Being a new mom is so many emotions wrapped in one. You and your baby are off on your new adventure together.
Between sleep deprivation, your hormones, and working your new stroller and don’t even get us started on breastfeeding! Of course, everything is new and at times scary even.
On the subject of breastfeeding, if you underestimated just how hard it was going to be, you are not alone.
In fact, oftentimes due to nipple pains and a mix of health problems, women will often choose to formula feed their infants.
Interestingly enough, a recent study done at Cambridge University in England found that babies who were formula fed cry less and are easier to get to sleep.
Baby formula might just be the best way to go, especially if you have health issues or other that prevent you from being able to breastfeed with easy.
All in all, if you are in the midst of deciding the type of baby formula you should go with, here is some vital information you should have!
What is organic baby formula?
We recommend that if you do breastfeed your child, one should definitely go the organic route.
Organic baby formula is comprised of soy products, or cow’s milk (or protein hydrolysate for babies with soy allergies).
The biggest difference between organic and non-organic formula is that the ingredients in organic baby formula have not been in contact with any chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, etc.
Often, in fact, the formula is held to a strict standard by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in order to ensure the nutritional value it has and overall, to prevent infant health risks.
In addition, organic baby formula must also be certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
What are the benefits of organic baby formula?
A lot of great nutrients!
Organic baby formula has more vitamins, antioxidants, and more polyunsaturated fatty acids than normal formula. These are all essential for infant cognitive and physical development.
No GMO’s and is Environmentally friendly!
Of course, as with all things organic, organic baby formula is just as good for the earth as it is for your baby.
In addition to all the extra nutrients, no genetically modified substances are to be found in your organic milk.
Your purchase of organic formula sends the message that you are all for feeding animals the natural way.
It can be great is you for women with health issues!
The fewer chemicals in your baby’s body mean that one is less likely to get lung damage, immune system problems, or nervous system injuries.
These are all possible issues the result from having pesticides in your body.
If you have certain health issues, and genetically your baby might as well, baby formula can be a way to alleviate you from the stress of breastfeeding. Therefore, baby formula benefits both your health and your baby’s.
Specific things to look for in your baby formula:
One ingredient to you will want in your formula is DHA which is a fatty acid that can increase and improve visual processing and cognitive ability. It is commonly found in baby formula but is not required. So be sure to look out for it.
One should also look out for all those vitamins that are naturally found in breastmilk such as docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, choline, and fatty acids. it is important to know that your formula has them as well!
Since these are naturally in your milk, you better make sure they are in your formula as well!
Common types of organic baby formula
Of course, different babies have different needs.
For example, an infant can be lactose-intolerant which means you must choose a lactose-free formula.
Also, as previously mentioned, babies sometimes have soy intolerance and even allergies to cow’s milk.
Here is a list of our favorite types of baby formula, all organic.
Hipp
An important, unique aspect of Hipp is that the product does not contain nucleotides.
Nucleotides are organic molecules that play a certain role at the fundamental, cellular level.
However, Hipp does not include them in their baby formula recipe under the pretext that babies make nucleotides for themselves from amino acids. As a result, they are not needed in the ingredients.
Holle
Holle milk is a quality organic brand which does not compromise on flavor or nutrients.
The company started over 80 years ago and are focused on the naturalness of the product, using only raw ingredients. They even have some which include goats milk!
Aptamil
Some professionals say Aptamil is closest to breastmilk, but it all a personal choice.
AptamilInfant Formula was created for children from birth to six months old. It is nutritionally charged and great from colicky babies, according to moms!
Lebenswert
This milk is actually made by Holle. Some aspects of the baby formula that the company prides itself on are the non-usage of GMO, flavors or preservatives. It is easy to digest as well as gluten-free!
Some last tips…
Take a careful eye to the ingredient label on your baby formula. Not all baby formula is to be treated equally!
Also, one must know and understand the needs of their baby before understand what you need to look for in your milk.
Consult your pediatrician for other recommendations on what to look for in your formula. Your baby might have specific needs that you’ll want to take care of!
Lastly, as your baby grows and changes (fast!) you’ll want to make sure you stay on top of those changes. In other words, changing your baby formula as your baby changes may be a great idea!
We mentioned a few organic baby formula marks here, but keep in mind there are many, many more — each with its own unique benefits.
