BPA Free

Bisphenol A, commonly abbreviated as BPA, is an organic compound used to produce clear, hard polycarbonate containers, i.e. baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical devices, CDs, and household electronics.

BPA has always been suspected of being hazardous to humans. However, more and more research is showing that BPA is particularly dangerous for children. An endocrine disruptor and an estrogen receptor antagonist, long term exposure to BPA could induce chronic toxicity. I'm not a scientist and I know there is more to the research, but the result is maybe parents with children should take notice and perhaps make some changes.

Now I know what you are thinking, research can be twisted to represent a group's particular interests. And I agree. In fact, I have resisted being a hysterical, hypochondriac of a parent, but very recently retailers have begun to voluntarily pull BPA baby products from their shelves. That was my tipping point. Why do it unless there was good reason as it costs them money not to have the product on the shelves.

Okay concerned parents what are your options? Well, turns out there is a lot. First, there are baby bottles that are BPA free. We bought Born Free. Dr. Brown's makes BPA-free bottles as well. Of course, you can go the glass bottle route. Surprisingly, some of the BPA bottles, like Avent, make BPA-free bottles too.

I know what you are thinking. Baby bottles are only used for the first year. BPA is in those sippy cups as well! What are your options? Same thing. There are BPA-free sippies or you can do what we decided and go the stainless steel route. Thermos has a Foogo line. Upside is the beverage is kept cold.

Neurosis aside, just wanted to provide what might be valuable information. As a side note, Gilbert goes to town on the Born Free! Don't know if it is the flow system within the bottle or the nipple, but he's much more focused of a drinker than he was with the Avent!