and early years settings must now take extra care when purchasing, labelling, and maintaining infant feeding bottles.

Here’s how to stay compliant:

• Audit current stock: Identify bottles that were purchased before 2025 and check their compliance with updated standards. Phase out any that don’t meet the new criteria.

• Purchase from verified suppliers only and retain documentation showing the product’s certification.

• Label each child’s bottle clearly and ensure safe rotation practices bottles should not be used beyond the recommended period.

• Keep a maintenance log for sterilisation equipment and feeding supplies, including checks for damage or heat wear.

• Train all staff on the new requirements, including proper storage, handling, and replacement practices.

  
  

Ofsted inspections may begin to check for visible signs of compliance, including proper labelling and hygiene protocols, so it’s best to be proactive.

Advice for Retailers & Manufacturers

If you manufacture or sell infant feeding bottles in the UK, compliance with the new regulations is not optional. To meet legal requirements:

• Ensure all products meet EN 14350:2020

• Provide traceable safety documentation and test certificates

• Review and update product labelling to include all mandatory information

• Offer downloadable safety sheets and usage instructions via your website

• Clearly communicate changes to retail partners and consumers

  
  

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has announced it will be conducting random sampling and compliance checks throughout 2025. Penalties may include product recalls, fines, or removal from market shelves.

What Happens If a Product Doesn’t Comply?

Non compliant products discovered after 1 January 2025 may be subject to:

• Immediate withdrawal from sale

• Public recall notices

• Fines and potential legal action for the manufacturer or distributor

  
  

Parents and childcare settings are encouraged to report concerns to Trading Standards or the OPSS directly. You can also check for recalls on the GOV.UK product safety page.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 update to baby bottle safety standards represents a meaningful step forward in protecting infant health and ensuring greater transparency across the childcare industry.

While the changes may seem technical, the goal is simple: to ensure every feed is as safe as possible whether at home, at nursery, or anywhere in between.

By choosing certified products, following usage guidelines, and staying informed, we can all help raise the bar for infant safety in 2025 and beyond.

For further guidance, visit the Childcare Standards Council Safety Hub, where we’ll continue to provide updates, checklists and helpful resources for both professionals and families.