There has been alot of debate in the news recently over whether toxic chemicals leach from plastic baby bottles into the milk they contain.  The chemical in question is Bisphenol-A (BPA) and it is in most clear plastic products.  When exposed to heat this chemical can leach out of the plastic into the milk.  Research has shown that even very low levels of BPA can disrupt hormone function, cause learning disorders, hyperactivity and early puberty just to name a few. 

A study by Consumer Reports tested plastic baby bottles and found that this chemical did leach into the milk.  They calculated that a normal baby who drank out of a bottle would be exposed to BPA dose of about 4% of an amount that has affected lab animals in studies done at the University of Missouri.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission urged parents to make sure that baby toys and teethers are not made from PVC plastics.

If your like me you believe that any amount of a toxic chemical should not be in anything that a baby uses.  The FDA has stood by its years old claim that polycarbonate bottles are safe.  I think that the FDA owes us another look at this with some up to date testing and research.   In the meantime here are some tips for keeping your baby safe.

  • When I found out about this info my son was around 5 months old.  I immediately switched to glass baby bottles and found them to be just as easy to use and felt that they were easier to clean anyway.  You can put them in the dishwasher and heat formula without any worry and I never had any break on me.  Just check them frequently for any nicks or cracks.  Evenflo makes glass bottles and they are available in most baby stores
  • PVC is commonly used in teethers and soft squeeze toys for young children, beach balls, bath toys (some rubber duckies), and dolls. Check the product or label to see what number plastic has been used
  • Avoid buying any plastic items that have the recycling symbol 3,6,or 7 marked on the bottom
  • Because it contains a variety of additives and lacks a uniform composition, PVC is far less recyclable than other plastics
  • If you still want to use plastic bottles then avoid heating the plastic bottles over the stove or in the microwave

http://www.theorganicmommy.org/services.html