The Baby Bottle Buying Guide:
Glass: Glass baby bottles, which don’t leach toxic chemicals, are a time-tested alternative to polycarbonate plastic. Glass bottles are, of course, breakable, and put children at risk of injury in the case of an accident. Additionally, glass can chip or crack when sterilized, which could lead to glass splinters in baby’s beverage. As with plastic, careful and regular inspections of the bottle allow parents to detect any flaws in the glass. Recycle any scratched, cracked, or chipped glass bottle.
#2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP Plastics:These opaque bottles are made of either polypropylene or polyethylene, which are not known to leach carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Look on the bottom of the bottle for the recycling symbol: polyethylene has #2 (high-density polyethylene, HDPE) or #4 (low-density polyethylene, LDPE) in the chasing-arrow triangle, and polypropylene (PP) has #5. Polycarbonate bottles are #7 and may be labeled “Other” or “PC.” If the bottle isn’t labeled, call the manufacturer.
PES Plastics: Although polyether sulphone, or PES, hasn’t been studied as thoroughly as #2, #4 and #5 plastics, lab studies have found that it does not leach BPA or phthalates (a hormone-disrupting plasticizer commonly used in #3 PVC plastics). PES plastics may be labeled with a #7 like polycarbonate is, since both plastics fall into the “Other” category. If you see a #7 and aren’t sure if it’s PES or PC, call the manufacturer before using it.
Silicone Nipples: Replace standard rubber nipples (amber-colored) with clear, silicone nipples. Not only are silicone nipples free of cancer-causing nitrosamines, but they last longer.
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Before first use, sterilize bottles in boiling water.
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Inspect bottles and nipples before each use and discard those with cracks or scratches.
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To avoid dangerous hot spots, breast milk or formula should never be heated in the microwave. Stovetop heating can cause glass bottles to burst and plastic ones to melt, especially when supervised by sleep-deprived parents. Instead, place the filled bottle in a bowl of hot water and swirl it periodically.
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To avoid tooth decay and injuries, don’t let baby sleep with or walk around with the bottle.
Usage Tips– TheGreenGuide.Com
5 Oz Regular Neck, $9.99
Our baby bottles are made from PES plastic, which gives them a natural golden color. They are free of phthalates and free of bisphenol A – a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical used in polycarbonate plastic, from which most baby bottles are made.
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Bottles are tested in the U.S. to ensure they meet the highest standards for quality and safety
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Free of lead and PVC
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Includes a Beginner (slow flow, 0-3 months) nitrosamine-free silicone nipple
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Compatible with Medela breast pump
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100% recycled packaging
- Dishwasher safe (top rack)
10 Oz. Regular Neck, $10.99
5 Oz. Wide Neck, $9.99
10 Oz. Wide Neck Bottle, $10.99
Re -Usable baby Clothes, $23.99
Our organic cotton baby cloths are essential for parents and baby—super soft for the face, styling on the shoulder, and sturdy for the spills. And each cloth is made from fabric grown by members of the Chetna Organic Project in central India, which helps independent farmers overcome poverty, gain financial independence, and contribute back to their communities. Fair trade, socially sustainable, Skal certified, low impact, eco-friendly dyes; free of formaldehyde, amines, pesticides, and heavy metals. 3 cloths per package—colors vary.
Welcome Home Set, $54.99
Green to Grow’s Welcome Home Set has everything new parents need to start nourishing a baby with confidence: two 5 oz BPA-free baby bottles, two 10 oz BPA-free baby bottles (all of which come with Beginner nipples, 0 – 3 months); one package of Intermediate nipples (3 nipples per pack, 3 – 6 months); one package of Expert nipples (3 nipples per pack, 6+ months); and a super soft, organic cotton baby cloth, good for burps, slurps, baths, and splashes!
Creating a line of bisphenol A free baby bottles was our way of taking direct action where we saw a need. But while addressing a single concern is a positive step, we believe our responsibility cannot end there. In order to address the problems associated with the effects of toxic chemicals on human health and on the environment, we must join together with the larger community of those who are working for a greener and safer world. Not just for our children, though they are certainly the most vulnerable in every sense, but for all of us.
We are great believers in the power of knowledge and the necessity of direct action.
– Green to Grow
www.GreentoGrow.Com
The easiest way to prevent diaper rash is to keep that area dry, but wipes leave that cute tushie all wet. That’s where Bummas ($17 for 10) come in handy. They are little, 5×7″ rectangles of soft, 100% cotton fabric. They’re velvety soft on one side and terry-cloth-like loops on the other. Just use them after the wipe to dry baby completely and toss them in the laundry. They wash up nicely and return to their original softness, with no shriveling or unraveling whatsoever. And they’re made in the USA. I know you could cut up washcloths yourself, but the edges would fray when you wash them. Trust me. I know this from experience. Bummas come all rolled up in a cute pack of coordinating colors so I love them for a shower gift.
Other Great Uses:
• Convenient shoulder armor for burping and feeding.
• Take them with you for quick clean-ups.
• So soft and supple, it’s perfect for their little noses.
• Great for baths as a baby wash cloth!
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– Oprah on Michelle Obama
