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A Natural Start for Baby

Organic for Beginners

By Jacqueline M. Duda

Healthy eating habits start in the womb. "Drink organic milk," says Dr. Greene. "Consume organic meats and cheeses. Whatever Mom ingests becomes concentrated in breast milk, and babies get small traces of everything moms-to-be eat via the amniotic fluid."

"Changing my own diet was a slower process," says Stucliffe. "But once I learned of the pesticides on apples and strawberries, it was difficult to buy non-organic. The more educated I became regarding how food is grown, treated and packaged, I was less willing to purchase non-organic foods."

The cost of organic products, which are often more expensive than their conventional counterparts, can be a factor. However, Dr. Greene says babies and toddlers consume far less than the average adult; thus the cost of feeding your infants organically is feasible, even on a tight budget. Furthermore, as the demand for organics increases, consumers can enjoy surprising savings at the cash register. Some Web sites offer coupons for organic products that are redeemable in store or online.

"Don't focus on comparing prices," says Stucliffe. "Buy the safest, period ... When I consider the importance of safe, quality food, affordability is no longer a question. Looking at the family budget, quality is a priority – something else would have to go ... Buy organic bananas and mash them as needed instead of purchasing individual baby foods. Choose a big jar of organic applesauce and eat it with your baby. Feeding babies organically can be real simple."

Organic 101 For additional product and research information, check out the following Web sites: The Organic Consumers Association The Organic Trade Association The Organic Center for Education & Promotion

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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