I have just had my third baby after a gap of 6yrs and so much has changed. I updated all of the bottles w/the BPA free but what about the baby toys? I am getting hand me down baby toys from friends & family and am wondering if I need to pass on letting our new little use them because of the BPA that could be in them. HELP!
It's not only BPA you need to be careful of these days, it's PVC plastic. Google it and you'll find a wealth of info...
At this point with all the dangers out there, we should all be dead. First it was the cribs. Then it was the plastics. Then it was the lead. Then it was...
If your older kids played with toys and are fine - I'm sure this one will be fine... My kids played with toys that my sister and I had when we were babies - my kids are now teenagers and absolutely fine.
Relax.
LBC
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I have a 5 yr spread between my youngest 2, my baby is 7 weeks and my youngest daughter will be 5 tomorrow, I updated all my bottles and stuff but never thought of the toys! Thanks for the question and I will be watching your responses.......good luck!
In terms of plastics, I actually just read an article about how hand-me-downs or used toys were better than new ones. This is because they've had time to air out and thus emit less chemicals than brand new ones from the box. If you do get new ones, its a good idea to let it 'air out' for a week or so before letting your kids play with them.
Mom,
I would not worry about it or the US Gov't would be recalling almost every baby toy imaginable and that is not happening. Besides you probably grew up ,as I did, playing with all of my older siblings baby toys and and we turned out pretty healthy didnt we? I would just machine wash any stuffted toys (no button or plastic eyes or noses) that are in good condition and air-dry or airfluff dry in dryer and use an anti-bacterial cleaner or ab wipes on them and then rinse off with water and dry w/ a clean towel. We just consider it recycling toys. Hope this helps.
I agree, there is nothing wrong with hand me down toys! If you are worried about germs, take Clorox wipes and wipe them all down and let them all dry off and then hand them to your child to play with! The government has every new mom scared out there it isn't even funny anymore! My boy's are soon to be 11 and 8 and they had a lot of hand me downs and they are both just fine. Good luck mom!
I am in the same boat (6 year spread w/a newborn), so I feel your pain.
This is just one gal's thoughts, so don't take it as gospel. I am pretty sure most of the BPA has a recycling code '7' on it. It is mostly things that are plastic, but look like glass. I did a little research myself and the reason they don't want us using BPA products anymore is that it can breakdown and the chemical produced mimmicks estrogen. There are some that worry this can cause health problems. Bottles are higher risk b/c you heat liquid in them, causing the chemicals to leach out more quickly. Waterbottles are risky b/c sometimes people let liquid sit in them for long periods of time.
I felt better tossing old bottles (and all my own sports water bottles). I personally don't feel toys pose that big of a risk because most probably are not the right type of plastic and also they don't sit in their mouths! I haven't encountered any chew toys yet that I thought might have BPA in them, but if I did, I might toss those.
I hope that helps you make a decision you feel comfortable with!!
As long as there was not a recall I am sure they will be fine. They were fine for the babies that used them before. Clean them up really good and as long as you think they are safe from little pieces, etc I am sure they are fine.
