Nearly all plastic baby bottles are made with polycarbonate, a rigid durable plastic that has the potential to leack Bisphenol A into your baby’s drinks. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to a number of health issues, including hormone disruption and obesity.  The National Toxicology Program recently concluded that there is “some concern for neural and behavioral effects” in infants and children, given current exposure rates to BPA. Fortunately, preventing exposure is easy if you choose glass or safer plastic (#2, #4 or #5) bottles.

Glass: Glass baby bottles, which don’t leak toxic chemicals, are a time-tested alternative to polycarbonate plastic.  Keep in mind that glass bottles are breakable, and put children at risk of injury in the case of an accident.  As with plastic, careful and regular inspections of the bottle allow parents to detect any flaws in the glass.  Recycle any scratched, cracked, or chipped glass bottle.

#2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP Plastics: These opaque bottles are made of either polypropylene or polyethylene, which are not known to leak carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Look on the bottom of the bottle for the recycling symbol: polyethylene has #2 (high-density polyethylene, HDPE) or #4 (low-density polyethylene, LDPE) in the chasing-arrow triangle, and polypropylene (PP) has #5. Polycarbonate bottles are #7 and may be labeled “Other” or “PC.” Call the manufacturer if the bottle isn’t labeled.

PES Plastics: Although polyether sulphone, or PES, hasn’t been studied as thoroughly as #2, #4 and #5 plastics, lab studies have found that it does not leach BPA or phthalates.  PES plastics may be labeled with a #7 like polycarbonate, both plastics fall into the “Other” category. If you see a #7 and aren’t sure if it’s PES or PC, call the manufacturer before using it.

Tip: Replace standard rubber nipples (amber-colored) with clear, silicone nipples. Not only are silicone nipples free of cancer-causing nitrosamines, but they last longer.

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