KristinasMama
How did she turn 2 so quickly?
Member since 10/07 8257 total posts
Name:
Blessed Mama of Kristina Elena
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Re: Are sippy cups BPA free?
I found this:
After we started doing research on the hazards of plastics, we learned that not all plastic sippy cups contain harmful plasticizers like BPA; while plastics numbered 3 (PVC), 6 (polystyrene) and 7 (often polycarbonate) should usually be avoided, others, like polypropylene and polyethylene (numbered 1, 2, 4 and 5 based on type and density) contain no known harmful chemicals in them. One company, Born Free, has even branched out into an uncommon new form of plastic, polyamide, which also has no known harmful components, and has made major waves in the baby bottle industry by offering a rare alternative to BPA-laced polycarbonate.
We began examining the many plastic bottles we already had, discarding those made of dangerous or unknown plastics and giving a fresh look to those we suddenly had a new way of looking at. Based on our experience and that information, and on a sample Born Free toddler cup which arrived in the mail yesterday, we feel confident recommending any of the following for parents looking for a cheap, durable alternative to polycarbonate drinkware.
BornFree Toddler Cups
Materials: Polyamide (PA) or polypropylene and thermoplastic elastomer or silicone (depending on model)
Design: Simple plastic sippy with soft, nipple-like sippy spout or hard plastic spout and removable handle ring.
Price: $10-$11
Dishwasher safe? Yes, top rack
Observations: We aren't sure what it is, but BornFree's sippy cup just looks nicer than other non-polycarbonate plastic sippy cups. Perhaps it's the unusual polyamide plastic, which is translucent rather than foggy, its soft but pleasant colors, or its ergonomic design. The cup leaked very slightly and the leak was contained in its removable cap, and it didn't dent or scratch noticeably when dropped. The spout is very soft and the vacuum design makes liquids come out slowly, which is ideal for toddlers just starting to use sippy cups. Born Free's other model has a hard spout. Our favorite plastic sippy cup.
Z's Take: Z handles the cup well but finds the flow to be a bit slow. She enjoys chewing on the nipple, which would soon destroy it; for older toddlers, make sure to get the "Drinking Cup" model.
Ratings: Ease of Use and Care: 10. Durability: 10. Eye Appeal: 7. Total points: 27/30.
Munchkin Cupsicle
Materials: Polypropylene, polyethylene, and silicone
Design: This 10 oz. insulated cup keeps liquids cold after it has been chilled in the freezer. Loud colors and patterns, bordering on neon.
Price: $8 for two
Dishwasher safe? Yes, top rack
Z's Take: This cup is from our private collection, and has served its owner well, but the flow rate is too slow at this point to satisfy her thirst.
Observations: On the large side of the sippy spectrum, this cup is basically indestructible, not only failing to dent or scratch when dropped, but actually bouncing about 50% of the distance back up off the ground. It does not leak when left on its side, but does when shaken upside down. Spout components come apart easily for cleaning.
Ratings: Ease of Use and Care: 10. Durability: 10. Eye Appeal: 2. Total points: 22/30.
Avent Magic Cup
Materials: Polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone
Design: A no-frills plastic sippy cup with a removable handle ring.
Price: $9 for two
Dishwasher safe? Yes
Observations: What can we say? It's ugly, it's cheap, and it gets the job done. The Magic Cup first failed our side-rest leak test with flying colors, but then we realized we had screwed on the lid incorrectly and managed to seal it tight but off its threading. It passed a retest but we are newly aware of its persnickitiness.
Z's Take: Old faithful.
Ratings: Ease of Use and Care: 7. Durability: 9. Eye Appeal: 2. Total points: 18/30.
What to do?
Update: Since this post was written, Z Recommends has published a report on BPA in bottles made by all major U.S. brands. If you are looking for additional information about safe baby bottles, read our research, and recommendations, here.
If you are uncertain of the types of plastic in your toddler's drinkware, check the bottom of the cup, which may classify the plastic according to a recycling code. 1, 2, 4, and 5 are OK, but 3 and 6 are not, and 7 usually is not, either. If the number is not specified, you can call the company to learn the type of plastic used or simply replace unaccounted-for plastics with known safe alternatives.
If you do and must use plastics numbered 3, 6 and 7, know that the following habits increase the likelihood of toxins migrating to the surface of your plastic and posing a risk to your child:
* Using scratched or worn plastic containers
* Heating food in plastic containers
* Placing hot food in plastic containers to cool
* Heating foods covered in plastic wrap
* Washing plastic containers in the dishwasher
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short and tall Nuby, playtex sippies and the ones with the straws.
