Parenting for Beginners

Concern about the affects of BPA, also known as bisphenol-a, in plastic baby bottles continues to increase. But what parents may not be aware of is that BPA is also commonly found in the protective linings in metal lids of baby food jars, ready-to-drink infant formula and common canned foods.

Recent research by Environmental Health Perspectives found that BPA levels in infants can be 11 times higher than in adults, and we all know that toxins have a greater impact on babies and toddlers than adults. If you’ve read my e-book, The Down to Earth Guide to Designing a Non Toxic Nursery, you also know that these chemicals have staying power creating havoc in our bodies for many many years.

It’s difficult to avoid BPA since the chemical industry is manufacturing 7 billion (that’s Billion with a B) pounds of the stuff each year.

But, here’s a list of some companies that make commercially produced baby foods in BPA Free containers:

1. Beechnut (plastic containers used for juices, Stage 2 fruits, Good Morning, Good Evening and DHA plus+ juices are BPA-free; glass baby food jars do contain BPA)

2. Gerber (all baby food products except glass baby food jars are BPA-free)

3. Happy Baby

4. Homemade Baby

5. Fifi Bear’s

6. Parent’s Choice (they don’t make baby food in glass jars)

7. Plum Organics

8. Sprout Baby

9. Tasty Baby

See if your local market carries any of these products. If not, ask them why. Then get in touch with the manufacturer to find out where you can buy their products.

Don’t forget you can also make your own natural baby foods by just blending your food until it’s the consistency of cream of wheat cereal. This not only gives you total control over what goes into your baby’s mouth, it will also save you money…and that seems like the best solution to me.