Message in a BottleIt strikes me that many of our modern conveniences aren’t so convenient after all. They often come with a lot of environmental baggage and health trade-offs. For instance, how many people still use microwaves for anything other than popcorn? And why does my head start to buzz like a lawnmower after I’ve spent a few hours at the computer? Lately, the act of feeding a baby with a plastic bottle can draw some serious stink eye from other moms, who shake their heads with disapproval. A new controversy is raging over the safety of plastic, particularly the hard, shatterproof polycarbonate plastic that contains bisphenol A (BPA).
Doubtless, as mothers and mothers-to-be, you’re already well acquainted with that dirty little word, BPA. The chemical is commonly used in essential baby products such as bottles, sippy cups, reusable water bottles, and in the lining of canned goods. Studies have shown that trace amounts of the chemical are leaching from plastic containers into foods and liquids, and that the addition of heat can greatly accelerate this process.
In general, most Canadians are exposed to very low levels of bisphenol A and it does not pose a significant health risk. However, for newborns and infants under 18 months, exposure to the chemical could cause serious health problems. Studies on animals link BPA to certain types of cancer, as well as neural and behavioural problems, and the onset of early puberty. Fortunately, BPA doesn’t have much of a future. Most manufacturers are doing major damage control by promising to phase out polycarbonates and offer safer alternatives. Even the Canadian government is stepping up to the plate with their proposal to ban the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles.
Since the BPA hullabaloo became front-page news, parents across the country have been scrambling to replace their plastic cups and bottles with safer alternatives. Glass bottles are making a comeback, and are in such high demand that retailers can’t keep them on the shelves. Tempered glass bottles are the best alternative because they can be easily cleaned and sterilized, and handed down from baby to baby.
*Polycarbonate plastics can be identified by the letters PC, and the recycling number 7. If you are unsure about a product, contact the company’s customer service department.
In addition to replacing your polycarbonate accessories, here are other tips for reducing your child’s exposure to BPA:
1. Heat liquids in glass containers using a hot water bath. Once cooled to the desired temperature, transfer to bottle and serve.
2. Never heat food or liquids in plastic containers (including bottles) in the microwave.
3. Avoid feeding your baby formula or foods contained in metal cans as they are lined with a BPA based substance. Choose plastic or tetra packaging instead.
4. If you make your own baby food, store in glass or ceramic containers, especially when cooling food/ and iquids after heating.
Consumer’s Guide To BPA-Free Bottles and Sippy Cups
Born Free - Glass and BPA-free plastic bottles and sippy cups available
Medela - BPA-free bottles and sippy cups
Siliskin - Line of glass bottles with protective outer silicon “skin”.
SIGG - Drinking bottles and sippy cups
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-- Sarah Simpson
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