What’s Organic?

Organic baby products are made without pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms, additives, irradiation or sewage sludge. Organic baby products are substituted for conventional baby care items in order to reduce the amount of chemical exposure for rapidly developing infants.

Food

Mothers who are not breastfeeding can choose to use organic infant formula to meet their baby’s nutritional requirements for the first four to six months of life. Certified organic baby formulas can be made from soy and dairy milk. Parents can find organic versions of baby cereals in whole grain rice and whole grain oatmeal and multi-grain varieties. Some manufacturers fortify them with iron. Most brands make organic baby food in jars. The organic foods are blended to accommodate the various textures and blends of food desired by growing babies and toddlers.

Toiletries

A study reported in the February 2008 issue of Pediatrics found out that babies can be exposed to toxic chemicals in ordinary personal care products such as lotions, shampoos diaper creams. While the list of chemical ingredients involved in skin care manufacturing is extensive, this particular study focused in on phthalates, a reproductive toxin that can cause damage to sexual organs and impact future fertility.  Another study released in March 2008 by the Organic Consumers Association found a cancer-causing chemical 1,4 Dioxane to be present in many personal care products.

Clothing

Baby clothing companies now offer items made from organically grown fibers, such as wool, cotton, hemp, soy or bamboo, that have been grown without the use of pesticides or produced without toxic fabric finishes and flame retardants.