Yesterday, I receive another warning that there are possible dangers from plastic baby bottles (e.g. Avent, Dr. Brown, etc.). This is driving me mad. As a mother, I try my best to provide all for my children, and even that is not enough. Toys, baby bottles, food – what is next? I feel like the quality control is diminishing in the states. I having to research everything that my child touches. This is concerning and exhausting.

OFF SOAP BOX
Here is the information that I have collected regarding these concerns. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a substance used in the production of polycarbonate plastics that has estrogenic properties and has been shown in animal tests to cause a host of health problems such as cancer and male and female hormone disruption in lab animals. Both parents and manufacturers are starting to catch onto the idea that safer plastics and even non-plastic materials can be used to make durable and attractive baby bottles and toddler cups.

Preferable Plastics

You can identify better plastics by the recycling code numbers stamped in them. Look for reusable bottles made of:
#2 (HDPE, high-density polyethylene, the most widely recyclable)
#4 (LDPE, low-density polyethylene) or
#5 (PP, polypropylene).
These plastics have not been found to release BPA or phthalates.

On the other hand, most single-use water bottles are made of #1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE). These bottles, if old, reused or heated, may release phthalates, which are possible human carcinogens, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also avoid #3 and #7 plastics as polycarbonate has been found in some tests to leach BPA when heated.

ON SOAP BOX
Lead-Free Toys

* Wood toys with or without non-toxic paint
* Rubberwood toys
* Made in America toys since we have strict lead-free guidelines