Best Organic Baby Formula
You must have heard the saying, “Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food”. This saying, as old as it may be, remains one of the greatest medical prescriptions ever. Lots of adults struggle to maintain a healthy diet for a number of reasons. But what do you think would have happened if they were brought up in a way that taught them how and why to eat healthily right from birth? It would have been a different ballgame altogether.
Experts encourage parents and caregivers to feed their little ones the best organic baby formula they can find on the market. Continuing to eat such healthy foods consistently as they get older, would instill their beliefs about food and improve their care about what to eat.
There are a lot of these organic formulas on the market. Which of them should you choose? By the time you are through with this carefully and deeply researched piece, you should be able to tell what to look out for when shopping for these formulas, and what brands are highly recommended by professionals.
How Did We Pick the Best Organic Baby Formula?
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Best Overall
Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron Stage
Key Features
- Available in stages one and two
- Modeled after breastmilk
- Comes in a white canister with 595g content
- Contains four times more probiotics
Why It is Better?
- No GMO
- Gluten-free
- Formulated for easy digestion
- Made with key vitamins and minerals
- Why Do You Need Organic Formula for Baby?
- How to Pick Right Organic Baby Formula
- Top 5 Best Organic Baby Formula
- 1. Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron Stage
- 2. Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula with Iron
- 3. Similac Organic Infant Formula
- 4. The Honest Company Organic Non-Gmo Sensitive Formula for Occasional Fussiness & Gas
- 5. Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula
- Ingredients to Avoid in Organic Baby Formula
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why Do You Need Organic Formula for Baby?
Simply put, organic formula is simply a baby food made from organic ingredients such as cow’s milk or soy. “But that is the same ingredients used for the non-organic ones. So, what is the difference?” The difference is that organic ones do not contain lab derived extracts such as chemicals, hormones, or pesticides. And just in case you are wondering; yes, many brands have used such ingredients in food meant for little babies to eat.
If you already feel irked by this news, that is great, you should be. Little babies should be treated delicately, and should not, by any means, have the same awful eating habits as many adults. Sadly, a lot of parents are following that course, thoughtlessly buying products that are not necessarily the best; when they could, with a little bit of effort, buy healthier formulas for their children.
What is the big deal about organic baby formula and why should you buy it for your baby?
- Safer for babies: Organic formula is safer for babies in the sense that it reduces the possibility of them getting sick as a result of ingesting pesticide residues in a non-organic formula. All the organic formulas on our list were verified by health authorities and confirmed as safe. Consuming unsafe or commercial formulas for a long period of time might result in health issues such as lung damage, malfunctioning of the nervous system, and dysfunction of the immune system.
- Safe for the environment: Choosing organic products is one of the ways you can help preserve the environment. It encourages organic farming, which in turn reduces pollution.
- Healthier and more nutritious: Being that it is made of organic ingredients, it contains healthy nutrients such as vitamin E, which function as antioxidants that protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals in the body. Organic formula also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fats that present benefits such as boosting brain development, qualitative sleep, reduce the possibility of developing asthma, and alleviate the symptoms of ADHD.
- Does not contain GMO: GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms. These are present in some baby formulas and are quite effective when it comes to producing a better taste, more nutrients, value, and so on. However, there have been concerns that they may not be all that great after all because research has proven that they can trigger allergies in some kids.
How to Pick Right Organic Baby Formula
You might get confused when you go shopping for your baby’s formula because there are a lot of brands out there with different approaches. You cannot tell the difference between these brands by just looking at them. You need to do some real research to be properly informed before making your decision.
We understand perfectly well that you may not have the time to comb through the internet trying to find the right product for your little one. That is where we come in. We have put in a great deal of effort and resources going through the internet looking for the best organic formula for babies. But before we get into the review proper, let us go through some of the deciding factors that formed the basis of our selection.
- Brands: Branding is one of the most powerful tools of marketing. A lot of these companies out there have mastered this skill, but who is to say that the product they are marketing is what they say it is? This is especially the case with new brands that have not been verified by health authorities. In deciding on which product to purchase, you can start by looking at the older brands. They have been around for a while, and have are most likely to have been verified by authorities. Also, since they have been around for so long and have maintained a good reputation, then they must be doing something right. Some of the brands we recommend include Similac, Earths, Happy Baby, and so on.
- Ingredients: If you are buying an organic product, check that the product is indeed organic. The best way to do this is by looking at the list of ingredients. In the case of an all-natural baby formula, the list of ingredients will usually include organic contents such as lactose, whey protein, oils from vegetables or fish, and soy or cow’s milk. They should not include ingredients that may contain pesticide residues such as chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos-methyl, and so on. These are all harmful. You should also look to make sure the product does not contain corn sugars, gluten, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients in general.
- Age range: There are different brands of baby formula for different ages. The youngest age group, known as infant or stage one formula, is designed for babies that are under six months of age. Children above six months should be given the stage two formula and can continue with this till they are up to one year old. Stage three formula is suitable for kids who are twelve months and older. You need to purchase a product suitable for your baby’s age.
- Age range: There are different brands of baby formula for different ages. The youngest age group, known as infant or stage one formula, is designed for babies that are under six months of age. Children above six months should be given the stage two formula and can continue with this till they are up to one year old. Stage three formula is suitable for kids who are twelve months and older. You need to purchase a product suitable for your baby’s age.
- Recommended amount: How much formula you feed you little one is dependent on their age. The recommended amount for a newborn is two to three ounces, to be taken every three to four hours. By the end of the first month, your child will most likely be able to finish four ounces per bottle. By the age of six months, your baby should comfortably finish six to eight ounces of formula four to five times per day.
Top 5 Best Organic Baby Formula
1. Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron Stage Review
Key Features
- Available in stages one and two
- Modeled after breastmilk
- Comes in a white canister with 595g content
- No preservatives
- Contains four times more probiotics
- Completely organic-sourced
We Like
- No GMO
- Gluten-free
- Formulated for easy digestion
- Made with key vitamins and minerals
- Value pack can last for thirty days
We Don’t Like
- Can cause excessive gas when taken in excess
- Not ideal for babies with a sensitive stomach
At the very top of our list of best organic baby formula is the Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Milk. It is a great product for any parent or caregiver who wishes to use an organic formula for their little one. It comes in a sizable white canister, containing enough product to last as long as thirty days. The container is made from a verified baby food-grade material confirmed by the health authorities as a safe food storage container.
Aside from being an all-natural product, one of the most interesting features of this product is that it is modeled after breastmilk. Quite honestly, there is no way any product can ever be exactly the same as breast milk, but this product comes quite close. It contains all essential nutritional needs, including lactose, which is the main source of carbohydrate in breastmilk. Note that it is not advisable to use this product more than thirty days after the day it was opened.
2. Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula with Iron Review
Key Features
- For babies aged zero to twelve months old
- Organic lactose formulation
- Comes in a red container with 992g content
- Milk and soy-based
- Partially hydrolyzed
- Formulated with iron
We Like
- Modeled after breastmilk
- Suitable for babies with a sensitive stomach
- No preservatives
- Easy digestion formula
- Supports healthy development
We Don’t Like
- Contains DHA and ARA
- Contains some synthesized ingredients
There are several things about this product that make it an outstanding entry on our list. Let us start with how much product there is – 992g. That is a good amount that could take your baby as much as two months to finish. This choice certainly gives good value. Another feature is the fact that it is formulated to be as similar as possible to breastmilk. It is highly nutritious, containing iron, which helps with red cell blood development, and there is lutein for eye development. Other nutrients in this product include lactose and probiotics.
If you are curious about the legitimacy of this product, you really should not be because it is USDA organic certified. There are no preservatives, artificial colors, steroids, growth hormones, or any other such ingredients to be found in this product. Importantly, the container is of confirmed baby food-grade material and does not pose any risk of contamination of the food. This product is specially formulated to be easily digested by babies based on its partially hydrolyzed nature.
3. Similac Organic Infant Formula Review
Key Features
- USDA certified
- No artificial growth hormones
- Formulated with iron
- 658g white canister
- Similar to breastmilk
- Pioneering brand
We Like
- Promotes immune system development
- Helps with brain health
- Can last for over a month
- No antibiotics
- No palm oil
We Don’t Like
- Contain DHA
- High prized
Similac is a great brand. It was the first to pioneer the “no artificial growth hormone” campaign successfully. This has earned it a place on our list as the third-best organic formula. Many other brands followed when they saw how many parents and caregivers embraced Similac’s idea, but Similac remained on the top rung of the ladder. They have managed to stay in the spotlight for a long time now, and there is no denying that they have consistently met (and exceeded in some cases) the needs of their consumers.
It comes in a white container holding 658g of iron-fortified goodness. It’s USDA certified, contains no artificial growth hormones, and it is very nutritious. Somewhat similar to breastmilk. It contains an exclusive blend of lutein, vitamin E, and other nutrients all of which play special roles in the development of the baby’s immune system, eyes, brain, and overall growth. On the flip side, the price of this product is rather on the high side. For some, it’s totally worth it, but it remains less affordable for some.
4. The Honest Company Organic Non-Gmo Sensitive Formula for Occasional Fussiness & Gas Review
Key Features
- 558g per container
- Easy digest formula
- Fortified with iron
- Modeled after breastmilk
- No DHA
We Like
- Suitable for sensitive stomachs
- Supports the immune system
- Helps with growth and development
- Sourced from grass-fed cows
- Rich in nutrients
- Gluten-free
We Don’t Like
- Contains palm oil
- Price is a little bit high
When a company decides to go by the name “The Honest Company”, then they must be truly honest about their business. This product is sourced from grass-fed cows, which is about as organic as it can be. It is gluten-free, modeled after breastmilk, fortified with iron, and rich in the nutrients required for your little one to grow into a strong, healthy, and happy baby. Aside from iron, some of the ingredients found in this product include choline, vitamins, lactose, calcium, and folic acid. It does not contain DHA or other controversial ingredients, which is the case with some commercial formula.
Each container comes with 558g of product, which should be enough for more than one month. It does not cause gas or any form of indigestion in babies. As a highly rated probiotic powder for baby, this product delivers a notable number of probiotics for supporting the immune system of your baby as it grows.
5. Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula Review
Key Features
- Suitable for the first 12 months
- Ingredients: soy oil, soy lecithin, DHA, palm oil
- Made with synthetic nutrients
- Modeled after breastmilk
- Carbohydrate source: Lactose
- No corn syrup
We Like
- Supports brain and eye development
- Sourced from organic farms
- Healthy lactose sweetener
- Suitable for sensitive stomachs
- Easy to digest
- Non-GMO ingredients
We Don’t Like
- Not so sweet to the taste
- Contains DHA
This is one product you can use for your baby right from being a newborn to twelve months old. It comes in a 595g pack, contains all-natural lactose for both nutritional and sweetening purposes, and the taste is great as well – your baby is going to love and savor every drop of it. Most of the ingredients are all-natural, except for DHA, which a lot of parents do not mind being in their baby’s meal.
Some of the advantages of this product are that it supports the immune system of the baby, as well as brain and eye development. It helps with all-round development generally, which is crucial for little ones. It contains natural lactose which serves as a sweetener as well as offering other nutritional benefits. If your baby is prone to stomach upsets, this product might help alleviate them. It was designed such that a baby can easily digest it. A lot of caregivers and parents have reported the effectiveness of this product in this regard.
Ingredients to Avoid in Organic Baby Formula
Breastmilk is amazing and is the best for babies. However, it is not the most practical alternative for a lot of mothers. In that case, the next best thing is to feed your little one the best formula for breastfed babies organic you can find. We have listed quite a few of the above, and we encourage you to pick the most suitable of them for you and your baby. However, we would like to address the issue of what ingredients to avoid in organic baby formula. Avoiding these contents were part of the basis of our list.
- Palm oil: For an older person, this may not be such a big deal, but for babies, palm oil is not ideal. It affects the density of their developing bones and contributes to some irritation in their digestive tracts which may cause them some level of discomfort.
- Carrageenan: This is an additive used to emulsify, thicken, and preserve foods and drinks. It may not be much of a problem if taken sparingly, but if it is part of your baby’s regular diet, it may cause minor inflammation in some cases and some extreme health issues like tumors and ulcers.
- Soy: This is a healthy food by many standards, but when it comes to babies, it is considered risky. Scientists have discovered that it can negatively impact the natural process and functioning of the thyroid, brain development, and immunity to diseases.
- Fatty acids: It may not be spelled outright as fatty acids on the list of ingredients. You are most likely to see them listed as DHA/ARA. These particular ingredients cause some controversy in the sense that they benefit your baby and helps with overall body development, but they can also cause anorexia, vertigo, and can dim the reflexes of a baby.
- Preservatives: Feeding your little one formula with preservatives is most likely to trigger breathing problems such as asthma, hyperactive behavior, heart problems (at old age), obesity, and so on.
- Synthetic nutrients: Lutein, I-carnitine, lycopene, taurine, and nucleotides are some of the synthetic nutrients you should avoid. For one, they are not organic; plus, they have some harmful effects on your baby. These ingredients are either artificial or just outrightly not suitable for little babies. We probably did not list all of them, but these are the most common of them all.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have come this far, and there is still a lot to be learned about baby formulas. Unfortunately, we cannot put all of that information in this piece to avoid making it too long and putting a lot of you off. The best we can do at this stage is answer the most frequently asked questions on this topic and hope that they address your issues. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us.
There are a few recommended products out there that can help diminish colic in babies. However, from our research, we discovered that mothers prefer the Happy Baby brand since it has proven effective over and again in this regard.
In this case, we consider nutritional value and taste, and Earth’s best seems to be the most outstanding of them all. It is also a great option for babies that have sensitive stomachs.
It all depends on what you want particularly. When it comes to nutrition, there is little to no difference between them. But when it comes to convenience, shelf-life, and cost, there might be a little difference between them.
Some babies suffer reflux, categorized as heartburn, pyrosis, or acid indigestion. This can be as a result of the food they eat. If your little one suffers reflux, then you may want to stick to the Happy Baby and Earth’s Best brands.
Go for any clean source of water such as tap or bottled water. You can boil it to ensure its safety is not in question and be sure to taste it before using it to prepare your baby’s formula.
Conclusion
Just before we wrap up, it is important to let you know about other issues you should deal with if you want your formula-fed baby to stay healthy. First is the container the formula comes in. The content might be great, but if the container is not food-grade material, it can pose a health risk to your baby. If you must use plastic, be sure it is made of high-quality BPA and toxin-free material.
Also, investing in an anti-colic bottle can help your little one if he is prone to such. Investing in a well-formulated product like the ones we mentioned above will guarantee the safety of your child’s health. At this point, you should have a clear idea of what to look out for when shopping for baby formula. Remember that what worked for Jane may not necessarily work for June. Be patient, careful, and thorough in finding out what would be the best fit for your baby.