There are many things to consider when determining whether or not to buy organic baby food. When comparing organic food to conventional (non-organic food) it is most important to consider what is added rather than what is lacking. Potentially hazardous and unnatural elements such as pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones are likely added to conventional foods even though they may not be listed in the ingredients.

• In regard to organic baby food and pesticides, it is important to picture current farming methods. Today, many conventional farmers apply large amounts of pesticides to their crops. As soon as pesticides are applied to the crops, they are absorbed into the food, and in turn, make their way into your baby’s body.

• The addition of antibiotics in conventional foods may be another concern for parents. Conventional farmers often pump a variety of antibiotics into their animals which in turn, make their way into the dairy products and meat of the animals. Prolonged antibiotic use can cause “antibiotic resistance” which may make treating your sick baby more difficult.

• Growth hormones are also added to many conventional foods. Nowadays, conventional farmers commonly treat cows with bovine growth hormone to increase their milk production. Recent studies have found that this hormone which can be passed into the milk may have undesirable affects on your developing baby.

To achieve an organic food label, the product must go through more regulations than conventional food. Organic food products and organic feeding products ensure that the use of potentially hazardous pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones have been either excluded or limited. Organic baby food can ensure that your baby is eating only what is listed on the food labels instead of hazardous chemicals that are not listed. If these harmful elements added into conventional foods worry you, organic baby food may be your answer. Although, buying organic food is more expensive, it allows parents to take more control over what they are actually feeding their baby.