Baby bottles and BPA

Nowadays, it seems that recent discoveries of diseases are outpacing breakthroughs in medicine and health. This is worrying enough for anyone – but it is even more serious for parents who have young children to protect. Recent research have discovered that bisphenol A, or BPA, a chemical that is commonly found in bottles, is linked to various diseases such as ADHD and even cancer. 95% of all bottles on the market today have this chemical. It can contaminate the contents of the bottle, and if consumed, it can affect the digestive system of your child as well.

Many mothers breastfeed only during the first six months; sometimes less, and some don’t breastfeed at all. Baby bottles have played a crucial part in the nourishment of these children. With the recent discovery of the dangers of BPA, it can be alarming for any mother who is using these bottles.

The medical community has an ongoing debate about the chemical known as BPA. One side says that the chemical can pose significant danger when consumed by humans because of the health effects that the chemical has been said to cause. The other side argues that these are exaggerations. BPA can’t be that bad, they say.

Still, it pays to be cautious. After all, it’s your baby’s future on the line. There are other materials that you can use if you choose to heed these warnings. The market has been accommodating to BPA-free products as well.

The structure of BPA has been likened to estrogen. Early exposure to this compound can lead to serious effects on the physical and psychological state of the body. Increased exposure to BPA was linked to abnormal male organ development and early sexual development in young girls.

BPA has also been said to be a risk factor for developing ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as autism. Some studies have also found out that the child who has been exposed to significant amounts of BPA may develop obesity or type II diabetes.

Major companies who have manufactured plastic baby bottles often use BPA in the process. Studies estimate that as of today, 95 percent of all baby bottles available for purchase has BPA. It is a common practice to heat plastic baby bottles before feeding, but this can actually increase the risk of BPA leaking into the contents of the baby bottle.

BPA can be avoided through simple measures. First, if the plastic has been marked #7, look for other alternatives. These bottles may contain BPA. It is better to buy bottles that have numbers 1-5 instead.

Because of the negative publicity that BPA has been getting, companies are releasing more and more BPA-free alternatives into the market. These are often no more inexpensive than your average plastic baby bottle. You may also consider switching to glass bottles instead of plastic ones to further decrease the risk.

The Classic Nurser glass bottle made by Evenflo is available for those who prefer glass bottles. These are actually cheaper than the usual plastic baby bottle, and best of all, it doesn’t contain any amount of BPA at all. These bottles are available in different stores, but if a store near you doesn;t carry it, you can always buy online.

Other manufacturers have also started making BPA-free plastic bottles. Bottles made of polyethylene or polypropelyne have been made by companies such as Playtex, Gerber, Dr. Brown’s, and Evenflo. Other companies such as BornFree or ThinkGreen have also made plastic bottles that contain no BPA as well.

Additional measures can decrease the risk of your child’s exposure to BPA. This chemical is often released if the bottle has undergone some change, such as heating, scratching, or wearing out. In washing your baby’s bottles, make sure to avoid harsh detergents. Wash the bottles thoroughly but as gently as you can.

Related information

August 4, 2008 | Filed Under Baby health