Health Check: Better Baby Bottles

From Feeding Your Family by Larisssa Phillips


Feeding Your Family ArchivesThe Canadian government recently banned baby bottles made of Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is used in plastic water bottles, the linings in food cans, pacifiers, toddler utensils and the linings inside cans of infant formulas.
According to many researchers and environmental groups, BPA is a toxic chemical that mimics the hormone estrogen and causes long-term changes in animals that were exposed to it in laboratory studies. Canada’s Health Minister said that babies are most at risk for ill effects, which can include developmental and neurological problems.


At the same time, Playtex announced its decision to ban BPA in all its baby bottles by the end of this year. Some retailers, including Wal-Mart, have announced that they will discontinue sales of baby products made with BPA.


Not everyone is in agreement with these measures. According to the American Chemistry Council, the health risks from exposure to Bisphenol-A are negligible. Until the dust settles on this debate, parents who want to play it safe should look for glass bottles, or BPA-free plastic products.



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