Lisa Amster worries about using plastic bottles to feed her baby, Josh. The worry is because some bottles contain a chemical called Bisphenol A or BPA.

"It's a horrible thing if a parent feels concern about something they're giving to their child," Amster said.

Consumer Reports' medical adviser, Dr. Orly Avitzur, says newer studies suggest health risks for children from BPA.

"Based on the latest laboratory research, the National Institutes of Health has discovered that BPA exposure during development may affect the brain, the prostate, and may cause other health problems," Avitzur said.

Bisphenol A is found in many kinds of containers, including baby bottles made of polycarbonate. Containers made of polycarbonate may have a recycling code on the bottom. If so, it will be the number seven.

Some stores and Web sites now sell plastic bottles labeled "without BPA," or "Bisphenol-A Free."

Consumer Reports used an outside lab that specializes in plastic analysis to run tests on several of these bottles and found that BPA levels are negligible.

Consumer Reports says these are better choices if you want to use plastic bottles and limit your baby's exposure to BPA:

- BornFree;
- Evenflo Classic without BPA Custom Flow;
- Medela Breast Milk Feeding and Storage Set;
- Nuby Non-Drip by Luv n'care; and
- MAM Silk-Touch Nipple Anti-Colic Valve by Sassy, Inc.

Another option for parents concerned about BPA is to use glass bottles. But, of course, you have to handle these with care because they're breakable.

(Copyright © 2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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