5 Reasons to Feed Your Kids Organic Foods

1.  No pesticides.  According to the EPA and other experts, pesticides pose a risk to infants and children.  The EPA cites the following reasons that puts children and babies “at risk”:

• internal organs still developing and maturing,
• in relation to their body weight, infants and children eat and drink more than adults, possibly increasing their exposure to pesticides in food and water.
• certain behaviors–such as playing on floors or lawns or putting objects in their mouths–increase a child’s exposure to pesticides used in homes and yards.

Pesticides are considered dangerous because of their impact on a child’s excretory system.  Since excretory systems are not fully developed in children, they may lack the ability to eliminate pesticides in the body like an adult might.  This means more pesticides stay in a child’s body and get absorbed. 

Also, they Pesticides are considered potentially harmful because they block the of vital nutrients obtained from foods.  These nutrients are considered necessary for normal development and good health.

2.  Reduce impact of environmental toxins on brain growth.  According to Dr. Greene in “Raising Baby Green,” if he had to choose a time in a human life to eat organic, it would be “from conception to age three” (137).  This is the time when our bodies and our brains grow faster,” and “pound for pound babies eat more than adults” and are “more vulnerable to environmental toxins.” 

3.  Possible link to ADHD.  The Journal of Pediatrics has released current research that asserts a link between levels of a common pesticide byproduct and ADHD in children.  According to the research, children with above-average levels of the byproduct are about twice as at risk of getting an ADHD diagnosis.   Read the CNN article “Study: ADHD linked to pesticide exposure” for more information. 

4.  Organic retains more nutrients.  Although there is some disagreement, many sources point to the fact that organically grown fruits and vegetables retain more nutrients and vitamins than other produce.  In a study conducted by the Soil Association, they found organic food to be more rich in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and chromium than non-organically grown foods. 

5.  Help the environment…invest in your baby’s future.  Organic farming is kinder and gentler on the environment.  For example, the number one type of farming in the United States is corn.  Consequently, pesticides and chemical fertilizers are used in abundance in corn fields, more so than any other type of crop.  This has had a negative impact on the land.  Pesticide run-off from the Midwest has been found in the Mississippi River, which has dumped out in the Gulf of Mexico and contributed to a marine dead-zone with oxygen depleted water.  Organic farming avoids these environmental disasters and can help take the precautions to make the earth a cleaner, healthier place for your children and future generations. 

Resources:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3076638/

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/food/pest.htm

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/17/pesticides.adhd/index.html

“Raising Baby Green” by Dr. Alan Greene, 2007. Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10587.php

When to Start Solids?

I’ve heard a variety of answers to this question, mostly from people’s personal experiences.  The legend goes that my pushy grandmother mashed up family meals and began cramming it down my baby throat when I was a wee 3-months old.  She, of course, claims I loved it.  My mother breastfed me until I was three months old.  Somebody I know is starting to introduce solids to her almost 4-month old.  I managed to grow up with no allergies or problems, but experts recommend waiting to introduce solids until a baby is 6 months old and has met certain developmental milestones.  This is what I plan to do for my baby.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an infant should be “exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health.”  They recommend that at “180 days of age,” babies can start receiving “complementary food 2-3 times a day.”

Why Wait Until 6-Months?

• Reduces the risk of food allergies.  This is especially true if your family has a history of food allergies.  A mature intestine secretes IgA, which is a protein that coats the intestines to prevent harmful allergens.   This protein doesn’t exist in high numbers when a baby is very young.  In fact, it doesn’t start reaching peak production until around 7 months of age. 
• Baby is given best immunity from exclusive breastfeeding.  Why compromise that? 
• Gives your baby’s digestive system time to mature.  A baby’s insides are not fully developed to digest solid food until they are around 4-6 months of age. 

Milestones to Meet

Babies develop according to their own schedule.  Thus, while it is recommended to start introducing solids to your baby around 6 months of age, it really depends on whether or not your baby is ready in terms of developmental milestones. 

• Tongue-thrust and gag reflexes lessen.  In the first few months, your baby has a tongue reflex that makes him/her stick their tongue out whenever a foreign object enters.  This is a way to protect against choking.  This reflex will start to go away around 4-6 months of age. 
• Baby willingly accepts solids.
• Can sit erect in high chair.
• Begins teething.
• Baby may start to beg for food.   

Which Starter Foods Should Be Introduced?

• Rice cereal (easiest to digest)
• Barley cereal
• Bananas (sweet taste is very similar to breast milk…babies like it!)
• Peaches
• Applesauce
• Carrots (source of vitamin A)
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes (popular for its flavor.  Contains vitamin B-6 and fat)
• Avocadoes (rich in vitamin A, vitamin B-6, folic acid, niacin, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and iron)
• Pears (easy to digest)

How Many Times a Day Should Solids Be Given?

According to WHO, 2-3 times a day until they are 8 months of age, with an optional snack 1-2 times a day.  This is in addition to frequent breastfeeds.

9-11 months:  3-4 meals a day, plus breastfeeds.  Optional 1-2 snacks a day. 

12-23 months:  3-4 meals a day, plus breastfeeds.  1-2 snacks depending on child’s appetite. 

Tips:

• If you work during the day, schedule the solids to be given while you are at work so you can focus on breastfeeding after work.  This will help your milk supply and eliminate any unnecessary pumping sessions. 
• Introduce solids when your baby is in the mood and/or most hungry.  This will make the task a lot easier.
• Avoid feeding your baby before bedtime in an attempt to get them to sleep longer.  It usually doesn’t work and sets your baby up for bad eating habits and problems, including obesity.
• Rotate foods.  You wouldn’t want to eat sweet potatoes 2-3 times a day, every day, would you?  Neither does your baby. 
• Be realistic about the mess.  Baby’s will make a mess—it’s part of their exploration and learning process.  Plan accordingly. 

How Can I Make My Own Baby Food?

First of all, making your own baby food is an excellent decision to make.  You control exactly what goes into the food and avoid pesticides and preservatives.  You get to select the fruits and vegetables used, ensuring that they are ripe and ready to maximize nutritional value for your baby. 

Wholesome Baby Food is an awesome place to find everything you need for making your own baby food.  You’ll find nutrition information, when to introduce certain fruits and vegetables, how to prepare them, and much, much more. 

Sources:

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/3/T032000.asp

http://www.who.int/features/qa/21/en/index.html

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com

*always check with your doctor first regarding your child’s health

Make Your Own Baby Food: Organic Applesauce Recipe

There are very compelling reasons why you might want to make your own baby food.  First and foremost, you know exactly what is being put into the food.  Second, you get to use the freshest ingredients, making it the very best for your baby.  Finally, you will have the option of using organic ingredients, ensuring that your baby will not be exposed to things like pesticides. 

I’m going to be posting a lot of great recipes from time to time and get into even more discussion about using organic ingredients for your baby food.  My husband and I have a date tonight (with the baby) so I don’t have a whole lot of time to get into the nitty gritty about organic baby food, but for today I will leave you with an applesauce recipe.  Enjoy! 

Baby Applesauce/ Pureed Apples

Ingredients:

–           5-10 large organic apples.

–          water

–          optional:  cinnamon, allspice, or vanilla and/or cereal

Directions for baby applesauce:

1.  Peel, core, and cut apples into small pieces
2. Put apple pieces in a saucepan with water covering them.  The water should just barely cover the apple chunks.  Boil until tender.  Stir periodically until apples are very soft. 
3. Reserve any excess water. 
4. Place apples in a blender (unless you have something better for pureeing).  Add reserved water if your apples require it.
5. Optional:  mix with cereal to thicken the applesauce
6. Also optional:  add nutmeg, allspice, or vanilla to change up the flavor.

*always check with your pediatrician to determine when is a good time to introduce solids and spices.