Tips for choosing organic formula for babies
It might be difficult for a new mother to determine which formula is best for her baby, and you may have many questions. Choose the “best” formula, do you? How will it affect your baby’s tender belly? What qualities should you look for? Who knows, you may already be using organic infant formula from an organic formula shop.
Many parents admit to feeling anxious about the choice of formula. They might experience total confusion due to the choices. They might have even tried formula, but they’re not sure if it is the root of their child’s digestive issues.
Nobody’s stress level as a parent should be that high. Take a deep breath. There isn’t such a thing as a bad choice! No recipe is 100 percent accurate. There is no such thing as a “bad” formula. Said several substitutes might be found within ingredient categories, knowing your options will make choices based on your unique child easier.
How is baby formula produced?
Regardless of labeling, color, or price differences, all newborn formulas must contain a specific amount of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The following substances are undoubtedly included in all commercial infant formulas:
- Calories: For a child’s developing brain to remain healthy, they need a lot of calories. Per ounce, baby formula normally has 19 to 20 calories.
No low-carb eating is permitted! Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for your infant and can be found in maltodextrin, sucrose, corn syrup solids, or lactose. This sugar is naturally found in breast milk.
- Protein: Even those delicate newborn hairs and tiny fingernails need protein to flourish. It is the building block of organs, skin, hair, and cells. The primary protein sources in infant formula include nonfat milk, milk protein isolate, whey, casein, soy, and amino acids.
- Fats: Fats are necessary for healthy development and growth. The baby formula refers to these as vegetable oil, palm olein oil, coconut oil, canola oil, or maize oil.
- Vitamins and minerals: Baby formulas contain vitamins A, D, K, C, choline, calcium, iron, and more to prevent deficiency and provide young children the best start. All infant formulas must contain a minimum of 29 nutrients and a maximum of 9 of those nutrients. (This recommendation differs for some newborn formulas labeled as “special care,” such as preterm, metabolic, and infant formulas based on amino acids.) If you do not breastfeed during the first year, give your baby an iron-fortified formula containing between 4 and 12 milligrams of iron.
What is organic baby food, exactly?
Infant formula prepared from organic milk is produced using dairy products that have not undergone any antibiotic, growth hormone, pesticide, or weedkiller treatments. Only organic milk and other organic ingredients are utilized to manufacture infant formulae, even if some of these standards may be met by conventional formulas.
Kinds of organic baby formula
There are various types of organic infant formula available at organic formula shop, so be aware of that before you choose one:
- Milk-based: Cow’s milk is used to manufacture milk-based formula, as you might expect, but it has been altered to more closely resemble breast milk and provide the optimum balance of nutrients for newborns. The most common recipe for both organic and conventional options is this one.
- Partially hydrolyzed: These formulae contain partially digested milk proteins, which may be advantageous for newborns who, for instance, have colic or gas.
These formulas are made from soy proteins and are frequently substituted for milk-based formulas. According to the AAP, you should only use soy-based formulas when your doctor instructs you to do so. Generally speaking, they are not recommended.
How to choose the best organic baby food for you
It cannot be easy to decide which organic formula is ideal for your family. Because all infant formula sold in the US must abide by stringent regulations established by the Food and Drug Administration, you can be sure that any brand you choose will meet the basic safety requirements (FDA).
Here are some more steps to do while choosing a formula:
- Ask the pediatrician for advice regarding your kid. According to Dr. Abelowitz, your doctor may have more experience with some formulas than others, in addition to comprehending your infant and your family’s preferences. They can help you make a sensible decision.
- Look for the USDA Organic label. These products are certified organic, which demonstrates that they adhere to the USDA organic regulations, which specify the approved components and manufacturing methods. A mark that says “made with organic” from a USDA-accredited certifier will likely appear in its place if that mark is absent from the formula. This suggests that, but not necessarily all of the ingredients in the mixture, at least 70% of them were farmed organically.
- Look through the components list to find any useful nutrients. Think about the components we described above: For your baby’s cognitive and visual development, for instance, DHA, ARA, and lutein are essential. As already mentioned, some formulations include prebiotics for digestive and immune system health.
Benefits of choosing organic infant formula
Going organic has some advantages despite possibly costing more than the standard formula. Reduced potential pesticide and herbicide exposure is one of the main benefits, especially when your child is so young and their brain is developing quickly.
Research suggests that even very low levels of pesticide exposure in infants may affect their neurological and behavioral development.
Because formula may make up a sizable (or full) portion of your infant’s diet, selecting a formula produced with at least some organic ingredients may be advised to avoid this exposure. If the pesticide exposure from the typical baby formula is significant enough to affect a child’s neurodevelopment, more research is needed to determine this.
Some organic recipes use substances that are of a better caliber. You should be able to get organic formulas that use elements that more closely resemble those found in breast milk, for as lactose rather than corn syrup or maltodextrin (a type of sugar also made from corn). Certain organic formulas may have a different protein composition from conventional formulas, such as a greater whey to casein protein ratio that is more akin to the ratio seen in breast milk. If your baby experiences colic or gas after consuming regular formula, this can be the best option for them.
