We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fitness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Advantages of Organic Baby Food?

By K. Testa
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,385
Share

Nutritionists commonly recommend that people consume organic foods for general health, and organic baby food may have some additional advantages for children. Babies tend to have special dietary needs, largely because of their developing organs and newer immune systems. Some also might be prone to certain sensitivities or allergies that could be avoided by eating organic baby food. A number of studies have suggested that there might be a link between pesticide consumption and certain children's health problems. For these reasons and more, many people are choosing organic baby food over conventional products.

Pesticides in food can block the absorption of certain nutrients. The brain and other vital organs are still developing in babies, so they tend to require nutritious food to help them develop normally. Babies typically eat significant amounts of fruits and vegetables, which often contain pesticides. Due to their smaller size, babies can potentially ingest and absorb higher concentrations of pesticides than adults.

There are many general health benefits of organic baby food. Although the meaning of the term certified organic may vary between countries, there usually are common standards in place. In general, organic products are not allowed to contain synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, the use of growth hormones or antibiotics in certain products is usually prohibited.

Health experts in the U.S. have scrutinized canned baby food, because of the potentially harmful presence of Bisphenol A (BPA). Scientists are focusing on BPA for its presumably damaging effects on a child’s brain and behavior, among other risks. Frozen baby food and food in glass jars are presumed to be free of these allegedly harmful chemicals.

In response to the argument that organic baby food is more expensive than conventional products, many experts suggest reducing costs by making one’s own baby food with fresh organic ingredients at home. A benefit of homemade baby food is that it is normally not processed or overcooked, so its nutrients are retained. Other possible ways to reduce costs include buying packaged baby food in bulk or comparing stores' sale prices.

There is no definitive answer to whether organic baby food is nutritionally superior to non-organic food. Groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have suggested that there is not necessarily a difference in nutritional value between organic and conventional foods. Yet some recent studies have refuted that claim. Most medical professionals recommend that children should be fed a variety of foods containing necessary vitamins and minerals. Beyond that, parents can decide whether they want to feed their children organic baby food.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-advantages-of-organic-baby-food.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.