Baby & Child Safe Plastics

You've probably heard the frenzy over BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups and food containers. Many of us put away our plastic bottles and cups and worried how past use might have already effected our children. My boys now 5 and 7, had their fair share of plastic bottles as babies. When not sipping from mom's natural 'bottle', they had a variety of brands in the cupboard to choose from. After the bottles it was onto sippy cups, with the endless frustration of trying to match the right cap and valve for the cup of the moment! It came as a relief to me to find out that the initial BPA alerts were slightly overblown, but BPA is still a real issue parents needs to consider seriously.

What is BPA?

BPA stands for Bisphenol A, it's a substance added to clear plastics to make them more durable, lighter and shatterproof. BPA is an artificial estrogen, which can cause reproductive problems, and cancer. A small percentage of the BPA you ingest builds up the body, small amounts have been found in placental tissue and amniotic fluid which brings up the concern for a developing fetus - so expecting moms need to be careful too.

How can you be careful?
Look at the bottom of the container, avoid using plastics numbered 3 (PVC), 6 (polystyrene) and 7 (polycarbonate) whenever possible. The biggest risk comes from heating BPA plastics. Heating formula or other liquids in a BPA container, or pouring a hot drink into a BPA bottle or cup is not considered safe. Risks also occur when using scratched plastic containers, heating food or putting hot food into plastic containers, microwaving food covered in plastic wrap and washing BPA containers in the dishwasher. So avoiding bottles and cups with BPA is a smart choice, especially when there are so many alternatives. The following are just a few of the BPA free products available to parents.

Bottles

Glass bottles are becoming popular again, babylife's wee.go is a glass baby bottle with a fun coloured rubber grip sleeve to reduce drops and breakage, it can be boiled and is dishwasher safe. Glass bottles are heavier than plastic, so consider the extra weight in your day bag, plus if your baby likes to throw bottles it could become a nasty projectile! If you think plastic is a better fit, there are a number of brands on the market to consider including Medela bottles (which have always been BPA free), Green to Grow, Born Free and Think Baby.

Sippys

When it comes to sippy cups think Stainless Steel or BPA free plastics. Let’s face it, these things take abuse, they get thrown, dropped, chewed on and lost - often. I love the SIGG and Klean Kanteen stainless steel cups, they look cool and are really durable, but consider your child first, if he is going to misplace it the investment in multiple cups at $20+ each could be beyond your budget. Another stainless steel cup to look at is the The Safe Sippy with a rubber sleeve, handles and drink spout. If your wanting for a cheaper alternative look at BPA free plastic brands like Born Free or Boon. I was also surprised to find out that a number of Rubbermaid’s juice boxes and beverage bottles are also BPA free.

This is by no means an extensive list, if you want to use a particular cup or container check it out, you might be surprised to find out that it actually is BPA free.

Where to shop:
Funky Monkey
Hello Sunshine
Golly Geez Baby
Markham Baby

Mom to Mom Sales
Mom Knows Best

Babies R Us