BPA and Phthalates in Baby Products: What You Need to Know
The short answer
BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in many plastic products. BPA was banned from baby bottles and sippy cups by the FDA in 2012, and several types of phthalates were banned from children's toys in 2008 under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. However, replacement chemicals (like BPS and BPF) used in "BPA-free" products may carry similar endocrine-disrupting risks. A 2020 study in Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research found that BPA substitutes can have comparable estrogenic activity. Phthalates are still found in some soft plastics, vinyl products, fragranced baby lotions, and diaper materials. The AAP Council on Environmental Health recommends: using glass or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids, avoiding heating food in plastic, choosing fragrance-free personal care products, and hand-washing before meals to remove phthalate residues from plastic toys. Complete avoidance is impractical, but reducing exposure in high-contact situations (feeding, mouthing) is achievable.
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Primary exposure sources at this age include bottles (if plastic), pacifiers, and personal care products (lotions, diaper cream, shampoo). While BPA has been removed from baby bottles, some studies detect BPA substitutes in polycarbonate and polypropylene. To minimize risk: use glass or silicone bottles if feasible, choose silicone pacifiers over PVC, and select fragrance-free baby care products (fragrance often indicates phthalate-containing ingredients). The EWG's Skin Deep database can help you evaluate personal care product safety.
6-12 months
As babies start eating solids and actively mouthing toys, new exposure routes emerge. Avoid storing or heating baby food in plastic containers; use glass or stainless steel instead. Silicone food storage is generally considered safer than plastic. For toys, choose silicone, wood (with non-toxic finishes), or natural rubber over soft PVC plastic. If your baby chews on a toy and you notice a strong plastic smell or taste, discontinue use. Look for toys labeled phthalate-free or that meet ASTM F963 toy safety standards.
12-24 months
Toddlers mouth everything, making oral exposure to plastic chemicals significant. Cheap imported plastic toys and costume jewelry may not meet US safety standards. Buy from reputable manufacturers that test for phthalates and heavy metals. Replace cracked, worn, or discolored plastic items. For food storage and reheating, transfer food from plastic containers to glass or ceramic before microwaving. Even "microwave-safe" plastic can leach chemicals at high temperatures, since the label only means the container won't melt.
All ages
The AAP emphasizes that the dose matters: occasional exposure to BPA or phthalates from a plastic cup is not an emergency. The goal is reducing cumulative exposure across all sources. Practical priorities: (1) never microwave food in plastic, (2) use glass/steel for warm liquids, (3) choose fragrance-free products, (4) wash hands before meals, (5) avoid vinyl (PVC) toys for infants who mouth. These five steps address the highest-exposure scenarios without requiring a complete plastic-free household.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby mouthing a BPA-free plastic toy, and this level of exposure is low risk
- Not being able to eliminate all plastic from your baby's environment, which is unrealistic and unnecessary
- Using BPA-free plastic bottles when glass is impractical (daycare, travel), and the risk is low especially with cold/room temperature liquids
- Feeling confused by "BPA-free" marketing, and your skepticism is warranted, and seeking alternatives is reasonable
- You are concerned about your child's hormone development and want to discuss environmental chemical exposure
- Your child has early signs of puberty or unusual growth patterns and you want to rule out environmental factors
- You want guidance on prioritizing which products to replace for maximum exposure reduction
- Your child ingested a piece of plastic: call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for guidance
- You notice a recalled product in your home that contains banned chemicals, so stop use and follow CPSC recall instructions
- Your child develops an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling) from contact with a new plastic product
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Medical Concerns
Heavy Metals in Baby Food
Trace amounts of heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury) have been found in many commercial baby foods, including rice-based products, fruit juices, root vegetables, and teething biscuits. These metals occur naturally in soil and water and can accumulate in food crops. While the levels found are generally low, chronic exposure during early development is a concern. You can reduce your baby's exposure by offering a varied diet, limiting rice-based products, and choosing a diversity of grains and produce.
Lead Exposure Concerns in Baby or Toddler
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious developmental problems in children, even at low levels. There is no safe level of lead in a child's blood. Children under 3 are most vulnerable because they put everything in their mouths and their developing brains are especially sensitive to lead's effects. The most common sources are lead paint in homes built before 1978, contaminated soil, lead in water from old pipes, and imported toys or pottery. The AAP recommends lead screening blood tests at ages 1 and 2 years. Lead exposure is preventable.
PFAS (Forever Chemicals) in Baby Products: What Parents Should Know
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment and the human body for years, have been detected in a range of baby products including waterproof bibs, stain-resistant clothing, crib mattress covers, nursing pillows, and food packaging. A 2021 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found PFAS indicators in 65% of stain- and water-resistant textile products tested. The EPA classifies certain PFAS compounds (PFOA and PFOS) as having "no safe level" in drinking water. While the long-term effects of PFAS exposure in infants are still being researched, studies have linked PFAS exposure to immune system effects, thyroid disruption, and developmental concerns. To reduce exposure: choose untreated cotton or organic fabrics, avoid marketing terms like "waterproof," "stain-resistant," or "water-repellent" on soft goods, wash new baby clothes before first use, and use PFAS-free alternatives when available.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.