Parents want the absolute best for their kids, and of course, their children's safety is their number-one priority. The recent controversy over the chemical BPA (bisphenol A) found in many baby bottles and sippy cups has many parents concerned. The type of plastics containing BPA, polycarbonate plastics, are said to leach small amounts of this chemical into milk that may be harmful to babies. 

A Real Danger?
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of bisphenol A, and those studies have concluded that BPA causes a wide variety of health problems. Neurological issues, developmental issues and behavioral problems are just some of the possible effects of consuming BPA. Bisphenol A is known to be an endocrine disruptor, causing a wide variety of hormonal issues including early puberty, reproductive birth defects and various cancers. However, studies funded by chemical companies have shown that using bottles and cups made from polycarbonate causes minimal exposure to BPA, and that such low-dose exposure will not cause harm. 

With the evidence on BPA being quite contradictory, many parents are choosing to err on the side of caution, and trying to avoid BPA exposure. It can be tricky, as the chemical is found in a wide variety of food containers. In addition to bottles and sippy cups, BPA is also found in some canned foods, if polycarbonate plastics are used to line the insides of cans.

Here are some ways you can minimize this danger for your child.

• Breast is best. By nursing your baby, you avoid having to use bottles at all. Of course you may need to use a bottle occasionally if your baby is left with another caregiver, but breastfeeding the majority of the time greatly reduces your baby's exposure to this potentially hazardous chemical.
• Avoid buying polycarbonate plastics. Check bottles and sippy cups carefully before buying. Avoid plastics with the recycling number 7, as these are usually polycarbonate. You can also identify polycarbonate plastics by looking for a small "pc" near the recycling triangle. BPA free bottles are available, or you can use glass bottles and avoid plastics entirely.
• Limit your consumption of canned foods. Many commonly canned food items are also available in glass jars or bottles. While it does require more effort, you can further reduce your use of canned food by purchasing fresh vegetables and dried beans and cooking your own meals. Cooking extra and freezing some for later can make it more convenient to cook from scratch.
• Proceed with caution. If you must use polycarbonates, avoid high heat in the form of dishwashers, sterilization and microwaves. In fact, it is often recommended that plastics never be used in the microwave, just to be safe.

While it can be intimidating to sift through all the information out there regarding BPA, with a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce any potential danger, and keep your child happy and healthy.