BPA-Free Baby Bottles, Sippy Cups and More

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Alice Lesch Kelly on Jun 5, 2009 at 10:00AM

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BPA-Free Baby Bottles, Sippy Cups and More

Why Number 7 Isn't Your Lucky Number

BisphenolA (BPA) is a compound used to harden polycarbonate plastics used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, food containers and other items. Unfortunately, it’s also been linked to abnormal reproductive development in lab animals and cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans. A study in the October 2009 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives shows that girls who were exposed to BPA in the womb were more likely to behave hyperactively and aggressively at the age of 2 than girls not exposed. While the Food and Drug Administration originally said BPA levels in plastics were safe, it now agrees with critics that there are enough uncertainties about BPA’s potential risks to warrant further research by the agency. Until we know for sure, you may want to steer clear of BPA.

Tip: To avoid BPA for your baby, your child, or yourself, look for the recycling number 7. It’s usually on the bottom of the plastic container or bottle. If it’s there, it may contain BPA. Although not all number 7 plastic is polycarbonate, all polycarbonate is number 7.

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BPA-Free Baby Bottles, Sippy Cups and More

Why Number 7 Isn't Your Lucky Number