[Steph1]

I'm thinking of getting rid of all my plastic for the kids. I did start replacing some stuff with melamine plates & bowls, but now I'm all freaked out b/c of the melamine-in-formula issue. So it makes me wonder if melamine can leach into other food. I also have BPA-free plastic sippy cups, and I'm trying to replace those as well. I do let the big kids use glass sometimes, but I have tiled kitchen floors, and everything shatters in there in a million pieces and scatters throughout the whole kitchen, even Corelle, which I use often.

So, a couple questions. Stainless steel cups, first of all. Not sippy cups, there are quite a few alternatives for those. But I ran across this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=250333250709. Great price, right? My only concern is are there any safety concerns with stainless products from India? And they don't specify the stainless weight, is it 18/10, and does that really make a difference anyway? Also, the tops look a little "sharp" to me, not a nice rolled edge. Just afraid that it might be uncomfortable or actually cut little lips. Then I found these: http://www.kitchensupplydirect.com/002-T2107.html. I was thinking of buying 4, and shipping would be $10.05, so a lot more than option #1, but not too expensive. Looks like the top is less "sharp." So, what do you guys think of these options?

Silicone. I found these, they are so cute! http://www.guyotdesigns.com/squishybowls I don't know much about the safety of silicone, although I presumed that they are safer than plastic since it takes a very high temperature to damage them. does anybody know about safety issues with silicone?

Also, I like the idea of bamboo or wood plates or bowls, but do we need to worry about whatever produce they use to stain/finish/varnish/lacquer them?

One final question: is enamelware safe? I remember hearing about issues with lead I think a few years ago. Is that true today? Are there certain types or brands that are safer than others?

If you've gotten this far, thank you!

 

[Nemesis]

We are slowly replacing all of our plates, bowls, and cups with handmade ceramic dishes we buy from local artists. I feel the most comfortable with that, or glass cups.

I wouldn't be concerned with the SS from India (I haven't really researched it, maybe someone else will have a more informed POV) but I would not go with all SS if I could find something else that would be practical, because production of SS is a very high polluting process. I have glass jars for glasses, and ceramic cups. I do have a SS water bottle, and I haven't had any problems with it.

I don't know anything about silicone, sorry. I think in general, Bamboo is safe. I would guess if you are buying bamboo dishes, they would probably not be sealed with anything. They would be a nice alternative to breakables for kids. There is concern about Bamboo's environmental impact, as rain forests are being cut down to grow more bamboo for all of its new uses. But I know some places advertise their bamboo as environmentally friendly, or whatever they call it. ( I can't think of the word right now that they commonly use!)

 

[Steph1]

I did go ahead & buy the SS from India. I figured that if I didn't like them, I could re-sell them on CL or something.

I did a search on here & found some old info on silicone from a poster whose DH was a chemist or some kind of scientist. She said silicone was incredibly safe, it's used in the body during surgery and as a replacement for body tissue. I'll have to try to find that thread again. Here it is: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=471072

 

[talia rose]

the problem with bamboo is all those little strips of bamboo have to be glued together with something!

 

[Melaine]

Has anyone seen these? I am thinking about ordering, although I haven't seen them IRL. They look like a good price to me.
http://hic-cups.com/cup_order.htm

 

[Steph1]

Melaine, I did see those, I thought they were a great price! But a little too big for my kids. I'll let you guys know how the ones from India are when I get them.

I just bought & received this. Such a cute little cup! But I'm sure the lid is polycarbonate, so I don't know what I'm going to do about that. I'd love to find a polypropelene lid that will fit, or something silicone. So, we'll see.

 

[marsmom]

Wood is definitely the most eco option, and great for kids, although its not perfect for everything (if unsealed, it can get stained). It is a perfect "Buy Local" choice too, as there are so many people who turn wood bowls as a hobby from trees that fall down in their area. Many sell on the craft fair circuit or sometimes through the gift shops at parks/forests. Best to buy them unsealed, then you don't have to worry about what was used. You could always rub them with vegetable oil, the same way you would a cutting board or wood counter top if you wanted.

We have wood bowls and plates we got when we gave up as much plastic as possible. We bought them from a local wood turner who sells at the visitors center at our closest forest. I love them because they don't break, they look beautiful, they're 100% local from fallen trees, and I have no health concerns about them.

We've also had glass plates since the girls were 2 and they've never broken any, but they weren't the type to throw dishes by that point - know it's not for everyone.

 

[mommabeehilly]

marsmom what do you use for glasses?

that's my real problem right now. thanks for starting this thread.....hopefully i'll get this solved soon. love wooden bowls/spoons! can't wait to hear about the ss cups and how you like them.