I'm a big proponent of breastfeeding- I nursed all my kids past their first birthday, and two of them nearing their third birthday. However, I know that for some people, breastfeeding just isn't an option. For example, a friend of mine tried very hard to nurse her baby with Downs' Syndrome, but because of his low tone and a host of other issues, despite working with lactation consultants and otherwise, nursing didn't work out, and her milk dried up, and she needed to figure out the best formula to give her baby. It is very important for babies' guts to get the right start, and it's good to know that organic formula has benefits that other formulas do not. This informative piece was contributed by a reader.
Organic foods are made from wholesome ingredients that were raised on farms that focus on sustainable agriculture. This means all products that have not been contaminated by pesticides, fertilizers, bio-engineering, or radiation. In the United States, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for marketing foods that are labeled organic. When it comes to infant formula, 95% of the ingredients must come from farms that use sustainable agriculture. The regulations in the European Union are much more strict. According to their guidelines, this includes the use of grass fed, bio-dynamic milk as well as organic oils. There is also no addition sugars or sweeteners such as glucose, corn syrup, or rice syrup. What is in your baby's formula and what is kept out are very important to your child's nutrition. Out of all of the advantages for feeding your baby organic formula, here are 7 major benefits:
Advantage 1: More Vitamins, More Benefits
In 2010, a study was published in “Alternative Medicine Review regarding organic foods. It determined that organic foods contain higher levels of certain nutrients such as vitamins. This is especially important during the fall and winter months. Not only are there fewer days of sunlight for Vitamin D absorption, but babies need more vitamins as they grow slower during these seasons.
Advantage 2: Less Pesticides, Less Health Concerns
In that same study, it determined that organic foods contained lower levels of nitrates and pesticides compared to non-organic foods. An organic label assures you that your baby will develop fewer side effects including dysfunctions in the endocrine and immune systems as well as injury of the lungs and nervous systems.
Advantage 3: Good Night Milk, Baby
Organic baby formula is made to break down easier for your child's delicate digestive system. Without tummy troubles, your baby can have a better quality of sleep that is deeper and longer than with non-organic formula. Some organic formulas are specially made for nighttime. Hipp Good Night Milk, for example, is formulated for bedtime feedings.
Advantage 4: Organic Baby Formula is Not Hydrolyzed
Hydrolyzed milk is a process in many types of formula to break down milk protein. While it makes formula easier to digest, some companies use chemicals during the process. Only organic formulas find a way to break down proteins without the use of chemicals.
Advantage 5: Stronger Immune System
Organic foods build stronger immune systems because there are no foreign ingredients. When your baby has a stronger immune system, they are more resistant to allergies. Some of the ingredients in non-organic formula can actually create allergies in your child.
Advantage 6: Stronger Brain Power
All baby formulas contain brain-boosting fatty acids, but organic formula has more of them. Your baby will have an advantage with mental development and reaction times with more polyunsaturated fatty acids and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Advantage 7: Better Formula for a Better World
A better environment starts from the ground up. Organic formula supports the environment in the most natural way. It starts with how the animals are fed. Genetic engineering is not a part of the organic process, so cows are not fed by GMO. There is nothing modified genetically in the plants or animals that will wind up in your baby.
Advantages for Your Baby and You
Your baby can have the best start possible when you choose organic baby formula. With the potential for health risks using non-organic formula, your baby will be on the right track to a safe and healthy lifestyle. Both of you can have more rest when your baby sleeps longer and deeper, plus you can reduce the worry of allergic reactions.
The European Union has stronger regulations for organic foods and baby formulas, which is why we recommend those approved organic formulas.
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