Extracted from the USA FDA’s January 2010 update on BPA
BPA is an industrial chemical used to make a hard, clear plastic known as polycarbonate, which has been used in many consumer products, including reusable water bottles and baby bottles. BPA is also found in epoxy resins, which act as a protective lining on the inside of metal-based food and beverage cans. These uses of BPA are subject to pre market approval by FDA as indirect food additives or food contact substances. The original approvals were issued under FDA’s food additive regulations and date from the 1960s.
Studies employing standardised toxicity tests used globally for regulatory decision making thus far have supported the safety of current low levels of human exposure to BPA. However, results of recent studies using novel approaches and different endpoints describe BPA effects in laboratory animals at very low doses corresponding to some estimated human exposures. Many of these new studies evaluated developmental or behavioural effects that are not typically assessed in standardised tests.
The National Toxicology Program Centre for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, part of the National Institutes of Health, completed a review of BPA in September 2008. The National Toxicology Program uses five different terms to describe its level of concern about the different effects of chemicals: negligible concern, minimal concern, some concern, concern, and serious concern.
In its report on BPA, the National Toxicology Program expressed “some concern for effects on the brain, behaviour, and prostate gland in foetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to bisphenol A.” The Program also expressed “minimal concern for effects on the mammary gland and an earlier age for puberty for females in foetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to bisphenol A” and “negligible concern” for other outcomes.
When I first gave Miss 16-months a bottle of milk in the new Weil Baby Bottle, she held it in her hand and stared at it for a very long time.
I was concerned that given it was not her usual brand, she was refusing to make the switch.
While she held it, with her little fingers curled around the flared base, I thought it looked comfortable.
The shape fitted her hand and although it was the bigger 250ml sized bottle, she held it easily with one hand while she decided what to do next.
After obviously deeming the bottle worthy of further testing (maybe she was initially in awe of the sleek design), she put the teat to her lips. Five minutes later, the bottle was finished and we have a satisfied customer.
The Weil Baby Bottle gets the nod of approval from the end user, but what are my thoughts?
It’s a nice design. It looks good and I would be happy to pull this bottle from the bag in front of the playgroup ladies.
Functionally, it’s a great bottle. The lid fits tightly and there were no leaks.
Where this one differs to other bottles I’ve used, is that Weil Baby products are BPA and Toxin Free.
I love that this bottle is safe. The packaging is apparently biodegradable, which is nice to know.
Visit www.weilbaby.com for more information on this terrific product and the other items in this range, and keep an eye on future C2M competitions for your chance to win a pack of bottles for yourself.
I was delighted recently to test a “system” of baby bottles, new to the Australian market
The Weil Baby All-In-One Bottle Set. This is a great gift idea for the new mum as the set comes with both large and small bottles (4) as well as three teat flows, to suit newborns all the way up to 12+ months.
As an added bonus, two washing brushes are included, completing the set.
The key selling points are the BPA free quality of its bottles as well as its focus on the “greener” side of production – claiming a smaller carbon footprint in manufacturing, and recyclable packaging and product.
Above all however, the stylish and high tech look and feel of the bottles really makes this set stand out.
The slim line, clear, platinum hatted bottles stand out from the rest.
Pros: Nice clear markings for measurement, standard wide neck teats, and above all….stylish! Definitely one to take for a little mothers group envy.
Not so Pros: Slippery little suckers when wet (literally). Once wet, separating the lid components can be a bit of a challenge.
Overall, a stylish new entry to the bottle market, a great BPA free alternative.
“Baby monitor. Check. Power outlet plugs. Check. Kitchen cabinet locks, oven guard, door stoppers. Check, check, check.”
“Fun and stylish? Not so much.”
“And I don’t really expect it with these essential baby safety items – but it’s always a bonus to find a product that delivers both practicality of use and clever design.”
