I tend to be a skeptic about most things, especially when there's conflicting information. Such is the case with plastic water bottles. I'm not panicked, but I don't want my daughter to be part of the experiment pool. I'm also a sucker for great design, so my research led me to Sigg [1]. Sigg products, made in Switzerland, have been around for almost 100 years, but the snazzy new sport bottles designed for babies, kids, teens, and adults just hit the States in 2005. With dozens of different styles and changing collections, as well as accoutrements to top, wash, and tote your bottle, Sigg is readying itself to become America's new fashion accessory. Most importantly, though, they're non-controversial.
Lots of people are concerned with polycarbonate bottles, and depending on which studies you read, the results are either terrifying [2] or reassuring [3]. The concern that polycarbonate contains BPA, a chemical which may mimic estrogen and which may leach into liquids as the plastic degrades, is enough to worry parents of developing children and women of childbearing age.
The Sigg bottle is a looker, and is light and easy to use. The obvious benefits of a reusable, recyclable bottle, combined with a solvent-free coating, an ecological manufacturing process, and a liner that will not crack and leaves no residue make this a pretty great choice for moms or anyone who wants peace of mind in a bottle.
The bottle liner [4] is made from a proprietary water-based resin that is baked onto the aluminum bottle. Exceeding FDA standards, Sigg asserts that the liner is safe, petroleum-products free, and will not leach aluminum or any synthetic residue.
Though the aluminum is easily dented, there is no flaking paint, and no dangling lining. Sigg explains that the inner coating is very elastic, and dents will not damage it. My adorable 0.3 liter has a Screw top, which is watertight and great if you don't need to drink on the go as it takes two hands. My daughter's has a terrific Bottle top, which is dirt and leak-proof, and has a clever twist mechanism that is easy to operate, easy to drink from, but not too easy to spill. The top has a color-coordinated plastic hood that keeps the dirt out and looks like a tiny baseball cap. You can also buy a handle attachment to make the bottle easier for little hands used to sippy cups.
I use mine on my bedside table, and I like that water left in the bottle overnight is completely palatable, there is no residual taste, even after being left in the hot car for a day and night. The drink bottle doesn't keep beverages cold or warm, and they warn not to put boiling water in it because high temperature could damage the outer coating - but you wouldn't be able to touch it anyway. Use it the same as you would any plastic drinking bottle. The Bottle top dismantles for cleaning, but Sigg recommends hand washing of both bottle and top, as the dishwasher can weaken the seals and durability of the coating. But that minor inconvenience shouldn't stop you or your children from enjoying a safe and convenient water bottle.
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Sigg Bottle
Cost: SIGG Kids 0.3 Liter (Baby), $14.95, 0.4 Liter (Toddlers) $17.95, 0.6 Liter (Kids and Teens) $19.95, 1.0 Liter (Adult) $19.95
Where to Buy: Online [5]