Bisphenol A (BPA)

Parent's of bottle aged baby's are sure to have heard the recent debate over Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles. Some scientific studies show that BPA leaches from baby bottles containing BPA when directly exposed to high heat and as a result of wear. When the levels of BPA are high enough, it's shown that BPA can create issues with brain development and is linked to behavior problems in babies. The bottle manufacturers dispute that BPA, which is used to harden plastics and prevent shattering, is harmful. The bottle manufacturers have the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and the FDA all on their side. These three bodies all believe there are no short or long term health risks associated with BPA in the polycarbonate plastics used to make baby bottles. The FDA is currently studying the impact of BPA again. The EFSA increased their acceptable levels of BPA in 2007.

The government of Canada, is taking a much safer approach, pushing for the discontinuation of Bisphenol A (BPA) in all baby bottles. Canada admits that BPA in Baby Bottles “is below levels that pose a risk”, however they believe levels are close enough where health risks could potentially occur. With the any chance, no matter how slight, Canada wants to reduce any chance of further exposure. It's Canada’s “intention to ban the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles.”

As a result of Canada's actions, several retailers in the United States, like Babies R Us have started carrying and promoting more BPA Free Bottles. Wal-Mart has gone as far starting the plan/transition to BPA Free Bottles only in there stores. With Wal-Mart making a move like this, the manufacturers are sure to follow suit, but it will take awhile to ramp up production.

There are several manufacturers who embraced BPA Free bottles even before it became front page news. The leader in this movement is Born Free Baby Bottles which can be found in Whole Foods stores across the nation.

Additional Resources:
FDA
EFSA
Canada

Recommended BPA Free Plastic Baby Bottles

Although many popular brands and styles of baby bottles contain BPA, there are numerous bottles that are BPA free and safe for you and your baby to use, including glass bottles. Glass can shatter, creating safety issues of its own, but below you will find our recommendations for the best available BPA Free baby bottles. For a more complete list, check our list of BPA Free Baby Bottles.

Born Free BPA Free Baby Bottle

A smart way to feed your precious one, this twin pack of BornFree 9-ounce wide-neck bottles is free of the potentially harmful chemical Bisphenol-A. Now you can feed your baby safely, comfortably, and worry free. BornFree is made of Polyamide, a special plastic that is Bisphenol-A free and more resistant to detergents. This bottle also features a revolutionary venting system, which helps reduce colic symptoms and the risk of middle ear infections. The unique inner valve prevents side leaks and allows you shake freely when mixing. Additionally, each bottle comes with a soft, gentle stage-one nipple that prevents hard suckling and does not collapse. This two-pack is dishwasher safe (top rack) and comes with a high-grade stage-one nipple and travel cover.

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Features

• Made from a safe honey-colored plastic called Polyamide (PA) that is free of Bisphenol-A (BPA).
• Polyamide is also more resistant to detergents
• Revolutionary Inner Valve and Air Vent helps eliminate colic symptoms such as gas and spit-up by reducing the build up up vacuum.
• Inner Valve and Air Vent is medically acknowledged to reduce the risk of middle ear infection.
• BornFree nipples are extremely soft and gentle and are available in 5 flow rates to suit babies from 0-18 months.
• As a result of the BornFree Valve, the nipples never collapse and prevent hard suckling associated with conventional bottles.

Dr. Browns Natural Flow Polypropylene Baby Bottle

The patented Natural Flow internal vent system in this BPA Free Baby Bottle is the only vent that eliminates the vacuum and the air bubbles found in most baby bottles. It allows air to enter through the nipple collar, without being incorporated into the breast milk or formula. The air is then channeled through the internal vent system, to the area above the breast milk or formula. Babies feed more comfortably because the vent allows them to nurse without fighting the negative effects of a vacuum, or the discomfort of ingesting air bubbles. This helps to reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas. The breast milk or furmula flows freely through the nipple as the air is channeled to the top of the bottle. This positive pressure eliminates nipple collapse, and can help reduce build up of fluid in baby's ear.

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Features

• Polypropylene is BPA Free
• Dr Brown’s unique internal vent eliminates the vacuum found in other bottles and eliminates air bubbles, to help reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas.
• Dr. Brown bottle’s unique design mimics the positive-pressure in breastfeeding so is ideal for breastfed and formula fed babies.
• A Y Cut nipple is also available for feeding thicker liquids and cereals
• Also available in a wide neck bottle which has a nipple with a broader base, which can avoid nipple confusion for a breastfed baby. Also makes dumping dry formula into the bottle less messy.

Thinkbaby Baby Bottles

The Thinkbaby baby bottle was created to address the growing concern of toxic chemicals potentially leaching from baby products. The baby bottle was designed to be free of toxic chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA), lead, PVC and phthalates. The bottle features an anti-colic soft silicone nipple to ease in the transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. The bottle also features a convenient travel cap to reduce chance of spillage.

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Features