With that said, the news is reporting that containers identified as "MICROWAVE SAFE" may allow or increase the chance of BPA leeching into the food when the container is put in the microwave. (read full article)  As I noted in an earlier post, heat has been identified as a source of causing BPA to leech into food.

As we discussed earlier, the Environmental Working Group identified the packaging of powdered formula as having the lowest BPA content and the ready to use formula package with the most.   So, seriously consider powdered formula and do not heat it in the microwave in a bottle.

]]> http://saveonbabyformula.com/microwave-safe-and-bpa/feed/ 0 http://saveonbabyformula.com/the-right-baby-formula/ http://saveonbabyformula.com/the-right-baby-formula/#comments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:11:20 +0000 Brent http://saveonbabyformula.com/?p=157 Picking the Right Baby Formula Packaging

If you thought I was going to tell you to pick Enfamil over Similac, sorry about that.   Choosing the right brand and formulation depends on your baby and his or her unique needs.  If your baby is having issues, or you have concerns you should consult your pediatrician.  Otherwise, you can probably choose from one of the standard formula.

Whatever the formula you chose, you might want to consider its packaging.  According the folks at Environmental Working Group (ewg.org/babysafe)  powdered formula cans have the least BPA of any other packages.  According to the group, the ready to feed has the highest levels of BPA in the packaging.  They strongly recommend going with powdered formula.

Here is a great video from the group:

We understand that the economy is not good, times are tough, and that you need to find ways to save money.  With the high cost of baby formula, many parents look for ways to save on baby formula. There are safe ways to save on baby formula, like the suggestions that we offer on this site. Then there are unsafe ways.

Never water down baby formula to save money.  Diluting baby formula is UNSAFE and cause serious injury to your baby.   Diluting baby formula with water can kill your baby.

Adding water to formula can cause "water intoxication," which in a baby is essentially like drowning.   This can cause seizures and death.  The other health issue is nutritional.  Assuming your baby survives, diluting formula deprives an infant of vital nutrients at one of the most critical times in their lives.

NEVER, NEVER DILUTE FORMULA

In the past we have discussed why you might choose a specialty formula over standard powdered baby formula.  Most specialty formulas (eg Elecare or Nutramigen) are designed for infant's with special digestive needs like a food allergy or that are suffering colic.  I wanted to spend a moment on organic baby formula.

The two organic baby formulas where you can save some money are Earth's Best Organic Formula and Similac Organic.  Like any organic food, the draw for organic baby formula is the quality or purity of the ingredients used in making the formula.

All baby formula contains sugar because it is a necessary in the digestive process. However, Similac Organic formula has recently come under scrutiny because one of its ingredients is pure cane sugar.  Now, no one is suggesting that the ingredient is not organic or dangerous the concern appears to be that this will lead to childhood obesity. Here is a news report on the matter, the video is from youtube.

In case you have not heard, Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is often used to make plastic, resin, and other products.  It is in a lot baby bottles, pacifiers, lining of food cans, and everywhere else.

There is currently a lot of debate going on whether BPA poses a health risk and, if so, how much.   The plastics industry says it is harmless. The government is investigating it, but are not recalling anything at this time.  In contrast, some scientists are saying that labratory studies are showing it causes an increased risk of certain cancers, fertility problems, and could contribute to childhood behavioral problems.  Some large retailers like Wal-Mart have pulled baby products containing the stuff.  Read article.

The problem is that BPA leeches into into baby formula from bottles we use.  Factors that increase this process are thought to be high temperature (eg, microwave, boiling water to heat) and harsh detergents.

Switching to glass bottles or other BPA free baby products eliminates this possible health risk.  My wife and I decided not to continue exposing our children to this potential harmful chemical, while we wait and see if it is really OK.

Some of the most common products we found that we could replace were baby bottles, pacifiers, and sippee cups.

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow(R) BPA Free Bottle 8 oz. 3-Pack
List Price: $14.95
All the health benefits of Dr. Brown's...plus the peace of mind of going BPA-free! Unlike conventional negative-pressure bottles, this positive-pressure bottle prevents air from entering baby's system, reducing the risk of colic and gas pain. (The difference? While conventional bottles mix air with formula, Dr. Brown's special vent allows milk to flow continuously and automatically, eliminating air bubbles.) Each 8 oz. bottle comes with one patented vent, one Level 1 nipple, cover, travel disc, and cleaning brush. All plastic parts are also BPA-free.

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow(R) BPA Free Bottle 8 oz.
List Price: $5.95
8 oz. bottle comes with one patented vent, one Level 1 nipple, cover, travel disc, and cleaning brush. All plastic parts are also BPA-free.

RazBaby - Keep-It-Kleen Pacifier Bundle, Fish/Airplane, BPA Free
Not only is it BPA free, it keeps the pacifier clean even when it hits the floor! The Keep-It-Kleen closes instantly when dropped.

RazBaby - Keep-It-Kleen Pacifier Bundle, Ladybug/Princess, BPA Free
Same BPA free, self-closing pacifier.  This is just in designs for girls.

RazBaby - Hands-Free Silicone Teething Pacifier, BPA Free
Get the hands-free teething pacifier that is all silicone!  NO BPA.

MAM - Boys' 5-oz. Bottles, 3-Pack, BPA Free
These MAM bottles feature a special vent and nipple design for less air intake, less gas and less colic.

Baby Einstein - Eat and Discover Infant Mealtime Set, BPA Free
This innovative feeding set is designed to meet the specific developmental needs of babies as they learn to eat solid food.

Thermos - Foogo Sippy Cup, Pink, BPA Free
Now you can keep foods and beverages safer and healthier longer by utilizing Thermax Vacuum Insulation technology.

Thermos - Foogo Sippy Cup, Blue, BPA Free
Thermax Vacuum Insulation technology.

Thermos - Funtainer Superman Bottle, BPA Free
Keep your drinks at the temperature you want with the "Funtainer" Superman bottle. It features the Thermax double wall vacuum insulation for maximum temperature retention, hot or cold.

Thermos - Funtainer Batman Jar, BPA Free
Keep your food fresh with the "Funtainer" Batman jar. It features the Thermax double wall vacuum insulation for maximum temperature retention, hot or cold.

The First Years Disney Cars Melamie Feeding Set, BPA Free
Disney Cars Feeding Set by The First Years. Have meals with wheels on dinnerware featuring the loveable Disney/Pixar Cars crew. Your child will love the colorful images. You'll love the tot-friendly design. The place setting includes a deep-sided bowl, sectioned plate and easy-grasp stainless steel spoon and fork. Dishwasher-safe.Y9354

The First Years Take & Toss 28-Piece Variety Pack, BPA Free
Tired of leaving behind your child's expensive feeding gear when you're out and about? This ingenious pack is filled with essentials that make it easy to feed your toddler while you're on the go. You'll find cups, bowls and flatware that are affordable enough to lose and durable enough to reuse over and over.

The First Years - Meal Mates Ariel Insulated 9 oz. Sippy Cup, 2-Pack, BPA Free
The Meal Mates' insulated Sippy Cup features a spill-proof valve built right into the lid so there are no extra pieces to lose. The double wall insulation keeps drinks cooler for longer.