27 March 2008

Building a Better Binky

Plastic’s not a fantastic choice for baby bottles. Plastic bottles may leach toxic bisphenol-A and phthalates, which the National Institutes of Health has linked to possible damage to immune systems and brain development. And since we’ve already offered you some mod and healthy choices for bottles, that brings us back to binkies.

While latex sounds like a good choice for pacifiers, research indicates it can leach cancer-causing nitrosamines over time. Early latex exposure can also predispose babies to latex allergies down the road. Silicone is non-porous and does not contain bisphenol-A, phthalates or PVC.

Babies are picky, and you may need to try several different brands before you find a paci that gets your little critic's seal of approval. Try these one-piece, silicone options:

No matter what paci you choose, select a one-piece construction that won’t come apart and pose a choking hazard. Dishwasher-safe varieties make them easy to keep clean. Replace pacifiers often, especially if they’re beginning to look worn (because plastic that’s breaking down leaches more chemicals).

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