Why We Use 316 Stainless Steel for Our Baby Bottle — and 304 for Everything Else

When it comes to the products we use every day — especially anything that touches food or goes into little mouths — materials matter.

At NOMO, every decision is intentional. From the shape of our pieces to the steel they’re crafted from, nothing is left to chance.

One question we’re asked often is:

“Why is the baby bottle made from 316 stainless steel, while the plates, bowls and cups are made from 304?”

The short answer?

Because each material is chosen for its purpose, safety, and performance.

Let’s break it down — simply.

What Is 316 Stainless Steel?

316 stainless steel is often called medical-grade or surgical-grade steel. It’s the highest-performing stainless steel used in food and medical settings, and contains a mineral called molybdenum, which gives it superior strength and resistance.

316 stainless steel is:

• Highly resistant to corrosion (especially from salt, acidity and formula)

• Able to withstand repeated heating, cooling and sterilising

• Exceptionally durable, even under heavy use

• Ideal for milk, formula, boiling water and steriliser cycles

 

This is why we use 316 stainless steel for our baby bottle. It offers unmatched purity and resilience — perfect for the youngest babies and for items that need to endure constant washing, heating and disinfecting.

Simply put: 316 is the safest, strongest, most reliable material for baby-feeding products.

 

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What Is 304 Stainless Steel?

304 stainless steel is the world’s most trusted food-grade stainless steel.

It’s the material you’ll find in professional kitchens, premium cookware and many high-quality home essentials.

304 stainless steel is:

• Extremely durable

• Resistant to rust and staining

• Lightweight and easy to handle

• Perfect for everyday toddler and family use

 

Our plates, bowls and cups are all crafted from 304 stainless steel because it provides the ideal balance of strength, lightness and daily practicality.

For everyday meals, snacks and independence, 304 is the standard for a reason.

 

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316 vs 304 — What’s the Real Difference?

Both materials are:

• Safe

• Non-toxic

• Food-contact approved

• Rust-resistant

• Made to last

 

The difference isn’t about good vs bad — it’s about purpose.

316 offers higher resistance to acids, salts and high temperatures, making it perfect for feeding and sterilising.

304 offers exceptional everyday durability and lightness for dining pieces used by children and adults alike.

We use each material intentionally, based on how the product will be used every day.

 

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The NOMO Standard

 

Our commitment is simple: Use the right material for the right purpose, and choose the highest quality available.

316 and 304 stainless steel are among the safest materials in the world — and together, they allow us to create pieces that last from babyhood to childhood and beyond.

At NOMO, we believe your home deserves products that are both beautiful and built to stand the test of time.

That is the heart of NOMO.