Always on the lookout for the Next Big Thing for kids, I find myself researching incessantly, not only new products, but also news that’s relevant to parenting and kids. Even before I started NKT, I tried to keep abreast on topics pertaining to the environment and especially reports about BPA. With Chicago voting to adopt a ban on the sale of baby bottles and sippy cups containing the chemical BPA, and other areas moving in a similar direction, huge strides are being made.
As they say, necessity is the mother of invention, or in this case, innovation and ingenuity. Citing the growing need for more BPA-free products, Michael Ritterbrown and his wife, Shelley launched Green to Grow, a line of award-winning baby bottles. Like most modern parents, they sought safe alternatives for kid gear and weren’t willing to sacrifice sensibility, thus Green to Grow was sprouted to fill that void.
I initially spotted Green to Grow bottles at Buy Buy Baby and was immediately intrigued by the modern, yet simplistic appearance. Green to Grow kindly sent me a sample to review in detail; specifically, they sent the 5 oz. Wide Neck Bottle.
In contrast to polycarbonate bottles, which is the clear, shatterproof material that contains BPA, the hormone-disrupting chemical in question, Green to Grow bottles are a slightly darker tint because they are made from Polyethersulfone. Green to Grow says this particular material can withstand repeated sterilization without degrading, thus making it ideal for bottles. In addition to being BPA-free, Green to Grow bottles are also free of phthalates, PVC and lead.
As most parents know, hand-washing bottles, even with the the best bottle cleaner, can be a chore. The wide neck bottle allows for easier access to clean each and every crevice, not to mention, making it easier to pour liquids in. The bottle shape has a slight curvature, which makes it easy for little hands to grasp. Safety and functionality aside, the bottles are cute and boast a smiley fruit-like graphic on the front, which is gender neutral.
The nipple is made from a transparent, medical grade silicone that is heat-resistant, non-toxic, and odorless. Green to Grow says the wide neck option is shaped like a mother’s breast, which can ease bottle to breast transition. The nipples come in three flow speeds: beginner (0-3 months), intermediate (3-6 months), expert (6+ months). The wide neck bottles tout a blue ring that connects the nipple to the bottle, whereas the regular neck is differentiated with a green ring.
As more families become eco-conscious, sustainability and environmental awareness naturally becomes a selling point. Afterall, if we’re seeking out products that are intended to be safer for our baby, wouldn’t we choose products that are made from companies who recognize the importance of preserving the environment and maintaining social responsibility? It all goes hand in hand in my opinion. Like their name implies, Green to Grow is a socially responsible company. They follow through with their green initiatives by using 100% recycled paper and soy inks in all of its packaging and printed corporate materials, and has partnered with 1% for the Planet. Most recently, Green to Grow has also created the Bottles to Babies initiative which connect customers who are no longer using their baby bottles with local non-profit organizations and women’s shelters that accept new or gently-used baby bottle donations.
Green to Grow bottles, which won the iParenting Media Award for Best Products of 2008 and winner of PTPA Media Inc.’s Seal of Approval, are welcome additions to the growing market of BPA-free and innovative kid products, and a line I’d certainly consider for #2 (whenever we cross that road!) The bottles are durable, well-made and a safe alternative to the questionable products on the market. The bottles come in 5 and 10 oz. options and are reasonably priced at $9.99 and $10.99, respectively, and can be found at stores like Buy Buy Baby or online retailers. Green to Grow also offers Welcome Home sets, baby cloths and totes, which would all make practical baby shower gifts.
Would you like the Green to Grow wide neck 5 oz. bottle for your babe?
Check out Green to Grow and tell me what products you like!
For additional entries:
1. Tweet about this giveaway
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5. Tell me the color of the rings of the wide neck version of the Green to Grow bottle.
Good luck, and please comment for each entry. This giveaway ends June 17.
*****this giveaway is closed******
Congrats to Courtney!
