Eliminate Your Baby's Exposure to BPA

BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is a negative chemical found mostly in plastics. BPA mimics estrogen, which can mess with the endocrine system. Over exposure can lead to early puberty, diabetes, and has been linked to certain cancers including breast cancer. You will want to avoid BPA products when caring for a baby or toddler. They are much smaller than full grown adults and can carry more BPA due to that.

First, you'll want to avoid using hard plastic bottles. When shopping for bottles, check labels with the letters PC. This means polycarbonate which you will want to NOT purchase. An easier way of identifying these products is a recycling triangle with the number 7 inside. Any other recycling number is acceptable and considered safe and BPA free.

If you do have polycarbonate products, avoid heating them up in the microwave or even adding boiling water to the plastic. Heat increases BPA leaching. Instead of using plastic to heat up food or water, use glass products. Also don't store any foods with high acid levels in these plastics. This also can cause BPA leaching.

One of the most common BPA containing products include water bottles. If you are reusing a bottle, check to make sure it isn't polycarbonate and if it is, get another type of plastic or a durable glass container. You wouldn't want to give your baby a drink of your water from the PC bottle.

Dispose of your polycarbonate sippy cups and bottles. Many manufacturers of baby products are now making sure it is PC free. These are often the hard shiny plastic bottles. Polyethylene is a great alternative to polycarbonate and can be identified again by the recycling codes. Though not all No. 7s contain BPA, avoiding that number is an assuring way to know for sure without calling the maker of the products.

You'll also want to avoid canned foods. Some of the baby jars and metals are lined with plastic containing BPA. Instead, get fresh vegetables and fruits and dry goods.

Another thing to watch out for when pregnant is your dental hygiene. Avoid getting any fillings while pregnant or are nursing your baby. You can get dental sealants instead of mercury containing fillings.