How to Eliminate Your Child's Exposure to Bisphenol A

Eliminate your baby's exposure to Bisphenol A, or BPA, by following these guidelines:

1. Breastfeed. If you're able to breastfeed your baby, then you should at least try. Even if you supplement with formula, it's great to at least offer your baby breast milk. It's the safest, most economical, and best way to feed your baby. Even formula cans state that breast milk is recommended. So, if at all possible, breastfeed. There many advantages of breastfeeding far outweigh the disadvantages. Most important, is the sense of security that you are giving your child the healthiest food that is suited just for them.

2. If you do decide to use formula, use glass bottles. With glass bottles, there is no chance of BPA leakage. When glass bottles are heated BPA does not leak into the bottle, because BPA is not used to create glass bottles. There is also less bacterial build up with glass bottles, and no after taste is left for the baby. Bottles from companies like Born Free and Green to Grow offer bottles with no BPA.

3. Instead of regular, plastic sippy cups for your toddler, use stainless steel cups. There are certain companies that sell stainless steel toddler cups like, Klean Kanteen and Foogo. It may be inconvenient to do a little research and order online from companies, but your child's health is worth it.

4. BPA can also be found in the can material for formulas. If you must use formula, powdered formula has less BPA in the containers than liquid formulas do. Again, the more you breastfeed, the less formula your baby will need to take. Even if you're a working mother, you can pump your milk at work, or pump in the evenings or mornings and store it for your baby. It may be inconvenient, but the inconvenience is worth the health advantage.

5. Don't heat baby food up in plastic containers. Some parents store uneaten portions of baby food in small plastic containers for easy transport and use. Then they warm it up in those same containers. Instead place food in a glass or porcelain bowl to warm up and serve to them. Most baby foods come in microwaveable glass jars, thereby eliminating the need to use any plastic containers.

Eliminating your baby's exposure to BPA does take a little more effort on the part of the parent, but it's worth it. By researching alternatives to plastic bottles and formulas that use BPA, you can help boost your child off to a healthier start in life.