What goes into your baby's primary source of nutrition? Be smart about the ingredients.
Your baby deserves the best from the very beginning. If breastfeeding is not an option, then you want to provide the next best thing. Organic baby formula has everything your baby needs and most of the ingredients they do not.
Organic Baby Formulas are Not Equal
When you look at the list of ingredients in organic baby formula, you may find that not every company uses the same ingredients or type of ingredients. There are different types of thickeners, sweeteners, and products that your little one doesn't need to have. The benefits of organic baby formula is that it is full of natural, organic ingredients that have passed organic guidelines to carry the organic certification. Some companies like Hipp and Holle, go beyond with nutrition that does not irritate or cause discomfort that other baby formulas may.
Organic Baby Formula Ingredients Your Baby Needs
Organic Milk
When the cows are fed with the best grass in pastures that has not been tampered with harsh chemicals and fertilizers, they produce the freshest organic milk that is free of the toxins. This means that your little one has the best start. Holle is known for its biodynamic farming practices that meets the highest standards in organic milk production.
Organic Whey Protein
Protein is important in baby formula. Whey protein is natural, not synthetic like some proteins. It is also more digestible, which is another important feature when your baby is still developing systems such as the digestive system.
Lactose
Breast milk contain lactose, a natural sweetener and thickener. Many conventional baby formulas will use sucrose, table sugar, or high fructose corn syrup because it is cheaper to produce.
Vegetable Oils or Fish Oils
While fish oil may prevent an organic baby formula from being considered as vegetarian, it is a better alternative to an ingredient that can do more long-term damage. Healthy fats are still important in your baby's diet.
Baby Formula Ingredients that Your Baby Does Not Need
Some baby formula ingredients may be natural, but they have toxins or harmful side effects. Some products contain GMOs or sugars that are too sweet for your little one's digestive system.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids such as DHA and ARA can be found naturally in breast milk. The benefit of DHA and ARA may be that it boosts brain development and nerve tissue. However, the fatty acids that many formula companies use may have been extracted from algae with hexane. There is concern how it may be more harmful than beneficial.
Palm Oil
There are healthier alternatives than palm oil. It is advised to avoid palm oil despite its components found in breast milk because it can inhibit the absorption of calcium and fat.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a natural ingredient used derived from seaweed as a thickener and liquid stabilizer. It is used in a variety of foods including baby formula. However, it has been connected to intestinal inflammation and colon tumors. The European Union has banned its use in all infant formula.
Soy
Soy is a plant-based protein that is ideal for babies with dairy intolerance. It can also help parents who follow a vegetarian lifestyle. However there is concern with its concentration of natural estrogen. There is still more research that needs to be done to determine if it has adverse effects on sexual development and reproduction, thyroid function, immune function, and brain development.
