Key Points
- Formula is made from either cow's milk or from soy.
- Organic Formula ensures that it is free from hormones and any pesticides that might make its way there from grass fed cows
While many mums will still opt to breastfeed as a first preference, this isn't always an option, and there are many reasons why formula feeding might be a necessity. Some mums aren't able to produce enough breast milk to meet the nutritional needs of their infants, and maybe for some breastfeeding isn't an option at all.
There are so many factors that come into play: time constraints, stress levels, returning to work, training regimes, travel, and more.
The good news is that there are many good organic formula options out there, but it is important to know what you are looking for (and what to avoid). If your little one is always hungry on the go, you can feed them an organic formula in sippy cup form, and feel assured that it isn't going to cause them harm.
There are many organic baby formulas that can be found in Australia. Below, we talk a little bit more about why to choose organic formula, and what options you have.
Why organic formula?
As you will probably know, these days our foods are full of toxins, chemicals, pesticides and synthetics. In the early stages of life, children consume more food per each unit of their body weight than an adult, which makes them more susceptible to absorbing anything nasty that their food contains.
In addition, their immune systems are not fully developed, nor are their organs, renal system, or digestive system. That's why unlike adults who can process a lot of inorganic additives in food, it can be more problematic for babies.
When looking for a formula you want to find something as close to natural breast milk as possible.
Some brands of baby formula have hidden ingredients that aren't even listed on the packaging. One well-known brand uses modified soy and doesn't disclose it.
Many non-organic brands have DHA and ARA derived from Hexane, a petrochemical substance. It's the same petrochemical that can be found in gasoline and glue! Breast milk has natural DHA and ARA fatty acids that are hard to replicate, and recent attempts to include these in formula has resulted in this alarming push towards petrochemical inclusions.
Many mums won't use petroleum jelly products because of the petrochemicals they contain, so it makes sense to disclude these from formulas too, right?
The packaging
Many infant formulas and baby foods come in packaging that contains BPA or other harmful synthetics that can leach into the food. Formula tins regularly have a glue that contains BPA, and many have plastic lids that also contain BPA.
This puts babies at risk of absorbing these chemicals into their bodies, especially because of their still-developing immune systems. Make sure to look for BPA (and other harmful additives) that packaging might contain.
Organic Formulas
There are many good organic formulas on the market if you know what to look for. One popular group of formulas are those that contain goat milk. This is because cow's milk has been linked to the development of allergies in some babies.
There are around 25-30 antigenic primary proteins in milk that can cause the body to respond negatively and lead to allergic reactions. Cows milk is also harder to digest than goats milk. Breast milk has very small molecules that are easy to digest for babies, and while goat's milk molecules are still larger, cows milk is larger again.
For many babies, cow's milk causes either diarrhoea or constipation. Some studies have even suggested that cow's milk consumption is linked to the development of chronic diseases later in life.
Maybe goat's milk isn't for everyone, and there are other alternatives out there, but make sure you do your research or talk to a professional before buying the cow's milk formulas that are commonly found on the grocery store shelf.
Do your research
It is important to remember that even if a product says that it is organic on the label, it doesn't always mean that it is safe or chemical free. It is important to make sure there aren't any chemicals used in the production or packaging, and to check what kind of milk product is used to make it.
It might take a little bit longer to settle on the right product, but it is really worth the time and energy to ensure the health and wellbeing of your newborn.
Preparing organic formula
Now that you have found the right organic formula for you and your bub, its time to prepare it so that it is readily available for when you (or your little one's carer) need to feed.
Formulas will come with preparation instructions on the label which can be followed with ease. Make sure to add formula to boiled water that has been cooled down to kill any nasties in the water, and dispose of any formula that the baby doesn't consume within an hour.
Don't reuse old formula as this can quickly lead to illness or an upset tummy .
If you do need to prepare formula in advance, no worries. So many of us do. Just make sure you use boiled water, and then store it in the fridge. Wherever possible, use the pre-prepared formula within 24 hours, or if completely necessary, freeze it.
Use sterilised, BPA free bottles for all formula. Even better, if you know you are going to be on the go pop formula in sippy cup, for a simple and portable feeding solution. Just make sure your sippy cup is also sterilised and BPA free.
Summary
Of course, we all want the best for our bubs, and even if you are busy or unable to breastfeed, it doesn't mean that you are doing any less of a good job.
There are loads of safe and simple organic formula solutions to make sure you can give your little one the best start in life.
If you do your research and look out for hidden nasties, organic formulas can help to ensure your babies nutritional needs are met.