After spending so much time and effort ensuring our kids are eating healthy, it can be frustrating to find out the spoon, plate or bottle they’re using to eat might contain something harmful. DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP, and BPA: what can this alphabet soup of chemicals have to do with feeding our families? These chemicals can be found in plastic baby bottles, bowls, plates, baby spoons, teething toys, and more and can seep into food and drink from routine use. These chemicals have been linked by researchers to a slew of health concerns ranging from asthma to cancer.
A few years ago it was hard to find cute, durable, and safe items, but the good news is that recently many companies have released new product lines using stainless steel, glass, silicone, ceramics, bamboo, and even bpa-free plastics.
More information on what to avoid in bottles and dishware
TAKE ACTION
- Start by checking to see what your dishes, bottles and sippy cups are made of. If it is a few years old, labeled with #7 recycling code, and is made from hard, clear plastic it probably contains BPA, and you want to get rid of it.
- Eliminate melamine (those cute patterned divided hard plastic) dishware.
- When buying new, look for stainless steel, glass or silicone for maximum safety and ease of use. (These can withstand heat and are dishwasher safe).
- Another lightweight, durable, non-plastic option is to buy tableware made from bamboo or wood.
- If you buy plastic children’s sippy cups or bottles, look for ones specifically labeled BPA and phthalate free. (A safer plastic choice is Polypropylene #5)
- Avoid microwaving or dishwashing anything plastic (or melamine) as the heat causes them to release more chemicals.
At MightyNest we have gathered sippy cups, baby bottles, children’s plates, and utensils that are both safe and attractive. We have found alternatives to plastic where possible.
More information on what to avoid in bottles and dishware
Click here to shop for safe baby bottles and sippy cups!
Click here to shop for safe food containers!
