Choosing the Best Baby Formula: Organic Infant Formula

We’ve all heard it – breast is best – but there are situations in which breastfeeding isn’t the right choice for a mother and child or simply not possible. In this case, as mothers, we obviously want to make the best choice in the formula we feed our babies. For many mothers, organic formula makes perfect sense.

Organic Formula is Widely Available

Used to be you had to pull out the Birkenstocks and head down to your local food co-op to find anything organic, let alone infant formula. Times have changed. Now the major brands like Nestle, Similac and Enfamil all offer organic formulas that are both milk and soy-based.

While the mainstream formula players have recently dipped their nipples into organics, niche brands tend to have a better reputation in the organic department. One of the most respected organic brand is Nature’s One Baby’s Only. It offers both milk and soy versions and if it isn’t in your local store, can be bought online (www.babyorganic.com and www.naturesone.com) . The thing to know about this brand is that it is labeled only as ‘toddler formula’ because of the manufacturer’s stance that breast is best for the first year.

Earth’s Best and Vermont Organics also both offer high quality soy and milk-based infant formulas. Less expensive alternatives are Bright Beginnings and Parent’s Choice (only available at Wal-Mart).

Baby Formula and Melamine

In 2008, there was a scare with infant formulas when thousand of babies in China became ill and some even died due to melamine-contaminated formula. Melamine is a chemical substance to falsely increase protein content of foods. When combined with cyanuric acid, it becomes toxic.The debate as to whether there were trace amounts in baby formula in the U.S. (even some organic) was not proven. However, studies that found trace amounts in formulas here at home stated that it is different from the China issue because none tested here for both melamine and cyanuric acid.

The FDA is still trying to determine safe levels of melamine. Check out http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/melamine.html for more information on this important topic.

Homemade Baby Formula Recipes

As parents, it is not exactly comforting to know that there may or may not be a harmful chemical in what we feed our babies. If you’re unable to breastfeed, you may be tempted to make your own formula. Just remember, just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s good for you (or baby!) Be sure to do your research before making your own formula.

This site offers several different recipes, including cow’s milk, goat’s milk and liver formulas: http://www.westonaprice.org/children/recipes.html