Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic is used for baby bottles (as well as water bottles, medical devices, sports equipment etc.) because it is less likely to crack or shatter, which can lead to injuries.

Some scientists are worried that BPA can leach from the plastic into liquid held in the baby bottle, especially when bottles are heated to extreme temperatures, and the chemical may affect the body, particularly in young children. It’s important to note, that to date there have been no definitive studies on the effects of BPA on humans, and the evidence available today is based mainly on the study of laboratory animals such as mice.

The Philips AVENT Airflex reusable bottle is made from polycarbonate and therefore contains BPA. This product is no longer sold in the United States and Canada. Philips offers two BPA-free reusable bottles in its Infant Feeding line.

Philips AVENT offers two BPA-free bottles as part of its Infant Feeding line sold in the United States and Canada. These bottles are made from Polyethersulphone – commonly called PES and Polypropylene – commonly referred to as PP.

Both bottles are BPA-free and are clinically proven to help prevent colic and reduce settling at night.*

Polyethersulphone (PES) is an extremely durable material that has a natural honey-colored tint. Its high quality means that it is heat-resistant, stain-resistant and impact resistant. Bottles made of this material are highly durable. In addition the PES bottle has bottle has only a few parts and is therefore easy to clean.

Polypropylene (PP) is a more plyable material that has a milky hue. Philips AVENT bottles made of this material come with an additional adaptor ring to ensure the unique skirt on the teat always fits the ring of the bottle, guaranteeing the anti-colic feature.

* A recently completed clinical trial demonstrated that at 2 weeks of age, babies fed with a Philips AVENT bottle showed less settling compared to babies fed with another leading bottle. Settling is reduced especially at night.

Our product packaging is clearly labeled ‘BPA-free.’ Philips AVENT BPA-free bottles can also be identified by the color of the plastic – either a natural-honey tint or a slightly milky hue.

We can confirm from independent testing and a declaration from our supplier that the polyethersulfone used to make our BPA-free reusable bottles does not contain bisphenol-A.

All Philips AVENT bottles pass one of the most stringent standards for baby bottles which is the European EN14350 standard. The PES bottle is honey colored and the PP bottle has a slightly milky hue while the traditional polycarbonate bottle is clear. Both bottles are clinically proven to reduce colic and help ease settling.*

* A recently completed clinical trial demonstrated that at 2 weeks of age, babies fed with a Philips AVENT bottle showed less settling compared to babies fed with another leading bottle. Settling is reduced especially at night.

The first Philips AVENT BPA free bottle made from PES was available in North America in September 2008. We are currently expanding our line to include a new version made from polypropylene. The PP bottle will be available at select retailers beginning in August 2009.

We have been manufacturing baby feeding bottles for nearly 25 years and we completely stand by our product. We made the decision in the United States and Canada to stop selling product containing BPA, an ingredient of polycarbonate plastic, to meet the changing needs of our consumers and retail partners in these markets.

No. We have full confidence in our full range of bottles, which comply will all applicable national and international standards.

If you are concerned about what temperature to heat your bottles, Philips AVENT suggests using a bottle warmer that can be programmed to heat liquid according to volume, which will help regulate temperature. We do not recommend microwaving bottles as it can alter the composition of breast milk and formula and may create "hot spots" in the liquid.

No. We have full confidence in our bottles and we see no reason to withdraw them. This point of view is endorsed by regulators and governments all over the world who have declared that BPA can be used in products that come into contact with food.

The number 7 that many people have referred to and often appears as follows:

The number 7 does NOT indicate whether an item contains BPA. It is a globally used labeling scheme that tells people the type of plastic and how/if it can be recycled. The number 7 is a catch-all for several different types of plastic including those that contain BPA as well as those that DO NOT CONTAIN BPA. So, simply looking for recycling code 7 will not determine whether a product contains BPA. Philips AVENT packaging clearly indicates that our products are BPA-free to make the shopping experience easier for parents.

These symbols were created to identify plastics for recycling purposes. To help parents, Philips AVENT introduced clearer labeling on the packaging of its BPA free baby feeding bottles, pacifiers, toddler feeding products and breast care items.

+ European Food Safety Authority
+ Federal Drug Administration
+ Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
+ Food Standards Agency
+ National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
+ UK National Childbirth Trust
+ Canadian Plastics Industry Association
+ Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (BPA library)
+ Bisphenol A.org
+ Bisphenol A Free.org
+ CBC
+ WebMD