Bottle Warmer vs Electric Tea Kettle

My experience with bottle warmers is they generally seem to be a waste of space, not to mention they don’t seem to work most of the time.  I suggest you skip the bottle warmer, and purchase an electric tea kettle.  An electric tea kettle allows you to put either tap or purified water in it, and when you are ready to  prepare baby’s bottle, (either by thawing breast milk, or preparing formula, hot water is ready in less than one minute!

While you’re at it, pour yourself a cup of tea! And now, you haven’t wasted your money and space on a strictly “for baby” item!

Electric tea kettles range from $20-$80.  Target has a wide, decently priced selection. www.target.com

Silikids for Siliskin!

As the controversy rages on over unsafe chemicals in plastics, more and more parents are going glass!  Unfortunately over the years the media has touted glass as cumbersome, outdated, and fragile.  Not the case anymore!  With parents clamoring for safe bottles, glass has another rush of clientele.  If you’re concerned about durability, then take a look at some new products that protect that cherished glass.

Going glass doesn’t have to be costly, but some companies out there think so!  While attractive and trendy, the Wee Go glass baby bottles (includes sleeve) are $18!

Alternatively, a new company has hit the scene debuting a new bottle cover, Siliskin by Silikids (www.silikids.com).  It’s like a big, thick silicone condom that protects your bottle when it goes places it shouldn’t and does things you don’t expect (4oz sleeve is $10, 8oz sleeve is $12).  Best of all, they fit evenflo glass bottles, which are roughly $2.50 a bottle!  You can buy the sleeve separately or with a glass bottle (4oz bottle & sleeve $10; 8oz bottle & sleeve $12).  All products BPA/chemical free.

Bottles, Babies, and BPA

Recently there has been a public uproar concerning BPA, which is a chemical found in many plastics, notably infant bottles.  High levels of BPA have been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, and uterine fibroids.  Additionally, there is speculation that the chemicals in some plastics and the rise in autism are correlated.

BPA infected bottles alone are not the only culprit.  Some types of Tupperware, water bottles, beverage bottles, the LINING of you infant formula can, and canned goods especially have the potential to carry BPA. Beyond switching baby bottles, another way to lower exposure to BPA is to avoid heating foods and liquids in plastic containers that contain the compound. The amount of BPA that leaches out, the NTP says, may depend more on the temperature of the liquid, food, or container itself than on the age of the plastic bottle or dish.

Here is the deal folks.  It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and transform every item in your home to environmentally/baby friendly.  Take things one step at a time and don’t beat yourself up about having BPA plastered thought your home.

TIP!  if you’re exhausted from hunting through the grocery store, decoding numbers on plastics, and inspecting each item relentlessly…go glass instead!  It’s that pure and simple.

In the meantime, here are some great websites which will help you become BPA free, and embrace the alternatives!

Supplier
http://www.newbornfree.com/

News
http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/070808/8bisphenola.htm

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/05/sippy-cup-showdown-safer-bpa-free-sippy.html

Things You Need and Things you Don’t!