Choose organic when it comes to your child

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably come across ongoing debates regarding the term “organic” and what should go into your child’s body. But, what about organic versus non-GMO? A recent study from Perrigo Nutritionals in the US revealed that more than half of moms didn’t know that organic is inherently non-GMO.

So, what’s the real difference? Simply put, organic is always non-GMO, but, unlike non-GMO, products labelled organic also guarantee:
• No use of toxic pesticides or chemical/synthetic fertilizers.
• No use of antibiotics or synthetic hormones, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives.
• Support for organic farming practices and animal health and welfare.

“It’s important to understand the difference between these labels so you can make the right nutritional decisions for your family,” says Jessica Turner, best-selling author and founder of the Mom Creative blog. Looking beyond the non-GMO label doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach, especially since purchasing all organic can add up quick. As a mother of three, Turner believes the following products are worth the extra splurge for organic instead of just non-GMO for your child.

Baby Food
As a child starts eating solids, many organisations such as The Environmental Working Group recommend always going organic when it comes to the “dirty dozen” such as apples, bell peppers, peaches, and so on to avoid pesticides. Purchasing baby food jars or packets? Make sure you look for the USDA Certified Organic label, not just a non-GMO certified label to avoid all those chemicals.

Milk
Milk is a nutrient powerhouse when it comes to your child’s nutrition with vitamin D, calcium and protein, but unfortunately it can sometimes contain not-so-good ingredients. Organic have absolutely no antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMO anything. Going organic also supports a better life for the cows since they have access to pastures (another thing not guaranteed by only purchasing non-GMO).

Infant Formula
According to the Perrigo Nutritionals study, 43 per cent of moms said they purchased organic foods for their babies when they started eating solids, but only 10 per cent purchased organic infant formula. So why not choose organic for your baby from the very beginning? Choosing organic may be worth the extra investment since it will ensure you are avoiding pesticides and hormones — something not guaranteed by just the non-GMO label.

Skin Care
Skin care products that go on a baby’s skin, like lotion, diaper cream, shampoo and soap, are being absorbed into their bloodstream. Since their skin is more porous than adults, products from organic/natural lines such may be worth the extra splurge to ensure your child is being exposed to the least number of chemicals as possible. At the end of the day, if you’re not sure, err on the side of buying organic since organic is always non-GMO, plus more.