About Organic Baby Formula
Consumers are turning to organic products in search of food that is free of chemicals and other possibly harmful toxins. Organic baby formula is one of those products that parents are turning to when breast feeding is not an option. But not all organic baby formulas are the same, and reading and comparing the nutrition label on the cans is recommended before making the change.
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Significance
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Organic baby formulas are an alternative to regular baby formulas on the market. Unlike traditional formula, the ingredients in organic formula are certified to be free of many chemicals that may be harmful to a baby's health. Choosing organic also benefits the environment by helping organic farmers and dairies reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides and antibiotics.
Function
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Organic baby formula, like traditional formula, is used to supply the complete nutritional needs of infants and toddlers. For those who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, organic formula can be a safe and comforting choice to nourish a child, as the ingredients used are natural and not synthetic. Many parents use organic formula either in conjunction with breastfeeding or in place of it, as formula mimics breast milk by proving the nutrients a child needs.
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Considerations
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While breastfeeding is generally considered to be the best way to feed a baby, organic formula is a viable alternative. By choosing organic, parents can be assured they are feeding their baby the purest of ingredients and alleviate the worry of known toxins. Consumers should look for the FDA Organic labeling on the package, which assures that the product is made with a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients.
Misconceptions
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Not all organic baby formulas are created equal. To determine which one is right, read all label information, paying particular attention to fatty acid content, especially added DHA and ARA, to be sure that these come from organic sources also. Look also at the packaging of the product, as the package may leach BPA (Bisphenol-A) into the powder or liquid. Many organic formula manufacturers are switching to all steel cans in order to minimize BPA amounts.
Benefits
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Organic baby formula offers a child a diet free of growth hormones, antibiotics and other chemical ingredients that may be found in some traditional formulas. Like the food the child will eat as he gets older, organic choices in infancy give the him a head start on a life of optimal nutrition with safer, more natural foods.
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