Are Teethers With BPA Safe?

For many parents with a crying, miserable baby; plastic teething rings provide a welcome and safe source of relief. According to the Food and Drug Administration, Bisphenol A is a chemical that has been used to create a variety of hard plastic items, including teething rings, since the 1960s. You might have heard of the dangers associated with BPA, but you may not be sure what they are or how to keep your baby safe.

  1. What Is BPA?

    • Bisphenol A, or BPA, was a popular product used in the manufacturing of hard plastics called polycarbonates. From metal food cans to recyclable plastic water bottles and soda cans, you have probably drunk or eaten from containers constructed using BPA. According to the National Institutes of Health, infants and children are more vulnerable to the negative effects of BPA, which can include potential cancers risks. Over time and if exposed to heat, BPA can leach from the plastic bottle into the infant̵7;s formula or food.

    How to Spot BPA

    • The most effective way to protect your infant from a plastic teething ring containing BPA is to read the label. Look for the words ̶0;BPA free.̶1; If they̵7;re not present, examine the teething ring itself. Plastics containing BPA are marked with a number ̶0;7̶1; inside a triangle. However, if you see this mark, it could mean a variety of other non-BPA plastics were used in constructing the teether. If you see the number ̶0;7̶1; and the label reads ̶0;BPA free,̶1; the teether doesn̵7;t contain the polycarbonate. Teething rings manufactured before 2010 might contain BPA. Err on the side of caution and purchase new teethers that are labeled ̶0;BPA free̶1; instead of pulling your older child̵7;s used rings out of storage.

    Choosing a Teething Ring

    • Aside from choosing a teether labeled ̶0;BPA free,̶1; there are other factors to consider when purchasing a teething ring or pacifier for your infant. WebMD recommends purchasing teethers labeled ̶0;latex-free,̶1; or those manufactured from silicon. Read the label and choose a product intended for your baby̵7;s weight or age. A WebMD contributor, pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, recommends that parents choose a pacifier that features a shield that̵7;s at least 1 1/2 inches wide, as this prevents choking. Because teethers are intended for use in your baby̵7;s mouth, it̵7;s important to keep them as germ-free as possible. Wash your baby̵7;s teether daily with hot soapy water, or place it in the dishwasher.

    Alternatives

    • If you̵7;re concerned about BPA or exposing your infant to potentially dangerous chemicals, there are several soothing alternatives to plastic teethers. For example, if your baby is screaming and suffering from sore, swollen gums; hand her a cool, damp cotton washcloth to chew on. WebMD also recommends that parents provide their baby with a cool, soothing treat, such as chilled baby food or frozen breast milk. Pay attention to avoid giving your baby anything cold that̵7;s a potential choking hazard, such as a Popsicle.

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