Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

What? You ask. Now I have to worry about my baby’s bottles?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Doesn’t it seem like every other day we find out that something else is a threat to our health? It’s rather discouraging. Our natural instinct is to turn off the news, quit reading the paper, and bury our heads in the so-called proverbial sand. But as parents, we simply cannot always do that…especially when it comes to the health and wellbeing of our children.

So, what’s the story with baby bottles? Recent findings over the last few years have been disturbing at the very least. The hard polycarbonate plastic (#7) used to make most baby bottles contains BPA, a dangerous chemical that seeps out into the formula or milk and deposits itself within your child’s sensitive system. Exposure to Bisphenol A can alter cell function, even with low levels of exposure. What does this mean?

According to studies on animals, BPA seems to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, affecting reproductive, neurological and immune systems. This hormone disruptor is thought to lead to early onset puberty.

Additional potential conditions and risks linked to BPA include:

• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Reduced sperm counts
• Alzheimer’s
• Down Syndrome
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hyperactivity
• Developmental problems
• Reproductive problems

Most problems with leaching occur when the bottles are heated, with the worst leaching occurring at temperatures of 80° or more. I know what you’re thinking. If these dangers are present in plastic baby bottles, why are they still filling the shelves of retailers like Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, Babies R Us and other stores? Why are they cutely wrapped and given as gifts at baby showers? Why are major manufacturers, such as Evenflo, Gerber, Playtex, Avent and Dr. Brown’s still making them? And why are there no warning labels on the bottles?

Not to seem cynical, but why do you think? Too often in life, it’s all about money and it looks like that might be the case here to. First of all, government agencies have not acknowledged the risk. Since the testing has only been done on animals and not on people, the effects on humans are ambiguous. Steve Hentges of the American Chemical Council has stated that there is an extraordinary amount of science that supports the safety of all of the products made with plastic containing BPA. Could that be true? Maybe. Perhaps the reports of the dangers are all hype. But, as a parent, are you willing to take that chance? Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to protect your baby. So what can you do?

When using baby bottles, choose ones made of glass or softer, safer plastic which contains polyethylene, polypropylene or polyamide. If you’re concerned about breakage, glass bottles can be made safer with the use of bottle covers, such as Silikids or The Soft Landing. When using plastic bottles, make sure to never put them in the dishwasher and do not use harsh detergents. In order to reduce leaching of chemicals, hand wash bottles in soapy water.

If you stick to plastic bottles manufactured by Born Free, you’ll be fine, as they only make bottles that do not contain BPA. Gerber, Medela, Playtex, Parents’ Choice and Sassy also carry some bottles that are safe. If you’re unsure, you can contact the companies directly to inquire. Recently, bottles have been appearing on the shelves of retailers that specifically highlight on their packaging the fact that they don’t contain BPA. You can also shop for bottles at Whole Foods, if there’s one nearby, as they have stopped carrying products for children that contain this harmful chemical.

Remember that heat degrades plastic and causes the most leaching, so avoid overly hot water. Discard any bottles that are scratched or cloudy. Also it’s important to always heat formula or expressed breast milk in a separate container, such as something made from glass or ceramic. Never put plastic in the microwave!

Testing of the various brands of plastic bottles revealed that the worst leaching overall occurred with Dr. Brown’s bottles, with Avent having the lowest levels. All Playtex products released BPA even when not heated.

Be aware that baby bottles are not the only culprits here! Any #5 plastic feeding/drinking vessels, such as the ever popular “sippy cups” maintain the same level of threat as the bottles. Also, not to add insult to injury, many cans of formula are lined with plastic containing BPA as well. Ready-to-feed formula has the highest levels of BPA. Nestle, Similac, Enfamil and PBM have all admitted to having BPA in the linings of their formula cans. Powdered formula is by far your best choice, with cardboard packaging preferable to the metal cans. With liquid formula, opt for the concentrated, as adding water reduces exposure to the BPA.

The news is scary. But remember, you’re in control! Don’t worry about hurting Aunt Mabel’s feelings when you refuse to feed your baby out of the hard plastic bottle with darling little zoo animals on it. Tell her it’s dirty or something. Then grab a safer alternative, relax and make a conscious decision to enjoy this time in your child’s life. After all, he or she is in good hands!