MightyNest.com

Aug

25

SafeMama Review: Munchie Mug

Filed Under Product Reviews, Product Safety | Comments Off

I’ve been on the hunt for a BPA free snack cup for awhile now.  Having two dogs, and a child that likes to dump stuff on the floor, isn’t really conducive to having an open bowl, and I’ve been hard pressed to find something for my son, that isn’t polycarbonate.

When I found the Munchie Mug over at Nature Mom’s Blog, I was pretty stoked.  I was pretty sick and tired of being the resident bowl holder around these parts.  And I tend to baby my son, which just furthers his dependence on me.  This is not really a good thing, as much as I want him to stay my baby forever.

One of the things I like about this mug is the size.  It’s an ample sized cup with a lid that’s toddler proof.  Heck, it’s almost Mama proof too.  Thankfully, they stuck instructions in with the cup, or else I wouldn’t have been able to get it opened.  It also comes with a separate lid, so that if you’re out and about, you can not only fill it with enough to last you, you can keep things fresh.   The snack lid is a neoprene cover that is stretched with an opening to allow for hands to get in and out.   My son is a gross motor skill baby, so he has  weaker fine motor skills because of this.  He had a little bit of a hard time pushing his hand through and then hanging onto the food once he was trying to pull it out.  Once I showed him a few times, he was able to pick grasp the concept, but I think it may take him a little while to really be strong enough in his hand coordination, to use this mug.  It shouldn’t be a problem for most kids if you practice with them.  I really love this mug, because it keeps the crumbs at bay and even thwarts my dogs from thievery.

The Munchie Mug is made from Polypropylene plastic (#5), from plastics that are sourced in America.  The cup itself is also made in the USA.   The entire cup is dishwasher (top rack only) safe, although we recommend hand washing to extend the life.  The cup is appropriate for ages 10 months and up.

Get It: You can order the Munchie Mug direct online.   The cup retails for $12.95

May

30

Gerber Packaging BPA Free

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, Product Safety | Comments Off

As we’ve established already, we have gotten mixed information regarding the plastic used in the Gerber baby food packs. But in general, all of the info we’ve received has still maintained that Gerber baby food packs are BPA Free. The tumultuous nature of this issue, coupled with the fact that the plastic numbers change each time someone calls Gerber has still made parents uneasy and waiting to know what the rest of their items are packaged in.

The last time I phoned Gerber, which was call #47 in the last 2 months, the woman I spoke to assured me that all of Gerber’s food packaging was BPA Free. They aren’t all polystyrene free though which makes me want to throw things. Anyway, after being asked a number of times about a few other popular Gerber items I thought I’d call them again to see what a few other items were packaged in.

graduates_veggie_puffs_sweet_cornOne item is the Gerber Finger Foods, specifically the Fruit and Veggie Puffs. Apparently they have a #7 on the package and Gerber informed me that it was made with a “layered polypropylene” (#5) and the lid was LDPE (low density polyethylene or #4). Now, every time Gerber tells me its layered polypropylene I wonder why it warrants a #7 categorization if its all polypropylene. But I suppose the fact that there is more than one type of PP being used they are required to put it in the mixed #7 class.

Next up was the Gerber Graduates lil’ meals. They told me the container is also layered polypropylene graduates_tub_meals_mac_cheese(#5) with a LDPE lid (#4), and the label is polystyrene (#6… ew). The label doesn’t touch the food apparently but it’s worth mentioning.

Finally, I inquired about the Gerber juices, particularly the packs of small juices, which are marked with a #7 as well. Gerber says they are also, “layered polypropylene” (#5).

juice_garden_blend_caseGerber maintains that their food packaging is all BPA Free but I encourage parents to call and check fro themselves if you have doubts about any kind of packaging they provide. Gerber has an awesome hotline that is open 24/7 and I have never waited more than a minute or two for a representative to pick up.

Gerber Hotline: 1-800-4-GERBER

May

23

FAQ: Are Bottle Sterilizers and Warmers Safe?

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, Dear SafeMama, FAQ | Comments Off

We’ve been asked a bazillion times whether bottle sterilizers and bottle warmers are safe, and the questions surrounding them are usually layered. Do they contain BPA? If so can using them on my BPA Free bottles do any harm?

Not many, but some bottle sterilizers and warmers do contain polycarbonate plastic. Our friends at Z Recommends recently published an article about bottle sterilizers and added them to their extensive BPA Report. Please read their post about bottle sterilization and for a short list of BPA Free sterilizers. Note that many sterilizers come packaged with polycarbonate bottles.

Bottle warmers fall into the same category and while they are handy (I’ve heard) we don’t recommend them on the Heat and Plastic don’t mix level. But since moms want to know what everything is made of these days, Safe Mama Resident Researcher Jamie (We love her!) got on it and came up with a short list of popular Bottle Warmers and their materials:

Munchkin Deluxe Auto Bottle Warmer: Polypropylene (#5) and other materials but does not contain polycarbonate (Note: These were recently recalled due to fire hazard)
The First Years Night and Day Bottle Warmer by Learning Curve: Polypropylene (#5) except buttons are polycarbonate
Phillips Avent Express Bottle & Baby Food Warmer: Polypropylene (#5)
Phillips Avent iQ Electric Bottle & Baby Food Warmer: Polypropylene (#5)

Things to keep in mind, as a general rule, us SafeMama’s don’t recommend using bottle sterilizers or bottle warmers in general. Heat and plastic are not our favorite combination and while they are conveniences, a little soap and water, or heating a fresh bottle in a glass container will do the trick without cooking your bottles.

Again, these are just recommendations and you, as parents, can judge whether you want to use these products.

May

9

Dr. Brown’s matching bottles.

Filed Under FAQ, Product Safety, Safe Mama Tips | Comments Off

Last week a Safe Mama reader emailed us to let us know that the company that manufacturers Dr. Brown’s bottles, Handi-Craft, is matching up to 3 bottles per household. All you have to do is send in your UPC codes to the company and they’ll send you back new polypropylene bottles. I spoke with a representative to confirm this, and it is indeed true. However, they’re only sending out polypropylene (a safe plastic) bottles back, even if you purchase glass, just because they don’t have enough glass bottles to currently meet the demand for this particular program. Still, it’s nice to know that they’re helping consumers to replenish their bottle collection with a BPA free alternative. While they still maintain BPA’s safeness and they still are continuing to make polycarbonate bottles, they understand their customers’ concerns. If you’re looking for the newer polypropylene bottles in the stores, they’re pretty easy to find. They’re an opaque plastic with blue ink and there should be a big BPA free sticker on the package.

Now, onto the good stuff. To get your free bottles, simply mail your UPC codes (up to 3) to:

Handi-Craft Company
4433 Fyler Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63116

Your receipt is not necessary.

Thanks to the Safe Mama reader who tipped us off about this great program!

UPDATE 8/1/08: Another SafeMama reader to the rescue!  Someone tipped us off that this promotion ended on 6/30/08.  They’re no longer honoring the matching program.  Thanks SafeMama reader.

May

7

FAQ: What’s In My Toddler’s Toothbrush?

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, Dear SafeMama, FAQ, Skin Care | 4 Comments

toothbrush

As the mother of a 2 year old who does occasionally chew on his toothbrush, I wondered of its safety.   Apparently, I’m not alone in this and I’ve gotten a dozen emails from parents asking this very question. Do toothbrushes have Bisphenol-A in them? Are they safe?

SafeMama Jaime, our resident researcher, took on the challenge of finding out what some those little toothbrushes are made of. In the interest of efficiency she contacted a couple of the most popular child toothbrush carriers Oral-B and Learning Curve. Here are the results:

Oral-B carries a bevy of children’s toothbrushes, and we were pleased to find that ALL children’s toothbrushes are made with polypropylene (#5) plastic. The heads and bristles are made with Dupont Nylon Tynex, thermaplastic elastomer, brass staple wires, pigments, and some have the heat transfers.

Learning Curve reported in:

American Red Cross Toddler Toothbrush 2 Pack: Polypropylene #5 (outer) TPA Krayton (inner) and have nylon bristles

Infant to Toddler Oral Care Kit: Polypropylene #5 with nylon bristles;
Infant Finger Brush: Silicone

Alicia from The Soft Landing has already determined that the Sassy Teach Me Toothbrush Set and the Raz-A-Dazzle Silicone Toothbrush is Non-Toxic/BPA Free as well.

This is just a few popular ones, that thankfully are BPA free.

Updated May 7, 2008:

Gerber Grins & Giggles: Polycarbonate plastic toothbrush head and Nylon bristles. We therefore have to assume this toothbrush is not BPA Free.

Updated June 27, 2008:

Baby Buddy:  Baby’s 1st Toothbrush is made of 100% Food Grade Silicone and does not have BPA, Lead, Pthalate or PVC.  Available on OneStepAhead.com.

We have feelers out on a few other brands so we’ll re-post as we get that information.

Apr

30

FAQ: BPA in High Chair Trays

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, FAQ | 10 Comments

high chairDear Safe Mama, What about my child’s high chair trays? He eats off of it… does it have BPA? Phthalates? The plague? Help!

We’ve been asked a few times what materials high chairs are made of. The focus of all the BPA attention in the news and online has been on bottles and formula. Now that parents are becoming more aware of it they want to know more. Just where does it lurk? High chair trays were a smart place to wonder about since many people serve food off them to their kids, sans plates. I know I did. Why wash two things when you can wash one. But now people are wondering if serving food off them is the best idea in light of BPA. If trays were made of BPA laden polycarbonate plastic, the levels would be low and probably not have the same “danger” associated as bottles. But parents don’t care about “safe levels” anymore and just don’t want it in their products. Period.

Rest easy worried parents. So far it’s looking as though the material of choice for high chair trays is polypropylene (#5 on the recycling scale) and is BPA Free. Resident researcher Safe Mama Jaime did some legwork and called a few high chair companies. Here are the results:

Chicco: Trays are Polypropylene
Graco: All trays polypropylene except the wooden chair uses ABS plastic for the tray
Evenflo: Majestic Tray liners are polypropylene

Of course this isn’t every high chair known to man, but it’s a good indication that trays are mainly BPA Free. However, I have heard from friends that their trays are marked with a #7 on the recycling scale. Flip your tray over and check. If this is the case for you, please call the manufacturer and ask them to tell you what material it’s made of. If you find out please visit us and let us know your findings, either here in the comments or via email and we’ll add to this list.

Mar

22

BPA Free Ice Pop Molds at Crate & Barrel

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, Product Safety | 3 Comments

Summer is going to be here before we know it and for those of us in the south, nice weather and even some heat has reared it’s head. Warm weather means ice pops. This isn’t high on the reduce, reuse, recycle list but… I need some ice pop molds and I just can’t bring myself to buy the mystery plastic molds at the dollar store (so many recalls come out of these stores) and I’ve yet to find any really decent store bought ice pops that don’t have extra sugar and food coloring. I spotted these on the Crate & Barrel website while perusing for something to use a gift card on. These star shaped ice pop molds are made of polypropylene, a BPA Free plastic, and make 6 3oz ice pops. Totally cute… and on sale for $12.95.

Get them here: Crate & Barrel (Sadly they no loner carry these!)

Feb

21

Dr. Browns Adds PolyPropylene Option in Spring 2008

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, Product Safety | 7 Comments

I was tipped off by a reader (thanks Annilee!) about new developments from Handi-Craft, the makers of Dr. Brown’s bottles. I confirmed with the company too and then later noticed it posted on their website.

Before catching wind of this BPA business, I used Dr. Browns polycarbonate bottles for months. I wish I would have known and had the option to choose a Polypropylene alternative then. Mom’s will be able to choose polypropylene bottles (a BPA free plastic) over the polycarbonate bottles this spring. Yay! Below is an excerpt from an email sent to us by a Handi Craft rep:

Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow is extending its baby bottle product offerings to include bottles made of three different materials – glass, polycarbonate plastic, and polypropylene plastic. All three bottle types will maintain the unique internal vent system that makes Dr. Brown’s bottles popular with parents and babies. Polycarbonate bottles are available now, glass bottles are available in January, and polypropylene will be available in the spring of 2008. …

Glass and polypropylene plastic bottles will join our polycarbonate bottles, and all three types will be sold at retail.

Jan

21

Baby Cubes: BPA Free & Phthalate Free Food Storage for Baby

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, Product Reviews | 2 Comments

Many of us try our best to reduce the amount of unneeded plastic in our homes. But sometimes you just have to use it and in that case you want plastic that is free of Bisphenol-a (BPA), phthalates and any other potentially yucky things that can leech into your child’s food. A Safe Mama reader emailed to ask about a product she found on One Step Ahead called Baby Cubes. Baby Cubes properly store and freeze fresh home made Baby purees in handy containers. They come in sets of 8 and sit neatly on a organizing storage try that are stackable, to save room in the freezer. Our lovely reader wanted to know if Baby Cubes were safe and non-toxic. I did a little searching and found the company website. According to the company, Petite Creations, Baby Cubes are free of phthalates and Bisphenol-a and is made of safe polypropylene plastic:

The Baby Cubes are made of a non toxic Polypropylene Virgin raw material We do not even accept Recycled Polypropylene in the fabrication of The Baby Cubes It must be of a Virgin Raw Polypropylene so that we can be certain of the highest quality.

Petite Creations say they are microwave and dishwasher safe. I think it’s probably smart to avoid microwaving anything in any type of plastic to eliminate any possible problems, but for storing and freezing these look like a nice solution. Baby Cubes are available at One Step Ahead for $6.95 if you buy two.

Nov

22

BPA Free Bottle and Sippy Cup Cheat Sheet

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, PVC Free, Phthalates Info, Product Safety | 65 Comments

This is a list of BPA Free (also PVC and Phthalate Free) bottles, BPA Free sippy cups and food/milk storage items that we’ve made into a quick reference for those looking for a short list to have on hand when shopping for items for yourself or someone elses kids. If a product you are using is NOT on this list, you should investigate that product with the manufacturer to determine whether or not it contains BPA. Please note: If a product is not on this list it means either it contains BPA or we aren’t aware of it’s BPA status. We are more than happy to add BPA Free products to this list as we find them (or you find them), shoot us an email and we’ll add it in. Thanks!

IMPORTANT: Please do not copy/paste this material on other websites without prior written consent. This page is constantly being updated so republishing it could mean you are distributing inaccurate information.  Copying and/or republishing this list or any written material from this website is also a violation of our Terms and Conditions.

Updated: March 31, 2010

BPA Free Bottle Products

  • Adiri Natural Nursers
  • Avent: “Via” Feeding System, Tempo Liners, Avent PES Bottles ***see note
  • BornFree: All bottles and cups BPA free *see note
  • Babisil Silbottles
  • Coddletime Glass Bottles
  • Dr Brown’s: Glass Bottles, Dr. Browns Polypropylene Bottles (all vent system pieces BPA Free – made with polypropylene – and fit all models)
  • EvenFlo: Classic™ Glass Bottles, Classic™ Light Tint Polypropylene bottles, Classic™ Clear Polypropylene Bottles, Purely Comfi™ Bottles
  • First Year’s BreastFlow and Soothie Starter Sets (marked BPA Free)
  • Green to Grow Bottles **see note
  • Gerber: Gerber Clear View, Fashion Tints (“Plastic Pastels”), Gerber GentleFlow
  • Innobaby Nursin’ Silicone Bottles, Natural Nurser, Training Bottles, Spoon Feeders
  • Lansinoh® Bottles (all)
  • Safety Plus PES Bottles
  • Sassy: MAM bottles (UltiVent), Baby Food Nurser Kit
  • Siliskin Glass Bottles
  • ThinkBaby Bottles
  • Momo Glass Bottles
  • Medela: All bottles
  • Milk Bank Bottles and Vacuum Storage Systems
  • Munchkin: Dora the Explorer Classic Bottles, Mighty Grip Glass Bottles
  • Nuby: Standard Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, Standard Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, 3-Stage Wide Neck Easy Grip Feeding System with Non-Drip Nipple, Natural Touch SoftFlex InfaFeeder (silicone) (keep up to date on Nuby products here)
  • NUK: Nuk Orthodontic Bottles
  • Nuture Pure Glass bottles
  • OrganicKidz Stainless Steel Bottles
  • Parent’s Choice Bottles (available at Walmart) – box is marked BPA Free
  • Playtex: Original Nurser, Playtex Drop in liners, Ventaire Advanced Bottles (marked BPA Free)
  • Wee·go Glass Bottles
  • ZoLi Wideneck Bottles

BPA Free Sippy Cups / Water Bottles

  • Avent: Magic Cups, Magic Cup Sportster, Super Sport Cups
  • BornFree Sippy/drinking cups, Stainless Steel water bottles
  • Camelbak Kids Water Bottles
  • Crocodile Creek Stainless Steel Water Bottles
  • Dr. Brown’s BPA Free Training Cup
  • Playtex: Coolster Tumbler, Insulator, Sipster, Create My Own, Quick Straw, Insulator Sport, Sip and Discover, First Sipster
  • Gerber: Sip & Smile Spill-proof Cup, Easy Grip Insulated Soft Straw Cup, Insulated Cool Cup, Gerber® Fun Grips® Cup, Gerber® Fun Grips® Color Change Cup, Grins & Giggles Spill-proof Cup, Gerber® Sip & Smile™ Cup
  • Evenflo: Fun Sip Insulated Spill-proof Cup, Fun Sip Insulated Straw Cup, Evenflo Zoo Friend Sippy Cups
  • Klean Kanteen: All bottles
  • Kinderville Silicone Cups
  • Thermos Foogo Sippy Cups, FUNtainer Straw Bottles, BPA Free Tritan Sippy
  • Tilty Sippy Cups
  • Kid Basix The Safe Sippy
  • Boon Sippy
  • GrowPure Multi-Stage Feeder and Sippy Cup
  • Green Sprouts Trainer Bottles, Sippy Cups (regular and non-spill)
  • iPlay Aqua Bottle
  • ThinkBaby Training Cup, ThinkSport Stainless Bottle (cute!)
  • Munchkin: Cupsicle, Cupsicle Straw Cup, Big Kid Sippy Cup, Mighty Grip Flip Straw Cup, Mighty Grip Trainer Cup, licensed character Sports Bottles, Re-usable Straw Cups, Re-usable Spill-proof Cups
  • Nuby: No-Spill Sports Sipper, Insulated Soft Silicone Spout Cup, Soft Spout Easy Grip Cup, Gripper Cup with Soft Silicone Spout, 2-Handle Cup, Tinted Mega Sipper, 7oz Tumblers, Magic Cups Insulated Hologram Cup (straw and spout), Insulated Sipper Cups (with and without handles)
  • NUK: Nuk Learner Cup (Silicone & Latex), EZ Cup, Active Cup, Graduates Fun Grips Soft Starter Cup, Graduates Fun Grips Cup, Graduates Sip & Smile Soft Spout Cup, Graduates Sip & Smile Cup, Graduates Sip & Smile Insulated Cup, Graduates Cool Twisties Straw Cup
  • The First Years: Take & Toss, Spill-proof Cup, Insulated Cup, Licensed character sippy cups, Insulated Spill-proof Cup, 2 Handled Cups. Mealmates 10oz Soft Spout Cups
  • Nalgene Tritan 12oz Grip-n-Gulp Bottle
  • ZoLi Straw Sippy Cups

BPA Free Milk/Liquid/Powder Storage

  • Avent Via 8-oz. Nurser Kit
  • Avent Snack Cup / Formula Dispenser
  • Avent PES Breastmilk Storage sets
  • Mother’s Milkmate Storage bottles
  • Medela Milk Storage bottles and breastpump accessories
  • Playtex One-Step Breast Milk Storage Kit
  • Lansinoh® Breastmilk Storage Bags
  • Lansinoh® Breastmilk Storage Bottles
  • Gerber Breastmilk Storage Bags
  • Dr. Brown’s Breastmilk Storage Bags
  • The First Years Easy Pour Breastmilk Storage bags
  • Bailey Milk Storage Bags (Nurture lll pump tubing BPA Free as well)
  • Bailey Storage Bottles (as well as all parts of their “double collection kit”)
  • Sensible Lines Milk Trays
  • Snappies Containers (they also have food storage as well!)
  • Milk Bank Vacuum Storage Systems
  • MilkMate Storage Systems
  • NUK Store n Go Breaskmilk Storage Bottles, Seal n Go Storage Bags
  • ZoLi on-the-go Travel Formula & Snack Dispenser

BPA Free Baby Food / Food Storage

  • So Easy Fresh Baby Food Kit
  • Baby Cubes baby food storage system
  • Boon Snack Ball
  • Thermos Foodtainer
  • Innobaby Packin’ Smart Stack n’ Seal, Keepin’ Fresh (others may contain BPA)
  • BornFree Thermal Food Jar
  • Munchkin: Snack Catcher, Baby Food Grinder, Fresh Food Feeder, Powdered Formula Dispensers
  • The Snack Trap
  • BeaBa BabyCook
  • ZoLi on-the-go Travel Formula & Snack Dispenser

See our new Safer Dishware Cheat Sheet for more options as well as our BPA Free Baby Food & Storage Cheat Sheet!

BPA Free Breast Pumps

  • Ameda Breast Pumps and Accessories
  • Avent Isis, Avent Isis iQ (Uno, Duo)
  • Medela Breast Pumps
  • NUK Gentle Flow Manual Breast Pump

*If you are currently using Dr. Browns polycarbonate bottles and would like to switch, the Dr. brown’s venting system (the internal pieces) are BPA Free and are made of polypropylene plastic. Also, they FIT and work with BornFree bottles which could be a little bit of a money saver. We were also told by another SafeMama reader that the Avent nipples also fit with Born Free bottles as well as Gerber Gentle Flows.

** SafeMama reader Melissa wrote in to let me know that Dr Browns bottle nipples fit with Green to Grow bottles. As we know once a baby is comfy with something it’s sometimes a pain to change so it’s good to know we don’t have to change everything if we don’t have to. Alicia of The Soft Landing did a more exhaustive report on what nipples fit what bottles. Read about it on her blog here.

*** Please refer to Phillips Avent’s material Chart for information. Get it here. (PDF)

IMPORTANT: Please do not copy/paste this material on other websites without prior written consent. Copying and/or republishing this list or any written material from this website is a violation of our Terms and Conditions.

What is Bisphenol A?
Bisphenol A is a hormone-mimicking chemical used in polycarbonate plastics (PC or identified as #7 recycling code) and resins commonly used for items such as shatterproof baby bottles. Bisphenol has estrogenic properties which, in animal tests has shown to cause a bevy of health problems such as an increase in prostate and breast cancer, uro-genital abnormalities in male babies, a decline in semen quality in men, early onset of puberty in girls, metabolic disorders including insulin-resistant (Type 2) diabetes and obesity and neurobehavioral problems such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Research is showing that when plastic containers, mostly those used to hold liquids and foods, are leeching Bisphenol into the foods and liquids they are holding. Heating food and liquids with these plastics is shown to increase the leeching of this contaminate.

Many companies use this chemical in their packaging including cans, soda cans, and plastic food containers. There is a risk of absorbing this chemical through the use of containing foods and liquids but can also leech into our water systems through landfills.

Many leading experts and the FDA argue that the use of Bisphenol-a is safe to the human public but independent research HAS proven otherwise.

Excerpt from Wikipedia:

“Bisphenol A has been known to leach from the plastic lining of canned foods and, to a lesser degree, polycarbonate plastics that are cleaned with harsh detergents or used to contain acidic or high-temperature liquids.[16] Infants fed with liquid infant formula have among the highest exposures of anyone eating canned foods. Infants fed canned formula with polycarbonate bottles can consume quantities of Bisphenol A up to 13 µg/kg/day.”

Links and Resources:

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