Bisphenol-A or BPA is an organic compound used to harden polycarbonate plastics.  It is an endocrine disruptor which can mimic the body’s hormones and has been linked to, among other things, obesity, breast cancer and adverse effects on the thyroid.  BPA has been found in many brands of baby bottles and it is now coming to light that many canned goods contain BPA in the epoxy liners which is leaching into cans.  The Environmental Working Group just posted a report that 9 out of 10 cord blood tests of minority babies contained BPA.  What’s even scarier is that 231 additional chemicals where found.

So where do we start?  A very easy change can be switching baby bottles to non-toxic materials.  Even if a baby is breastfed, she can still spend a lot of time with bottles if Mom is pumping.  Glass is a good alternative, and there are a lot of companies making some really great designs.  My favorites are momo baby and Life Factory (WeeGo).  Some parents are afraid their baby may drop the bottle and shatter it.  Glass can get quite heavy, especially when a 9 ounce bottle is full of liquid.  There are other plastics available that work really well.  Polyethersulfone (PES) and Polypropylene (PP) are safe alternatives that don’t leach BPA.  Zrecs posted a great article on the many different brands of bottles that are now using safer plastics.  Companies like Dr. Brown’s, BornFree and Medela are all great companies to invest in.

You can always visit Squeaky Clean Tot and search for BPA free and glass bottles.  We are constantly updating our database and have all the brands you know and trust along with some smaller companies who are making non-toxic products for your tots.