Are plastic bottles safe for babies?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Dr. Nguyen Thai Ngoc Chau - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.
Currently, the baby bottle market is extremely diverse with many types of bottles, including plastic bottles, glass bottles, silicone bottles..., but most users prefer to use plastic bottles. . So, are plastic bottles safe for babies?

1. Is it safe to use plastic bottles for babies?

Most plastic products contain BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has been used in polycarbonate plastic products and products made from epoxy resins for decades to harden the plastic, prevent bacteria from entering food, and prevent rust. Although there is little scientific data on the health effects of BPA, results from animal studies suggest it is unsafe.
Using plastic bottles containing BPA is not safe for babies. That's why in 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned BPA in the manufacturing process of baby bottles and sippy cups. BPA has also appeared in baby formula packaging, but in 2013, the FDA decided to ban the use of BPA in formula packaging, now manufacturers have stopped using it.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that human exposure to BPA has decreased significantly in recent years, but health experts say BPA needs to be eliminated from the US. Consumer products such as food containers, plastic tableware, and food packaging are still manufactured with BPA.

2. Harmful effects of BPA in plastic milk bottles

Animal studies suggest that BPA can affect hormones that control brain development, the reproductive system, and the immune system. Experiments in mice have shown that BPA exposure is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, decreased sperm count, and decreased fertility. BPA exposure has also been linked to obesity, diabetes, and early puberty.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Environmental Protection Agency brought together experts to review 700 published studies on BPA. They found that BPA levels in humans were higher than those that caused side effects in animal studies.

3. How to prevent BPA exposure for children?

To avoid the effects of BPA, it is best to avoid unnecessary direct contact with these chemicals and to choose suitable alternatives.
If you are concerned about your baby's exposure to BPA in plastic bottles and other chemicals, you can choose from the following solutions:
Breastfeed your baby if possible: This will help your baby avoid chemicals in milk bottles. If you are unable to breastfeed, follow the instructions below to choose a bottle. If you're bottle-feeding your baby, avoid plastic bottles and choose ones made of glass. If you choose to use plastic bottles, avoid plastic baby bottles with recycling codes 3, 6 and 7. For safe cleaning, use a non-abrasive sponge or bottle brush, scrub with water. warm, soapy and rinse well. To warm a plastic feeding bottle, place the bottle in a bowl of warm water or run it under warm running water. Throw away baby bottles and sippy cups that are cloudy or scratched or cracked. Worn bottles can release chemicals more easily. To save time making milk, warm baby bottles and still make sure they don't contain PBA, moms can refer to using smart water heaters on the market, for example, the Moaz BéBé smart water kettle. MB - 002 . Besides some outstanding features such as boiling water quickly after 4 minutes, automatic dechlorination in 2 minutes, keeping the desired temperature for 24 hours; The water bottle is designed in the form of a high-quality, safe, PBA-free Borosilicate glass bottle, safe for children.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to BPA and other household chemicals:
Avoid using plastic containers and food packaging. Do not put plastic dishes or food containers in the microwave or dishwasher, and do not wash them with strong detergents. Highly corrosive cleaners and heat can damage the plastic, causing more chemicals to be released. Use paper towels or porcelain plates instead of plastic wrap to heat in the microwave. When buying plastic containers and food packaging such as food wrap, check the bottom of the box and avoid items with the following recycling codes: 3 (may contain phthalates), 6 (may contain toxic styrene) and 7 ( may contain BPA) unless labeled as "biobased" or "greenware". Consume foods from a variety of sources so you don't depend on canned goods. (Most canned goods have BPA-containing liners.)

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Reference source: babycenter.com