Bottle-Raid 2007! What’s the scoop on all the BPA-free hype?
OCT
1
2007
You’ve probably overheard someone talking about Bisphenol-A (BPA) over the past year. But what is it? Why is so bad? Do I really need to toss out all my baby bottles? What about sippy cups and pacifiers; and regular plastic cups and Ziploc bags? Why is BPA in plastic in the first place? As a mom and plastic enthusiast, I became really worried as I heard more and more about this harmful chemical and really curious as I researched more about the BPA movement in this country.
Let’s start with some facts:
What IS Bisphenol-A?
This is an additive used in the production of epoxy and polyvinyl carbonate (PVC: the type of plastic to be feared). It’s scientific name comes from it’s base molecules: two of phenol and one acetone (yep, like your favorite nail polish remover). It is in most of the clear hard plastics, so a fairly accurate guideline in guessing whether your favorite plastic has BPA in it is that most opaque or colored plastics are BPA Free, as are the soft plastics like bottle liners.
Why is it unsafe?
BPA begins to seep out of plastics and contaminate whatever they hold. It used to be belived that this only happened if the plastic was scratched or heated, but recent reports show that BPA leaks in even the newest plastic.
About 2 years ago, scientific reports began to emerge that linked BPA to problems in the endocrine, reproductive and metabolic systems. These problems included prostate and breast cancer, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, fertility issues and diabetes. There are preliminary findings that show that a folic acid supplement can counteract the effects of the chemical, but nothing is proven in that area yet.
What’s being done about this?
California is starting to make headway in the BPA movement. There was a massive class action lawsuit against the state, asking for a statewide ban on BPA. As of December 1, 2006; San Francisco banned all sales of products for children under the age of 3 with BPA. This was on the heels of a ban enacted by the European Union earlier that year.
The pioneer of the BPA movement in Baby-World seems to be Born Free (www.newbornfree.com) they launched the first completely BPA-free bottle and sippy cup line and their products are now widely available at Babies R US, CVS pharmacies and all over the web. Other companies are slowly starting to follow in their footsteps, as the word gets spread and sales figures drop. The Sassy brand is taking steps to remove PVC from their toys and their top bottles are already BPA free. The Mam Ultivent Bottles are one of my personal faves! GreenPeace has graded the baby and toy brands in their efforts to rid their baby lines of PVC. Sassy, Chicco, Evenflo, LEGO, Tiny Love, Gerber and Brio top the list of brands who have taken steps or greatly improved their line!
I’ve heard that the plastics are okay as long as you don’t heat them in the microwave, is this true?
No. It is true that you can prolong the releasing of BPA by not heating your bottle, but that also means no sterilizing or washing in hot water. It is recommended that you throw out bottles after they are old, show wear or have a scratch.
What about MY baby’s bottles?
Here’s a list that can help you sort your cupboards!
BOTTLES:
BPA Free:
Adiri Natural Nurser
Avent Tempo System
Born Free Bottles
Evenflo Glass Bottles
Gerber Bottles (Clear View, Gentle Flow, and Fashion Tints)
Mam Ultivent Bottles by Sassy
Medela Bottles and all pump products
Nuby No-Drip Bottles
Playtex Nurser (the one with the liner)
Contains BPA:
Adiri Breast Bottle (the one that looks like a boob)
Avent
Dr. Browns
Munchkin
Second Nature
All other Evenflo Bottles
All other Playtex Bottles
First Year (all, including the new Breastflow)
SIPPY CUPS:
BPA Free:
Avent Magic cup
Muchkin Cupsicle
Born Free Toddler Cup
ALL Take n Toss products (~phew!~)
Contains BPA:
All other Sippy Cups
PACIFIERS:
BPA Free:
Soothies
Playtex “Binkie”
Gerber’s Nuk line
Contains BPA:
Every pacifier that has a hard plastic shield on it is made with BPA. These can still be used safely although it is recommended that they are not heated and that they are replaced often, as soon as they show wear and tear.
Where can I find out more Information?
http://www.bisphenol-a.org/
A great blog write up about this can be found at ZRecs.
Denise said on October 6th, 2007:
We LOVE our born free bottles!!! We use a mix of their glass ones at home and plastic ones for on the go. It brings great comfort knowing that my baby is not getting horrible chemicals when I feed him.
These are great bottles and were a reasonable price!!
The Mommy said on October 7th, 2007:
We use the sippy cups! I love them as well. They do leak though.
But, otherwise are wonderful.
What I want to know is if the Gerber plastic food containers are BPA free! Anyone?
2scoops said on October 8th, 2007:
So we have the Dr. Brown’s Bottles, not using anymore because we are onto sippys, but also the Gerber, Nuby, and The First years Sippys. There is no way that I can afford to switch them to BPA Free ones.
I feel that if it was really harmful these companies wouldn’t put them out for us to buy for our children. I’m sure there is something harmful in everything, it’s just a personal preference on what you want to buy.
MamaKate said on October 8th, 2007:
2scoops:
Try the First Years Take and Toss… those are super cheap, you get 6 for $5. They actually work really well and are BPA free!
The companies know it’s harmful. They are just banking on the fact that most consumers don’t know about this yet. My guess is that it will be common knowledge soon and they will be required (like they are in UK and parts of California) to remove BPA from their lines.
dettmer26 said on October 24th, 2007:
Okay…well I have to say that I called Gerber. Their sippy cups are actually all BPA free except for the comfort grips (handles). I use Nuby and Gerber cups and both are entirely safe. Just wanted to input that. I am looking to switch to either the Mam bottles or Gerber Gentle Flow for my new son. My daughter was nursed for 6 months and then switched her Playtex nursers (safe) and then at 1 year (b/c the bags gets costly) I switched her to basic cheaper bottles…Parents choice, I think. But for how many years were all of us fed these? We are mostly all children of these products. We are okay, are we not? I am currently using Ventaires, and like I said, I will switch, but is it really necessary?
Jeremiah said on November 7th, 2007:
Thanks for mentioning us. We just published a new, company-by-company directory style report on BPA in bottles, sippys, and pacifiers. We will expand it soon to include other products as well.
I would advise against the “All other sippys” designation you have. There are certainly some brands you haven’t mentioned and to have a blanket statement means even if you were right at this moment you would not be soon - new stuff is coming on the market every month - right now we’re waiting for the SafeSippy, Boon Fluid, there’s a new sippy by iPlay (a babywear company!) and more and more… all in our report! Linked in my signature.
Again, thanks for mentioning us. It’s great to see others on this issue as well.
Jenny said on January 4th, 2008:
This is to dettmer26….
As I have told many people…..it’s a completely different world that it was when we were kids. All the hormones that are injected into meats, all the pesticides, fungicides, etc. that are used, and many other scary facts are sign of living in the 21st century. Why do you think that there are more illnesses and sicknesses than there was 30-50 years ago? Our world is all about technology and having the cheapest way to make a product, but getting the most for money for it. Companies aren’t about keeping us safe, it’s about making the almighty dollar. Is it a wonder that people who eat organic are healthier? Look at studies and the proof is indeed in the pudding.
The same goes for plastics. Buying safe BPA-free plastic products is ensuring them they will have one less chemical running throughout their precious little bodies. We can’t put our children in bubbles, but if we can protect them just a little, it’s a heck of a lot better than doing nothing at all.
Dana said on February 17th, 2008:
I agree that we live in a “chemical filled” world. We also have microwaves which did not exist 50 years ago. I am curious about the Playtex liners. I have seen some lists that day the liners are BPA free others say they are not?? What is the real story and where can you get reliable info??? Also, what about the Parent’s Choice liners that fit the Playtex nurser, are they BPA free?
Dana said on February 17th, 2008:
The other concern is the use of plastic containers in the microwave (for adults), like heating leftovers and carry-out etc… There is the concern that the heating of the plastic in the microwave release the chemical “dioxin” which has been linked to several cancers. So, don’t heat food in plastic containers in the microwave - use glass or ceramic bowls etc.. Also don’t cover the food with plastic wrap and heat it in the micowave for the same reason!!
Jennifer said on February 17th, 2008:
All the illness that around today have always been around. Cancers, heart disease, diabetes, these are not new diseases. People are sicker now because the majority of the population is older and sickness is inevitably part of aging for many people. Likely plastics have been made with BPA forever and has been leaching out into what we eat and drink for just as long. I will buy BPA free products as I need them and follow other precautions etc but I think it is not necessary for people to get hysterical over this issue. I wouldn’t doubt that we’ve all injested our fair share of chemicals, frankly we’d have to start living like the Quakers or the Mennonites to get back to a way of living that is completely free of industrialized contaminations. The way I look at it is that if it has a chemical in it, someone somewhere will prove that it causes cancer.
Dana said on February 23rd, 2008:
I agree diseases like cancer and diabetes etc… have been around a very long time, but all of the autoimmune disorders and autism etc… have not. I am not a believer in the thimerasol theories. What I do know is that I do not know anyone my age that has autism (35). The way we abuse our environment and the hormones pesticides and antibotics we use in our foods, have to be contributing factors. If you look at the more under-developed countries around the world, they don’t have the autism and autoimmune disorders we have. Yeah, they have their own issues, but I think we are the biggest contributors to many of the health problems our society faces. You see people who live in certain neighborhoods with higher than normal cancer rates due to contaminated water/soil etc.. We just think because we can buy something at the store to make our life easier that it will be safe. I think we need to educate ourselves about these issues and not just accept them as a way of life!!
Lizz said on April 19th, 2008:
Dana - You will not find many people your age who have autism - as many of them will have died in their mid-20s, as autistic children often do. There is however an increase in the number of children with this disorder, though whether it is artificially inflated by a change in diagnosis or not is questionable.
However, I agree that self-education is the most important thing for the consumer. We have access to a world of information, but it is left to us as to how we use it.
Brooke said on April 20th, 2008:
has anyone got to http://www.bisphenol-a.org/???? this is saying that this is all not true. The recent published document was on feb 08!! so what am I suppose to think????
jessica said on April 21st, 2008:
I use playtex advance wide they don’t have a # on them I was wondering if they are recalled please help
brittany said on April 23rd, 2008:
WE USE SOOTHIES. DOES ANYONE KNOW IT THEY HAVE THE CHEMICAL IN THEM??
Jennifer said on April 23rd, 2008:
I just wanted to say that Nuby sippy cups were not listed in the BPA Free section..they should be, they do not have BPA..well that’s what it says here:http://www.diapersetc.com/products/no-spill-gripper-sippy-cup.html These are the ones I use.
Jennifer said on April 23rd, 2008:
@ Brooke: Of course the the makers of such bottles etc., with BPA are going to claim they are safe and all of this is untrue…but what I say when it comes to my babies is why take the chance if you don’t have to?! I use Walmart brand Parent’s Choice baby bottles for my littlest one, which are BPA free- it says right on the package. And I use the Nuby sippy cups for my 1 year old. I won’t take chances with their lives, even if it all turns out to be false..I don’t care, I won’t chance it.
@Jessica: I believe that Playtex advance wide does have BPA in it…just google it and you will find it somewhere.
@Brittany: Yes, Soothie does have BPA in it.
Sherry said on April 23rd, 2008:
SOOTHIE BOTTLES DO CONTAIN BPA,BUT NOT THE PACIFIERS.
Alison said on April 23rd, 2008:
I just called Gerber. The white sippy cups with pictures on the side DO NOT contain BPA. Also, their food containers DO NOT contain BPA. The reason for the 7 in the recycle triangle on the bottom is because the containers contain two types of plastic. When there is more than one type of plastic, they have to be separated from other plastics with only one type of plastic.
Kristin said on April 23rd, 2008:
hey does anyone know where i can find a list of recalled breastpumps? i have been looking but not really finding anything for that. i have first years manual breast pump.
thanks!
Karen said on April 26th, 2008:
Autism was originally defined and identified in the early 1900’s, as was Asperger’s Syndrome. Prior to this people were hidden from the world because they were “different.” Now that Autism is in the DSM-IV, doctor’s are recognizing the signs earlier and more easily diagnosing children. Early intervention is key to helping these children live a more “typical” life.
The reason you don’t know any 30-somethings with Autism is because special ed. kids were hidden from the general ed. population in schools. Now that the movement in education is inclusion, children with special needs appear to be increasing in number.
As for dying in their 20’s, that is completely FALSE! People with autism have a normal life expectancy. Instead of spreading misinformation and causing a panic, please educate yourselves. Yale University has the premier autism research program in the United States. Check them out, you’ll learn a lot!
Dana said on April 28th, 2008:
Thank You Karen!! Autism is not a fatal disease. I see your point regarding the special ed children, but with Autism at 1 out of 150 children today, there would be a lot of “special ed” kids in classes today compared to 1976. The whole BPA thing is not just about Autism, it also affects reproductive health as well. The rate of inferitilty has also increased compared to 20 or 30 years ago. I am sure some of this is due to the better technology today compared to 30 years ago and the fact that if you have the money to pay for IVF, then there is a MD willing to do it. I can speak to this because for one, I am a NP and I have also had to undergo 2 AI and 2 IVFs to get pregnant. I just think sometimes the convinence and efficency of technology and products we develop are not looked at close enough for the possible after effects it may cause to humans and our planet until problems begin to arise which unfortunately is too late for some of the victims.
Monica said on April 29th, 2008:
Walmart told me my The First Years Breast Pump was recalled
kaley said on April 29th, 2008:
okay, so as i read further about the many things affected by the BPA chemical, is goes into saying, not just our baby bottles, sippy cups, and soothers. its also saying, our canned goods, our milk cartons, plastic wrap, baggies, are all contaminated. ALSO ready to use, baby formula in the cans are also said to be affected. so what are we to do? throw away EVERYTHING, and start fresh???
jessica said on May 5th, 2008:
well, i understand all of this “well we lived through it just fine” stuff, because obviously you did. But if the Canadian government is willing to say YES these chemicals have been PROVEN to cause harm in at least some form with at least someone isn’t that enough for anyone to want to keep them out of your baby’s system! 30 - 40 yrs from now do you really want to be thinking in the back of your head that if only you had spent the extra $50-100 on better bottles your child might not have breast cancer and everything that goes along with that. or any of those other side effects from the plastics. Well all i can say that I am definetly a low income household, but my daughter comes first and i’ll do what I can to protect her while I can, because there are so many things out there that I really don’t have control over.
Mom#1 said on May 10th, 2008:
I have been using playtex ventair for the pass 8 months for my son….I have also been washing them in warm-hot water and have even boil the bottles to sanitize it….man, living in this world is sure aint safe anymore…I think I better change my bottles to be on the safe side…Can anyone tell me, if the bottles do contain BPA, are there any side efects as a baby or a child? or would these problem exist as we get older? mmmmmm….
Cristina said on May 13th, 2008:
So….I’m kinda confused about the bottles I have. My baby is using the new Gerber Nuk bottles. Now I see the Nuk pacifiers are bpa-free but the bottles have a 7 on them. So are they okay or aren’t they? Pleas someone let me know!!!
Dana said on May 24th, 2008:
For those of you who are requesting information about a particular brand of bottle, I found this site several months ago and they do update it with any changes in the industry. Go to: http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/02/z-report-on-bpa-in-infant-care-products.html
They allow you to look at individual brands of bottles to determine which ones are BPA free!
noreen said on June 6th, 2008:
hi! im just curious, here in the philippines, we have PIGEON feeding bottles. i’ve been browsing the web regarding this brand, if it also contains bpa. however, never found any. i really hope that some of you can help me if this brand does contain bpa too.
Bee said on June 9th, 2008:
Quick question — does anyone know if Gerber NUK Orthodontic 10-oz. Bottles are BPA-free? i know only three models (Clear View, Gentle Flow, and Fashion Tints)are mentioned in this site but nothing in said for the rest of gerber bottles.
BPA in bottles « Life With Hazel said on June 13th, 2008:
[…] BPA in baby bottles […]
OhNos! said on July 7th, 2008:
Run for the hills!
Leap off a building and put yourself out of your misery!
Hysteria is the answer!
Sterilize your child’s environment so they can grow up weak and immune-deficient!
Lyndsey said on July 7th, 2008:
Look I think that we start dying when we are born. If we were to get rid of every plastic thing, teflon, and other things that cause cancer we’d be BROKE. The number one thing that will KILL you is STRESS. You’re all stressing over all this stuff that we have NO control over. Dont you all see that Dr.Mercola is making money by instilling FEAR. Just like churches do. IF you dont attend and be saved you will die and go to hell. Well, guess what? I havent met a man or woman capable of preventing my death. Have you? Who wants to live past 100? I mean IF we lived Mercola’s lifestyle we’d be without cell phones, glass baby bottles, cast iron skillets, drinking HIS protein shakes for the rest of our lives. That’s not enjoying life. That’s FEAR and MISERY. We all are going to die. Let’s face that fact okay. IF you want to throw your money away give it to a good charity like breast cancer or fighting any cancer. But just to listen to this quack is ludicrist.
Lyndsey said on July 7th, 2008:
Oh and my mom used playtex the old ones and I survived.
Kathryn said on July 14th, 2008:
Just so everyone knows…babiesRus will take your bottles back and give you new ones for free as long as you have all the peices that go with them! Saved me almost 100 dollars!
susan said on July 16th, 2008:
all concerned moms please join me in filing a law suit against these bottle giants who are responsible for us feeding chemicals to our babies. Please feel free to reach me at susandugal@Hotmail.com.
A concerned mom of a 4 month old who has been feeding on BPA playtex and dr brown bottles.
Alyssa said on July 19th, 2008:
hello all! I have a beautiful 21 month old baby girl and I have been feeding her with the Avent bottles for 20 months! We have been heating the formula and milk in the Avent bottles and dishwashing them for 20 months! When learning that the bottles could be leaching BPA, a possible toxin, I have been crushed. I have been doing a great deal of research and I feel overwhelmed that the FDA could allow our BABIES to be exposed to any harmful products. These infants depend on us to make good decisions and protect them. I am fearful on what the consequences will be for these developing children to be exposed to these chemicals? I am very concerned and don’t know what to do.
Sally said on July 20th, 2008:
If all you mothers would have breast fed then this wouldnt be an issue. Dont blame anyone else for your inabilities to do what is natural.
Jen said on August 5th, 2008:
Sally - WOW…I’m having a difficult time formulating a comment that is appropriate. I’m assuming you’ve made this uneducated mean comment to start a heated discussion bc you enjoy causing a commotion. Sad really, sad you have nothing better to do then put down concerned mothers that have chosen or been forced to bottle feed for any number of reasons. Do NOT judge any parents choice until you have been in THEIR shoes. Hopefully this was just for fun for you & you’re not teaching your children this type of social skill. Good luck to you & your family.
Kris said on August 8th, 2008:
Seriously? We are supposed to support one another in the raising and mothering of our children! How can you (Sally) imply that because a mother does not breastfeed (maybe you are not as educated in this matter as you might think?), she is somehow lacking as a mother and has brought “this” upon herself. I don’t work in the bottle manufacturing complanies…so how on earth is it my fault that there is BPA in baby products out there?
In fact, I have a beautiful 13 month old daughter that I DID breastfeed full time…until she weaned HERSELF! Nothing on my part was the reason for her weaning…I know for I am an L&D nurse and did everything by the book with a lactation consultant. I am all for breastfeeding but there are other factors that come into play outside of a mother’s control…most of which are “natural” too…severe PIH, tramatic delivery with complications, low milk production, post-mastectomy for breast cancer, family support, on and on..
Please let’s try to build each other up. Not just stomp someone into the ground because you think your way is the right way. We each have differing circumstances.
Les said on August 17th, 2008:
Lizz, autism has no effect on life expectancy unless there are other problems.
jill said on November 3rd, 2008:
Dear Silly Sally who is probably never had a child: I breastfeed and when I need to leave my child for more than one hour, I leave her with a bottle and a trustworthy person (like dad or grandma). Absolutely nothing wrong with that - especially when I make sure it is a good old fashioned glass one. Glass is the best in my opinion. I’m not concerned about any weird chemical in a glass bottle. If it breaks, we’ll just buy a new one.