Every parent wants the best for their child, from the clothes they wear, the things they use, and even the formula they drink. For the latter, the choosing the best would mean that their child will remain healthy and develop well. However, with so many different products out there, how do you make a choice?
Well, you can start by considering a non-GMO infant formula for your little one. This would eliminate a lot of choices from the list. GMOs or genetically modified organisms are becoming more of an issue for a lot of parents these days. Because of this, manufacturers are coming up with non-GMO versions of their products as a healthier alternative.
GMOs are organisms which have altered DNAs because of genetic engineering. For parents who want to avoid giving their babies these organisms, they can go for the non-GMO infant formulas. You’ll learn more about these products in this article, and hopefully, you’ll be able to decide on which product to buy.
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Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder
This is modeled after the natural breast milk that comes from moms. This stage 1 milk formula will provide the complete nutrition for the infant’s first year of life. The formula is made with premium and carefully-sourced ingredients. These include prebiotics and the essential vitamins and minerals.
The Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder is gluten-free and doesn’t contain any GMOs. Also, it doesn’t contain any corn syrup solids. It’s made from milk that’s taken from cows which were raised on organic farms. It’s specially formulated to provide adequate nutrition for infants from 0-12 months.
If you’re looking for non-GMO infant formula, this is one of the best. The tub contains about 150 fluid ounces of organic infant formula. It’s nutrient-rich to keep your baby healthy sans all the harmful components you’d like to avoid.
Pros
- Specially formulated for newborns and babies up to 12 months old.
- Provides the complete nutrition for babies.
- The milk if modeled after natural breast milk from mothers.
Cons
- Has a fairly strong smell.
- May cause allergic reactions in some babies.
Kabrita Non-GMO Goat Milk Toddler Formula
This is another excellent non-GMO formula, and this time, it’s made from high-quality goat’s milk. It’s fortified with higher-than-average levels of phosphorus and calcium as compared to other brands. It’s especially beneficial for low-weight or pre-term babies. Of course, all babies are different, so it’s best to consult with your child’s pediatrician first before changing your little one’s formula.
The Kabrita Non-GMO Goat Milk Toddler Formula is easy to digest naturally making it a great milk for your kids. It’s also a great option for infants and children who have a sensitivity to cow milk. It’s also nutritionally complete as it contains the essential vitamins, minerals, and more.
This milk has a sweet, fresh, and mild smell and taste. It’s safe and effective milk which will keep your little one well-nourished. It’s also free from preservatives, growth hormones, antibiotics, artificial flavors, and colors.
Pros
- Non-GMO milk which is easy to digest naturally.
- Has a mildly sweet smell and taste.
- Helps the infant meet his daily nutritional requirements.
Cons
- May not be suitable for infants under 12 months.
- It’s expensive.
Similac Advance Infant Non-GMO Formula
This is another great non-GMO formula for you to consider and it’s from a well-known brand. This is a nutritionally-complete formula which features OptiGRO. The Similac Advance Infant Non-GMO Formula contains an exclusive blend of lutein, vitamins, and DHA to support the overall growth and development of infants. It’s especially beneficial for the development of the eyes, brain, and immune system.
Pros
- Contains special nutrients which are also found in breast milk.
- Supports the development of the baby’s eyes and brain.
- It’s nutritionally-complete and doesn’t contain genetically-engineered ingredients.
Cons
- May cause adverse reactions to come babies.
- It’s foamy.
Baby’s Only Organic LactoRelief with DHA & ARA Toddler Formula
This infant formula contains just the right amount of proteins and essential fats which are also abundantly found in breast milk. It also contains the carbohydrates and vitamins infants need to grow and develop well. The Baby’s Only Organic LactoRelief with DHA & ARA Toddler Formula is ideal for lactose intolerant babies. It’s a milk-based formula with reduced levels of milk sugar and no harmful plasticizers.
Pros
- The organic baby formula which is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.
- Contains enough proteins, healthy fats, and other components which are also present in breast milk.
- Doesn’t contain any plasticizers which may be harmful to the health.
Cons
- May cause constipation in some babies.
- Some say it’s overpriced.
Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula
This is a great choice for mothers who would like to give their babies an organic formula which they would feel good about. The Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula will nourish your little one as it contains proteins, carbohydrates, and the essential nutrients which are also found in natural breast milk. All these will help support the growth and development of your little one.
Pros
- The formulation of the milk is modeled after breast milk.
- The gluten-free formula which doesn’t contain any genetically-engineered components.
- Made with organic milk from cows that consume organic grains.
Cons
- May cause constipation.
- Also, may cause allergic reactions in some babies.
Earth’s Best Organic Infant Powder Formula
This formula is made with high-quality carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains some special nutrients which are also found in breast milk. All these ingredients are crucial to the visual and mental development of babies. The Earth’s Best Organic Infant Powder Formula is easy to digest, and it doesn’t contain any synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It’s nutritionally-complete, so it will support your baby’s health.
Pros
- Completely free of artificial ingredients.
- The nutritionally-complete formula which is also easy to digest.
- Provides the essential vitamins and minerals infants need each day.
Cons
- Has an odd metallic smell.
- May cause fussiness and constipation.
Vermont Organics Milk-Based Organic Infant Formula
Complete nutrition is essential for the proper development of infants. Therefore you need to choose your little one’s formula very carefully. The Vermont Organics Milk-Based Organic Infant Formula will provide your baby with all the nutrients he needs for the whole first year of life. It contains the essential nutrients which are also found in breast milk. The kosher formula doesn’t contain gluten, pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics.
Pros
- Non-GMO infant formula which contains non-kosher ingredients.
- Milk comes from cows which are fed with organic grains and hay
- Contains essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for babies.
Cons
- May cause constipation in some babies.
- Contains soy.
Enfamil Infant Non-GMO Baby Formula
Here’s another great non-GMO formula for you to consider for your infant. It also contains the essential nutrients which will help promote the health and development of the eyes, brain, and immune system. The Enfamil Infant Non-GMO Baby Formula is modeled after natural breast milk, and so it will support the milestones of your little one. This formula comes from a well-known, trusted brand and it’s suitable for infants and toddlers.
Pros
- Provides essential nutrients to promote the development of the eyes and brain.
- Also, supports the health of the immune system.
- Patterned after natural breast milk from mothers.
Cons
- It’s expensive.
- May cause diarrhea in some babies.
Gerber Good Start Gentle Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula
Here’s another infant formula that’s patterned after breast milk. It contains comfort proteins which are smaller proteins that are much easier to digest. The Gerber Good Start Gentle Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula contains a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and DHA too. Because of the special formulation, it helps promote the formation of softer stools to make it easier for your little one.
Pros
- Has a special formulation which is close to natural breast milk.
- Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and DHA.
- Also, contains comfort proteins which are easier to digest.
Cons
- The powder doesn’t mix well.
- Some customers don’t appreciate the taste.
The Honest Co. Organic Non-GMO Premium Infant Formula
Finally, The Honest Co. Organic Non-GMO Premium Infant Formula is organic, naturally-derived, and made using high-quality ingredients. It’s gentle on the tummy, and it’s easy to digest too. This formula is carefully balanced, and its formulation has also been patterned after breast milk. It’s nutritious, and it doesn’t contain any harmful or artificial ingredients. It also contains a unique DHA supplement which is made from premium fish oil.
Pros
- Carefully modeled after natural breast milk.
- Non-GMO infant formula which is nutritionally-complete.
- Doesn’t contain corn syrup, added sucrose, and other synthetic ingredients.
Cons
- It’s quite expensive.
- May cause constipation in some babies.
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Who Needs Non-Gmo Infant Formula?
If you’re not keen on giving your baby the traditional infant formulas, then you can consider purchasing the non-GMO variety. There are many kinds of products available out there. Keep in mind that whatever your little one consumes will directly impact his well-being and health. Sadly, the traditional infant formulas contain unnecessary, or worse, harmful ingredients.
So, if you want to maintain your baby’s health, then you may choose to give him a non-GMO formula. Of course, there are also non-GMO products which contain unnecessary ingredients. Those who aren’t good for babies. Therefore, it’s important to learn more about the formula before you make a purchase.
What Are the Benefits of Non-Gmo Infant Formula?
Non-GMO formulas for infants are very beneficial for the growth and development of babies. The main benefit of these formulas is that they only contain organic components. Based on the name, all the ingredients in these products are non-GMO. This means that there’s no chance that your baby will ingest any harmful chemicals.
Also, organic formulas don’t contain any synthetic or artificial ingredients. Because of this, it’s a lot healthier for babies than other traditional infant formulas. As time goes by, some kids may start to develop an intolerance to synthetic ingredients. This, in turn, might cause different kinds of gastrointestinal issues.
Another great thing about non-GMO infant formulas is that they’re a lot closer to breast milk than other traditional formulas. In fact, these formulas are designed to model natural breast milk closer without the need for synthetic ingredients especially the artificial sweeteners. Therefore, this type of formula is a lot more digestible than the traditional ones.
Nowadays, you have the choice to give your baby a formula that’s non-GMO. It’s a lot easier to find these products since they’re now more readily available. You even have the choice to select a formula because there are many brands which already provide the non-GMO variety. And aside from being GMO-free, these formulas are also free from harmful ingredients and additives.
Aside from this, the ingredients also come from organic sources. These formulas for infants offer the same total nutrition and high-quality components as other types of formulas. The difference is that the ingredients are sourced differently. Remember that the non-GMO ones are modeled after natural breast milk, and they must meet specific requirements.
What Is Non-Gmo Infant Formula?
When it comes to infant formulas, there are so many varieties and brands to choose from. So, selecting the best one can be quite a task especially for new parents. For one, you can choose a formula which doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients. These are known as non-GMO or organic infant formulas.
These types of formulas contain all-natural ingredients. They are also sourced from farms which feed their livestock only organic foods. So, there’s no risk of herbicides, steroids or other additives which may cause harm to your little one. If you do your research, non-organic formulas contain a lot of scary ingredients.
Feeding babies mainly depend on their parents. Usually, you would choose a formula while considering different factors such as the ingredients, the liking of the baby, the price of the formula, and more. It’s also very helpful to consult with your baby’s pediatrician to ask for advice on which non-GMO infant formula to purchase.
This is especially helpful if you’re getting overwhelmed with all the choices available on the market today. When you go through different products, you might notice that their differences aren’t too clear. That’s why it’s very helpful to read product labels, specifications, and even reviews. All these will give more insight into which formula you should buy.
When an infant formula is labeled as “non-GMO” or “organic,” this means that it doesn’t contain any genetically-engineered organisms and ingredients. But what exactly are these ingredients? They are the ones which have undergone an alteration of their DNA. This is usually done to improve crops, breed animals which grow faster and increase the nutritional value.
Before an infant milk formula can be labeled as “non-GMO,” a third-party certifier which must be government-approved has to inspect the farm where the soy is grown or where the animals are raised. Then they must ensure that the farmer complies with the organic standards of the USDA. This means that by law, such products shouldn’t contain any GMOs.
It’s important to understand this fact, so you know what to look for when searching for and asking about non-GMO infant formula products. Hopefully, this information will help you make a better decision for your little one’s formula. Who knew that there’s so much to learn about non-GMO formulas, right?
These types of formulas have a lot of benefits aside from being free of harmful components such as pesticides and fertilizers. Their production also promotes more responsible methods of farming to protect our environment for the benefit of future generations.
It’s a fact that non-GMO products have been quite controversial for some time now. This is because they’re new and they’re a huge deviation from the “regular” products. However, there are different studies which focus on the benefits of non-GMO products as compared to others. Until now, more studies are needed to prove the edge that organic products have over all others.
What Issues Should You Be Aware of for Non-Gmo Infant Formula?
Although non-GMO formulas have a lot of benefits, they also come with some issues just like any other products. For one, these are significantly more expensive than the regular formulas. This is probably why not a lot of people choose the organics over the regular formulas. If it fits within your budget, then you can choose to go organic. If it doesn’t, then the other formulas are fine too.
Another issue to consider is whether your little one will like the taste of the formula or not. Even though you want to give your baby an organic formula, if he doesn’t like it then it’s best to find one which he does. Also, some non-GMO formulas may cause adverse reactions in babies such as constipation and allergic reactions. Watch out for these too.
Finally, although non-GMOs are patterned after breast milk, the real thing is still better. Of course, not all moms can breastfeed their babies for whatever reason. So, the best thing you can do is decide which will benefit your little one the most. Remember that your baby’s health and well-being must be your topmost priority.
Tips for Using Non-Gmo Infant Formula
For whatever reason, if you’re not able to breastfeed your baby, you can give him a non-GMO formula. These types of formulas are a lot more beneficial than the regular ones. They don’t contain growth hormones, antibiotics, fertilizers, pesticides, steroids and other harmful ingredients. This is mainly why parents prefer the non-GMO variety. If this is your first time to use such formulas, here are some tips.
As long as your baby wants to drink milk, allow him to. But never force your baby to finish the milk in the bottle especially if he doesn’t want it anymore. When you do this, your baby might start to cry then vomit. When preparing your baby’s milk, read the directions of the formula first. Then you can know exactly how much formula to mix with the water.
If you notice that your baby spits up frequently, then watch how much milk you’re feeding to your baby. To prevent the risk of vomiting, make sure your little one is upright after the feeding. Also, try to limit active play right after feeding to prevent vomiting.
When you want to heat your baby’s bottle, it’s not advisable to do so in the microwave. This is because the liquid will heat unevenly, and some parts of the liquid might burn your baby’s mouth. Instead, place the bottle in a mug filled with hot water for a couple of minutes. This will make your baby’s milk warm evenly. Before giving the bottle though, check the temperature first by placing a few drops on your skin.
Finally, always sterilize the bottle and nipples of your baby. Even though the nipples change in color after some time, you can still use them. Just make sure to wash them with soap and rinse them very well.
Important Factors to Keep in Mind
Ingredients of Non-Gmo Infant Formula
Infant formulas which are labeled as non-GMO or organic don’t include any ingredients which are genetically-engineered. Also, they usually comply with the regulations set by the USDA. Organic formulas for infants are made without using any pesticides or synthetic ingredients. The milk comes from animals (cows or goats) which were raised in organic farms.
Before a product can be labeled as non-GMO or organic, it needs to undergo certification to ensure that it complies with all the standards. Because of this, these infant formulas contain only the best ingredients as required by the law. So, when you’re choosing a formula for your baby, read the ingredients to make sure that you’re only giving the best to your little one.
The Nutrient Sources of Non-Gmo Infant Formula
We’ve already established how non-GMO formulas contain different nutrients. One great thing about them is that their nutrient sources differ from traditional formulas. Let’s take, for instance, the source of protein. You can have a choice between soy, cow’s milk or goat’s milk base. Choose which one you think would be best for your baby.
Also, within the cow milk base, there are variations. When it comes to proteins from cow’s milk, there are 2 categories – casein and whey. Most formulas are made with a base of non-fat cow’s milk. This is mostly composed of casein with a little bit of whey. Then a bit more whey is added to make it more like breast milk.
If it’s your first time to give your little one this type of formula, then search for one with added whey. It’s best to start with this kind of formula then make a change, if necessary, as time goes by.
Another nutrient typically found in infant formula is carbohydrates. So, you also need to think about the carbohydrate source of the non-GMO infant formula. Generally, breast milk contains lactose, but it contains a lot of other components too which help the baby digest the lactose. So, if you’re little one can’t handle all that lactose, then search for a formula with a reduced amount of this ingredient.
Finally, consider the fat source of the infant formula. Although these products contain a lot of ingredients, this is the last major one. Typically, all the fat that non-GMO formulas contain comes from vegetable oils. When it comes to these oils, there isn’t much of a variation between the brands. One big difference is that some formulas don’t include farm oil in their formulations.
Extra Ingredients in Non-Gmo Infant Formula
Okay, so we’ve already covered the main ingredients as well as their nutrient sources. But when it comes to non-GMO infant formulas, some of them contain some extra ingredients which aren’t found in other products. Some common extra components include lutein, lycopene, prebiotics, and more. These ingredients have a lot of health benefits and will promote the growth and development of your little one.
Lots of organic formulas have prebiotics, but they have varying amounts. So, if this is an important factor for you, check the label and the product specifications to see all the extra ingredients the formula contains. Also, think about how these extra ingredients might affect your little one. Just because they’ve been added, that doesn’t mean that they will be beneficial to your baby.
There may be some ingredients that your baby is allergic to. Or there may be those which you don’t want to be part of the formula. No matter what the case, it’s essential to read the ingredients to find out what exactly is in the milk, you’ll be feeding to your baby.
Ara, Dha, and Lab-Based Ingredients of Non-Gmo Infant Formula
Yes, non-GMO formulas shouldn’t contain any genetically-modified organisms. However, some of them do contain lab-based components such as ARA, DHA, and more. But these ingredients are quite controversial to some. This is because they may have some adverse reactions in some babies, though this is quite rare.
ARA and DHA are quite common in infant formulas. And it’s quite difficult to find a formula which doesn’t contain them. However, ARA and DHA aren’t required by the FDA. So, you also have an option to avoid these ingredients. There are products out there which don’t contain these and other lab-based ingredients. So again, read the label or the specifications to know all about the formula’s content.
Sweeteners in Non-Gmo Infant Formula
Finally, it’s also important to consider the sweeteners used in non-GMO infant formulas if any. Most of the time, infant formula manufacturers try to create products modeled after human breast milk. They do this to make the formula as healthy as possible, so it can be an adequate alternative to breast milk.
Breast milk contains more lactose than cow’s milk. Because of this, the manufacturers add sweeteners and other components especially to formulas which are cow milk-based. However, the choice of sweetener can be an issue especially if you’re with artificial ingredients. Since lactose is quite expensive, other sweeteners may be used in the formulation.
First, there’s corn syrup. Fortunately, organic infant formulas don’t usually contain this sweetener. But they may contain organic glucose syrup solids also known as organic corn syrup solids. These are molecules of corn starch which have been partially hydrolyzed. Then the molecules are dried until they form a powder with low moisture. These solids are sweet.
Sugar is another type of sweetener used for infant formula, but a lot of parents are concerned about this. Their concerns mainly come from the increasing rates of obesity in children. And if a formula is too sweet, there’s a risk of overfeeding. However, sucrose is allowed but only for special infant formulas meant for babies who have allergies. Finally, there’s brown rice syrup. This sweetener also appears in some formulas, usually for toddlers.
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Conclusion
Nowadays, parents want to stay away from any products which contain GMOs and for a good reason. These genetically-modified organisms may potentially have adverse effects on the growth and development of infants. Fortunately, there are infant formulas out there which don’t contain these organisms. And the best part is, there are so many products out there to choose from.
By now, you know a lot more about these infant formulas. It’s a lot easier to make a choice when you have enough information. Keep the important factors in mind as well as the tips for giving your little ones these types of formulas. Then you won’t have to worry about your baby’s safety and health.
