Back To Glass

An increasing number of mothers are going back to traditional glass baby bottles, with news of dangerous chemicals in the plastic ones being circulated.

People nowadays are exposed a lot to Bisphenol A, (BPA), a synthetic chemical used in polycarbonate plastic. This kind of plastic is generally what baby bottles and other food containers are made of. Is it really dangerous?

The Food and Drug Administration has passed the material for food use. But scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have tested BPA on animals and the chemical affects the reproductive system like a hormone. They say that additional research is required to confirm whether its use is safe or not.

Pediatricians are suggesting the use of other kinds of bottles as a precautionary measure. One such doctor, Dr. Alan Greene, says no dependence can be placed on BPA bottles, and since alternatives are available, it is better to opt for bottles without BPA, such as glass one.

Makers of baby bottles are answering parents’ need for safety with innovative designs. Babylife and Silikids make glass bottles protected and insulated by a silicone sleeve. Babies “R” Us found sales of glass bottles rising rapidly in 2007 and, compared to last year, five times the number are being sold. Dr. Brown’s started making a glass alternative to their polycarbonate bottles in January because of customer demand, said their President, Carolyn Hentschell. Evenflo, a glass bottle manufacturer of seventy years’ standing, says that sales have increased by 10% this year itself, even after doubling 2006’s figures in 2007. Some companies are avoiding the manufacture of BPA bottles, while some offer both options. BornFree began production recently with BPA-free bottles and cups, and now makes glass bottles, too.

Glass has its disadvantages, of course. It’s breakable, more expensive than plastic, and older babies should not be allowed to use it unsupervised.
Glass bottles are cleaned in a dishwasher or sterilizer, and care should be taken to see that there are no cracks.

Articles published here are the property of the site only. Copying and publishing contents from this site is strictly prohibited.