How to Buy BPA-Free Sippy Cups

Bisphenol A is a chemical plasticizer that has been used in the manufacture of plastic bottles, cups, and the inner linings of food and beverage cans since the 1950s. Following studies suggesting BPA could have many negative effects on consumers' health, the level of public concern over BPA grew. Scientists warned that BPA could contribute to obesity and neurological and immune disorders and may increase the risk of several forms of cancer. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and children's drinking cups. The good news is this means very few -- if any --sippy cups in the United States will contain BPA.

Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the bottom of the sippy cup. Look for a certification that it is BPA-free, advises Heidi Murkoff, author of the bestselling pregnancy book "What to Expect When You're Expecting." Avoid cups with the recycling number seven and the letters "PC" on them, as these contain BPA.

    • 2

      Educate yourself on the use of other chemical plasticizers (phthalates) in the manufacture of sippy cups. Some phthalates may be even more harmful to children than BPA. A 2011 study titled "Most Plastic Products Release Estrogenic Chemicals: A Potential Health Problem That Can Be Solved" published in the journal "Environmental Health Perspectives" found that almost all of the 500 plastic products tested (including those labelled BPA-free) seep harmful chemicals. Consider buying a glass or stainless steel sippy cup instead of a plastic one.

    • 3

      Look online for the safest sippy cups. Read reviews from other parents to determine each model's level of quality and value for the money. Choose a sippy cup that comes recommended by other health-conscious parents and comes with a guarantee that no BPA, phthalates or PVC were used in its manufacture.

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