How to Buy BPA-Free Sippy Cups

Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is a toxic chemical that manufacturers often use in polycarbonate plastics found in baby bottles and sippy cups. Early over-exposure to the chemical can have life-long health effects. Fortunately, there is a wide selection of BPA-Free sippy cups, so you can avoid exposing your child to the toxin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Avoid polycarbonate plastic products. Clear plastic cups typically are made of polycarbonate plastic. You can look on the bottom of the cup to find a recycling symbol or code. Stay away from those sippy cups with a 3, 6 or 7 in the center of the recycling symbol.

2. Look for cups made of milky colored plastics. These are generally safe since they are not made of polycarbonate. If your cup is not labeled, contact the manufacturing company.

3. Look for sippy cups made of polypropylene and polyethylene. Check for the recycling code #5 or the initials "PP" on the bottom of the cup. The Avent Magic Cup, First Years "Take & Toss," Gerber Color Change and Playtex Sipsters are just a few BPA-Free sippy cup options available.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't avoid using a polycarbonate sippy cup, heat the drink in a separate cup. Transfer the warm drink into the sippy cup once it has cooled to a safe temperature. This can minimize the leaching of BPA.
• Throw away any polycarbonate cup that is scratched or worn out.

[fishysticks]

on 4/20/2008 and to add- the CAP to the playtex sipster is plastic #2, BPA free.
The cup itself, where the liquid sits, is #3 plastic.

[fishysticks]

on 4/20/2008 Playtex Sipsters are NOT BPA free.
they are plastic #3.

[kat123]

on 3/7/2008 i also found this list of bpa-free bottles and sippy cups.

there is also a great handout here on each of the 7 types of plastics and their safety.

http://amomsblog.wordpress.com/2007/11/06/harmful-plastics-polycarbonate-with-bisphenol-a/