Reducing and Eliminating Your Baby's Exposure to BPA

The popular chemical Bisphenol A, or BPA, has created a great deal of controversy in recent years. Used for over 30 years to make polycarbonate plastic used in consumer products, BPA is now suspected to contribute to a number of health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although the official jury is still out on the safety of BPA everyone seems to agree that exposure to BPA should be reduced- particularly in infants and children. In April 2008 Canada became the first country to ban the use of BPA in baby bottles and others are expected to follow. Canada's decision was based on growing evidence that BPA exposure in children can impact brain development. Thankfully there are a number of steps you can take to eliminate your baby's exposure to BPA.

Use only BPA free baby bottles. Small amounts of BPA can leak out of bottles made with BPA exposing your child to an unnecessary risk. A variety of BPA-free alternatives are available, including glass bottles. BPA-free bottles start as low as $5.99 from merchants such as www.bpafreekids.com and www.amazon.com

Do not use polycarbonate containers or utensils for any of your child's food. Polycarbonate containers are clear and rigid and frequently used in sippy cups as well as durable toddler dishes. Discard any containers that have a PC, 7 or 3 in the triangle on the bottom of the product. Although not all containers with a 7 or 3 on them contain BPA it is difficult to distinguish which do, therefore it is better to err on side of caution when it comes to your children. Cups, dishes and utensils free of BPA can be purchased on-line at www.bpafreekids or www.greenhealthybaby.com/

Only use glass, porcelain or ceramic to microwave foods and beverages. All plastic breaks down over time and heat speeds up this process. Additionally do not store your child's food in plastic containers, particularly those with a 3 or 7 on the bottom.

Eliminate canned food from your child's diet. The lining of canned food is made from BPA laden plastic, including baby formula cans. Choose formula that is sold in BPA-free plastic containers when possible.

BPA products are so ubiquitous in our present day lives it might seem impossible to completely eliminate your child's exposure. Although you may not be able to totally eliminate the risk of health issues from BPA the above actions will certainly reduce that risk.