Why We Won't Buy BPA-Free Baby Products

Parenting can be stressful. Add the notion of worrying about the effects of environmental toxins and we tip the scale even more. At the Helen R. Walton Children's Enrichment Center we want this to be as easy as possible. That's why we offer SPOT IT, to know what to look for. HEALTH CONCERN, why. OUR COMMITMENT, what we are doing differently. And SOLUTIONS AT HOME, for easy replacements.

BPA is a plasticizer that has been in use since 1957 in plastic bottles, cups and the lining of food and beverage cans, including those that hold infant formula. It's use was finally banned and now many products tout BPA-free labels. HOWEVER many BPA-free plastics contain other chemical plasticizers, which are added to make the containers more flexible. Unfortunately, many plasticizers are also endocrine disruptors similar to BPA, which means that they could cause many of the same health issues. While giving up plastics completely can seem daunting, there are wonderful and reasonably priced alternatives for nearly every plastic kid product on the market.

SPOT IT: Bisphenols are a group of chemicals used in the lining of most canned food and drinks, food processor bowls, and 'shatterphoof' plastic cups and pitchers. BPA is the most widely known chemical in this group. Companies have moved away from the use of BPA due to it's health concerns, but if a product claims that it's BPA free, it may still contain bisphenols.

HEALTH CONCERN: Bisphenols can harm hormone systems. It leaches from materials when heated, scratched, or exposed to acidic food. Even low levels of BPA can lead to prostate and breast cancer, reproductive problems, diabetes, and obesity.

OUR COMMITMENT: We use only fresh or frozen foods. We use child-sized stainless steel plates, bowls, cups and silverware. Sippy cups have silicone lids.

SOLUTIONS AT HOME: Consume more fresh foods and use less canned foods. Allow your child to use regular dishes. Try ceramic or stainless steel plates and glass or stainless steel cups when possible. Find solutions for home in our new shop!