Archive for March 23rd, 2012

23

Mar

Choosing Safe Baby Shower Gifts

baby-shower-invitationsIf you’ve shopped for a baby shower recently, you may notice the growing array of items with BPA-free in their descriptions. BPA (Bisphenal A) is a polycarbonate used to manufacture plastics, and appears in everyday products, ranging from the inside of soup cans, to plastic water bottles, to cash receipts. And for the past decade at least, plastic has been practically synonymous with baby product!

But baby product manufacturers are changing. A growing body of research points to harmful effects in humans, especially pregnant moms and babies. Big name baby brands and new niche companies are keying into the mounting evidence that cumulative exposure to these chemicals pose harm to human endocrine (hormone), reproductive, and central nervous systems. Public pressure on the FDA to fully eliminate them is nearing a decision, and many states have already banned use since 2009.

Whatever babies is likely to put in their mouths is worth checking for BPA-free labeling. Here’s a good starting list of items and safe manufacturers, but there are many good choices other than the brands listed here:

  • Bottles (Born Free, Dr. Brown, Avent)
  • Pacifiers (MAM)
  • Food and drink containers (check out the cool containers at Toronto-based, www.weangreen.com)
  • Diaper bags (Skip Hop)

Don’t forget items like teethers, bath toys, rattles, and toys. Also be aware that storing and reheating baby food (or any food) is most safely done in glass containers or jars, and avoid covering with plastic wrap. Heat further breaks down plastic, leaching chemicals into the food.

But if you’re simply shopping for baby shower invitations, you won’t need to worry about BPA! Dive right in to the adorable collection of personalized baby stationery designs, including birth announcement cards and baby thank you note cards available online at LookLoveSend.com. All invitations and announcements are printed on premium quality papers, and an order for 50 or more ships free!