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A Natural Start for Baby

Organic for Beginners

By Jacqueline M. Duda

Increasing concerns about pesticides and chemicals in conventionally produced foods have caused many parents to rethink their babies' diets. Infant bodies are busy developing organs, and, due to their significantly smaller sizes and speedy metabolisms, infants and children are more vulnerable to health and developmental damage than adults.

Organic products for babies are becoming widely available through local co-ops, mainstream grocers and the Internet. And due to increased demand, affordable prices are becoming a reality at the checkout counter.

According to Dr. Alan Greene, clinical faculty member at Stanford University School of Medicine and founder and CEO of DrGreene.com, the benefits of organics are overwhelmingly positive. "Nutrition during the first few years is especially critical because of rapid brain growth and development," says Dr. Greene. "Buying organic products, if they are available and you can afford them, may be your best protection against overexposure to pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals."

Nutrition isn't an all or nothing event, says Dr. Greene. "The goal is to continue to make choices that make the diet a little better," he says. "Parents can start out organically the first year, and evaluate the results as the child nears his or her first birthday."

Dr. Greene cites three popular food companies, Stonyfield Farm, Earth's Best and Gerber's Tender Harvest organic line, as offering good organic choices for Baby. Stonyfield Farm makes "YoBaby" (small yogurt treats), fruit juice smoothies, fruits, cereals and drinkable yogurts for babies. "Squeezers" organic portable yogurts are ideal for parents on-the-go.

Earth's Best features an entire line of organic food for babies and children, and its recent collaboration with Sesame Street has resulted in nutrient-rich breakfast foods and snacks that are fun, delicious, healthy alternatives.

Want to see more?

• Family Energy Magazine
• Organic Options: Natural Alternatives for Baby
• Eating Organic: Is It Healthier?
• Recipes!
• Talk about it!

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