Hey guys! So as my boys are soon to become one year olds, I’ve started looking into sippy cups for them to transition to. I thought I’d share some recommendations with you, in case you’d like the short-cut!
As many of you know, we try to limit plastic in our home. Oftentimes chemicals (including the more famously researched BPA) are leached out and can contaminate whatever they are containing (including food, liquids, creams, etc). For this reason, we oftentimes avoid plastic. When we do use plastic, we make sure to get brands that are free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC.
As most of you know, I am a representative for a beauty company that promotes safe beauty. Here is how their website describes some of the chemicals we avoid in plastics:
“Bisphenol A (BPA): a hormone disruptor that may also alter DNA, used in plastics and resins. Found in: plastic bottles, lining of aluminum food cans, possibly in eyeshadow and styling gel.
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others): a class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray.” (1)
Two other chemicals we avoid include vinyl chloride and dioxin. Read what the Breast Cancer Fund has to say about these chemicals:
“Vinyl chloride is formed in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or #3 plastic. It was one of the first chemicals designated as a known human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It has also been linked to increased mortality from breast cancer among workers involved in its manufacture.
Dioxin is formed in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or #3 plastic. Dioxin has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a known human carcinogen, and is also an endocrine disruptor.” (2)
While it’s important for adults to avoid plastics with these harmful ingredients, did you know that children (and particularly babies), whose livers and kidneys are not yet fully developed to be able to process and eliminate toxins as readily as an adults’, are much more vulnerable and susceptible to toxic chemicals?
“While babies, toddlers, and children are growing rapidly, chemicals can influence how their cells are built and run. Adults are fully grown, so chemicals don’t affect how their cells are built as much as children’s. Still, chemicals can affect how adult cells are run.” (3)
With all this said, I encourage each of you to look into alternatives to plastic when it’s possible. And if you do choose to use plastic, choose a brand that you trust, such as Dr. Brown’s.
Here is one sippy cup we like called the Eco Vessel Sippy. The part of the container that holds the liquid is made out of stainless steel. The sippy part where the child drinks from is made out of silicon. The only part of this container that is plastic is the outside lid, which does not touch the liquid. While we like this product, I think it’s a little bit too big for my one-year-olds.
My favorite sippy cup so far is called the Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Soft Spout Sippy Cup with Handles. (Whew that sounds like a tongue twister if you say it fast three times!) Similar to the Eco Vessel Sippy, this container is made of stainless steel. And its sippy part is made of silicon. You can also adjust it as a child grows by removing the handles.
While these are pricey compared with their plastic competitors, they are easy to rinse out and wash and reuse everyday. We also feel that plastic is bad for our environment, so we try to find alternatives when it’s possible!
As I learn more, I can update and share more ideas! But this is where we have started! I hope this is helpful!
