Mommy PSA re: bottles

I learned a little something recently and thought I'd pass it along to my fellow mom friends! I heard that Babies R Us, in response to the recent concerns raised about the chemical BPA (Bisphenol A) used in many plastics, including those used to make baby bottles, is allowing consumers to return used bottles to exchange for those that are BPA free. I called our local store here and found that it is true! Unfortunately, they do not have a broad selection of BPA-free bottles, and the Born Free brand (of which they were completely out yesterday) is significantly more expensive, but they gave me a store credit so I could use the refund as I liked. As I was returning Dr. Brown's bottles and they did have the 8 oz. size in the 3-pack, I did get one of those. Still need to find a suitable alternative to the smaller size (they have the glass bottles, but I feel too accident prone for those!). And luckily, we don't use a lot of bottles.

Anyway, the FDA has not found a reason, yet, to be concerned about BPA use in these products. But to me, it can't hurt to be safe if there is another alternative out there, you know? And this action by BRU provides a wonderful opportunity to do just that.

So if you want to take advantage of this offer, I encourage you to gather up your bottles (they do ask that all parts be there, but you don't need any original packaging or receipts...as long as BRU carries the product), and go to BRU (soon before they change their minds!). Common bottles that use BPA are Avent, Dr. Brown's and Ventaire...essentially any bottles made of a completely clear plastic (not cloudy).

If you don't live in Charleston, you may want to contact your BRU to ask about this before you go (and I had to talk to three people on the phone before I found someone who knew the answer...ask for a manager!), but it looks like across the country this is happening, they just aren't advertising it.

Here's a very in-depth and interesting blog on the issue.

Oh, and sippy cups are an issue too. And I've heard that BRU is taking those back as well, but I did not remember to ask as I'm not ready to tackle that issue yet, and I found that most of the Nuby cups we use are BPA free.