How to Tell If Gerber Bottles Are BPA-Free

Give your child safe bottles

BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is a chemical that is utilized in many plastic containers, including baby bottles. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that BPA could cause potentially serious, detrimental health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that around 95% of Americans had traces of BPA in their urine. This study included babies. The BPA entered the baby's body via milk that was placed in plastic bottles. There are tell tale signs to look for to ensure a Gerber baby bottle is free of BPA.

Instructions

1. Look for the number "7" surrounded by a triangle. This is the manufacturers mark indicating that BPA was utilized during the making of the bottle.

2. Watch for the numbers "2" and "5". These bottles were manufactured with the products polyethylene and polypropylene, which are both plastics that are considered safe.

3. Wash any Gerber bottles that are marked with the number "7" in cool water by hand. Never place these bottles into the dishwasher or utilize hot water because this will release the harmful chemicals that are found in the bottles.

4. Watch for a sticker or any other labeling on the Gerber bottles that indicates it is "BPA Free". Many manufacturers are attempting to reassure their consumers that particular products do not contain BPA.

References

• She Knows: Risks of BPA in Plastics