Many moms scan the shelves for BPA-free products. It’s important since there is a link between BPA (bisphenol A industrial chemical) and various health complications, including premature delivery. According to the March of Dimes, 1 in 9 babies in the US is born prematurely, this rate has risen by 36% over the last 25 years, and many argue that plastics are to blame. Since November is National Prematurity Awareness Month, I’m featuring the founder of 5 Phases. 5 Phases GLASS hybrid baby bottles include a removable glass insert encased in a translucent protective BPA free plastic sleeve to prevent shattering. The mom behind this award-winning product – Christine Barlow – created 5 Phases because her child was born severely premature due to a link to plastic. Having a compromised child, she became aware of how environmental factors were affecting children. She is a great example of an entrepreneur – juggling many responsibilities and yet advancing this wonderful cause. This is her story.
Your son was born three and a half months premature. It must be hard to talk about it but can you share with us what it was like?
Yes, it was a very difficult time in my life. I really didn’t talk to anyone but my family for the first 2 years of his life. I cried every time he got a cold not knowing if he would pull through. 9 years later I have a beautiful boy who is the toughest kid I know. He was given to me for a reason. I didn’t know what it was at the time but I know now.
The passion behind your company is obvious. What gave you the courage to start it?
I have the most supportive husband ever!
How did you come up with the name 5 Phases?
My mother in law died of breast cancer 1995 at the age of 58. She battled it for three years. The last 6 months of her life she began reading books on alternative treatments. We still had many of her books and after 4 rounds of antibiotics and various other medications we realized my son’s immune system was extremely compromised, so we too, turned to alternative treatments. 5 Phases is an Eastern Philosophy. It represents the harmonious and cyclical flow of life. When we welcome these natural transitions and cherish every moment, our lives become more balanced. With the birth of our babies we witness the seasons of life as they begin their own transition through the cycles of 5 Phases. I read about the life cycles and theory of 5 Phases in one of my mother-in-law’s books. I thought “the cycles of life and cherishing every moment” what a beautiful concept and what a great name for a company that could develop a whole line of products for the entire family.
You’ve done a lot of research on the harm caused by BPA. What were your most important findings?
Hormone disruptors found in chemicals like BPA are having a huge impact on our children and wildlife. Some of the BPA substitutes are no better. Hormone disrupting chemicals are found in many everyday products– like plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. We are totally inundated with these chemicals. Studies are showing endocrine disruptors may result in human health effects including lowered fertility and an increased incidence of endometriosis and some cancers. Research shows that endocrine disruptors may pose the greatest risk during prenatal and early postnatal development when organ and neural systems are forming.
Why are glass bottles better?
Recent studies show there are health concerns associated with any plastics even BPA free plastics. Having baby feed from glass reassures parents their babies are drinking from the purest bottle possible. Though the medical community is increasingly recommending glass over plastic many parents are hesitant to use glass bottles in fear of them breaking. Our glass baby bottles provide the perfect solution they provide the healthful benefits of glass + the protection of BPA free plastic!
What’s different about 5 Phases and other glass bottles on the market?
* The removable glass insert concept is one of a kind. There is no other product like it.
* The clear plastic sleeve guards against breakage but contains the broken glass and liquid mess if breaking occurs making it a safer alternative in glass bottle feeding.
* Excellent option for parents whose children are in daycare and want to use glass.
* Our bottles provide the highest quality in bottle feeding free of the chemicals BPA and phthalates.
* Ability to buy additional slide in glass inserts adds convenience and affordability
* Glass inserts are microwavable and provide a convenient storage solution for pumped milk and formulas. Once baby is done with the bottles the glass inserts make perfect storage for homemade baby food. Now that’s eco friendly!
* The translucent plastic shell allows for clear visual of measurement lines for mixing formula.
* Protective sleeve does provide some thermal properties
* Easily disassembles making cleaning a breeze.
Who are your biggest competitors?
In the past a handful of major baby bottle manufactures held a majority of the bottle market share (Evenflo, Playtex, and Gerber). With the concerns of BPA and phthalates, the market share has shifted to companies with bottles claiming to free of BPA; however, studies are finding the new plastics are still harboring chemicals that are potentially dangerous. Some companies that make bottles from materials other than plastic that I would consider my competitors are:
- Comotomo-Silicone bottle
- Pura-Stainless steel
- Klean Kanteen: stainless steel
- Lifefactory-glass with silicone sleeve
- Bornfree-glass with silicone sleeve
How much time and capital did it take you to get it off the ground?
I initially launched my bottles in 2010 and won numerous awards on the design. I didn’t market them however because I wanted some feedback from users to make sure they were working correctly before I got too many of them out there. I had a couple of complaints on the nipples and the screw cap. There were definitely some issues with my old bottles. I had to find another broker/manufacturer which set me back 2 years. We had to redo all my molds. I have invested about six years and over $300,000 to get where I am today.
Do you have a patent or plan on getting one? What’s the patent process like?
Yes, I have patents and utility models in 3 foreign countries. My recommendation is to get an attorney with a good recommendation!
Do you lead an organic lifestyle? How do you interpret organic? Which environmental causes are close to your heart?
I believe you do what you can. It is very difficult, especially with children, to be completely organic. Our schedules are pretty crazy with all their activities. We are mostly Whole Foods shoppers. I try to read labels. Ideally if I can’t read it I avoid it, if I can’t eat it I don’t rub it on my skin. If we are spending a day at the beach, just to avoid a painful sun burn, we will occasionally use sunscreen however. I do feel many people are missing out on some pretty important Vitamin D with the over use of sunscreens and they don’t consider the cancer causing chemicals in the sunscreens they are using. Because of my son’s lung issues, we needed to get a total water filtration system in our house to remove the chlorine from the water. With all the colds he got in the first couple years of his life, he needed to do plenty of steam showers which really seemed to help. We also removed all the carpeting and got air purifiers. We recently did solar in our house. I guess we have done a lot, but by no means would I consider myself a fanatic.
What effect has your work had on your son and on your family overall?
I work a lot but try very hard not to let my work interfere with the kids and family time. You just have to make it a priority.
Do you have a set schedule or a flexible one? How do you decide when to work?
As a commercial airline pilot I have always had a pretty flexible schedule. I do a lot of my emails and work on the computer on layovers. I have always stayed senior in my seat to make sure I get the schedule I need. I primarily work around my kids schedules.
Who were you before you started this business? A career mom? A stay at home mom? An entrepreneur?
I am a full time mom and full time commercial airline pilot as well as an entrepreneur. OMG, I get tired even thinking about it!
Which marketing strategies have been most successful to-date for 5 Phases?
It’s hard to have the extra capital to do marketing. I would say stick to the grass-roots and target all the top mom bloggers. If you really believe in you product they will see it too and give you the shout out your product deserves. It can really go viral by doing it this way.
What are some of your biggest lessons learned from starting this business?
I could write a 10 page essay on the lessons I learned! There is a huge learning curve bringing a product to market and it is a very long and difficult process. There are many times you’ll want to throw in the towel. Now I know what they mean when they say “if it were easy everyone would be doing it”. You need to stay focused on your vision and never give up. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help. As an entrepreneur there will always be bumps in the road and sleepless nights.
What’s next for 5 Phases?
We have currently expanded our product line to include:
- 8oz fully assembled bottle
- 8oz glass insert and plug
- 4oz fully assembled bottle
- 4oz glass insert and plug
- 4oz starter kit- 1 fully assembled 4oz bottle, (2) glass inserts with plug (2) 0-3mos nipples
- 0-3mos nipples
- 3-6mos nipples
- 6-9mos nipples
We also feel we have the ability to add additional eco-friendly products as the child grows (baby/ toddlers/children). However, right now we are just concentrating on getting our bottles out there before we bring on any other products.
If I asked your family, what kind of mom you are, what would they say?
Well, I just asked my 12-year-old, and all I got from her was a one word answer “unique” Hmmm I’m not really sure what she means by that…lol. She is a 12-year-old! From my 9-year-old “you’re the best mom!”
