Bibi BPA-free baby products - soothers, baby bottles, weaning, feeding, Avent, Mam

Questions & Answers about Bisphenol-A (BPA)

Babies and small children in particular must be protected from harmful substances, which is something that parents feel intuitively. You have to be very selective, when choosing products for your child, and you also need to pay attention when trying to find the quality. The general news, that traces of Bisphenol-A (abbreviated BPA) are contained in baby bottles and the recent news from Austria (Global2000 test from October), that BPA has also been found in soothers has unsettled many parents. This is understandable, because the chemicals contained in the plastic material Polycarbonate are suspected of damaging the human health and messing up with the genetic make-up.

The following questions and answers should provide you with the most important information about Bisphenol-A, and they shall hopefully clarify any confusion or questions.

What is Bisphenol-A and how is it used?

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic substance, which is needed for manufacturing different plastic materials. Thus BPA is also necessary for the production of Polycarbonate (PC), a widely used raw material for packaging - especially for the type of packaging, which comes in contact with food (among others tin cans and soda cans). As far as baby products are concerned PC is used in the manufacturing of baby bottles and also in the shield of a baby soother.

How is Bisphenol-A released from PC-made baby bottles and soothers?

The substance Bisphenol-A can be released from the Polycarbonate, if the PC is subjected to extreme heat. This could for instance happen, if the baby bottle is filled with a warm drink immediately after the bottle has been boiled (and is still very hot), or if the bottle is subjected to extreme heat in a microwave oven. BPA can also be released, if the surface of the bottle is damaged, which thereby increases the risk of BPA being absorbed by the baby together with the food. This is why scratched or damaged baby bottles should be immediately replaced.

In the case of soothers, which are manufactured of PC, BPA can in combination with the saliva dissolve, and thereby it can easily be absorbed (eaten) by the baby. In particular can the boiling of the PC soothers prior to use manifold increase the BPA values.

Why is Bisphenol-A harmful?

BPA is a hormone-mimicking substance, which has an oestrogen-like effect. It can thus affect the hormonal status of the human body in a detriment manner.

Which alternative are there to baby bottles and soothers containing BPA?

Alternatives to baby bottles made from Polycarbonate are for instance bottles made from glass or bottles made from other plastics e.g. Polyamide (PA), Polyethersulpone (PES) or Polypropylene (PP). As far as soothers are concerned one should only choose those brands, which manufacture the soother disc of PP. It is important to know, that bibi soothers have always - i.e. for more than 80 years - been manufactured from completely harmless materials.

What are the advantages of Polyamide baby bottles?

Polyamide is completely free from Bisphenol-A and has been tested and proven not to release any potentially harmful substances. Polyamide bottles are characterised by their high breaking resistance and durability. They are extremely light and dishwasher-safe as well as boil-proof, and they are completely odour and colour neutral - even after extensive and intensive use.

How can you tell which material a baby bottle is made from?

In order to identify the plastic material a recycling code in form of a number is usually printed on the bottle. The numbers from 1 to 6 in a triangle indicates that it is made from a certain plastic, but NOT from Polycarbonate. The number 7 specifically symbolises all other plastics - including PC. However, if the letters PC are additionally printed next to the symbol, then it is definitely PC.

Other plastics such as acrylic glass, Polycarbonate, Nylon, ABS and Fiberglas.

Baby bottles made from Polyamide (PA) e.g. bibi's new PA bottles are marked with the adjacent symbol.

How do I use and treat Polyamide baby bottles correctly?

Tips, which are also written in the instructions leaflet:

• When heated in the microwave: you must at least fill the bottle half with liquids or baby food. You need to remove all lids or screw tops in order to avoid the bottle from cracking or bursting (due to excess pressure).
• Normal cleaning: either use warm soapy water or clean in the dishwasher.
• Sterilisation:
  • Boil for 5 Min. in water, whereby the bottle must be fully covered with water.
  • Steam sterilisation in the microwave: fill the steriliser with 200ml water, then microwave for 5 minutes at 750W or for 8 minutes at 500W.
  • Electric steam sterilisation: fill the steriliser with 200ml water and sterilise for 10 minutes at 100°C.
  • Not suitable for pressure cookers or autoclaves.
• Do not use disinfectants containing alcohol.

What is the situation with bibi bottles and soothers?

The Swiss traditional brand bibi places great importance in the use of materials of excellent quality for the manufacturing of its innovative products. These should not only adhere to the highest quality requirements but also at the same time guarantee safety. The trendy bibi soothers have always been made only from harmless materials. Independent tests have recently once more confirmed, that bibi soothers are 100% free of harmful Bisphenol-A. bibi also counts among the firs companies, which has been consciously pushing for manufacturing baby bottles from glass and Polyamide.

You can thus use the Swiss quality products from bibi with a clear conscience.

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