Whether you’re already pregnant or thinking about conceiving your first child, it’s never too early to start thinking about the kind of nutrition you’ll provide for your baby.
Especially with the constant — and often factually incorrect — debates regarding breastfeeding vs. formula, making your own baby food vs. buying it, and the best feeding schedule to put your newborn on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
While of course, breastmilk provides infants with the nutrition that they need, you may not be able to or wish to breastfeed your child. You may also be concerned about potential gaps in your baby’s nutritional foundation if you choose to rely on breastmilk alone.
Making the right choice when it comes to baby formula is incredibly important — and the first thing you’ll often decide is whether you should go with organic baby formula or a standard, non-organic option.
In this post, we’ll highlight the differences between organic and non-organic formula for your little one. Then, we’ll offer some of our suggestions for the top organic and European baby formulas that will help to ensure your child’s happiness and healthy development.
The Truth About Non-Organic Formula
If you have a new baby on the way, we know that you’re doing your best to research everything from the best sleep training methods to the safest strollers and car seats.
Unfortunately, however, when it comes to non-organic baby formula, much of the truth is hidden.
Devastatingly, roughly 80% of baby formulas on the market today contain toxins and carcinogens like arsenic, lead, and even cadmium — the same ingredient found in batteries.
What’s even more alarming is that many of the formulas tested claimed to be organic and BPA-free. That’s why it’s often much better to buy an organic formula that was made in Europe, as there are stricter laws surrounding the kinds of chemicals that can and cannot be used on a farm.
Most European farms are required to be biodynamic, cannot use animals that have detectable levels of pesticides, and are banned from using GMOs, synthetic formulas, and more.
Non-organic formulas require no such regulations. This means that in reality, you truly don’t have much of a clue about what’s really in your baby’s formula — and how it could impact their development down the line.
Ingredients Banned from Organic Formulas
Another reason why so many parents are making a permanent switch to organic baby formula from Europe?
Because European countries have placed a ban on including sugar additives like sucrose. Yes, breast milk contains natural sugars like lactose, but it does not contain things like fructose.
These additives have been proven to increase an infant’s craving for sugar down the line, which means they’re much more likely to develop issues relating to obesity and even suffer from dental problems in the future.
Another deceptive practice of non-organic formula companies?
Many don’t even bother to list the sugar/sugar additive content in their formulas.
This means that you have no control or even knowledge of how much sugar you’re really giving your baby, and the potential risk you’re likely exposing them to.
Even if you initially thought about breastfeeding, if you consume a large amount of sugar or sugar additives, it may be smarter to rely on organic formula instead.
This is because your child can get a high “secondhand sugar” intake from your breast milk — which is especially dangerous during the first year of development.
The Nutritional Content of Organic Baby Formula
Finally, it’s important that you pay close attention to the nutritional value of the baby formula you’re considering feeding your little one.
Organic baby formulas are incredibly nutritionally dense, while non-organic ones simply don’t provide the level of vitamins and minerals that your baby needs to thrive.
Organic formulas are often packed with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and oligosaccharides. These nutrients help to create a healthy gut balance in your baby, which makes digestion much easier for them and strengthens their overall immune system.
Organic formulas also contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids in particular help with brain development, eye and nerve development, and can even ward off anxiety and depression in your baby later on.
Also, look for organic formulas that contain probiotics and prebiotics. These help to ensure your child is getting enough protein, assists with brain development, and can help to keep your baby’s skin and lungs healthy.
Make sure the formula has vitamin E, plenty of amino acids, and L-carnitine as well. This helps to keep your baby’s energy levels within a healthy range, and ensure that fatty acids are successfully transformed into energy for the infant.
The truth is that many American-made, non-organic infant formulas simply don’t require companies to include these nutrients in their formula makeup. Don’t let subpar formula set your baby back.
Buy Only the Best Organic Baby Formula
We hope that this post has made it clear why it’s so important to invest in organic baby formula from Europe as opposed to non-organic options.
Organic formula doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, has tons of essential nutrients, and is free from potentially harmful ingredients.
So, where can you go to buy the right organic formula for your baby?
Our online shop makes it incredibly easy for you to find the best organic baby formula, baby food, skincare products, and much more for your little one. We have products that will help to protect your child at every stage of their growth.
Browse through our products from trusted names in the European organic formula market like Holle, Hipp, Lebenswert, and many others.
We look forward to helping you give your baby only the best in organic formula and beyond.
