There are many reasons why parents choose to use formulas. New parents want to find the best formula for breastfed babies; organic is the best choice.
Organic baby formula is the best choice for your family because it’s organic, free of genetically modified ingredients (GMOs), and never contains synthetic vitamins or hormones. It also doesn’t contain any pesticides, herbicides or fungicides that can be found in conventional brands.
The organic baby formula market has grown significantly over the past decade as more parents become aware of the benefits of using an all-natural product on their babies’ developing systems. You can find a range of different formulas including soy based, dairy based and lactose free options at most grocery stores now! Here are some great tips for choosing your ideal brand…
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Why organic formula is best for breastfed babies
When choosing a formula for your breastfed baby to supplement for a short time or you are in the weaning process, you will want to choose an organic formula. An organic baby formula has many benefits for your child over an ordinary one. There are many reasons for choosing this formula, but here is a look at the four main points.
First, when a baby is eating solid foods and also drinking formula or breast milk they can become constipated. When you choose an organic baby formula, it will include prebiotics that can help improve the digestive process in a child. Another reason to consider this formula is because it doesn’t contain GMOs, pesticides or chemicals which are used in creating many formulas. When choosing organic baby formula, you are also supporting the environment and farming practices because they do not use chemical fertilizers and pesticides when growing their ingredients.
Benefits of organic baby formula
The benefits of choosing an organic formula over a nonorganic formula are numerous. There are many reasons why you should consider choosing organic baby formula for your child. Here are a few of the main points that should lead you to this decision.
When a baby is drinking formula or breast milk they can become constipated, especially if they are also eating solid food. When you choose an organic formula for your child, some will include prebiotics. This can improve the digestive process in a child eating solid foods and drinking formula or breast milk.
Another benefit to choosing an organic baby formula is that you are supporting the environment and farming practices because they do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides when growing their ingredients for these formulas. These practices can be harmful to the environment and your baby.
Other things to consider
If you are choosing an organic baby formula for your child in the weaning process, make sure your brand offers probiotics and prebiotics in their ingredients. This will help ensure that they continue to have a healthy digestive system. Many manufacturers now have organic baby foods that have probiotics in their ingredients to help aid the digestive process as well.
HiPP Organic, Holle Organic and Lebenswert are a few of the many brands available for your choosing.
Types of organic baby formula
There are a few types of organic baby formulas out there to choose from for your baby. They include soy based, dairy based, goat milk based, and lactose free options. You can find a range of different formulas at most grocery and online stores now.
- Soy-based Formula is typically used by mothers who are nursing their babies. The reason being, is that it works in a way similar to breast milk. This is a great option for plant based families or babies that can’t tolerate lactose. It’s also good for babies that struggle with constipation.
- Dairy-based formula is a popular option. This Best Formula for Breastfed Babies Organic including Best Formula for Breastfed Babies Organic Holle and Best Formula for Breastfed Babies Organic HIPP. Both Best Formula for Breastfed Babies Organic these brands are available Best formula for breastfed babies organic in Canada.
- Goat Milk Formula is an alternative for cow milk formula. This is a popular choice for parents that have babies that struggle with constipation. Goat farms tend to be smaller than dairy farms so many moms choose this option for better quality care for the animals.
- Lactose Free Organic Formula is a dairy based formula that has been broken down so it can easily be digested for your baby. This is a popular choice for babies that are lactose intolerant.
How to choose the right organic baby formula for you
Choosing an organic baby formula as a new parent can be difficult, it’s important to note that this decision is not only based on your love and care of the environment. It’s also made with the well being of your child in mind! By choosing the best baby formula, you can help protect your child from pesticides and chemicals. This eliminates the risk of health issues related to them.
Choose a trusted Brand : Choosing the best option on an organic baby formula doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It helps to choose a reputable brand that has been tried and tested. The good news is there are many options available to you!
Seek advice from a health care provider : Asking a doctor or nurse for advice is the best first step when it comes to choosing an organic baby formula and deciding on formula feeding. Some formulas may not be suitable for your child, as they can cause allergic reactions. Seek help and don’t settle on one option too soon.
Certified organic vs. made with organic ingredients
- Certified Organic: A food that is certified organic by the US government has ingredients that are grown in pesticide-free soil. Organic products and food do not have artificial flavors or colors, and it does not have artificial growth hormones or preservatives.
- Made with Organic Ingredients: If the package says it has been “made with organic ingredients” then at least 70 percent of the food has come from organic ingredients and made without being genetically engineered.
US Brand Formula vs. European Brand Formula
The standards for baby formula and what they can put in it in formula with the European Union are much stricter than in the U.S.
European baby formulas are almost all certified organic.
The best thing is Europe doesn’t allow table sugar to be added to their formulas. The only exception is for preemie babies and babies with allergies. They also require at least 30 percent of the calories to come from lactose.
Some European formulas such as Holle go far beyond the standards as well and focus on using organic farms, sustainability and preserving the ecosystem.
Ingredients You Want To Look For in a Formula
Infant formula cannot have all of the good things that breast milk can, such as antibodies, hormones and other bioactive molecules. The best organic formulas do try to contain ingredients and nutrients that are naturally found in breast milk. Here are some ingredients you will want to find in a formula.
Organic Soy Milk
Soy formula is made from soy milk and has a high fat content similar to breast milk. It’s a great option that has a light footprint on the earth, best for the animals, and is best for your baby’s digestive system. Check for an organic option that is GMO free.
Organic Cows Milk
The milk in organic formula comes from cows and goats that are treated well. They can eat grass and organic grain. They live on sustainably-run farms. This makes the milk pure, so it tastes better and has more of the nutrients that a baby needs to grow strong bones. The cow’s milk used in Holle Bio meets the European Standards for organic farming.
Organic Goat Milk
Goat’s milk formula is made with goat milk that is free from antibiotics and generally are able to eat by grazing farms. Brands such as Holle Bio use goat milk from farms that sustainably raise their animals.
Read more about the best goat milk formulas.
Organic Lactose
Most carbohydrates in breast milk are lactose. Cow’s milk and goat’s milk also have it, but not as much. This is why most organic formulas include more lactose to get the same amount of carbs as breastmilk. HiPP and Kendamil both have a lot of lactose in them for this reason.
Organic Whey
Cow’s milk is very different from breast milk. Cows milk has twice as much protein as breast milk. The whey protein concentrate/casein ratio is also much different than breast milk as well. In cows milk it is 20/80 but in mature breast milk is closer to 60/40. Brands such as Holle Bio Stage 1 and HiPP Stage 1 are closer to that ratio.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
This is to boost the immune system. These properties that breast milk naturally provides, many organic formulas also contain prebiotic fibers and probiotics. This can help a healthy digestive system. You can also add them into your formula just before giving your baby their bottle.
Read more on probiotics you should be taking when breastfeeding.
Organic Vegetable Oils
The fat in organic European formula is from a blend of 3 oils. Most often it is palm oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. Sometimes it is coconut oil as well. These oils are added to a base of organic skim milk to make the right amount of fatty acids that babies need, such as palmitic acid.
DHA, ALA, and ARA
We need to make sure that our baby has healthy brain function. We do this by giving them organic milk with added DHA, ALA, and ARA. These essential fatty acids can help promote better brain development and eye development because the milk has omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in it, like linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), andarachidonic acid (ARA).
Vitamins and Minerals
Every organic baby formula includes the essential vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals include vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, iron, potassium, and calcium.
Ingredients You Want To Avoid in a Formula
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is used to sweeten most organic baby formulas. But corn syrup can be a source of mercury, which can harm your child’s nervous system or cause behavioral issues according to the FDA . For this reason, many brands are now using beet and cane sugar instead. This way they can avoid adding cross-linking agents into the formula that are used in corn syrup. You should also steer clear of any product with High Fructose Corn Syrup as an ingredient.
Sugar
Sugar may seem harmless, but babies younger than 6 months shouldn’t have any sugar. It is added to formula as a sweetener, but it can also be used to make it more palatable for the baby, and so that they will drink more of it. If a product doesn’t have sugar in the ingredients list, then there is no sugar in it.
Glucose Syrup
This is a byproduct of corn syrup, but it is also made from wheat or rice and has none of the nutritional value that organic formula should have.
Flavorings
These are added to formulas in order to make them taste better. But they can come with a bunch of unnecessary additives as well. Formula shouldn’t have any flavorings.
Corn Syrup Solids
These are added sweeteners that offer no nutritional value. There is a concern around the mercury content in some corn syrup solids, so it is best to avoid them when possible.
GMO Ingredients
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are foods or plants that contain genes from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, fish and other plants. GMOs do not occur in nature. Companies use GMO ingredients to make food cheaper and they can add junk ingredients without people knowing because it is difficult to tell if things have been genetically altered. For example, corn used in formulas can be genetically modified and some of the corn sugars might not count as GMO under current labeling laws.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a thickening agent made from red seaweed. It is often added to food because it makes things “jell” without using gelatin or gluten. There are concerns about it though because it contains iodine. Studies show that when carrageenan goes through bacteria in our digestive tract the bacteria causes inflammation which could lead to cancer, gastrointestinal disease and food sensitivities. This is why some organic brands do not use it or they are only certified non-GMO without using carrageenan, like Holle Bio.
Artificial Ingredients
If an organic formula has these things in it, then the product isn’t really organic. Some of these things are only added for flavor purposes anyway. Organic baby formulas do not need to taste sweet. So brands such as Holle Bio avoid these ingredients.
Best Organic Baby Formula for Transitioning From Breastfeeding
Earth’s Best Plant Based Organic Formula
One of the main selling points is that the manufacturer uses water to extract DHA, this is a favored method since this practice produces less chemicals.
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Best Organic Baby Formula With Extra Prebiotics
HiPP German Combiotic Infant Milk Formula
HiPP German formula has added probiotics and prebiotics such as Lactobacillus fermentum hereditum. This is a great transition or supplementation for breast milk that is easier on the stomach and digestive track.
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Best Organic Baby Formula for Reflux
HiPP Dutch Combiotic Infant Milk Formula
The HiPP formula of organic baby food is a European brand that has stricter regulations relating to sourcing and processing that are popular with parents concerned about digestive issues for their baby.
This is a baby formula that does not have gluten, maltodextrin or soy. It is safe for babies with allergies to these things or digestive issues.
Their prebiotics and probiotics, omega 3 and 6 LCPUFA (DHA and ARA) as well as essential nutrients make them an excellent option for breastfeeding babies.
HiPP Dutch Stage 1
HiPP Dutch Stage 2
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Best Goat Milk Formula
Holle Goat Milk Formula
Goat’s milk is easier for babies to digest, and does not contain the A1 beta-casein protein which can cause reactions in cows’ milk.
Holle Goat Stage 1 is a food for babies who can’t eat cow’s milk. It has natural ingredients like organic whole goat’s milk, organic lactose, and other things like that.The latest Holle Goat formula is free from palm oil. It’s one of the few baby formulas that are vegetarian friendly, even with the recent addition of DHA.
Holle can start as soon as infancy with Stage 1: for ages 0-6 months
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Best Organic Baby Formula for Sensitive Stomachs
HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic
This formula is great for sensitive tummies. The proteins are broken down into smaller amounts so they are much easier to digest. They are made with all whey proteins and there is no casein in them. That means they can help symptoms like constipation, skin rash, eczema, bloating, and gassiness.
HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Stage 1 – For babies 0-6 months
HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Stage 2 – For babies 6-12 months
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Best Organic Baby Formula for Toddlers
Baby’s Only Organic Formula
Baby’s Only Dairy With DHA and ARA
Conclusion
Organic baby formula is best for breastfed babies because it has the least amount of additives, artificial ingredients and chemicals. Organic formulas also do not have to taste sweet which may make them easier on your child’s stomach. If you are looking for a supplement or if you need an organic alternative – Earth’s Best Plant-Based Organic Formula might be just what you’re looking for! For your toddler, Baby’s Only Dairy With DHA would be perfect since it is made without any palm oil and uses egg yolk as source of DHA rather than hexane extraction methods that can produce more harmful byproducts in the final product. For families with food allergies, Baby’s Only Sensitive is a great choice since it contains no gluten, lactose, milk proteins or soy ingredients.
If you are looking for an organic baby formula that has all of the benefits listed above and isn’t too expensive then HiPP German Combiotic Infant Milk Formula is one of the best choices! It also includes prebiotics which improve digestion as well.
If that wasn’t enough, we have a few other articles on the subject here: Best Formula for Breastfed Babies and Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies.
