This post is sponsored by Happy Family Organics but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
In an article published on Time.com, Dr Allen Green and Anna Lappe said “organic food is a healthy choice for all of us but especially for kids. Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to chemicals, in part because their immune systems are still developing and in part because, pound for pound, they’re exposed to more chemical residues than adults”.
With this in mind, our family decided to make the switch to organic foods in order to avoid any harmful chemicals that could affect our children’s development and health. Here are the biggest reasons that we knew organic was the best choice for baby!
Organic Foods Have to Meet Some Serious Standards
In order for a brand to carry the “organic” name, they have certain requirements they must meet as set by the USDA’s National Organic Program.
To receive the USDA badge on their food, it must be made with 95% organic ingredients, meaning no pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or dyes. The 5% remaining in the ingredient list can be made from non organic foods, but only those on the approved list. More on the chemicals not allowed by the standards below.
No Pesticides Found in Organic Food
Pesticides are chemicals or biological agents that are using in the farming process to keep bugs and weeds away. The problem is, these chemicals come with the food that is being farmed, meaning they can be injected by our children. According to the Center of Egogenetics and Environmental Health at Washington University, fetuses, infants, growing children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and women of childbearing age are most at risk for adverse health outcomes from exposure to pesticides.
It turns out, that some foods are even more susceptible to pesticide contamination. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) states that apples, grapes, spinach, blueberries and peaches are a few of the “dirt dozen” fruits and vegetables that are the most likely to be contaminated with pesticides. These are some of the items by girls love most!
Organics Meats, Poultry and Dairy are Hormone and Antibiotic Free
In order to boost growth and production in their livestock, farmers will often give animals growth hormones. The FDA allows for the use of 7 different growth hormones to increase production in cows and sheep, however the USDA organic regulations do now allow for them.
In addition, farmers will give their livestock antibiotics in order to kill bacteria found in their intestine. According to Mayo Clinic, f’or both humans and animals, misusing and overusing antibiotics can lead to the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may cause untreatable infections”. Just as growth hormones, the USDA does not allow foods labeled as organic to be treated with growth hormones or antibiotics.
We’ve Made the Switch to Organic!
After doing our research on the benefits of organic, it was a no brainer that we wanted to make the switch to organic.
While we as parents have made the choice to make better food selections, we’ve still got two picky toddlers when it comes to vegetables and fruits. The best way we can help our girls get a balanced diet, including those nutrient packed dark green veggies, is with pouches! We are BIG fans of pouches around here!
Our brand of choice for organic pouches and toddler snacks: Happy Family Organics. And as you can see, our girls are pretty happy with our choice 🙂
Not only do we love that their entire selection of foods are organic, we love how easy they are to take on the go with us. Life with two under three can be crazy sometimes and I love that their food options are easy to serve.
Happy Family Organics is a mom-founded and parent run company, meaning they know what it is like to want to provide healthy options for your kiddos and they are making it happen. Their mission is to change the trajectory of children health through their nutrition. You can read more about their mission here.Â
