Are you switching from breast milk to baby formulas but with a few reservations?
I know how the transition works and how you feel about it, especially when every risk listed on the internet when choosing infant formulas keeps on rewinding in your head.
You know, sometimes, you just have to breathe and look for infant formula alternatives that suit your health preferences and budget.
In this article, I will introduce the best organic baby formula options to keep your baby healthy and your mind and heart at ease!
BEST OVERALL
BEST VALUE
BUDGET PICK
12 Best Organic Baby Formula Picks
If we look at the market today, many baby formulas claim they are the best organic infant milk. Sure, some milk brands are above others.
But, there are infant formulas that do not walk the talk.
To help you find the best organic baby formula, I’ve done all the research and narrowed it down to the top 12 healthiest baby formula options to choose from.
1) HiPP Stage 1 Organic Baby Formula
BEST OVERALL
Features:
- Prebiotic Galacto-oligosacchrides
- GMO-free
- Lactose-only formula
Nature is inspiring, isn’t it?
The HiPP Organic Combiotic baby formula was inspired by nature, too, as it takes organic to the next level.
You can get an organic formula with a nice balance of fish oil, prebiotics, and probiotics, which are sources of healthy bacteria for the body.
In addition, these ingredients are helpful, especially when talking about improvements in bowel movement and digestion.
The probiotic present in the HiPP Stage 1 organic baby formula is the Lactobacillus fermentum hereditum which helps limit metabolic disorders.
Importantly, the only formula it has is lactose without any added unnecessary carbohydrates, which resembles that of breast milk.
It is also essential to note that this organic baby formula only has 2 grams of protein per 100 calories.
It may be lower in quantity than another organic formula, but rest assured, it still holds higher protein quality.
However, I think the packaging size of this one tends to make scooping the baby formula difficult.
Pros
- Combiotic formula for better gut health
- The organic lactose-only formula for a healthy baby
- GMO-free for a toxic-free baby formula
Cons
- The packaging may be inconvenient to use
- It may be on the pricey side
2) Loulouka Goat Organic Baby Formula Stage 1
BEST VALUE
Features:
- Whole goat milk formula
- Calcium carbonate
- Vegetable oils
Are you looking for organic goat milk formulas?
This Switzerland-made Loulouka goat’s milk formula goes for less than $20 and can be your best choice if you’re on a tight budget.
The stage 1 goat’s milk formula is designed for a newborn who has not tried breast milk, or you can also mix it with breast milk for older babies not more than six months.
Nonetheless, this organic whole goat milk formula from grass-fed goats does not have palm oil, a component known to affect a baby’s digestion.
This only has vegetable oils like sunflower and rapeseed oils rich in Omega-3 fatty acids for neuro and cell development.
If you are a vegetarian, I would say this is an excellent product to start a healthy lifestyle for your babies, as its DHA is algae-based.
It also has calcium carbonate for healthy muscle and bone development.
However, when you open the goat milk formulas’ packaging, you can only use it for up to three weeks.
Pros
- Cost-efficient organic goat milk formula with 30 milk mixtures every 13.2 grams
- With Omega-3 for mental and physical developments
- With calcium carbonate for bone development
Cons
- It only has a three-week lifespan upon opening the package
3) Nature’s One Baby’s Only Organic Gentle Formula
BUDGET PICK
Features:
- Organic soybean oil
- Organic milk from organic farming
- USDA-certified organic
Gentle formula is always a good way to give babies tender, loving care.
Nature’s One Baby’s Only Organic Gentle Formula my baby with healthy infant formula as it is recognized for Purity and Nutritional Superiority.
Not just that, this SUPER AFFORDABLE infant formula is not your conventional formula!
It has the right balance of fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.
These components are essential for your babies to have healthy teeth, bones, cells, tissues, skin, blood flow, levels of energy, and fluid balance!
Moreover, this toddler formula does not include corn syrup, which is known to add significant levels of sugar to your baby’s overall health.
You will also be grateful that this formula does not contain palm oil, which can cause ill effects in excessive amounts.
In addition, the carbohydrates ingredient of this toddler formula is solely reliant on 100% organic lactose.
Yet, the new formulation of the toddler formula has added soy, which makes parents a bit iffy about the product.
Pros
- Purity and nutritional value superiority for a healthy baby formula
- With minerals, vitamins, and macronutrients for overall health
- Without corn syrup for healthy sugar levels
Cons
- The soy-based formula may affect estrogen levels in babies
4) Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk Formula
Features:
- Plant-based DHA
- Whole milk
- Made in the United Kingdom
If you are living in the United Kingdom and want an organic baby formula accessible to your location, maybe you have been looking for the Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk Formula.
This organic infant formula is a deal sealer because it has plant-based Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and is FREE from additives like palm oil and fish oil.
Moreover, it uses whole milk for its fat components.
The pure whole milk feature makes Kendamil a great baby formula, as it prevents constipation and colic symptoms.
Importantly, if you are a vegetarian and want to pass on the same healthy lifestyle to your infant, this organic formula provides milk without a single animal component.
Even its DHA is from marine algae!
It is easy to prepare as you only need boiled fresh water, the Kendamil organic formula, and your baby bottle.
Despite this convenience, you must know that the Kendamil formula is only drinkable within TWO hours after mixing the powder with hot water.
Most importantly, you must NOT refrigerate the excess milk from your mixture, as Kendamil’s manufacturers do not suggest it.
However, the bad news is you CANNOT order if you are a United States resident as it will go against their company’s conditions.
Pros
- Plant-based components for vegetarians
- Rich with Omega 3 and Omega 6 for health benefits
- Authenticated as EU organic
Cons
- The product is limited to the United Kingdom
5) Bobbie Organic Baby Formula
Features:
- Certified Pesticide-free
- Organic Coconut oil
- Grass-fed organic milk
When talking about organic, one thing you should not miss out on is the American-made European-style baby formula – Bobbie Organic Baby Formula.
This affordable organic infant formula has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture and awarded the Clean Label Project Purity Award.
For context, this award is given to products CERTIFIED FREE of chemicals or other contaminants.
Aside from these validations, the Bobbie organic baby formula also contains the following ingredients:
- Organic lactose
- Organic safflower or sunflower oil
- Organic whey protein concentrate
Organic lactose skim milk is essential as it resembles the proteins and fats given by breast milk.
Safflower and sunflower oil combination gives baby formulas essential vitamins E and K that helps in neurodevelopment and bleeding, respectively.
Unlike other formulas, this organic baby formula has organic whey protein concentrate in its list of ingredients seen in research to enhance growth and adequate weight gain among babies.
Moreover, this organic baby formula is sufficient with minerals that aim to increase resistance and aid in the overall development of babies.
However, soybean oil is present in its formulation.
Even if it is generally safe to consume, there may be long-term effects of estrogen that need to be researched more and noted.
Pros
- USDA-approved, which means legitimately organic
- With high oleic oil for neurodevelopment and bleeding
- With organic whey protein for growth and weight gain
Cons
- Soybean may have some effects on the level of estrogen.
6) Holle Organic Infant Formula I
Features:
- Partially demineralized whey protein
- Vegetable oils
- Demeter milk from biodynamic farming
Finding an organic baby formula that is not just milk but also a supplement is rare; you can get that from Holle Organic Infant Formula I for ONLY $24.99.
It includes a partially demineralized whey protein to aid in the taste of the organic baby formula and in the growth of your babies.
Vegetable oils are also present in the list of components for the Holle organic baby formula, such as:
- Palm oil
- Sunflower oil
- Rapeseed oil
Vegetable oils are VITAL in baby formula, precisely palm oil, as it mirrors the essential fatty acids in breast milk. It also regulates weight gain among babies.
Yet, a similar study shows that it may not benefit babies who need to gain more weight.
Nevertheless, it has Demeter milk from biodynamic farming.
This ensures every buyer of an organic baby formula that it has undergone standard processes with pasteurized cow’s milk from well-maintained cows.
In terms of packaging, in every purchase, you are ensured of a measuring spoon inside your baby formula, which is super convenient for me!
It is a crucial add-on to help you easily scoop and mix baby formulas without worrying about the exact measurement. It also reduces environmental waste.
However, you can only buy it in person in Germany or Switzerland. If you are from the USA, you need to purchase it online.
Pros
- Milk from biodynamic farming for healthy organic formula
- Whey protein for growth
- Comes with a measuring spoon for easy milk access
- Quite affordable
Cons
- If you live in the USA, you need to buy it online, which will take time and money
7) Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula
Features:
- Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Cow’s milk from organic grass and grain-fed cows
Earth’s Best is a baby brand that my baby and I can vouch for as it houses several healthy feeding products.
And their formula is no exception!
This organic baby formula is composed of DHA and ARA, which are VITAL in the development of babies, mainly as these entail the following benefits:
- Provides anti-inflammatory effects
- Supports blood circulation
- Aids in neuro and eye developments for babies
DHA and ARA aren’t the only essential components of this organic baby formula.
The iron and lutein components of the fortified Earth’s Best baby formula support eye health, fill in nutrient gaps, and enhance immunity and bone health.
Equally essential to mention is how Earth’s Best is a USDA-certified organic baby formula.
Rest assured that NO toxic or artificial chemicals are included in the production and processing of baby formula.
Moreover, Earth’s Best baby formula has organic soy, organic coconut oil, and a whey protein concentrate.
These ingredients are staples in organic formulas that have established advantages for a baby’s HOLISTIC growth and development.
Personally, what makes this a baby formula to watch out for is that it does not include corn syrup solids which can be a tricky factor in setting the level higher for your baby’s sugar intake.
Most importantly, Earth’s Best organic baby formula is secured to have met all the requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration for organic infant formulas.
Yet, the organic formula seems a little foamier than the usual infant formula which parents have also observed.
Pros
- With enough DHA and ARA for neuro and eye developments
- A USDA-certified organic baby formula
- Without corn syrup solids for healthy sugar levels
Cons
- The organic baby formula becomes foamy when mixed with water
8) Lebenswert Bio Formula
Features:
- Preservative-free
- GMO-free
- DHA from fish oil
In the list of the best organic baby formulas, it is a shame to omit Lebenswert’s Bio Formula, one of the European baby formulas, in this article.
European formulas, like the Lebenswert, are pediatrician-recommended with more than ten essential vitamins that help babies have the following:
- Good vision and gum development
- Better bone health
- Healthy skin and cells
Aside from that, this European baby formula, made in Germany and Austria, has been accredited as certified organic by the European Union.
This accreditation means that it is safe from GMOs, has NO synthetic nutrients, and has an absence of other chemical products.
In addition, Lebenswert European baby formula has been created with cow’s milk and whey without starch and antibiotics.
The only thing keeping first-time buyers from purchasing is the packaging’s lack of English translation, which hinders their understanding of the product, who it is for, and what the ingredients are.
However, the results speak for themselves as my baby took this formula in like a champ with no problems!
Pros
- Bioland and EU-certified organic for a safe organic baby formula
- Packed with vitamins and minerals for overall health
- Cow’s milk-based for calcium and protein-rich formula
Cons
- No English translation or text on the packaging
9) Jovie Goat Organic Baby Formula
Features:
- Lutein and protein
- Full fat milk
- DHA and AA
This Jovie Goat infant formula has all the benefits of protein, especially for the baby’s digestion and gut health.
It is also rich in lutein, also found in breast milk, which helps babies reach efficient physical growth, particularly in eye development.
Apart from these components, it also has DHA and ARA that support newborns’ healthy brain and vision development. Its effects will be seen as they grow older.
Importantly, this organic baby formula is made from full-fat milk, which provides babies with enough calcium and Vitamin A to keep the bones’ development steady and healthy.
Adding to its list of organic ingredients are organic lactose, organic sunflower oil, and organic rapeseed oil.
On top of that, the manufacturers added NO sugars, maltodextrin, palm oil, and soy!
Yet, I think this organic formula holds a relatively higher price than other formulas considering that it does not have any probiotics.
Pros
- With DHA and AA for brain and vision
- Full-fat milk-based for bone health
- With lutein and protein for healthy physical growth
Cons
- Expensive probiotics-less formula than other organic formulas
10) HiPP Comfort Organic Baby Formula
Features:
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Prebiotic dietary fibers
- Hydrolyzed whey protein
Here’s another good formula from the good people of HiPP!
Putting and defining comfort to another level is never impossible with HiPP’s Comfort organic baby formula.
This organic baby formula has LCP or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are also present in breast milk and help in brain growth.
Organic formulas, like the HiPP Comfort, have similar attributes in breast milk as infants absorb their DHA and AA components efficiently.
HiPP Comfort, as infant formula, has prebiotic dietary fibers which help enhance infants’ memory and keep the gut healthy.
Aside from the organic formula, it also provides the infant’s body with enough strength to combat colic and other digestive problems.
Furthermore, in producing this infant formula, it has been secured and certified that there were NO harmful chemicals like pesticides, GMOs, and antibiotics.
However, it is essential to remember that this is expensive.
Yet, it is undoubtedly WORTH the money as it is one of the best organic baby formulas.
Pros
- Rich in prebiotics for gut health
- With hydrolyzed whey protein for supported infant growth
- Without GMOs and harmful chemicals
Cons
- It may be too expensive for some
11) Similac Alimentum Infant Formula
Features:
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Omega-3 fat
- Easy to digest
Similac Organic Formula is what you need if your baby has allergies to cow’s milk.
It is a pediatrician-recommended and one of the best hypoallergenic formulas on the market.
Similac Alimentum is designed for newborns up until a year old.
It has the right amount of Omega-3 to help with the growth and development of a baby’s vision and cognitive health.
If you have a fussy or gassy baby, you can count on this formula to calm him/her down, thanks to its hydrolyzed protein to avoid colic symptoms.
This organic baby formula is also rich in DHA and ADH, which help support an infant’s brain development.
Similac also does NOT include any palm oil products, as manufacturers believe that palm oil can negatively affect the stool quality, digestion, and overall health of babies.
Mostly, they do not use palm oil as it can contribute to deforestation and environmental disarray. How noble!
However, the fact that it has organic ingredients like corn maltodextrin as a replacement for lactose and sugar is concerning.
Maltodextrin component is known to cause digestive problems, including bloating and vomiting in infants.
Pros
- The hypoallergenic formula for babies suffering from cow’s milk allergy.
- It is made with hydrolyzed protein which helps prevent colic symptoms
- It comes with the right DHA and ADH for brain health
Cons
- It contains corn maltodextrin, which may pose adverse effects on a baby’s health
12) Happy Baby Organic Formula Stage 1
Features:
- Gluten-free
- Organic coconut oil
- Egg, peanut, and fish-free formula
Happy Family Organics, a part of the long list of organic baby formula brands, present the Happy Baby Formula Stage 1, designed to simulate human milk for newborns up to 1-year-olds.
This infant milk is gluten-free, which means better digestion and lesser chances of having colic and diarrhea for babies.
Also, this infant formula is worth investing in if your baby is sensitive to gluten and wheat.
Apart from that, Happy Baby formula has organic coconut oil, which can improve babies’ digestive systems, especially in preventing constipation.
If your baby is allergic to eggs, peanuts, and fish, you can be assured that this baby formula will save your baby from severe allergic reactions as it does not have any of those in the ingredients.
Personally, I like how this baby formula did not include corn syrup solids and genetically modified organisms.
Happy Baby formula has been certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture for your peace of mind.
This assures you that the milk product has passed specific requirements and is SAFE to consume.
Other variations of this baby formula include the Happy Baby Sensitive formula, which is also in Stage 1.
Yet, some reviews show that this baby formula is indeed expensive, considering its size. Nevertheless, consumers still agree that this is worth their money.
Pros
- Gluten-free for better digestion
- Does not include corn syrup solids and GMO
- USDA certified, which means legitimately organic
Cons
- It may be too expensive for some consumers
What to Look for in Organic Baby Formulas
You sure have organic baby formulas in your head that you want to try.
Yet, a question that is intriguing for some needs to be answered before buying one – What do I look for in organic baby formulas?
To ensure you get the CORRECT organic baby formulas, here are what you need to be wary of the following factors.
1. USDA National Organic Program Seal
You first need to check if the baby formulas on your list have been certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture or USDA.
USDA-certified organic baby formulas have undergone a series of authentication processes which consider the following:
- Quality of the soil
- How animals were raised and fed
- How pests and weeds were controlled
- The use of additives
- Artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors
The BEST organic baby formula is for sure labeled with this seal. If not, these contain only 70% of organic components and may have genetically-modified organisms.
2. Organic Formula Ingredients
The next important step you should NOT miss is to check the nutritional value and ingredients of the organic formulas.
The best organic formulas have some of these ingredients:
- Milk proteins
- Whey powders
- Safflower oil
- Sunflower oil
- Rapeseed oil
- Essential fatty acids (DHA and ARA)
Also, remember that there can be a majority of organic ones, but if you do not read them properly, other components may have undergone chemically-infiltrated production.
Nevertheless, if the baby formulas you are looking at are USDA-certified, you are ASSURED of 100% organic formulas.
Aside from that, it is essential to look at the ingredients list as some may cause allergies to your babies.
In addition, some may have fewer vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that will not satisfy your baby’s daily intake needs.
3. Partially Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
This is a CRUCIAL component in baby formulas, as this presents an opportunity to support an infant’s growth hormones.
It is also equally valuable as it can help those babies with cow’s milk allergy or CMA.
Research shows that it can also aid in preventing atopic dermatitis among infants who have not been reliant on breast milk.
The study also provides that this component is SAFE even for those infants who have used breast milk from birth.
4. Pediatrician-Approved
For sure, ingredients and labels are important to determine the best organic baby formulas on the market.
However, the baby formulas will not be as convincing to be the best organic baby formula options if pediatricians and other professionals do not approve of them.
Pediatricians will determine what best organic baby formulas suit your baby’s needs and current health status.
Also, they can help choose which options are safe to consume and will have little to no side effects.
They will also guide you in choosing organic baby formula options from known manufacturers with enough scientific evidence to back them up.
5. Price and Efficiency
It would be best if you also looked for the price of these organic formulas.
Not everything labeled with a high price may mean it is efficient and has all the nutrients your baby needs.
In fact, there are AFFORDABLE infant formulas that are pediatrician-recommended, have USDA-certified logos, partially hydrolyzed whey, and 100% organic ingredients.
6. Nutritional Content
A good organic formula has several nutritional components that are good for the baby’s development.
Some of these include probiotics for gut health, healthy fatty acids such as DHA and ARA for brain development, and vitamins and minerals for an increase immune system.
It helps to do prior research and look up what ingredients are good and bad for the baby, so you can be prepared next time you go formula-shopping!
7. Age-Appropriate
Some formulas are designed for specific age groups, depending on the nutritional needs of the child.
For example, newborn babies are mostly breastfed to get the basic nutrients, but they can turn to formula if they were not breastfed enough or if the mother lacks breastmilk to give.
As the child grows up and starts transitioning to solid foods (around the 6-12-month mark), you can give them a formula to help supplement the nutrients that are not found in certain foods.
Toddler formulas are meant for older kids who require the necessary nutrients to grow up strong and healthy.
However, some argue that toddler formula is not necessary past the 12-month mark.
Easy to Digest
A baby needs all the help it can get when digesting formula, so make it easier for them by choosing one that is easy to digest.
It is best to choose a formula that closely resembles breastmilk for the child to take it in easily.
Additionally, a partially-hydrolyzed formula is easier for babies to digest and helps prevent colic and gas.
Allergen-Free
If your baby is allergic to the standard cow’s milk formula, consider an allergen-free brand to prevent any harmful allergic reaction.
If your baby is lactose-intolerant or shows signs of cow’s milk protein intolerance, switch to a dairy-free formula.
Trusted Brand
There are so many formula brands that it’s difficult to choose.
My suggestion is to do prior research on which brands have a good reputation for providing healthy, organic formulas and go from there.
It helps to research the brand’s ingredients, where they source them, and so on.
Ingredients To AVOID in Organic Baby Formula
Now that you know what to look for, you must also be aware of the ingredients you need to AVOID when buying organic infant formulas.
Here are the ingredients that are BIG NO-NOs when it comes to the best organic formulas.
This component from corn is composed of glucose. In a study, researchers found that infants given corn syrup have developed bad eating habits.
Corn Syrup
In particular, babies become picky about what they eat and become cranky while eating.
This is depicted mostly in two-year-olds who have been fed baby formula containing corn syrup solids.
However, corn syrup, along with other glucose syrup solids, is still present in some organic baby formula brands because manufacturers make this as a substitute for lactose.
Then, they market it to parents whose children are lactose intolerant.
Sure, it is helpful, but the adverse side effects that have been proven in a study should always be considered.
Brown Rice Syrup
Another glucose syrup solid you need to avoid is brown rice syrup, often a replacement for corn syrup.
This sweetener is high in sugar and calories and is glucose-based but lacks essential nutrients.
Furthermore, there are organic baby formula options, milk-based and soy-based formulas, with brown rice syrup as a sweetener with high arsenic components. Yikes!
The heavy metal arsenic is known to cause neurodevelopment damage among infants because of its toxicity.
This is a pressing issue, which is why you need to avoid infant formula with brown rice syrup as its sweetener.
C. Cohnii Oil (DHA)
DHA has been a staple in organic baby formulas as it supports infants’ normal brain and vision development.
Yet, DHA’s C. Cohnii oil strain may not be that beneficial.
This comes from the fact that this strain is derived from algae and undergoes a process that includes neurotoxicity from acid, bleach, and hexane solvent.
This can cause dehydration, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, and vomiting among babies who drink infant formula with C. Cohnii oil.
M. Alpina Oil (ARA)
The usual ARA that comes with C. Cohnii oil is M. Alpina oil, which also gives similar side effects on infants, like severe diarrhea and constant vomiting.
Aside from that, this ARA has high fatty acids, affecting babies’ eyesight, brain, liver, and stomach and can also cause diabetes.
Carrageenan
This preservative is added in products like soy-based formula for infants that can cause allergies, bloating, bowel problems, and inflammation.
However, if your purchase infant formulas with USDA-certified organic logo, rest assured these are safe from carrageenan as this has been REMOVED from the approved list of the USDA National Organic Program.
Synthetic Nutrients
Anything synthetic or unnatural in food or drinks can’t be good for anyone!
Synthetic nutrients are human-made, processed in technologies, and are not in any way from vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and other whole food sources.
These synthetic nutrients are usually found in multivitamins and supplements to support the essential nutrients needed for specific individuals.
However, this can be alarming for an infant’s health, as the number of synthetic nutrients incorporated in their daily milk may be too much for their required daily intake.
As shown in a study, excessive Vitamin E from synthetic nutrients caused increased mortality.
Another report shows that pregnant women who took too much Vitamin A from supplements have caused malformation in their baby’s physical attributes.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is generally a safe ingredient in organic products as a source of fatty acid, imitating human milk.
However, adding palm oil to infant milk may affect the normal functioning of babies.
Palm oil can cause bone health and development delays and even cause hard stools.
Soy Oil/Soy-Based Formula
Unfortunately, soy oil in infant formula does not really have a nutritional value higher than cow’s milk.
Soy oil and other soy extracts do not even hold a role in preventing allergies among infants.
It can only be a beneficial substitute for infants with extreme lactose intolerance.
The incorporation of soy oil in infant formulas may result in weaker bone structure and unhealthy renal function.
Why Choose Organic Baby Formula?
Why not?
These formulas are also much more budget-friendly, have some organic ingredients, artificially resemble human milk, have enough milk proteins, and have other benefits.
With these, here are the reasons why you MUST choose organic baby formula brands:
- Ingredients were never exposed to harmful pesticides
- With minimal but quality organic ingredients
- Components of organic infant formula do not include hormones
- Most certainly, it does not have antibiotics and heavy metals
One thing is for sure; there are a lot of non-organic formulas on the market that are accessible to you.
Also, choosing organic infant formula means having organic skim milk from cows and goats, grass-fed, and taken care of through organic farming.
When you buy organic baby formula, you are also up to the benefit of having the right amount of milk protein for your little ones, which I personally like!
DID YOU KNOW: Gerber is one of, if not, the MOST popular baby food brand, having been around since the 1920s! Their Gentle and Soothe are great formula options as well!
What Are the Baby Formulas Stages?
Have you noticed that there are certain stages labeled in infant formula?
Well, those primarily come from European formulas and depend on babies’ age and capability to consume organic baby food.
There are four stages of formulas: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4. The distinctive qualities of each stage are:
- Stage 1: These are starter formulas and were made to closely resemble human milk for newborns until 6-month-old babies, which means this is easier to digest.
- Stage 2: These formulas were created to support the nutrients in 6- to 1-year-old babies, increasing their protein, iron, and Vitamin D intake.
- Stage 3: This formula, also known as a toddler formula, can also be for ten-month-old babies and above to add enough starch and energy to their organic baby food lifestyle.
- Stage 4: These formulas are designed to cater to the needs of 1 year and older children, and you can incorporate these into their breakfast cereals, oats, and fruit mixtures.
You can move forward through the stages by following the steps.
These steps are gradual, and you may start by introducing the new formula to the baby by mixing 1/4 of it with the older one.
Do this for about a week while increasing the percentage of the newer formula in each serving by 25%.
Doing these steps will help your baby’s taste buds and stomach adjust to their new organic infant formula.
However, what I prefer most in changing the baby’s milk formula stages is talking with pediatricians to ensure that the baby is safe and does not resort to bottle and milk rejection.
Medical professionals will also help you choose the best organic baby formula that your babies can use in the following stages of their lives.
American vs. European Baby Formula
Aside from having different formula stages, organic milk also varies from American and European formulas.
The apparent difference is where the milk is produced.
Yet, there are a lot of differences other than that which motivate parents to buy European formulas.
The following characteristics of European formulas are what set them apart from American ones.
- Have a lower iron component
- Undergo extensive organic standards.
- Include goat milk formula.
- Embedded with whole milk proteins and fats
- Partially hydrolyzed whey components
- Offer a variety of milk formula stages for different age ranges
- Provide options for a gentle formula
- Invest in biodynamic and organic farming for their cow and goat milk
- Have lactose and omega-3 fatty acids as a staple in every production
Of course, not much has been said, but there are also SIMILAR points between American and European baby formulas, like:
- Regulating bodies are both present to rigidly implement rules for organic products
- Labeling infant formulas that have 95% to 100% of organic ingredients
- Having coconut oil rather than corn syrup and other glucose syrup solids
- Restricting the use of cow’s milk from cows who have undergone artificial growth hormones
Frequently Asked Questions
After all of this information, you probably have questions before choosing the best organic baby formula for your children.
In this section, I will answer some of your questions about organic baby formulas.
Which is the Closest Formula to Breast Milk?
The closest formula to breast milk is organic infant formula, specifically in Stage 1, which includes carbohydrates, DHA and ARA, lutein, and Vitamin E, among others.
Among this list’s entries are several Stage 1 milk formulas. These are:
- Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk Formula
- HiPP Stage 1 Organic Baby Formula
- Holle Organic Infant Formula I
- Loulouka Goat Organic Baby Formula Stage 1
- Lebenswert Bio Formula
- Jovie Goat Organic Baby Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula, Stage 1
From this list, I believe the closest to human milk is the HiPP Stage 1 Organic Baby Formula, which has the best overall performance in this article.
Can I Switch My Baby’s Formula?
Yes, you can!
Switching your current baby formula is normal if your baby has allergic reactions and spit-ups.
Also, you can switch if your baby is growing up and needs extra nutrients and vitamins from other milk formula stages.
Yet, it would help if you do not switch immediately.
Always gradually transition from the old to the new formula within seven days while adding 1/4 of the new one in every mixture.
How Do I Know if My Formula Isn’t Agreeing With Baby?
You will know if the organic baby formula is not compatible if your baby has excessive spit-ups and consistently rejects the formula in, whether you use a preemie bottle or not.
Physically, you may notice that your babies may not be at the right weight for their age. Usually, babies have a weight lesser than the appropriate one.
In some cases, blood can show up in the stools of those babies who are allergic or not at all compatible with the organic baby formula.
If this happens, seek professional help immediately!
How Long is Baby Formula Good For?
Most baby formulas must be consumed within 1 month of opening them.
In case they are unopened, they are good to last for around 6-12 months. It is best to refer to the expiration dates on each product.
Can You Mix Baby Formulas?
Yes!
You can mix formulas if you think your baby responds better to a combination of two.
Remember to follow the standard mixing instructions and timing! Once again, do not mix two formulas immediately.
It is best to slowly ease your baby into it by mixing the two little by little as you try to transition.
Is Organic Infant Formula Worth It?
Absolutely! Your kid will be thanking you in the future.
Anything organic or made with natural ingredients will yield positive long-term effects for your baby.
You’d be surprised by how common it is to find unhealthy ingredients in regular, conventional formulas.
It’s better to choose one with more effort invested to make it healthy for babies!
How Can I Be Sure that a Baby Formula is Truly Organic?
You can ensure that a formula is truly organic by looking for certain specifications, such as USDA-Certified Organic or Non-GMO.
These certifications are official declarations that a certain product is SAFE, passes standard safety regulations, and contains ZERO genetically-modified ingredients.
What’s the Difference Between Organic and Regular Formula?
One main difference between organic and traditional or regular formulas is the ingredients used.
Organic formulas are free of GMOs, artificial preservatives, and hormones/steroids, while some traditional formulas may contain non-organic ingredients.
Regular or conventional formulas may also be made using fertilizer or hormones.
Furthermore, organic formulas have stricter safety regulations to adhere to than regular formulas.
Recap of My Favorite Picks
I know how busy you are, and reading through all the information above may not be that time efficient for you.
So, here is a recap of my favorite picks in terms of budget, value, and overall performance from the list of the best organic baby formulas!
Best Budget – Nature’s One Baby’s Only Milk Formula
For me, the best organic formula that will not cut that much from your wallet is Nature’s One Baby’s Only Milk Formula at an affordable $16.99 for 360 grams.
This baby formula does not have palm oil which contributes to the amount of saturated fatty acids that may adversely affect babies.
Aside from that, you will be paying an affordable price compared to other formulas with proportioned vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, which can help in bone development and blood flow among infants.
You can rest easy knowing this formula is one of the safest and healthiest ones, Purity and Nutritional Superiority certification label.
This is also formulated to be very GENTLE on babies’ stomachs, making it easy to digest as it does not have any corn syrup elements.
Best Value – Loulouka Organic Goat Milk Formula
In this list, the best organic baby formula with the most value is the Loulouka Organic Goat Milk formula.
This Swiss product has been produced from grass-fed goats in an organic farming setup, making this formula vegetarian-friendly!
In addition, it has DHA from algae and does not have palm oil on the list of ingredients. Instead, it has sunflower and rapeseed oils as fatty acid substitutes.
Organic goat milk formulas like this have enough vitamins and nutrients to support brain and bone health.
Moreover, on its value part, you can make 30 100 mL milk mixtures from the 400-gram packaging, giving you approximately 900 feeding mixtures for your babies.
This is possible as you only need 13.2 grams of Loulouka in each milk bottle.
Best Overall – HiPP Organic Combiotic baby formula
Formulas that are closely knitted with nature always come out with the best overall performance.
And this the HiPP Organic Combiotic baby formula is no exception!
This formula comes at an expensive price at quite a high price tag, but it is indeed worth every penny!
Its combiotic formulation includes a good proportion of fish oil, prebiotic and probiotic.
Components included in the HiPP Organic Combiotic formula are known to give the body enough healthy bacteria to keep infant digestion on track.
More importantly, the probiotic embedded in this formula has the MA-7 and MA-8 strains also present in breast milk.
HiPP Organic is also safe from other carbohydrates that are not essential to the human body, as its only source is organic lactose.
Although this baby formula has lesser protein, HiPP combiotic manufacturers ensure that the protein levels follow the required intake and are extracted with the BEST quality.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap on the very long guide!
Whether you choose American or European formulas, a lot of careful research goes into finding the best formulas for your baby.
At the end of all the information, one thing is for sure.
Every single organic baby formula from this list is healthy and safe to consume as they are labeled USDA and EU organic.
Remember to consult your pediatricians and choose the best organic baby formula from this list that will suit your budget and your baby’s needs.
FINAL TIP: Of course, you will need a good baby bottle to administer these formulas. You can choose any of these organic baby bottles to ensure safe feeding! You can also choose to feed them using silicone bottles.