Alternatives to BPA Plastic Sippy Cups
Avoid Bisphenol-A -- Choose Glass, Stainless Steel and Silver
Sep 5, 2008
The plastic additive Bisphenol A or BPA has been suspected of being hazardous to humans since the 1930s. On September 4, 2008, the Washington Post reported that researchers at the Yale School of Medicine had linked the chemical to problems in brain function and mood disorders in monkeys. Whether the compound likewise causes problems and disorders in humans is still being debated.
But why would a parent want to wait and debate? BPA is found in almost everything excited moms and dads put on their baby registry: shatterproof baby bottles, sippy cups, hard plastic flatware and utensils. Seasoned parents have been using these products for years and so have their kids - which presents a real unknown: how terrible (or not) are BPA’s long-term health effects?
Safe Alternatives to BPA Plastics
- Stainless steel
The Swiss company Sigg has a line of adorably cute, kid-sized thermos bottles made of stainless steel. The family could choose a theme like panda bears or space aliens and each have their own.
- Glass
Thick glass jelly jars are easily found at thrift stores. Although glass is of course breakable, kids can easily get the hang of drinking from a glass with two hands. According to the Montessori education method it’s best for kids to learn to use delicate objects like glass cups because it teaches them the values of being patient and careful in the mastery of a skill.
- Enamelware
Baked enamelware comes in a variety of colors, the most familiar of them is a pretty, speckled blue. A few plates and cups added as décor (along with the set for the kids) will give the kitchen a cozy old-timey, Western vibe. MacKenzie-Childs has a great collection of enamelware sets for kids, including a “carrots and peas” patterned dish, cup, and bowl.
Silver Cups for Children
Some families are lucky enough to have fine, monogrammed silver baby cups and bowls handed down generation to generation. If there is no silver spoon in your pantry however, they can be found easily on EBay. Choose a favorite pattern and start a time-honored family tradition!
Many large retailers like Wal-Mart and Target are not waiting for the FDA to put forth an opinion on Bisphenol-A. They’re making plans to remove products made with BPA from their shelves, but parents can take a stand now – for their family’s health. There are great alternatives to BPA plastics including enamelware and silverplate – materials that have been used safely for centuries for children’s cups and flatware.
