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Chemical Concerns Boost Sales of Glass Baby Bottles

Posted on: Friday, 14 March 2008, 00:10 CDT

Amid concerns over a potentially harmful chemical in plastic baby bottles, some parents are now returning to old-fashioned glass alternatives. 

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a manmade chemical used in polycarbonate plastic, the material used to make shatterproof plastic food containers and most baby bottles.  Even though BPA exposure is widespread in the U.S., experts have mixed opinions about its safety.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), current uses of BPA with food are safe. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says animal testing has found BPA produces hormone-like effects on the reproductive system, and wants more study to see if it could be harmful to people.

To be on the safe side, some pediatricians are advising families to use alternatives to polycarbonate bottles.

"I can't assure parents that it's safe, and I would not use that for my own babies," said Dr. Alan Greene, a pediatrician and author of "Raising Baby Green."

"There are a number of BPA-free bottles, and I also love glass bottles," he told the Associated Press.

As more parents turn to glass, manufacturers are responding with new, updated versions of the older glass bottles.

Leading retailer Babies "R" Us reported a dramatic increase in glass bottle sales in the spring of 2007, and said its current sales are more than five times what they were a year ago.

In January, Dr. Brown's, a polycarbonate bottle maker, introduced a glass version in response to customer demand, said Carolyn Hentschell, president of Handi-Craft Co./Dr. Brown's Natural Flow.

"If you're a mom and you have concerns (about BPA), here's an obvious choice," she said.

"We don't want them to feel like they have to go to another baby bottle."

Glass bottle maker Evenflo, which has been in business for the last 70 years, reported a sales increase for the glass bottles of over 100 percent between 2006 and 2007, and they continue to climb this year.

Although contributing less than 10 percent to overall bottle sales, Evenflo and Dr. Brown's provide an alternative for parents who want to steer clear of plastic bottles.   And a few other companies are avoiding BPA altogether.

Florida-based BornFree, a company that started a few years ago with BPA-free bottles and cups, added glass bottles to their product portfolio last year.

"From day one, we were free of polycarbonate products," said President Ron Vigdor, BornFree’s president.

"We saw a need for that," he told the Associated Press.

In general, glass is more expensive than plastic.  For example, a three-pack of 8 oz. Dr. Brown's polycarbonate bottles costs $12.99, the same price for a two-pack of the company's glass bottles.

And of course, glass is breakable, so parents need to exercise additional caution with its use.  Experts say that once babies can hold their own bottles or walk, they should not be given a glass bottle to drink on their own.

Greene said the bottles are an ideal choice for parents with the youngest babies, who are still being safely held while they are fed.

"By the time the child is big enough to be walking around, I prefer it'd be a sippy cup," he said. 

As far as cleaning, glass bottles can be boiled, washed in a dishwasher or a sterilizer, just like plastic.

"A lot of people think it's going to be a hassle, but they really are treated the same," said Evenflo's Frost.

For maintenance, manufacturers of the glass bottles recommend the bottles be checked regularly for nicks or cracks, and replaced if any are found.

Some bottle makers are also making updated and improved versions.  For example, last November two California companies began marketing a glass bottle sheathed in a protective silicone sleeve.

"The sleeve helps protect the bottle from breakage and bumping into articles in your purse or diaper bag," said Pam Marcus, co-founder of Babylife, maker of  the WeeGo bottle.

"The silicone is a good insulator and provides a great tactile surface for babies' hands," she said.   The other is the Siliskin bottle made by Silikids.

While research into BPA is ongoing, it appears the trend towards glass bottles has taken hold.

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On the Net:

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences BPA Fact Sheet: www.niehs.nih.gov/news/media/questions/sya-bpa.cfm  

Dr. Alan Greene: www.drgreene.com/  

CDC: www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/environmental_phenols1.htm

Source: redOrbit staff

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