All mothers want what's best for their babies, which can make introducing their little one to solid foods a daunting task. There are two options for baby food: making your own or buying it at the store. Store-bought baby food can be just as healthy as making it yourself. Like many foods, organic foods are a healthier option and this is also true when it comes to deciding to buy organic baby food.
USDA Certified
Gerber organic baby foods are made with ingredients certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). According to the USDA NOP, for a product to be labeled "organic," the farmer must submit an application to the USDA NOP. In the application, the farmer must list all substances used on the farm for the past three years. The farmer also needs a written organic system plan (OSP) that describes what substances may be used, how organic food will be kept separate from nonorganic food, how he will monitor the process and the types of products that will be grown or raised. The USDA reviews the application and does an on-site inspection. If the application and the on site inspection pass, the farmer is given a certificate and his products can be labeled as "certified organic."
The farmer will have to undergo inspections once a year to keep his certification. The Gerber Co. only accepts products that are USDA-certified. Gerber also requires that their farmers' fields undergo soil testing for pesticides and other substances, something not required by the USDA.
Gerber Organic Baby Food
Typically a baby's first food is rice cereal, since it is easy to digest. Gerber has an organic brown rice cereal that contains essential vitamins and minerals for baby's development. Gerber's organic oatmeal and brown rice cereal do not contain any sugar.
Once your baby takes cereal and oatmeal easily, then he might be ready for Gerber Organic 1st Foods (fruits and vegetables). The Gerber Organic 1st Foods contain only one fruit or vegetable. Fruits that are available are applesauce, bananas, pears and prunes. Vegetables available in the Gerber Organic 1st Foods line include peas, carrots and sweet potatoes.
Once your baby easily eats from a spoon and has eaten the Gerber 1st Foods fruits and vegetables with ease, then your baby might be ready for Gerber's 2nd Foods. This line includes fruits, vegetables, purees (fruits mixedith granola, cereal and other foods) and dinners (pureed vegetables and a meat).
All of Gerber's Organic foods contain no added refined sugar, starch, or salt.
Cost Comparison
It probably doesn't come as a surprise that any organic food is going to cost a little more than nonorganic food. According to Diapers.com, Gerber Organic 1st Food fruits and vegetables (for 16.5 oz containers) cost $12.99. The Gerber 1st Foods nonorganic fruits and vegetables cost $10.49. The Gerber 2nd Foods range in price depending on the product, but the organic does cost more than the nonorganic.
