Since the news about BPA in our children’s plastic, I’ve pretty much questioned everything and anything.  It takes me a little longer to make decisions on what to buy because I try to ensure I am informed about my purchases; the extra time and effort for my girls is worth it to me.

The introduction to the sippy cup for my daughter was no exception.  The stainless steel and aluminum products have become quite popular. I was a bit concerned about the aluminum - I’m pretty sure there were some effects that contributed to Alzheimer’s weren’t there?  Then after some research I find out many of the popular brands of children’s cups have an epoxy lining. Well epoxy is just another word for plastic lining, now why would I use that?    I then did my research for Stainless Steel products, knowing that stainless steel releases elements in certain liquids, I wasn’t sure if there was a benefit.  Well, it turns out two products that I have found use high quality stainless steel and most importantly, are electropolished - Kleen Kanteen and Thermos Foogo products.

So what is electropoloishing?    

Electropolishing is an electrochemical process that removes material from a metallic work piece. It is used to polish, passivate and smooth metal parts. Electropolishing provides the smooth, easy cleaning and cosmetically pleasing surfaces, demanded by this industry, coupled with unmatched non-contamination and sanitary qualities. The process reduces oxidation and contamination of stainless steel components used in kitchen, dairy and automatic food processing equipment, and descales food and beverage containers. Overall, one can expect a significantly cleaner surface that resists the contamination of bacteria and product particles.

Another advantage and the reason for my choice to use the Foogo, is that it is a line of products with many options; including a sippy with handles, a sippy without handles, a sippy-straw with flip top lid and a thermos for kids. The larger straw-flip sippy is as tall, but – and this is key – thin enough for little hands to grasp comfortably.

Although the spout and straw are made out of food grade plastic, I am comfortable with the fact that the liquid is sitting in the stainless steel cup.  I continue to use the glass bottles with sippy cup spout and as alternative options. I use the Foogo sippy cups for my younger daughter and the large straw flip sippy is great for my older daughter.  I love the fact that it helps us reduce waste and use less of disposable drink boxes.  Every little bit counts!     

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 at 10:51 am and is filed under Children Products, Environment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.