Most doctors and experts agree that breast milk is best for the newborns. The FDA also strongly recommends breast milk.
But some moms cannot breast feed because of various reasons. There are babies as well who face problems in breastfeeding. Formula feeding is the only viable option in these situations. There are a lot of formula milk products now and many of them are very good too. Parents will naturally want to select the best product. To ensure proper growth and good health, the parents must ensure that the product has water, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, fat, and minerals in the right composition.
Difference between Organic and Non-Organic Baby Foods
At the supermarket, you will find two types of baby foods – organic and non-organic? What are these organic products and what are they made of? As the name suggests, organic foods are made with organic products, usually with cow protein or from organic soy.
The main difference between non-organic and organic baby foods is in their production process. Organic products are environmentally friendly. They also differ in their lactose and fiber content.
- Milk Formulas – Milk-based formulas are produced from cow’s milk. Many of these milks are rich in vegetable oils, minerals, iron, and vitamins. Some infant food products like those from Holle Organic Formula, which is from Europe, also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This is what makes them so good.
The cows are pasture-raised and grass-fed. These animals are raised at biodynamic farms that follow ethical practices. European products, like this one from Holle, are often better. The European Commission has imposed stricter regulations compared to the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Many in the US too are now favoring European formula milks. In an AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) study of 2018, the researchers found that 20 percent of all American parents are preferring imported formula milk products from Europe.
In the US, organic foods and milk products must also follow the standards set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These standards refer to animal production and raising, crop farming, and even to the areas of weed control, pest control, and soil quality. So, the milk produced should not involve any genetic engineering (GMOs) and there shouldn’t be any pesticides.
- Soy Formulas – There are also soy-based formulas. They are made from soy products but contain sucrose, corn syrup, and added vegetable oils and are rich in carbohydrates. Soy-based infant milk is good for those who face problems in digesting milk. Vegetarian parents may also want their infants to have this. But remember, it is best to avoid this if the infant has low birth weight.
We Now Have Better Organic Milk Products
Thanks to the better research, innovation, and advancement of science, the modern-day formula milk products you will now find are much better than what used to be available even a decade back. They contain everything required for the good health and growth of babies. You will even find special milk products meant for the infants born before the due date and those born with low birth-weight. There are also products for infants who are on a restricted salt diet and are allergic to proteins (whey and casein).
Organic baby foods may also contain a lower risk in some instances. According to the findings of a research carried out by the Stanford University, the risk of pesticide contamination is lower in organic products.
Organic vs. Non-Organic
Non-organic milk foods for the infants are also good. They are available in a wider variety and are readily available. The non-organic products are cheaper too. Whether you want to feed organic or non-organic is always a personal decision. However, one definite advantage of organic milk is that, you will be able to reduce pesticide exposure. Many parents are worried about the risks of these harmful pesticides on developing bodies.
The Different Categories of Organic
There are four broad categories –
- 100 percent organic – The products here should be made of 100% certified organic ingredients. The label must also have the USDA Organic seal.
- Organic – Every ingredient need to be certified organic. The only exception is the allowed food additives like enzymes. However, these additives should be less than 5 percent of the total ingredients. Their labels should also have the USDA Organic seal.
- Made with organic ingredients – Here, a minimum of 70 percent of the ingredients should have certified organic ingredients. The labels here cannot have the USDA Organic seal. It should clearly say “Made with Organic Ingredients”.
- Specific organic ingredients – These products are not supervised by a USDA certifying agent. They can publish a list of the organic ingredients used, though. They can have non-organic and organic ingredients in different combinations.
Non-organic baby foods have been around for many years. A lot of infants have consumed them. However, having said this, the organic products are definitely safer and better. Yes, they are costlier and they have traditionally been difficult to find. The price is, however, coming down. They are also more easily available now. You will find many organic baby formula products out there. If you want the very best for your infant, you can safely go for one, preferably one from Europe.