Plastic-Free Alternatives for Baby

There has become a great deal of concern about the use of plastics that contain Bisphenol- A (BPA), which has been considered harmful to humans since the 1930s. Research has shown that the plastics used to make many types of baby bottles could cause behavioral changes in babies or endocrine function alternations in girls. It is no wonder that parents are trying to move away from plastics and use other materials instead that are not only non-toxic, but also eco-friendly.

Bottles and feeding tools are a good way to move away from plastic. Stainless steel is a wonderful material to use because it has no harmful chemicals and is completely recyclable. Several dining sets can be purchased at major retailers. Klean Kanteen offers stainless steel bottles with safe, durable silicone nipples. Glassware is popular for bottles, too. Wee-Go makes little bottles that come in different sizes. They also have silicone protective sleeves so breakage is not as much of a concern as with most glass products. There are also special plastics that are completely safe because they are made from cornstarch. They are completely biodegradable and even compostable. Green Sprouts is a common maker of these things. Their products come in both eating utensils and bottles. However, these have to be hand-washed because they can melt in the dishwasher.

Toys are another area most parents try to avoid exposure to plastics. Boon toys are always BPA and PVC free. They have all kinds of toys that are available. Bath toys include ring toss games, stickers, ducks and more. There are also functional toys that act as teethers. Organic cotton bears, such as those made by Under the Nile, are easily washable. These can be used wet or dry and even frozen for soothing sore gums. Wooden toys are also gaining in popularity. These are made using hard woods such as maple. Sassy has a very adorable line of toys that includes rattles that are made from sustainable woods.

Baby bed pads are great to use for toilet training time. Concerned parents, however, have desired alternatives to the vinyl ones that carry the harm that plastics generally do. Natural latex rubber pads are great to use because they are biodegradable because they are made from natural materials. They also are great for preventing wetness from seeping into the mattress. Organic cotton pads are great as well. They are breathable which means that odors and are easy to wash. They also are also hypo-allergenic.

EnviroCitizen.org has found that there are numerous other opportunities to forego plastic in your baby supplies. Many eco-friendly baby retailers have entire sections of products that do not include plastic. There even are websites that are devoted to plastic-free lifestyles.

Check out EnviroCitizen.org's selection of plastic-free baby products.