Breastfeeding is the ideal way to feed a newborn child, with regard to nutrition. However, it is not always possible or optimal for your life circumstances. As a substitute for breast milk, formulas try to emulate the properties of breast milk to give your baby the best nutritional replacement. Now formula companies are making organic formulas available with strictly organic ingredients.
Types
There are different types of organic baby formula. There are dairy formulas, soy formulas and lactose free formulas. Additionally, like standard formula, you can find organic formulas in powder, concentrated liquid mixes and some companies have ready-made formula mixes available. You may find less of an organic variety at your local store, as standard formula is likely to still be more widely stocked.
Organic Ingredients
Organic ingredients are hormone-free and free of antibiotics and other unnatural chemicals. Organic formulas may use organic brown rice milk, organic lactose, organic maltodextrin and organic sugar from evaporated cane juice. Additionally, if the formula contains oils and dry milk, they are both organic in the organic formulas. Organic and traditional formulas are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
The Difference
In order for a formula to be labeled organic by the USDA, the ingredients must be 95 percent organic by weight. The USDA certifies the farms from which the ingredients come as organic as well. Ingredients on organic farms are grown without pesticide and other synthetic fertilizers and are not genetically modified. Lastly, any flavor additives, such as vanilla, will be organic in the organic labeled formulas.
The Decision
If you choose to use soy formula, due to allergies or lifestyle choice, it is good to be aware that soybeans are usually farmed using pesticides and are typically genetically modified. If you desire to have a vegetarian or kosher diet, organic may be the only option for your child. Also, if you want to have an organic lifestyle, organic formula is the only way outside of breast milk to maintain this standard. It is worth noting, however, that organic formula has not been found to be more nutritious than standard, according to William Klish, M.D., professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Infant and Toddler Health-Breast-feeding vs. formula-feeding: What's best?; Mayo Clinic Staff; June 2010.
- Nature's One: Baby's Only Organic® Dairy Formula.
- Similac: Similac Advance Organic.
- Organic.org: What does "organic" mean?.
- Organic Baby Resource: Choosing Organic Baby Formula.
- Parenting.com: Finding the Right Baby Formula; Lambeth Hochwald.
