As new parents we want to give our newborns the best the world has to offer. For many parents and caregivers that starts with the foods your baby eats. Organic foods are often considered the best option because the ingredients are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers to safeguard crops from pests, molds, and disease; and the foods are packaged without artificial ingredients and additives.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of opting for organic baby foods and baby formulas:

1. Limit pesticide substance exposure
While conventional ingredients in baby food must meet certain government safety standards for food production when it comes to pesticide residue, parents who feed their little ones organically wish to banish all traces from baby food and formula. The understanding is that newborns and small infants may be more susceptible to harm from these toxins compared to older children, teens, and adults. For instance, in order to be deemed organic, these foods and formulas must meet the high standards established by the USDA’s National Organic Program, which means no artificial flavors, preservatives, or coloring is used, no ingredients are treated with chemical pesticides, and no proteins are derived from animals fed any growth hormones or antibiotics.

2. Tastes great
Sure, many parents and caregivers who opt for organic baby foods and formulas do so because they just look, taste, and smell better. However, research from the Washington, D.C.-based non-profit watchdog and consumer advocacy group, Center for Science in the Public Interest, reveal that many store-bought baby food manufacturers bulk up baby food and formulas with ingredients such as chemically modified water and flour as a way to thicken products. It’s understandable then that these modified foods and formulas may contain less nutrients per serving.

3. Environmentally friendly
The greener aspects of many organic baby foods and formulas are a big selling point for many parents. While these tend to carry a higher price tag, many believe it’s worth the added investment in the environment. For instance, many organic baby foods and formulas forgo the plastic pouch packaging in favor or recyclable glass jars, which are far more planet-friendly. However, if you like the covenant, easy open pouches, many health food stores sell biodegradable pouches. Also, and probably most importantly, feeding your baby whole, fresh foods, and even making your own baby foods and formulas at home set the stage at a young age for healthy eating throughout their life.