In March 2009 the six largest manufacturers of baby bottles announced that they are to discontinue the use of the chemical BPA in baby bottles. Hurrah!  Manufacturers are taking heed of mum’s demands to remove bishphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles for good.

But, and it’s a big but…

The manufacturers are going to continue selling bottles containing BPA in the UK.  How do you choose a safe BPA free baby bottle for your baby if you live in the UK?

Follow the Mindful Mum steps to ensure BPA free baby bottle feeding.

Know your Chemicals. What is BPA?

BPA is the abbreviation for Bisphenol-A. It is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate is a common plastic and is used to make baby bottles, food storage containers and children’s toys. When boiling water is poured into polycarbonate bottles to mix formula BPA can leach into baby’s milk.

Scientists have found that Bisphenol-A mimics the hormone oestrogen in animals and many environmental bodies believe that BPA can cause harmful effects in humans, including early puberty in children, cancer, diabetes and obesity. In 2009 the Canadian Government banned the production of BPA in plastics due to toxicity concerns.

Review your options for safe alternatives

Many manufacturers are producing BPA free bottles in addition to conventional polycarbonate bottles. Some manufacturers such as BornFree have only ever produced BPA free glass bottles and plastic bottles.

• Consider the benefits of glass baby bottles – no leaching, non-permeable and recyclable
• Review the BPA free plastic bottles that are made from polypropylene and polyethylene

Tailor Bottle Features to Meet Your Baby’s Needs

Look for specific features that suit your baby and your lifestyle, for example:

• Anti-colic features such as a vent aim to reduce the amount of air swallowed by babies that suffer from colic or wind
• Number of parts and ease of washing and assembly
• Check BPA free baby bottle table to compare features of each bottle

Quick Checklist

• Check for a BPA Free label on the box – do not assume that they are all automatically BPA free.
• Use silicon nipples
• Never heat bottles in the microwave
• Throw away scratched or worn out bottles
• Check out the  avoiding BPA guide