May 2008 - Bummed About Baby Bottles?

May 2008

Bummed about baby bottles?

Don't be! The hazards of plastic bottles containing bisphenol-A (BPA) are real, but so are the alternatives. BPA-free bottles are becoming more popular every day: here's how you can find them!

Choose glass, stainless steel, or polypropylene baby bottles, water bottles, and sippy cups. Traditional glass baby bottles are non-toxic. If you're worried about glass bottles breaking, try a protective sheath like Siliskin.

Read the packaging and choose stainless steel bottles that aren't lined on the inside. (We're concerned about the linings because companies haven't fully disclosed what's in them.) Klean Kanteen's stainless steel bottles are unlined and come in various sizes, including a sippy cup. You can find Klean Kanteen bottles at REI and Patagonia stores, as well as online. Aluminum bottles are becoming popular too, but stick with unlined stainless steel: aluminum bottles typically have linings.

Check the bottom of plastic bottles and cups and choose it only if it has #5 PP. Avoid bottles made of clear, hard plastic, especially if they are not labeled BPA-free.