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?