Baby Bottle Safety

There has been much publicity around the globe lately on the safety of traditional plastic baby bottles and the issue of BPA and pthalates. But what does it all mean and what are the risks in using conventional plastics for baby bottles (and other feeding utensils)?

BPA stands for bisphenol-A, which is a synthetic chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics throughout the world. Polycarbonate is used in the production of many different kinds of products, from DVD's to water bottles and conventional baby bottles. It can be recognised by the code number 7 on the base of products.

The problem with polycarbonate is that studies by reputable bodies have found that the BPA and phthalates found in them leach out and into liquid or food contained within, especially when polycarbonate is heated.

This is a critical health concern, especially for mothers, because the issue with BPA is that it mimics oestrogen and once ingested (especially by babies with their immature and fragile systems) it can affect the endocrine system and hormone balances within the body. Phthalates also mimic hormones.

Studies have also linked exposure to these chemicals - which rapidly leach out of plastic bottles when they are exposed to a hot liquid - to damage in developing brains and tissues as well as a heightened risk of cancer later in life (in particular breast and prostate cancers)

The Canadian Government has actually gone as far as formally declaring polycarbonate to be a "dangerous substance". Although it has not taken the next step of banning it or at least restricting its use, this declaration is a starting point which could see its use reduced, hopefully worldwide.

In Canada and the US, major retailers such as Wal-Mart have stated that they will no longer stock polycarbonate baby bottles and it is highly likely that within a relatively short space of time, this trend will become a global one as the evidence mounts on the dangers of polycarbonate for humans.

So why take the risk - we do everything we can to protect our babies when they are in the uterus and that vigilance should not decrease when they come into the world. In fact, that is when we need to become more vigilant especially with increasing global pollution.

What are the alternatives then? A range of BPA and phthalate free baby bottles have become easily available in Australia and are gaining in popularity. They often cost a few more dollars than polycarbonate bottles, but you have to ask yourself, what price the long term health of your child is?

The BPA and phthalate free bottles are generally made from food grade polypropylene (PP) or polyethersulfone plastic (PES). Of these, PP is considered to be the safest plastic for human use, and has been used since 1954 without any associated health problems.

As evidence of the trend away from polycarbonate towards these safer plastics, there is now even an Australian brand of BPA and phthalate free baby bottles. Milk & Tickles was launched in 2008 and has become phenomenally successful in a short period of time. Not only is the Australia owned aspect appealing to consumers. as well as its use of only PP plastic, but so is Milk & Tickle's amazing colour change technology. The bottles change colour from blue to fluorescent pink at approximately 35 degrees and so visually indicate when formula is too hot or too cold. Amazing stuff!!

Our children are so precious - don't expose them to the possibility of the ingestion of dangerous chemicals. Make sure your baby's bottles are BPA and phthalate free!

This article was provided by Catherine Groppoli, Owner of Minieco

 Minieco stock a range of BPA and phthalate free baby bottles, including Milk & Tickles. They also stock the US brands Green To Grow and shortly Adiri, as well as the Boon brand of BPA and phthalate free feeding bowls and utensils.