How to Check if a Soothie Bottle Is BPA-Free

It's important to make sure your baby's bottles do not contain BPA.

BPA, or bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical that has caused a great deal of controversy -- especially when it comes to its use in the creation of baby bottles. For some time, many parents questioned whether BPA was present in various brands of baby bottles, including Soothie, which is manufactured by The First Years. Their concerns are valid; studies have indicated that BPA can actually mimic hormones in the body and possibly contribute to the early onset of puberty, as well as the development of certain cancers. Although Soothie bottles are now widely manufactured BPA-free, it's always important to double-check, especially if your bottles aren't new.

Instructions

1. Turn the bottle over to view the bottom and look for a number stamped into the plastic. These numbers are often found in the middle of a recycling symbol. Different numbers indicate different types of plastic, and thus, different levels of safety when it comes to BPA.

2. Locate the number on your bottle. If it is a 7, it could contain BPA. In fact, this type of plastic is often a mix of different possible plastics and is sometimes used for baby bottles because it often resists staining. Use a bottle stamped with a 7 at your own risk, because you don't know what could be in it.

3. Continue using the bottle without fear of BPA contamination if the number on the bottom is a 2, 4 or 5. These types of plastics are considered safe. More than likely, you will see a 2 or a 5 on your baby's Soothie bottle. (No. 4 is often used for food wraps but has also been used for squeezable bottles). These types of plastic carry a low risk of leeching chemicals.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure about the type of plastic your bottle is made of, or cannot locate the number on the bottom of the bottle, contact the manufacturer or store where you purchased the bottle.

• In the worst-case scenario, throw away the bottle and purchase a new one that you are sure does not contain BPA, as the vast majority of baby bottles are now produced BPA-free.

• Plastic No. 3 is PVC plastic. Although it is used to create bottles for substances such as cooking oil, it is not microwave-safe and is not safe to keep near heat sources, such as a stove.

References

• Ventura County Star: How Can You Tell If a Bottle Contains BPA?; Allison Bruce; May 2008
• Parent Dish: How to Tell If Your Plastic Bottle Is Safe; Sandy Maple; April 2008
• MayoClinic.com: What is BPA and What Are the Concerns About BPA?; Katherine Zeratsky; December 2010
• AdoraBaby: Are Soothie Bottles BPA-Free?; October 2010

Resources

• EcoVillageGreen: What Do the Plastic Recycling Numbers Mean?