A report issued Wednesday said there is “some concern” that bisphenol A can cause developmental problems in the brain and hormonal systems of infants and children.

The conclusion from the National Toxicology Program repeats initial findings issued in April. The group — which includes scientists from the National Institutes of Health and other agencies — said bisphenol’s risks to humans cannot be ruled out, but acknowledged its concerns are based on the findings of studies on animals.

The American Chemistry Council, which represents plastics manufacturers, stressed that studies from animals provide “limited and inconclusive evidence.” The group has spent the last year defending the safety of bisphenol from new concerns about the risks of plastics to children.

Bisphenol is a plastic-hardening chemical used to seal canned food and make baby bottles. After more than a year of complaints from consumer and parent groups, the FDA has agreed to revisit the chemical’s safety. The agency last month said the trace amounts that leach out of food containers are not a threat to children or adults.

But the toxicology group said that may not be true.

“More research is clearly needed to understand exactly how these findings relate to human health and development,” said Michael Shelby, who directed the group’s report. “But at this point we can’t dismiss the possibility that the effects we’re seeing in animals may occur in humans.”

I didn’t cover the FDA report when it came out because I didn’t believe it. There is a reason why Canada is moving to ban bottles with BPA in them and there is a reason why California has banned toys and kids products with the same chemical in them.

Related Articles:

• Australian Company Introduces BPA Free Bottle That Changes Colour!
• Avent Introduces BPA Free Bottle
• Glass Bottles Are Back!!
• Choosing A Bottle: Some Biosphenol-A Free Choices

SOURCE

An Australian company, Milk and Tickles, has created a BPA free bottle that has a bit of a twist – it changes colour!

The bottle incorporates a special heat sensitive technology that reacts to temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. Any liquid placed in the bottle above that temperature will change the colour of the bottle to hot pink!

It will continue to change colour and revert back for months on end. Direct prolonged exposure to U.V light and prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures over 100 degrees Celsius will reduce the life span of the product.

For more information please visit the company’s site milkandtickles.com.au

VIA BABYREVIEWS.WORDPRESS.COM

In the study, nine different plastic bottles from three major manufacturers were heated during testing and leached levels of the chemical that ranged between five and eight parts per billion.

Research suggests that even lower levels of exposure to bisphenol A, which acts like the hormone estrogen, can alter cell function, said Rick Smith, executive director of Toronto-based Environmental Defence, which released the study.

“There’s increasingly strong evidence that this chemical can be linked to thyroid problems (and) different kinds of cancer including breast cancer in women, so the fact that we’re actually feeding it to our babies – the implications of this are mind-boggling,” said Smith.

The bottles – produced by Avent, Gerber and Playtex – were sent to the University of Missouri-Columbia for testing, filled with water and heated in an oven at 80C to simulate how the plastic would react to dozens of washings.

I hope that the increased amount of press this issue is getting will help parents realize that more research is needed before buying your newborn’s bottles.

There are a lot of companies producing great bottles that will give parents piece of mind and allow their infants to get the full nutritional benefit without the side effects.

Related Articles:

• How Do You Store Your Breastmilk?
• Babylife’s Fancy Glass Bottle
• Green to Grow BPA Free Bottles
• Choosing A Bottle: Some Biosphenol-A Free Choices

SOURCE

It has a stainless steel body, which is safe for storing liquids.

The handles are removable once a child is big enough to grip the bottle using the ribbed waist. The colorful protective sleeve provides insulation against cold liquids and acts as a cushion to protect the cup. Best of all, any plastic used on the cup is certified free of Bisphenol A, phthalates and DEHA.

Features:

• Top rack dishwasher safe
• Holds 11 ounces
• Ages 6 months and up

$14 at Modernnursery.com

Adiri bottles more closely replicate the tactile bonding experience of breastfeeding than any other bottle.

The Natural Nurser Ultimate Bottle is made from 100% polycarbonate-free materials that warm to a child’s cheek, like a breast, when filled with warm milk. A patented nipple design helps alleviate nipple confusion for breastfeeding babies.

This bottle encourages the same type of open-mouthed latching that is required for breastfeeding, making bottle and breastfeeding more easily interchangeable.

A cover protects it from getting dirty and keeps the nipple from leaking during transport. The nurser comes in three stages for three different flow rates. Each stage holds 8 oz. of fluid and is dishwasher safe.

Due to popularity, Adiri is currently experiencing high levels of interest and are increasing productivity to keep up with demand.

Available in 2 colours – 1 bottle is $12.50, 3/35.50 Visit Adiri.com for more information.

Many companies have stepped up and are now creating bottles that will not put our kids health at risk.

Green to Grow is the latest to release a bottle that is free of phthalates and free of bisphenol A – a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical.

The bottles are:

• Bottles are tested in the U.S. to ensure they meet the highest standards for quality and safety

• Free of lead and PVC
• Includes a Beginner (slow flow, 0-3 months) nitrosamine-free silicone nipple
• 100% recycled packaging
• Dishwasher safe (top rack)

They are created with a soft colour pattern that is appealing to most children and have fruit smiley faces on the front. Reasonably priced at $10 for 10oz and $8 for 5oz.

Related Articles:

California Bans The Sale Of Toys Made With Phthalates
Choosing a bottle: Some Biosphenol A Free Choices
Baby 411 Authors Take Aim At Plastic Bottles

SOURCE: GREENTOGROW via APARTMENTTHERAPY

Babylife is reintroducing glass baby bottles, but with a new design and safety twist: the bottle is covered with a modern sleeve that will help protect the bottle from breakage and also prevent bumping into other articles in your diaper bag. This sleeve is free of plastics and is 100% non-toxic. The bottle and the sleeve can be boiled or put in the dishwasher together. The silicone nipple should be hand-washed and is also latex-free and non-toxic. The plastic ring, plug and cap contain no polycarbonates and are food grade, FDA approved and recyclable. The sleeve provides a good gripping surface during feeding and also a great tactile experience for your baby.

Babylife is proud to give you a choice in using a baby bottle that is bisphenol A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free.

For more information please check the company’s official site.
SOURCE:COOCHICOOS

The authors of the popular book “Baby 411″ are speaking out about using polycarbonate plastic baby bottles. They are asking their readers to limit the number of washings and heated dryings, because the chemical bisphenol A can leach from the products.

But thanks to two recent developments, the authors now say stop using baby bottles and sippy cups made of polycarbonate plastic altogether.

The first change was the statement in a medical journal by 38 BPA researchers that said BPA posed a significant health risk.

Days later, a federal panel convened by the National Institutes of Health said there is “some concern” the chemical could cause behavioral and neurological problems in young children.

“Specifically, parents should stop using Avent’s Natural Feeding Bottle and Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow (or any bottle made of polycarbonate plastic)—these products were previously recommended by BABYBARGAINS,” the authors said in the August Baby Bargains newsletter.

“All baby bottles and sippy cups made of polycarbonate plastic should be avoided,” said author and consumer advocate Denise Fields. “If you are shopping for bottles, chose an alternative made from BPA-free plastic or glass. If you have polycarbonate bottles, throw them out.”

A question and answer section helps parents understand more about the issue.

Q. What the heck is BPA? Why is it dangerous?

A. Clear plastic baby bottles (as well as some food containers and water bottles) are made of polycarbonate, which contains a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). It is the BPA that makes the hard, clear plastic bottles . . . well, hard and clear.

Here’s the rub: BPA’s chemical bond with polycarbonate breaks down over time-especially with repeated washings or heating of the bottle. As a result, BPA leaches out of the plastic bottle or sippy cup . . . and into the liquid (that is, breast milk or formula).

While most data on BPA comes from animal research, studies show even low-levels of BPA MAY be linked to everything from early puberty to breast cancer, to attention and developmental problems.

Q. Do we really know that these bottles are dangerous to humans?

A. No, we don’t. There have been no human studies on BPA-so far, researchers have only found problems in animal research.

There is a split opinion here among scientists. The same federal panel that said it had “some concern” about behavioral and developmental problems in babies also stated that links to other ailments like birth defects and adult ailments were “negligible.” Of course, the plastics industry says BPA is completely safe.

That contrasts to the group of 38 scientists who last week called the health threat from BPA as “significant.”

But the fact the federal panel said there were “some concerns” for the health of babies tipped the balance for us.

As parents, we realize it can be hard to decide what to do when the debate is so heated. As always, our mantra is “show us the science.” We believe enough science is now in to recommend a change in course.

Q. Isn’t it a bit alarmist to say stop using these bottles? When will we know for certain BPA is harmful to humans?

A. The truth is we won’t know for YEARS if there is a human health problem from BPA. And it could be YEARS more before the government decides to take some regulatory action.

We have consulted with pediatricians and other experts before making this decision. The consensus of these experts is: if concerns exist today (and that is backed up by reputable scientific research),then why not limit your baby’s exposure to this chemical?

Babies are especially at risk when it comes to exposure to harmful chemicals-that’s one thing we all can agree on.

The bottom line: we suggest stop using polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups NOW. Since there are quite a few BPA-free bottles on the market (see below), we believe this is an easy call for parents.

Q. Which bottles should we NOT use? Which ones are BPA-free?

A. Polycarbonate baby bottles make up about 90% of the bottle market. The most common polycarbonate bottle are Avent’s Natural FeedingBottle and Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow. But other major baby product companies like Playtex and Gerber also make polycarbonate bottles.

Here are the alternatives that are BPA-free:

• Use glass bottles. Obviously, there is a risk of injury to baby or mom if the bottle is dropped, so glass isn’t a perfect alternative.
• Use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles (made of polyethylene or polypropylene) do not contain BPA.
• Consider a BPA-free plastic bottle. Born Free makes a BPA-free clear plastic bottle (Newbornfree.com) sold at Whole Foods. But these cost about $10 each, twice the price of Avent bottles.
• Use a drop-in system. For example the PlaytexDrop-in System is BPA free (that is, the bottle liners do not contain BPA). Avent’s Tempo liners are another example.

Q. Is there a way to tell if a bottle has BPA?

A. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy. Here’s a general guide:

BAD: Bottles that have a #7 on their recycling label most likely are made of polycarbonate (and contain BPA).

GOOD: Bottles that have a #2, #4, #5 are made of polyethylene or polypropylene-these do NOT have BPA.

We call on the government to require disclosure of which bottles have BPA, so consumers can make an informed choice.

Q. What about sippy cups? Breast pump collection bottles?

A. Basically, the same advice applies: avoid those made of polycarbonate plastic. Sippy cups made of opaque plastic are fine. Again, check the bottom of the cup for its recycling number (#7 should be avoided). For breast pump collection bottles, consider BPA-free bottles (such as those from Medela).

Related Articles:

Choosing A Bottle: Some Biosphenol-A Free Choices
The Biosphenol Baby Bottle Debate

SOURCE

Every so often this issue gets some press, but I am not sure that the vast population believes there is a problem.

Most baby bottles on the market, such as Avent, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex, are made from the hard, clear, shatterproof plastic – called polycarbonate.

Co-authors Denise Fields and pediatrician Ari Brown of book “Baby 411″ are telling parents to stop using polycarbonate plastic baby bottles that contain the controversial chemical bisphenol-A, or BPA.

The concern is that when bottles are heated or repeatedly washed, BPA can leach out and end up in breast milk or formula.

In animal studies, the chemical has been shown to mimic the natural female sex hormone estradiol, affecting the reproductive system. Other research linked low doses – not high doses, as incorrectly stated in “Baby 411″ – to chromosomal abnormalities in mice. BPA may also have a role in cancers, impaired immune function, early puberty, obesity and diabetes.

Whether BPA, also found in epoxy coatings in canned food, can hurt the development of a human fetus or a baby is still unclear. In March, the National Institutes of Health/National Toxicology Program assigned an independent panel to evaluate the dangers the chemical might pose to reproductive health.

But some complained the draft report was riddled with errors and had an industry bias because it was prepared by Sciences International, a private consulting firm with close ties to the chemical industry, and has been funded by more than 50 industrial companies.

The NIH fired Sciences International, citing potential conflicts of interest, and an in-house staff prepared a second draft for the federal Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction.

One concern is that a study that is funded by the industry being researched cannot be seen as legitimate.

Meantime, if you want to keep using plastic bottles or “sippy” cups, the new “Baby 411″ advises limiting the number of times you boil those bottles or put them in a dishwasher, skipping the “heated dry” dishwashing cycle and buying new bottles every time you have a new baby.

Related Articles:

Choosing A Bottle: Some Biosphenol-A Free Choices

SOURCE

*the bottle shown is called a Biosphenol free bottle*

*Updated – April 12th 2008*

After my son was born I went through the impossible task of trying to find a bottle that he liked. We purchased 6 different kinds of bottles before he decided on the one he like the best.

The big issue when choosing a bottle, besides compatibility for your newborn, is the plastic used to make them. Many bottle manufacturers use Biosphenol A in their bottles. The debate has been ongoing for years concerning the side effects of such chemicals and I have to say the findings are scary.

Bisphenol A leaches from baby bottles with regular washings, even if the bottles are not heated. And in low doses, BPA has been shown to affect the reproductive system of rodents. Other studies have linked low doses of BPA to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes and even hyperactivity.

Here are some bottles that are manufactured without Biosphenol-A:

Due to the recent articles that have been written concerning BPA’s Evenflo has been sold out of this line of bottles. They have increased production by 1000% and hope to have more available in the near future.

Medela bottles resist scratches, cracking and splintering and are compatible with all Medela breast pumps for pumping right into the container.

The Adiri Natural Nurser comes in three stages for three different flow rates. Each stage holds 8 oz. of fluid and is dishwasher safe! Adiri Natural Nursers can also be boiled or sterilized using a basic sterilizer.

• Bottles are tested in the U.S. to ensure they meet the highest standards for quality and safety
• Free of lead and PVC
• Includes a Beginner (slow flow, 0-3 months) nitrosamine-free silicone nipple
• 100% recycled packaging
• Dishwasher safe (top rack)

It has a patented venting system that was designed to reduce colic and comes with a travel cap to reduce spillage.

A high grade silicone nipple can provide and easier transition from breast to bottle.

Related Articles:

• Glass Bottles Are Back!!
• How Do You Store Your Breastmilk?
• Choosing A Breast Pump
• Go Green One Small Step At A Time!