Why you shouldn't give your child an aluminium water bottle September 25, 2015 22:07
Metals are metals are metals right?
Well, no.
While they hardly look any different from each other, there is one huge difference between aluminium and stainless steel.
And that difference lies in its safety when used with food and drink.
Unlike stainless steel, aluminium can leach harmful substances when it gets hot or comes in contact with anything acidic. Studies have also linked aluminum exposure to Alzheimer's disease. So, to ensure that the drinks inside aluminum bottles are safe, the bottles must be lined with something.
And that something is commonly plastic resins or baked-on epoxy - both of which can leach BPA and other harmful chemicals, or can get scratched, exposing the aluminum underneath. Ceramic is another material used to line aluminum bottles, but it's more rigid and can crack.
On top of that, the bottle lining can retain flavours and odours, which can make your drinks taste funky. We've even had a friend who thought her kid would never drink water - until she realised that it was the funny taste from the SIGG bottle that her child refused, not water!
Stainless steel, on the other hand, does not leach toxins as plastics or aluminium do(es) - but do pay attention to its grade.
Stainless steel comes in different grades, with the grade referring to its quality, durability and temperature resistance. Only 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel are considered food-grade. These two grades are resistant to corrosion by various food acids, and display increased corrosion resistance compared to some other grades of stainless steel (now you know why that stainless steel foodware you bought nonetheless rusted on you!).
As is the case with glass, food-grade stainless steel does not retain or impart flavours or odours. In fact, it's the same material that has been used in milk pasteurisation, beer brewing, cookware and eating utensils for years!
In short, definitely look for 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel in your next metal bottle!
If you're in the market for a stainless steel baby bottle or sippy, do check out our Pura Kiki range here. Pura Kiki is an award-winning brand of stainless steel juvenile bottles that are 100% plastic free - and stylish to boot! They come in both single-walled and insulated versions to suit your needs.
If you are looking for a bottle for your older kids or yourself, Pura Stainless carries a range of stainless steel bottles suitable for older children and adults. These bottles come with a revolutionary feature not seen in other bottles on the market - their bottle caps come with a stainless steel plug so your water never comes into contact with plastic.
Sounds like something you'd want? Get your Pura bottle in your favourite colour here.
Want to know why you should be careful with which diapers your baby wears? Find out how to pick a safe and non-toxic one here!