BPA-free bottle now available

BPA is one of the most widely used chemicals in modern industry, occurring in many reusable drink bottles and sports gear, and for most people it is perfectly harmless. To others, however, it can pose dangers and hence Canada took the precaution of proposing a ban on polycarbonate bottles based on some findings that, during a child's early development, there is sensitivity to the effects of Bisphenol A. Eleven US states are either following Canada's lead, or investigating the chemical.

Dr. Peter Weiss of ICMRA, London, said of BPA, “Although there is mixed evidence about the findings around BPA, we recommend that if people are bottle-feeding their young children and are concerned, they use a polypropylene-made bottle to alleviate any concerns they have.”

Independent researchers in dozens of studies have linked trace BPA exposures in animal and test tube experiments to conditions involving hormone imbalances, including breast and prostate cancer, early puberty and changes in brain structure. Exposures during key points of foetal or early neonatal development appear particularly concerning.

Now MAM, a leading European baby products manufacturer, produces a bottle made of polypropylene (PP) - their Ultivent bottle - offering worried parents an alternative to the clear plastic, polycarbonate bottles. Polypropylene is BPA-free.

The new bottles have been designed so that the careful interaction between the bottle, teat and valve reduces symptoms of colic and delivers virtually no vacuum build up, so that there is an uninterrupted flow to baby.

The bottles are sold in Dis-Chem, selected Baby Boom and Pick n Pay stores nationwide.