When it comes to the basic components in infant formula, all brands look similar. When you choose an organic baby formula, the benefits outweigh all else.
What Does Organic Mean?
- Natural fertilizers (no synthetic or chemical fertilizers)
- Natural weed control (no chemical herbicides)
- Natural pest control or naturally derived pesticides (no synthetic pesticides)
- Cleaning living for livestock (no hormones, GMO feed, or antibiotics)
- Outdoor access for livestock (compared to uncertainty of outdoor space)
How is Organic Different Compared to Natural?
While organic is natural, natural does not meet the standards of organic foods. According to the Food Marketing Institute, natural foods are those that do not have artificial additives such as sweeteners, colors, and flavors, and it is also minimally processed. However, natural foods are not label correctly because it does not have the same guidelines as foods that are certified, inspected organic. Without the guidelines, there is no certainty as to how natural these foods really are.
Organic rises above in terms of natural quality because it is natural from soil to end product. Regulations for organic foods start with farming practices like resource recycling and biodiversity. Production and manufacturing also follows organic practices. Organic foods that are certified will have the seal on the label, not just the word “organic” on the packaging.
Why is Organic Baby Formula Better?
Your baby spends the first year of life growing, developing, and learning so much. Some of the ingredients found in conventional baby formula is giving your little one more than they need to survive, not to mention chemicals and preservatives that can play a role in their development.
GMO, or genetically modified organisms, is a process in which a plant's DNA has been altered. Often this process is to make plants herbicide-resistant or insecticide-producing. The World Health Organization has declared that the ingredient in herbicides glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” While some organizations including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration believe that GMO foods are safe, there is still debate and research that questions the effects of GMOs on health and the environment. Organic baby formula does not contain GMOs.
Organic ingredients have a healthier start with nutrient-rich soil and best agricultural practices. This type of farming is also better for the environment in which your babies will be living for many years ahead. Holle is a company that follow Demeter-quality farming standards. Those standards make this company and comparable companies like Hipp more environmentally friendly with a small carbon footprint.
When your baby's formula comes from an organic baby food company, your little one is not exposed to the chemicals from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that can affect their development. While the levels of nutrition are the same, your baby is less susceptible to the health issues those chemicals can trigger from allergies to neurological development.
Not All Organic Baby Formula is the Same
Some organic baby formulas are better than others. As a parent, you can look at the ingredients that go into the different formulas or the farming methods that are used in the process. An informed decision in your choice of organic baby formula is the best decision for your baby.
