BPA-free....what exactly does that mean?

Have you ever taken a sip from your kids sippy cup and been surprised that it tasted like plastic more than like water or juice?

The most likely reason for that is Bisphenol A or BPA for short. This chemical has been used for years as a component of plastics, though it has been suspected of being hazardous since the 1930s. This includes sippy cups and, yes, baby bottles.

Finding the right bottle, with the right nipples, that causes the least amount of gas can be quite a challenge for new parents. Then you find the right bottle for your baby, they are perfect. But are they? Most major baby bottle manufacturers in the U.S. are still in the process of removing Bisphenol A in their products. Since a study was released in 2008 proving that the top 5 companies in the U.S. were using BPA riddled plastic for their baby bottles as well as other items used by children.

Over time as you use these products, the plastic material breaks down and leaches into the liquids they contain. Which means your little one is gradually being exposed to more BPA. Higher temperatures also effect the leaching of this chemical. When exposed to hot liquids, such as heated milk, the leaching occurs 55 times faster.

Studies done in 2007 found that five of the leading bottle manufacturers not only used BPA in their bottles, but that leaching was occurring. Names that have become household, trusted names for many families over the years; Avent, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex.

So how do you make sure your baby and/or young child is safe? How can you tell if a bottle or cup contains BPA?

Take a look at the bottom of the container, where you will find a plastic designation number 1-7. It looks like a triangle, recycle symbol, with a number in the center. Plastics number 1, 2,4,5 & 6 do not contain Bisphenol A.

However, those containers with a 3 or 7 in that triangle do in fact contain BPA. Those are the bottles you don't want to be using.

So which brands of bottles and sippies are safe? Look for those brands that visibly say on the packaging "No BPA". Munchkin brand bottles and sippies now come with this promise. If you are looking at bottles and sippies that don't say on the packaging, turn it over. If you see a 1, 2, 4 or 5 then at least you know there's no BPA.

Even if you choose BPA free plastic bottles, make it a point not to heat the containers with liquid in them, or leave water bottles in the car where they can get warm. Do not use harsh detergent and hot water when washing as this can increase leaching of chemicals from plastic as well. BPA isn't the only chemical in plastic. It's simply the one we're currently aware of the danger of.

The best baby bottle by far is to go back to the traditional glass bottle, which can be found by a number of companies. Born-free is a highly recommended brand of glass baby bottle that uses silicone nipples and carries a line of silicone sleeves to protect the glass bottle and keep it warm at the same time.

http://www.newbornfree.com/

These are a much safer choice for your little one and for you. They may not feel as convenient as a plastic bottle, but is a fraction more convenience really worth the risk?

When Poo DOESN'T happen

You're busy and on the go, making sure your little one is eating regularly. But what happens when your quick snacks aren't always fruits and veggies?

Poo doesn't happen.

You can't help but feel bad for the little one when they just can't go. Being unable to do what they do best can be very uncomfortable for your baby.

Here are some simple tips to get things flowing naturally again.

First, cut back on those bananas. Bananas, although very healthy for you, can actually cause constipation in babies and small children.

Yogurt on the other hand is very good for digestion. All those natural cultures help her little intestines do what they're supposed to and helps balance things out in there. What should you eat with it to get things flowing?

I know what you're thinking. "Prunes!" "I just need to feed her some prunes or get her to eat some prune juice!" While prunes are very good sources of fiber, the key ingredient to a good poop, there are many other places you can find great fiber to get things flowing. And many kids don't like the taste of prune juice. Do you?

Some of the best poop-rific foods are peas, green beans and apples. Gotta love those apples! Apple juice and applesauce are both wonderful ways to get baby filling that diaper. For some odd reason, whole apples (slices) don't work as well.

I give my daughter green beans or peas and let me tell you, those nice green veggies make for a big green poop! Which is the goal of course!! Whatever the color, nobody wants to be bound up.

Another great tip to help baby make those good poops, in addition to those healthy fruits and veggies, is to make sure she is getting plenty of water. Processing all that good food, running around, just doing all the things her little body does without her realizing it takes a lot of water. Remember, just like you, baby is about 75% water.

You and your little one have water in your blood, your lean muscle tissue and even in your bones. So making sure you have enough water for all of that and to help process that yummy snack she just ate can be a challenge.

Grab yourself a water bottle and top off her sippy cup. Especially with the weather warming up, you can just carry it with you and take a sip every time you see it, and have her take a sip too!

By making a point of getting enough water in both of you, you'll both feel better and constipation with be in the past! Plus you're setting a great example and forming good habits for you both!

On a side note, should your little one be having too loose poops bananas, yogurt, and applesauce are good for balancing that out too!

Who is Stork's Best Friend?

We're glad you asked!

Stork's Best Friend is the perfect ally for any parent expecting a visit from the Stork as well as those recently blessed by a visit.

Started by a Mama that's been through the trenches; the swollen ankles, the car seat search, the stretch marks and the spitting up; we're here to help new Mamas and Daddies on this amazing journey!!

We've got tried and true tips and advice for new parents as our way of paying if forward for all the love and support we got as a new Mama and Daddy!

Now I've taken my experience and rolled it into an even broader way of helping. Through this blog and Stork's Best Friend I'm hoping to help out new Mamas and Daddies every chance I get!!