Unless you live in a handful of states, finding BPA-free baby products can be a challenge. Although some bottles, cups, and toys are labeled “BPA-free,” many aren’t, and how do you know which ones are safe? Some parents, taking a different approach, look for glass or steel bottles and dishware, but in California, finding BPA-free baby products may soon become easier.

Banning BPA has been visible to the public since 2006, when San Francisco passed an ordinance banning BPA in baby products. A year later, however, the ordinance was overturned. In the present, legislation to ban BPA in baby products, The Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act (AB1319), was proposed and is being voted on next week. Should the legislation go into effect, baby bottles and sippy cups made or sold after July 2013 would be required to be BPA-free.

Adults, as well, are concerned about BPA exposure, but children are at a greater risk. Present in items ranging from plastic coating to cash register receipts, BPA mimics estrogen, and its effects have been associated with hormonal and behavioral issues, such as early puberty, hyperactivity, prostate and breast cancers, infertility, and obesity. About the effects of BPA on children, CEO and director of Healthy Child, Healthy World stated:

“Children are uniquely vulnerable to toxic exposures. They are typically exposed to more toxics per pound of body weight. Their immature systems are less capable of excreting the toxics. And, perhaps most importantly, they are still developing, so exposures that may have no impact on an adult can create a domino effect of biological disruption in a child.”

Unless you can trust that all plastic baby products in your area are BPA-free, opt for glass or stainless steel items, including bottles, cups, and dishware, for your child and yourself instead.

As you’ve probably heard in the news already, not all green products are actually green. Baby products, in particular, have been exposed by this assertion, and parents looking to be environmentally-friendly with bottles, toys, and sheets might need to do some research before purchasing. “Greenwashing” is the term, according to an Environmental Leader article, given to inaccurately labeled “green” products. So, as far as your baby is concerned, how do you know if an item is genuinely good for the environment?

It’s a tough call with baby products, as, the Environmental Leader piece mentions, 90 to 95 percent of “green” baby gear has no proof. In general, if the claims about the product’s benefits for the environment are vague, not accurate, or unsubstantiated, you might want to think twice about purchasing it.

For parents, unfortunately, bottles spurred a trend to go green, as, only a few years ago, BPA was found to be in many feeding supplies. Children under three years of age shouldn’t be exposed to such chemicals as BPA and phthalates, as they have the potential to cause developmental delays or physical disorders. Some states have banned the use of the chemical, while manufacturers claim that their products are “BPA-free” or “phthalates-free.” But how can you be so sure?

Be wary of plastic products for children under three years of age, and look for as many alternatives as possible with bottles, cups, toys, and mattresses. We wrote about finding alternatives to BPA in the spring, and these suggestions will assist you with finding products that may be more “green” – or, at least, won’t contain potentially harmful chemicals. As we suggested, check the recycling number on the bottom of the product – “3” and “7” definitely have BPA – and look for other options, such as metal baby bottles, that contain no plastic whatsoever.