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BPA-Free Baby Bottles: What You Need to Know
As a parent of young children, it seems as though every time we turn on the
news or pick up a paper, there's something new to worry about.
Now it seems
researchers are linking bisphenol A (BPA) to everything from ADHD to cancer.
Meanwhile, more than 95 percent of the bottles currently on the market contain the
chemical, which can leech into the contents of the bottle and into your child's
digestive system.
Do you need to be concerned about BPA - and what can you do to
protect your baby's health?
Because baby bottles are often an important part of nourishing our children
during their first year of life (and even breastfeeding moms may need to rely on
bottles occasionally for expressed milk), the recent news about potential health
effects of BPA is particularly alarming.
Do you need to be concerned about BPA?
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical that is present in baby bottles and many other
plastic items that you may be using to feed your family.
You should know that
there is some debate surrounding BPA. Some say that this chemical poses
significant danger to humans, with potential health effects ranging from
hyperactivity disorders to cancer. Others say the alarming claims against BPA
are overstated.
Still, it didn't take much research for this mom of three to
decide it's worth it to spend a little more on
alternative materials, which are
becoming more and more readily available.
Those scientists who warn against BPA say that this estrogen-like compound has
been linked in recent studies to a whole host of rather serious health effects.
They say that studies have linked an elevated exposure to BPA to abnormal
developments in male organs as well as to an earlier onset of sexual development in
girls. In addition, BPA has been linked to ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder) and autism. Some researchers say it can also put a child at risk for
obesity and type II diabetes.
Many major manufacturers of plastic baby bottles use BPA in their construction.
In fact, at the time of this writing, researchers estimate that more than 95
percent of
the bottles currently on the market contain BPA, which can leech into the
contents of the bottle and into a child's digestive system. The risks are
even greater if the contents of the bottle are heated, which is fairly common
with baby bottles.
How can you reduce your baby's exposure to BPA?
In general, it's best to avoid all number 7 plastics (though not all of them
contain BPA). Opt for numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 instead.
BPA-free baby bottles are becoming easier to find, so it won't take a lot of
hunting (or a lot of extra money) to make the switch to glass bottles (which
don't contain BPA) or other BPA-free alternatives.
Evenflo makes a
Classic
Nurser glass bottle that is available at a cheaper price than conventional
plastic bottles, and is entirely BPA free. If your local store doesn't carry
glass bottles, you can find them cheaply online.
A few manufacturers have taken it upon themselves
to create BPA free plastic bottles. Dr. Brown's, Playtex, Evenflo and Gerber
have specific bottles types made of polypropelyne or polyethylene that are BPA
free. A few other smaller companies, such as ThinkGreen and BornFree, make BPA
free plastic bottles, as well.
Here are our favorite online stores, with a selection of BPA-free baby
bottles:
Protect your baby - BPA-Free products at drugstore.com.
Browse current
Drugstore coupons and discounts here >
BabyCenter.com: A wide selection of BPA-Free bottles and cups.
Browse current
Baby Center Coupons and Discounts here >
BabyUniverse: Eco-Friendly Baby Bottles
BabyUniverse.com is one online baby store that features particular brands made
with BPA-free alternative materials. BabyUniverse features Avent glass baby
bottles, BornFree bottles, Dr. Brown's glass baby bottles, Evenflo Classic Clear
BPA-free bottles, and ThinkBaby bottles. Medela brand bottles (for breastmilk)
are BPA free, as well.
Browse current
Baby Universe Coupons and Discounts here >
You can also help to ensure your child's safety by taking care of the bottles
correctly. The problems with BPA occurred mainly with older bottles that had
been scratched or worn over time. Make sure that your bottles are washed gently
and avoid harsh dish detergents. If you notice that a bottle or sippy cup has
gotten scratched, has bite marks or is otherwise compromised, it's best to toss
it out and buy a new one. Although BPA free plastic bottles are considered to be
safe, you can never be too sure when it comes to plastic. Considering the fact
that these alarming research results came 25 years after these plastic bottles
came into the marketplace, you may feel safer just sticking with glass bottles.
Other resources we recommend:
The Ideal Bite newsletter is a great resource, and it's free. You'll get
eco-living tips and recommendations each day.
Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World
This is a very comprehensive work. Highly recommended.
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Coupon Codes: MotherNature.com
Coupon Codes: Vitamin Shoppe
Coupon Codes: Gaiam.com
Coupon Codes: Organic Style