Consumer Alert: Baby Bargains book withdraws recommendation for certain plastic bottles (pin to 8-20-07)

[alandenisefields]

Please see our blog for an important announcement:

http://baby411.typepad.com/babybargains/2007/08/consumer-alert-.html

Alan & Denise Fields
authors, BABY BARGAINS

[mudder17]

Okay, so my question is, what about the pumps? I have an Ameda PY and the pump parts and bottles are definitely clear, hard plastic. What are our alternatives?


Eileen

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[maestramommy]

You can buy another pump kit, the cheap kit. Ironically, they are made with the softer opaque plastic. You can probably find them at your local hospital, or places that rent Ameda pumps.

[MarisaSF]

Similar question -- what about the Avent Isis?

[MarisaSF]

I'm wondering what people are doing with old baby bottles.

I have several Avents left over from DD's baby days. We hardly used them. I'd feel irresponsible giving them to another baby.

I was thinking of Freecycling them with the advice not to use them as baby bottles. I thought maybe someone could use them for storage? Like for paint or something? Any other ideas?

[lisams]

Will your city take plastic #7 recyclables? Chandler does, not sure which city you live in. Just an idea. I gave the few we had to DD to play with her baby dolls.

[katydid1971]

What bottles are safe to use? Is Dr.Brown OK?
Thanks,
Sarah

[JBaxter]

No Dr Brown's are not safe (as the article says) Playtex drop-in system, avent drop-in system, Born Free and glass bottles. Basically any bottles that are hard clear plastic that doesnt day BPA free.

[KBecks]

I'm going to toss mine. They may be good for craft supplies, maybe. But I wouldn't count on someone else not to use them or resell them as baby bottles.

Fields, thanks for the info.

[spunkybaby]

The colored Evenflo plastic bottles are okay too. That's what we use. I think any opaque colored plastic bottles are BPA-free. I've seen some at BRU under the Especially for Baby brand, but I've never seen them mentioned specifically as being okay, whereas I've seen the colored Evenflo bottles mentioned several times (including in the Fields' article link).

Mom to a spunky preschooler (3/04) and a new spunky Christmas baby (12/06)

[neeter]

I'm not sure I understand the answer here -- that is, to get a different pump system like a handheld pump?

I know that I pump directly into the Playtex nursers or the Evenflo colored bottles (opaque pink, green, purple) so I don't use the Ameda bottles.

[AbbysMom]

Someone was nice enough to post this a while ago and I saved it to my favorites. It has a list of the good bottles and the bottles to stay away from (sippy cups too). Hope it helps.

http://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083

[DrSally]

I'm glad that the Fields took this stand, now maybe the info will get out to more people. I'm going to check my sippy cups, but I'm pretty sure the playtex ones are the hard plastic. Does anyone have recommendations for good sippys?

ETA: we did have Avent sippy's, which I think are ok, but they leak very easily for us.

ETA: look what I found...

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/05/sippy-cup-showdown-safer-bpa-free-sippy.html

[lablover]

Just wanted to add that Gerber makes a cheap bottle that is BPA-free, called Clear View. They are sold in packs of 3 and the pack only costs $3 at Target. I just searched the internet to make sure these are BPA-free since I previously couldn't find any info on them and came across this site which gives some good information. I don't know anything about this site but the article is pretty comprehensive:

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/07/z-report-bisphenol-in-polycarbonate.html

And their article on sippy cups:

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/05/sippy-cup-showdown-safer-bpa-free-sippy.html

I am confused on one thing though. This site says that all Evenflo bottles are made of polycarbonate, including the Classic. The Fields say that the Classic is BPA-free. I was using these several months ago and someone on this board alerted me to the fact that they are not BPA-free. I think they said that they used to be but since changing to the hard colored plastic they are not the same. DD drinks from these on the 3 days she's at daycare but I decided not to worry about it since she gets the Gerber bottles or nurses on the other days. Unfortunately she would never take the Playtex drop-ins.

[alandenisefields]

Sorry about the confusion---we are contacting Evenflo to see if we can clear up that question. We have a set of Evenflo classic bottles here in the office (bought this week in Target) and they have a #5 recycling number, indicating they (most likely) do NOT have BPA.

But we are double checking with Evenflo to make sure. We will correct the blog once we hear back!

Alan & Denise
authors

[lablover]

Thanks for checking!

[mudder17]

Honestly, we just use the take and toss sippies. They're not leak proof, but since we only use them for water or milk when we give it to her, it's not really an issue.

We also use both the sigg and the kleen kanteen and like them both. The sigg dents a little more easily, but both do dent. Having the neoprene sigg cover really helps, although it doesn't completely eliminate denting. Still, DD#1 is old enough that she doesn't toss the cups anymore, so it's not really an issue.


Eileen

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[maestramommy]

I just bought a 3 pack of Evenflo classic bottles. They are glass. Is classic a shape or are the glass bottles called classic because that's what they are?

[maestramommy]

I just bought First Years Clean & Simple Jumbo spill proof cups. They have a built-in valve and a lid for the spout. I called the CS number and they confirmed that all of their cups are made with #5 polypropolene plastic, which is currently known to be safe. Dh thinks it's just a matter of time before they find out something wrong with that too (gaaaahhh!), but in the meantime.....

I got them on rec from a friend who said they are REALLY leak proof. Even when you throw them on the floor. However, it was initially VERY hard to suck the liquid out, so she made the hole a little bigger.

[gatorsmom]

For sippy cups, we are a big fan of the Playtex Sipster which never leak for us. I love them. They are #5 plastic, so (for now) are considered safe.

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[gatorsmom]

I know that the clear Avent bottles aren't considered safe, but what about the colored bottles that normally come with the green sippy spout but are also compatible with their baby nipples? It doesn't seem like the same kind of hard plastic as the bad ones- it feels like a softer plastic. That doesn't mean, however, that it doesn't contain BPA. And since they are made in England, they aren't stamped with a triangle and number on the bottom.

Anyone know if the colored bottles are safe?

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[TaChapm]

I am pretty sure they are safe. My plan is to throw out our bottles and use the sippy cups with the nipple.

Tara

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[shilo]

melinda, can you post a link to the kit you're refering to? can you get bottles that aren't #7 that mate to the 'safer' kit?

thanks, lori
Sam 5/19/05 How lucky I am that you chose me.

[DrSally]

Lisa, you mean these?

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=82286&aid=333321&aparam=playtex_sipster

I thought on some other list from another thread (I'll see if I can find it), they were deemed "not ok". I don't totally recall though.
We have these and like them, so I hope they're ok.

I also use take n' toss (the little ones) at home, but they're just too leaky for going out with the way DS drinks and also throws cups, even with just milk or water.

I was at Target today and the only thing I saw was the Avent sippies, but I hate that you have to buy the whole top contraption, and not just the valve replacement, and they leak for us!

[DrSally]

I did see these today. So, are they pretty leak proof for you? I wonder, though, since DS is 19 months if needing to suck pretty hard would be frustrating for him.

[daniele_ut]

We use the Munchkin brand sippies and straw cups and these are made of #5 plastic. They've been completely leak proof for us, though you have to suck pretty hard on them as well.

Another alternative that worked pretty well for us were the Parent's Choice 2 packs of insulated straw cups at Wal-Mart. They are made by Luv N Care and are also #5 plastic with silicone straws. They were really leak proof until DS started sticking his fingers into the straws and stretching them out.

We used Avent and then Dr. Brown's initially with DS when I was pumping but we eventually switched to Playtex nursers because of the BPA concerns. I'm hoping they'll work well for this baby as well.

[maestramommy]

I'm sorry Lori, I don't have a link! I got the kit when I rented an Ameda hospital pump two years ago, and another kit from the same hospital this time around. Apparently it's their "disposable" grade kit. But the label in there is from Ameda, so it must be available somewhere. Maybe you can contact them directly and ask about it.

[maestramommy]

I tried them out today, by filling them with water, then turning them upside down and shaking them. A couple drops did come out, but with the cap on nothing came out. I tried sucking on them and it is rather a hard suck. I'm going to let Dora try them out, and if they're too difficult I'll make the hole a little bigger.

[Fairy]

I'm kinda sick about this whole thing. Read thru all articles and threads, but I'm in an overwork-induced delerium, and I probably missed some of this:

1. Are the First Years Take & Toss ok? These are the blue or green cups with red or yellow tops -- or the Sesame street ones with Cookie, Big Bird, and Elmo on them with stripes. I also have a very very very old small one left that was winnie the pooh before the pictures got all washed off.

2. Are all Avent sippies ok, including the ones with the firmer green sip piece? Or just the small ones with the softer white sip piece?

We used Avent bottles from day one. I'm near tears and Jewish and am, therefore, going to worry for the next 40 years. Yeah, I like to be funny, but I'm not joking on this one.

-- Fairy

[Fairy]

What about Ziploc tupperware throw-aways? I use those all the time. If the food in the fridge becomes a science project, I just throw the whole thing away. I soak those suckers, I microwave in them, I have hot in there, cold in there, in fridge, in dish washer. What are you guys doing with those?

Anyone microwave with press & seal?

Off to read the Reverse Osmosis thread.

My mind is racing . . .

[DrSally]

Did you find the munchkin sippies at Walmart as well? They didn't have them at Target.

I have some Playtex cups with dinosaurs that are #2 (I think bad),
and some First years insulated cups with Elmo. These look like cloudy plastic, but there's no number on the bottom

[Radosti]

Generally, it is not a good idea to microwave any plastic. I bought a bunch of Pyrex glass storage containers and microwave them with a plate on top (to avoid splatter). Works very well.

[DrSally]

My question about this list is that Playtex First sipsters are "not safe", but Playtex sipsters are safe. They look to me like the exact same cup with a different spout.

ETA: OK, I figured it out I think. This cup is the first sipster and I think it is not ok (no # on the bottom). It does look like polycarbonate as it is clear and hard plastic.

http://www.playtexbaby.com/Products/CupsAndMealtime/SipsterAndInsulatorCups.aspx

as per this link that was posted here and in other threads

http://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083


THis is the sipster and is #2, ok.

http://www.playtexbaby.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?id=1033

[DrSally]

Both are ok. I don't know if there's a difference btw the Avent sippies with the soft vs. hard spout? Also, I think the rubbermaid and other disposable "tupperware" is safe. I wouldn't micro in it though.

[brownlesa]

deleted

[brownlesa]

These were my thoughts exactly! We just finished 2 years with Avent bottles! Yikes!

[MarisaSF]

Oh, duh. Right. Good thinking. I'll call the waste management folks. I was told before that they'll take any bottle "smaller on top than on the bottom."

[MarisaSF]

No, sorry. I am wondering if the Isis is safe to use. Anyone know the # plastic?

[daniele_ut]

I actually got the Munchkin straw cups at Costco last year in a 4 pack. They had Diego on them. The Sippies came in a 2 pack, and are called Cupsicles. I believe I got them at Wal-Mart. I've only ever seen the Dora and Spongebob Munchkin sippies at Target lately.

[mamicka]

I saw this on a list way back when the BPA stuff was banned in Europe. I didn't bookmark it & can't seem to find it now. Anyway, it was the same plastic as the bottles, so unsafe. I gave it up then, & am still mourning it's loss.

Now I'm using the Medela attachment kit that I got in the hospital as a manual pump.

Allison
& my 3 sons

[floridamommy]

UGGGH. My DD used Dr. Borwn's every day until she was about 14 months and my DS has been using these same bottles too. We chose them b/c both kids had colic and serious reflux and the Dr. Brown system purportedly reduced gassiness. If I throw out my Dr. Brown bottles do you have any recommendations on which "safe" bottles to switch to that might be better for addressing reflux or may be lessy gassy?????

[mamicka]

I think the Born Free bottles are supposed to be the same as Dr. Brown's, only made from safe plastics.

Allison
& my 3 sons

[dcmom2b3]

I *think* I read a post somewhere -- maybe in the feeding forum? -- that indicated that you could use the Dr. Brown's internal valve system and ring with an evenflo glass bottle. You have to cut off a bit of the tube from the bottom, otherwise it's too long and won't fit. I haven't tried it yet, since DD has outgrown the reflux and we're using the Gerber clear view (or whatever they're called) but I thought I'd pass it along.

[DrSally]

Thanks, I'll check Walmart. Target didn't have any Munchkin brand cups.

[brittone2]

I'm glad to see increased awareness surrounding this issue.

As concerning as baby bottles are, I think we also need to be aware of the number of other products that contain BPA. Canned goods are very often lined w/ BPA (I've read elsewhere, but have not independently confirmed that Eden Organics does NOT use BPA in their canned good products). So if your family eats a lot of canned soups, veggies, etc. it may be something to consider (and the lining is even on organic canned products in many cases).

I myself am very concerned because my dental retainers are made of BPA containing plastic. The invisalign style aligners/retainers and even the regular metal/plastic type of retainers usually are, as far as I'm aware. I've seen a few studies about leaching in some of the dental journals. Perhaps this should have been better researched before putting it in people's mouths for 8-24 hours a day :( So do I go for crooked teeth after shelling out much $$ for adult braces, or continue with my BPA containing retainers even after I know they are potentially concerning (and worn for HOURS a day). Ditto dental sealants. Had a mouthful of them in my molars as a kid.

I think that the number of products that contain BPA extends far beyond baby bottles. While they might be the most concerning of all, I think it is good reason to press our legislators into action. I know it will be years, if ever, before anything is done, but I'm not happy with doing nothing. Considering it took the National Toxicology Project way too long to figure out that the company they contracted to look at the research (Sciences International) had ties to companies that produce BPA containing products (companies like BASF and 3M), I don't hold out much hope. How much $, time, etc. was wasted before they decided to can Sciences International? Unacceptable.

Please write your representatives and voice your concern about BPA. Picking safe(r) baby bottles is helpful, but it extends so far into other products....

[gisele]

Born Free is not the same as Dr. Brown. They are similar, but Born Free has a different venting system. I used Dr. Brown with DS and now use Born Free on DD.

[ktshea]

OK, so here's a question: what about all of my Gerber baby foods? They're in the plastic containers that come two to a pack and the bottom of that darned plastic container has a number 7 on it. That's downright scary. Anybody know if it's OK?

[floridamommy]

Hi. I think I am going to get rid of my Dr. Brown's bottles and go with Born Free. Where is the best place (aka "best deal") to buy. I can only seem to find them on the Born Free website and Babies R Us online (no Whole Foods in my city).

Also, I think I read somewhere that the Born Free bottles can then be used later with the sippy cup tops....does anyone know if this is true?

Also, it looks like if I get the bottles, then they all come with #1 nipples and we are defniitely past that stage. Do you think the Dr. Brown's nipples would work on the Born Free bottles? (assuming that the Dr. Brown's nipples are "safe")

Any comments, guidance or feedback would be greatly appreciated. I hate to go invest in a whole new bottle system (and one that does not seem to be too cheap), but I guess it is investing in peace of mind. Thanks, Heather

[michellep]

While I disagree with your interpretation of recent articles and announcements regarding BPA, my initial reaction to this post was pretty mixed. If someone is choosing between to different bottles that are essentially equal, then why not choose the one without BPA. However, I do have some concerns about your current recommendations:

* Where are the bottles you're currently recommending made?

Most parents have valid concerns about products made for children in China. I believe Avent bottles are made in the UK. If parents are being asked to change bottle systems based on a potential health hazard it seems to me important to know where these new bottles are coming from. Personally I would choose a #7 bottle made in the UK over a more cheaply made bottle from China, but I think readers should have that information when considering the change.


* What are you advising readers to do with all of these old bottles?

This Living on Earth show on BPA includes links to the original Reproductive Toxicology articles your blog post refers to (although you link to an LA Times article on the topic). The articles are ungated at least for now and can be found here http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.htm?programID=07-P13-00031&segmentID=4 . In the Study on Human Exposure the authors look at studies showing that BPA administered to humans orally is nearly all eliminated from the body in 24 hours. However, they're finding BPA in humans that can't be explained and wonder if we could be absorbing BPA in bathwater or maybe breathing it in the air. If you're asking everyone who ever bought Avent bottles on your recommendation to now dispose of them, how should they do this to ensure that BPA does not end up in our water supply or the atmosphere? What happens to BPA in the recycling process?


* What are other ways parents could spend $50-$100 that would have more impact on the health or safety of their children?

While that amount may be just another weekly trip to Target ;) for many parents, for some it may be a significant expense. Your suggestion that people stop using these bottles "NOW" lacks any context. I think we'd see a far greater impact in child safety if you demanded all readers to use $50-$100 to upgrade their carseats "NOW." While most could do both, I think your readers deserve some perspective to help budget the money spent on their children's safety.


That's all for now...

-M

[Piglet]

The Medela website is very clear about the plastics in their products - they are all acceptable!

http://www.medela.com/Med07BPAFree07.pdf

[michellep]

Beth,

I know we disagree about this topic (I have a long list of other issues I'd like my representatives to work on before this one ;) ), but I think your post is very important for other reasons. I've seen some very panicky, guilt-ridden responses to this announcement because it deals only with baby bottles. You're very right to point out the other uses of BPA and that exposure isn't limited to the feeding choices parents have made. Maybe that just frightens people more, but I hate seeing people convinced their children would be healthier and happier if only they hadn't made a foolish choice in baby bottles. Your post adds some perspective that the original announcement really lacked...again even if I completely disagree with you :) .

-M

[lisams]

I personally would avoid the Gerber baby food in the plastic containers. Just like how the plastic leaks into the water, it'll do the same to the food. Even worse, that food has been in the plastic for a long time, from production to shelf and then who knows how long it sits on the shelf. I'm just really glad there are other companies that make baby food in glass jars.

Just my two cents!

[brittone2]

expressing their concern about BPA in the journal Reproductive Toxicology.

Personally, I think the saddest part is that not only is BPA poorly researched at this time, but when you combine the total endocrine disruption load in the average human, it must be quite high. Looking at these things in isolation is one thing, but the reality is our kids (and we as adults) are being exposed to multiple endocrine disrupting chemicals constantly. It is in the water we drink, the food we eat, the cups and plates we use, the packaging in our foods, the creams, lotions, etc. we put on our bodies, the hair products we use, etc.

We use paraben and phthalate containing cosmetics, baby products, soaps, body washes, household cleaning products, perfumes, etc. There is the new EPA report out about PBDEs causing thyroid disruption in cats, and possibly in children. When you tease out an individual chemical, yes, it is upsetting. Pesticides are estrogen mimickers. When you look at the cumulative burden of all these hormone disrupting compounds on a growing and developing body, it is IMO downright frightening.

We have fish floating in our waters that have both male and female sex organs. This was discussed on NPR a few months ago. I'm sure the pollution and estrogenic nature of the chemicals we dump into our water certainly are influencing such things. No, I can't prove it, but I believe it with every cell in my body.

Yes, it is a sensitive topic for me, but as a woman with PCOS, with an already screwed up endocrine system, it really worries me. I don't have a weight issue, but considering these chemicals are known to disrupt the endocrine system, have been linked to insulin resistance, and obesity, all of which are closely tied to PCOS, it makes me concerned for my children. Again, there's no current proof that environmental influences impact PCOS, but I sure think there is a strong possibility that there is a connection.

Looking at individual compounds in isolation is only the tip of the iceberg. That's hasn't even been (IMO) adequately studied. Looking at the synergistic effects of all of these compounds bombarding our bodies daily is a surface that has barely been scraped.

[bubbaray]

Anyone know which are safe? I have a "new" Playtex First Sipster that is marked #5, so (for now) it is safe. But, I have a bunch from when DD#1 was younger that don't have marks on them. Some are Playtex First Sipsters (the plastic is different, more clear-like, even though colored), Avent, Gerber (clear, hate them cuz they leak anyway), Playtex Insulated Sipsters (I'm pretty sure they are all #5).... right now she's just using the FY Take & Toss and those are safe.

Is opaque plastic generally safe and "clear" stuff not???

FWIW, our IKEA kids plastic plates/bowls/cups are #5 plastic. And not made in China.

I'm not sure which to stress more about -- a sippy cup made in China or made of some unknown plastic.... :(


Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

DD#2: 01/2007

[DrSally]

I have the older first sipsters too, and they do look like the bad plastic. The link posted that has the list of bad and good cup lists the Playtex first sipster as bad, so I assume it's from whem they were using the bad plastic. The newer ones look cloudy, so I assume they changed them. My other grown up sipsters say #2 on the bottom

[katydid1971]

What about melamine? Ds has plates, cups and bowls made of the stuff plus DH and I have outdoor china made of the stuff. I can't find a number on the bottom so can anyone help me out, is it safe or should I find a replacement for it too?
Thanks,
Sarah

[kellij]

Anyone know if these are safe? These are my DD's favs.

Thanks,
Kelli

[Twins2000]

Does anyone know if the old Johnson & Johnson Healthflow bottles are unsafe? I'm assuming they are, but would love to have confirmation before throwing them out.


Thanks!


Leslie

[gatorsmom]

ITA. It scares the sh** out of me too. The thing that makes me sick, is that major manufacturers do not err on the side of caution. They will go ahead making products until legislation (that they have probably fought vigorously against) forces them to stop. It all comes down to money. "What is the least expensive way we can legally produce a product that consumers will buy?" "What is the least expensive way we can legally get rid of our manufacturing waste?" The problem is, us consumers aren't innocent in this. We enforce this by demanding cheaper products. Really, where does the change have to start?

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[gatorsmom]

I've always wondered about melamine. Though they say microwave and dishwasher safe, they are a very hard, brittle plastic.

If anyone has done any research on this, I'd love to know about it.

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[mamicka]

NAK. Here's a prior post about melamine

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=86&topic_id=34504&mesg_id=34504&listing_type=search

Allison
& my 3 sons

[mamicka]

NAK.

Since Tupperware changes the designs so often, it's hard to find info posted online. The most current list I found was from 2001, I think, & some products are safe, some aren't. I just emailed the company asking about the specific products I own (only 2). Hopefully, they'll get back to me soon.

Allison
& my 3 sons

[elliput]

The few dishes that I have in my cupboard right now have a sticker that says "Not Microwave Safe", and I have always believed it to be this way.

Here is reference I found - http://www.kitchenware-manufacturers.com/microwave-safe-cookware.html

[elliput]

The few dishes that I have in my cupboard right now have a sticker that says "Not Microwave Safe", and I have always believed it to be this way.

Here is reference I found - http://www.kitchenware-manufacturers.com/microwave-safe-cookware.html

[gatorsmom]

This thread only had 2 posts and it used this link for information about the safety of melamine.

http://www.dsm.com/en_US/html/dmm/melamine_home.htm

Unfortunately, that is the website for the company that manufactures melamine and of course, it says that melamine is absolutely safe, even in ingested in high dosages.

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[gatorsmom]

This thread only had 2 posts and it used this link for information about the safety of melamine.

http://www.dsm.com/en_US/html/dmm/melamine_home.htm

Unfortunately, that is the website for the company that manufactures melamine and of course, it says that melamine is absolutely safe, even in ingested in high dosages.

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[gatorsmom]

That link says it can be microwaved but for no more than 2 minutes at a time.

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[gatorsmom]

That link says it can be microwaved but for no more than 2 minutes at a time.

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[KBecks]

I had a ton of it, and started replacing with Rubbermaid containers. The Rock N Serve is older and had started cracking. It's clear and hard Lexan plastic.

I have some pieces still in good shape that I probably should trash. (I know Tupperware offers lifetime guarantee, but thought it wasn't worth pursuing since I purchased a lot off Ebay.)

[MommyAllison]

I can answer one of your questions. My friend's DD was using the Born Free bottle with a sippy cup top just yesterday. HTH!

Allison
Mama to DD 11/05

[elliput]

Here is some more info I found-

"Do NOT use in microwave oven as it absorbs heat and can get hot enough to soften, blister, and crack."
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/melamine

"No melamine plates should not be put in microwave as the heat will make them bubble."
http://www.ourfaqsite.com/happyaccents/Details/FAQ_1076444726.html

"Microwaving melamine results in a stinking, smoking blob of plastic." (look in the box "What is Melamine anyway?)
http://starcraftcustombuilders.com/kitchen.cabinets.htm

"Melmoware and melamine wares are to be avoided"
http://www.daawat.com/resources/cookingforhealth/microwavecooking.htm

I ran a google search using the phrase "microwaving melamine", practically every hit said "not intended for microwave", "do not use in microwave", "not microwave safe". Even if a dish is put in for two minutes at a time, after repeated events, I would think the integrity of the material would be compromised.

[mtrattner]

Ok. I am already stressed out and have far too much too worry about. But now I have finally got DD used to taking a bottle so I can get away once in a while. She was using Avent bottles so what should I use now?
Also using the Avent Isis pump so now what?

Please help. I already don't heat foods in plastic but I do sterilize DD's bottles in the microwave. Ugh!!!!

[daniele_ut]

>OK, so here's a question: what about all of my Gerber baby
>foods? They're in the plastic containers that come two to a
>pack and the bottom of that darned plastic container has a
>number 7 on it. That's downright scary. Anybody know if it's
>OK?

#7 plastic is not always polycarbonate. I *think* that the issue is just with polycarbonate, but I'm not certain. The Gerber containers and the plastic disposable ones that things like single serving applesauce come in are definitely not made of polycarbonate, which is a rigid, clear plastic.

http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=44&sec=3

The above link says:
"Polycarbonate (marked as #7), usually found in baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles and the epoxy lining in food cans can leach BPA into liquids and foods. A study conducted at Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Japan, concluded that polycarbonate bottles containing hot liquids leach more BPA than new bottles. "

[Karenn]

I found a #7 on the bottom of some of my rock n serve, and also this article.

[http://www.deliciousorganics.com/Controversies/plastic.htm#tupperware]

[nupe]

I found this link helpful

http://thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=44&sec=3

[almostmom]

What about IKEA products - plates and silverware? I don't recall seeing a number on these--

Thanks--

[SnuggleBuggles]

The cups we have from there are #5s.

Beth

[elliput]

IKEA declares the product description on their website. Here is an example http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50086355

[jenjenfirenjen]

We have a ton of the Parent's Choice/Nuby/Luv n Care straw cups from Wal Mart. They don't have any numbers on the bottom and they are colored but are clear, not cloudy or opaque. So what do we think? Should I toss them?

[kaylinsmommy2]

I emailed Nuby about the sippy cups (not the straw cups). Here's her reply below, with a phone number to call if you want to check the straw cups specifically:

"Our products are made with polypropylene (PP) Recycle #5 and
Polycarbonate (PC) Recycle #7. The (PC) products do have a minute (tiny)
amount of Bisphenol A.

The majority of our No-spill cups are made with PP but the cups with the
handles coming up from the bottom are made with PC. The insulated cups
are both PP & PC, inside layer is PP and the outside layer is PC.

The spouts are 100% medical grade silicone. If you have any farther
questions you have and please contact us at 1-800-LUVNCARE
(318-588-6227) ext. 3106."

Caroline
mommy to Kaylin 6/5/04 and Carter 3/8/07

[jenjenfirenjen]

Thanks so much!!! I'll call and double check on the straw cups and post back.

[Mom to Brandon and 2 cats]

Jen, any update? We've got one of those, it's a small squat size, with a bluish clear plastic, with handles coming up from the bottom. It's my son's favorite cup.

Thanks.