What Is the Best Organic Baby Food?

Is organic food better for your baby?
“Nutritionally, there really is no significant difference between organic food and other foods,” pediatric gastroenterologist Meghana Sathe M.D. wrote on ChildrensHealth.com. The main reason to buy organic baby food is to minimize exposure to pesticides, GMO ingredients, and chemical fertilizers. Research has shown that exposure to even low levels of pesticides in babies can have serious effects on their health and neurodevelopment.

Mom Diana Lovett agrees. “We started him on organic baby food and we’re really happy with it,” Lovett previously told NBC News. “I just wanted something healthy for my son and didn’t like the idea of pesticides in baby food.”

What does it mean if baby food is labeled organic?
Foods labeled organic must follow strict standards set by the federal government, meaning they are grown without toxic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones, GMOs, sewage sludge, or irradiation.

What to look for in organic baby food?
First of all, is the food really organic? USDA organic seals label foods according to their percentage of organic ingredients, but not all food labeled organic has that certification. Also, don’t be conned by the word “natural.” The FDA does not regulate the use of this term, and it has no clear definition. Many ingredients that are considered harmful or unhealthy, like high-fructose corn syrup, are also “natural.”

Here’s a selection of well-known brands. Take into consideration your preferences, your baby’s likes and dislikes, and your budget, and discover which brand is best for you.

Yumi
A fresh organic baby food delivery service founded by two moms, Yumi is allergen free, 100% organic, non-GMO, gluten free, kosher, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.

Once Upon a Farm
Cofounded by actress Jennifer Garner, these organic, no-sugar-added, cold-pressed blends can be ordered online or purchased at the supermarket.

Beech-Nut
This widely available, reasonably priced brand has a line of non-GMO, USDA-certified organic baby foods with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Earth’s Best
Founded in 1985, this company offers a complete selection of organic and non-GMO products, as well as diapers and toothpaste. You can find it on grocery shelves in stores and online.

Plum Organics
Using only non-GMO, organic ingredients, the fruit, vegetable, and grain blends are unsalted, unsweetened, and kosher and promise to expose your baby to unique flavors. Buy online or in stores.

MySerenityKids
These sugar- and grain-free products are made from well-sourced meats, healthy fats, and vegetables in proportions that mimic breast milk’s macronutrients. This brand can be purchased online or at supermarkets.

One common complaint about organic baby food is the expense. It’s tempting but easy to bust your budget by purchasing nothing but organic baby food. However, making your own baby food is simple, less expensive, and gives you total control over what you feed your baby.

How to make your own organic baby food
You don’t need to be a top chef to make baby food. The techniques — chopping, steaming, or boiling and pureeing — are simple. Learn the basics from this fact sheet and video from the University of Maine Extension. Make sure to use proper hygiene and follow food safety tips when you prepare your baby’s food.

What equipment do I need?
Special equipment isn’t absolutely necessary, and you probably already own most.

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Vegetable peeler
• Sheet pan
• Steamer basket
• Stock pot
• Blender
• Food processor
• Fine mesh strainer

One useful item you may not have is a food mill, which removes stems, seeds, skins, etc., from the puree, as opposed to blenders or processors which pulverize everything together. You’ll also need food storage equipment, like freezer trays, small jars, and reusable pouches.

If you want to get a little fancier, Nutribullet Baby offers a blender, steamer, and food prep kit specially designed to make food for your little one. Or there’s the Homia Dansa, a time-saving all-in-one steamer, chopper, and processor.

What ingredients should I use for organic baby food?
The best first foods to start are pureed organic fruits, organic vegetables, and organic meats.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “research indicates that it is important to expose children to a wide variety of flavors and textures.” Making your own organic baby food is your chance to introduce your little one to a balanced diet of a wide variety of organic food recipes and delicious foods that will begin a lifetime of healthy eating.