Organic baby products

Organic baby products are made without pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms, additives, irradiation or sewage sludge. The manufacturer of such a product can only make these claims in marketing and advertising materials, if the product has obtained organic certification.

While organic baby products are becoming a big part of the organic movement, the upward trend has been met with some skepticism. However, organic advocacy groups such as the Organic Consumers Association work to educate the marketplace about the labelling system behind certified organic products.

Benefits of Organic Baby Products

Organic baby products are substituted for conventional baby care items in order to reduce the amount of chemical exposure for rapidly developing infants.

Some physicians recommend choosing organic foods for babies from conception until the age of three. During this period of time babies' body's and brains grow faster and they are more vulnerable to environmental toxins. The fact that babies are smaller means they absorb more pesticides per pound of body weight than adults. The bottom line is toxins stay in their systems longer and can have more impact than fully developed adults [Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth and Baby Care, Alan Greene, MD, page 137] .

In addition to being free of pesticides and other additives. Organic foods are believed to be more nutritional than their conventional counterparts. A 2007 European Union Study confirmed that organic fruit and vegetables may have up to 40 percent more antioxidants than non-organically grown produce [ [http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/86972.php Medical News Today] ] . Organic farming advocates concur that the organic cultivation of land and agricultural products is best for the long-term usage of the land and the environment.

Disadvantages of Organic Baby Products

Organic baby products are more expensive to produce and get certified. Therefore they are in most cases priced higher than conventional goods and are not as accessible to middle and lower income families. As a result, families that may believe there are health benefits to using organic baby products will not be able to afford them.

The International Federation of Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) says that while prices have been declining, there are reasons the costs of certified organic products remain higher than conventional products. They include limited supply as compared to demand, greater labor and transportation costs per unit produced. The smaller number of units involved also means marketing and distribution costs have to be spread out over a smaller number of units. As demand for organic food and products increases, technological innovations and economies of scale should reduce costs of production, processing, distribution and marketing for organic produce. [http://www.ifoam.org/sub/faq.html]

The Marketplace

Many factors are causing the accelerated growth of the organic baby product market. These include: increased frequency of baby product recalls for lead an other contaminants, more scientific studies finding toxic ingredients in baby care products, increased media exposure for the green and organic movement, the acknowledgment of the benefits of organics by some medical practitioners, and increased information sharing of the benefits in online mediums. Consequently, organic baby product manufacturers are finding ways to fulfill every type of demand for organic products in the rearing of babies and toddlers.

Organic Baby Formula

Mothers who are not breastfeeding can choose to use organic infant formula to meet their baby's nutritional requirements for the first four to six months of life. Certified organic baby formulas can be made from soy and dairy milk. Organic infant formulas can be obtained at the hospital, grocery store and through various channels on the internet.

Organic Baby Food

Every stage of baby feeding can be fulfilled through certified organic baby products.

* Baby Cereals- Parents can find organic versions of baby cereals in whole grain rice and whole grain oatmeal and multi-grain varieties. Some manufacturers fortify them with iron.

* Jarred Baby Food/ Plum Baby- Most brands make organic baby food in jars. The organic foods are blended to accommodate the various textures and blends of food desired by growing babies and toddlers.

* Fresh Pureed Baby Food- Freshly, pureed baby food that can be chilled and shipped to US grocers. This also comes in various textures and flavors.

* Frozen Baby Food- Several companies have launched frozen organic baby and toddler meals. Freezing is a natural preservative.

* Meals and Snacks- Organic baby snacks can be found in the aisles in the form of teething biscuits, cookies pastas, finger foods and juices.

* Homemade Baby Food- Making baby food at home is another way parents provide (organic food) to their children. They purchase their own organic produce and make purees with a baby food processor.

Organic Baby Personal Care Products

A February 2008 study conducted by the Pediatrics Journal found that babies can be exposed to toxic chemicals in ordinary personal care products such as lotions, shampoos diaper creams. While the list of chemical ingredients involved in skin care manufacturing is extensive [http://www.organic-baby-resource.com/organic-skin-care-products.html Organic Baby Resource] , this particular study focused in on phthalates, a reproductive toxin that can cause damage to sexual organs and impact future fertility. [http://www.ewg.org/node/25964] Another study released in March 2008 by the Organic Consumers Association found a cancer-causing chemical 1,4 Dioxane to be present in many personal care products. [http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/index.cfm]

Unlike their conventional counterparts, organic personal care items, use little or no chemical ingredients, no synthetic fragrances and no chemical preservatives. Instead they use essential oil fragrances and vitamin-based preservatives such as A, C and E. The following organic baby skin care items can be found in organic formulations:

* Baby Lotions and Massage Oils- Organic versions of these products replace synthetic oils with plant or (food-based oils) such as coconut, avocado or sunflower oil.

* Baby Shampoos, Body Washes, Baby Soaps- In lieu of chemical based sudsing agents, coconut or vegetable-derived ingredients are use.

* Baby Diaper Creams- Active ingredients such as sodium borate, Ceteareth 5 & 20; PEG 8 are replaced with natural butters and essential oils that

* Baby Powders- Organic versions replace talc with cornstarch, baking soda and arrowroot powder for the absorbency of moisture. [Organic Baby by Kim Ryder]

While not as closely regulated, skin care items can be certified and labeled like other organic consumer goods. These organic baby products can be purchased sparingly at local grocery stores and more abundantly at online boutiques.

Organic Baby Apparel Products

Baby Apparel companies new and old are introducing lines of clothing made of 100 percent organically grown cotton. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and organic clothing is produced without toxic fabric finishes and flame retardants. Some companies blend organic cotton with non-organic fabrics such as conventional cotton and polyester, while others blend organic cotton with natural fibers such as wool, hemp, soy or bamboo.

In addition to being chemical-free, "100 percent certified organic cotton" is more durable and softer to the touch. The following organic baby apparel items can be obtained from major retailers and at organic boutiques online:

* Organic Baby Clothing (t-shirts, body-suits, pants, hats, socks, dresses)

* Organic Baby Bedding (sheets, blankets)

* Organic Baby Linens (towels, wash cloths)

Popular brands of organic baby apparel include Sckoon, Under The Nile, Kate Quinn Organics, Earth-Tots and Speeses.

Baby Nursery Products

Each of the nursery items below can be obtained from major chain retailers and at organic boutiques online.

* Organic Mattresses and mattress pad covers can be made from 100% certified organic cotton, organic wool, and rubber latex from rubber-tree farms. The mattresses should be free of pesticides and other processing chemicals.

* Organic Diapers are cloth diapers made from organic cotton, hemp or wool. Certified organic diapers are free of the chemical-based super absorbent gels, pesticides and chlorine found in conventional diapers.

* Organic Toys are made from organic fabrics and non-toxic stuffings. Natural wood toys are made with water or milk based paints and stained with natural oils or beeswax. Certified organic toys have no pesticides and contain no toxic dyes and paints."'
* Upholstered nursery furniture"' can be made from untreated, sustainable wood and covered in organic fabrics to reduce the amount of toxins in the nursery.

Facts and Statistics

* The US organic food and beverage market is expected to reach $23.6 billion by the end of 2008. Furthermore it is expected to grow 18% per year until 2010. International organic sales continue to grow as well. [http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/business.html]

* Global demand for organic products continues to grow, with sales increasing by over $5 billion a year, according to The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics & Emerging Trends 2008.

* According to Organic Exchange, global production of organic cotton increased by 53 percent from 2005/2006 to 2006/2007; global organic cotton sales are projected to skyrocket from $583 million in 2005 to $2.6 billion by the end of 2008. [http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/organic_cotton.html]

External links

* [http://www.Organic.org Organic Information Center]
* [http://www.organic-baby-resource.com Resource For Learning about Organic Baby Products]
* [http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?maincat=babycare Environmental Working Group Skin Care Database]
* [http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/organic_cotton.html More Organic Industry Statistics ]
* [http://www.organicconsumers.org Organic Consumers Association]

References