BPA-free bottles - what's it all about?
Information and advice about BPA bottles and what the experts say
What is BPA?
BPA stands for bisphenol A, a substance which is included in all polycarbonate products, like baby bottles, made for everyday use around the home.
Why am I hearing about BPA?
Recent health scares, concerning polycarbonate baby bottles containing bisphenol-A, centre around a report produced in the USA which claims that long-term exposure to BPA could result in health and developmental implications for infants and children. The concern is that, in preparing a bottle by heating to a high temperature in a steriliser and/or microwave, babies could ingest a small quantity of BPA, which leaches out of polycarbonate bottles more easily if they have been heated to a high temperature.
Should I be worried?
There is, as yet, no long term research or evidence to support a major health scare, and the latest report from the US National Institutes for Health puts their alert level mid-way between low and high, and advises ‘some concern'.
What should I do if I'm worried?
The current advice for concerned parents who are bottle feeding, is to either switch to glass bottles, OR use a hot water-filled jug or bottle warmer to heat existing polycarbonate bottles, OR to switch to one of the many BPA-free bottles and cups now available in the UK.
Where can I get BPA-free bottles?
Most of the leading bottle and cup manufacturers, including Tommee Tippee, Philips Avent, MAM, Medela, Mothercare and NUK offer BPA-free bottles and cups, which are available from most leading supermarkets, and independent pharmacies. Further information on their BPA-free ranges can be obtained from their websites.
More like this
To read more of the US National Institutes for Health report on BPA, click here
Read more...
Authors
Create the perfect wishlist for your baby with MyCrib
Are you expecting and don't know where to start? Discover how MyCrib can help you build your dream wishlist. You can add products from any site with just one click and even use MyCrib's buying assistant to help get you started.