Choosing a baby formula for your little one can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking down the formula aisle or browsing online, who knew there were so many choices for babies?
When it comes to baby formula, you want to be sure that what you’re feeding your baby is the most nutritious and best formula you can find. This is why many parents choose organic European baby formula.
If you’re trying to figure out which baby formula is best for your little one, let’s look why you may want to choose organic European baby formula over the rest.
What is Organic European Baby Formula?
Before we can dive into the reasons why you may want to choose organic European baby formula, you need to understand what you’re buying.
When baby formula is listed as organic, its ingredients are grown and processed following strict organic standards. This means no fertilizers, herbicides, or synthetic pesticides. Baby formula that is not organic may include ingredients that are sourced from farms that don’t follow those standards. This can include synthetic pesticides and other potentially harmful ingredients.
So, if organic baby formula contains pure ingredients that don’t include pesticides and fertilizers , what makes European baby formula different? Here’s where it gets interesting…
In the U.S., organic baby formula certification follows rules set out by the USDA . U.S. organic classifications can include labels such as 100% organic, made with organic ingredients (at least 70% certified organic), organic (at least 95% organic), and made with specific organic ingredient listings (less than 70% certified organic).
In Europe, organic baby formula has to follow rules the European Union establishes. European organic baby formulas must have at least 95% organic ingredients and at least 30% of the carbohydrates listed must be from lactose. There must also be no GMOs and no added sweeteners or corn syrup. DHA is also a mandatory ingredient for brain and eye development.
Now that we have a better idea of what organic European baby formula is, here are 10 reasons why parents choose it over other products on the market.
Why Choose Organic European Baby Formula?
1) Meets Strict Standards
European baby formula has to meet strict standards if it wants to pass the test. It is some of the toughest testing and certifications out there. Each included ingredient is tested to see if it meets organic standards, such as ensuring there are no contaminants and that the product meets nutritional requirements. It is also carefully packaged and stored to keep it pure and prevent any harmful substances from getting in.
2) Uses Only the Best Ingredients
When you choose European organic baby formula, you can expect only the cleanest ingredients. Since products need to meet strict standards, you can rely on nutritious ingredients that will help with your baby’s development. With no fillers or additives, parents feel good about what they are feeding their babies.
3) No Artificial Sugars or Emulsifiers
European baby formula manufacturers avoid artificial sugars and emulsifiers that are still found in some U.S. products. This means no corn syrup, rice syrup, or sucrose. These ingredients have been studied for their link to obesity .
Instead of using these sweeteners, natural lactose is used as the primary sugar. This is found naturally in breast milk which is one of the reasons why it is the ingredient of choice. Lactose is also gentle on a baby’s delicate digestive system.
Many emulsifiers, or thickeners, are banned in Europe due to their potential health risks. This is why they are not used in baby formula.
Some U.S. formulas use an ingredient called carrageenan as a thickener. Studies have raised concerns about how it may lead to inflammation and gastrointestinal issues, which is one of the reasons why it is banned in Europe.
4) Ethical Farming Practices
You can also rely on organic European baby formula to follow ethical farming practices to ensure healthier animals, and better milk quality as a result. Animals are treated humanely and allowed to graze freely. You can feel confident that there is milk production without synthetic hormones or antibiotics. As a result, you get a superior formula that is derived from humane and sustainable methods.
5) No GMOs or Harmful Additives
When choosing organic European baby formula, you’ll notice that there are no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), preservatives, or artificial colors. A strict ban on GMOs ensures that your baby is not exposed to ingredients that can carry unknown long-term health problems.
With no harmful artificial sweeteners and a focus on natural lactose, as we mentioned above, you can feel confident that your baby is receiving formula that is good for them. Also, with transparent labeling, organic European baby formula products clearly state that there are no hidden chemicals or other additives.
6) Supports Healthy Digestion
Babies have delicate digestive systems that are still developing. While they are still developing, babies need to have a well-functioning digestive system for their overall health. The makers of organic European baby formula recognize this and make digestion support a priority.
Many European formulas contain probiotics to support gut health. This is essential for digestion. Some contain prebiotics for digestive support to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. This improves digestive health and can reduce the risk of constipation.
The ingredients used in European formula are gentle and easier for tiny tummies to process. There are also specialized formulas available for babies with specific digestive issues. This can help to reduce acid reflux, colic, and other common baby problems. Since there are no GMOs or synthetic additives, there are also fewer allergens found in organic European baby formulas which is always a plus!
7) High Nutritional Value
European baby formulas have a high nutritional value, full of vitamins and minerals that support healthy growth and bone development. These vitamins and minerals are the building blocks for your baby as they mature.
8) Designed to Mimic Breast Milk
European baby formula manufacturers strive to replicate the nutrition found in breast milk. This includes making sure there are ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics, like we mentioned above as well as other vital nutrients for your baby.
9) Advanced Research & Scientific Studies
As you do your homework about organic European baby formula, you will see that manufacturers look to advanced research to ensure that the best product is also delivered. European baby maker manufacturers are always following cutting-edge technology so they are creating formulas that closely replicate breast milk. Ingredients are chosen and balanced to meet the needs of growing babies. European formula makers invest in research and development so that they can confidently produce products that are good for your baby.
10) Tailored to Specific Developmental Stages
When you really start to look at organic European baby formula, you’ll see that there are formulas tailored to your baby’s developmental stages. These stage-based formulas are aimed to ensure that your baby receives the right balance of nutrients for their age. We all know that the nutrients a 6-month-old needs are different from the needs of an infant. European baby formula makers recognize this and produce products to reflect the difference.
The Bottom Line
As you do your homework about baby formula, you’ll see that European organic baby formula manufacturers strive to provide the best products for your baby. Through strict testing, scientific research, and using the best ingredients, you can feel confident that what you’re feeding your baby is the gold standard when it comes to baby formulas.
