Organic baby food is becoming more and more available as parents learn of the long term risks associated with pesticides, genetically modified organisms, and other impurities in their baby's food. Some of the questions new parents may have are:

• How can I know that the food buying is really organic?
• Does it make that much difference?
• Is it worth the extra price?
• Can I make baby food at home?

Once you understand what organic is and is not you will be in a better position to make wise choices about your baby's food.

According to the EPA (Environmental protection Agency) "Organically grown" food is grown totally without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides that come from from natural sources (such as biological pesticides) may be used in producing organically grown food. It must be processed in the same manner, ie: without chemicals or pesticides.

The USDA defines organic food as food that cannot be produced using any of the following:

• antibiotics
• growth hormones
• most conventional pesticides
• petroleum- based fertilizers
• sewage sludge-based fertilizers
• bioengineering
• ionizing radiation

Before a product can be labeled as organic it must be certified by the USDA.This is a lengthy and detailed process. For a product to be marked 100 percent organic it must contain only organic products that are certified by the USDA. If it is not marked 100 percent organic it can contain products not certified organic. 100 percent Natural is not the same as 100 percent organic.

Everyone wants what is best for their baby. We want them to be happy and healthy with the best that money can buy. So why cut them short when it comes to their food?

• Organic baby food is healthier than the alternatives.
  
• They do not contain pesticide or chemical residue, which can cause development or health complications.
  
• There are no added hormones or antibiotics
• There are no  preservatives to make the food last longer. It is fresher and it tastes better as a result.
  
• Organic baby food cannot contain foods that have been genetically modified or engineered, which is a concern for many parents.

In fact a study done in Washington in 2003 states that babies who ate organic baby food had 6 times lower level of pesticide in their bodies compared to their peers who ate non-organic products.

These days it is really not very hard to find organic baby food. Since the demand for organic baby food has become greater it is easier to find. The best place to buy organic baby food would be at your local natural or organic food retailer such as Whole Foods Market or Sprouts.

If you cannot find an organic store near you, you could try using a store locator such as Organics.org, a store locator specifically for organic stores sponsored by Local Harvest You could even try typing in “organic store” in the search bar of Google maps. The demand for organic baby food is becoming so great that many local grocery stores are beginning to keep it in stock as well.

However if you cannot find it locally there are a several organic baby food companies that allow you to order directly. A few of them are:

• Tasty Baby
• Homemade Baby
• Yummy Spoonfuls
• Earth's Best
  

If you have time, or if buying store bought organic baby food just doesn’t sound like the right option for you, consider making your own organic baby food.

You can control all the ingredients that go into your baby’s meal and not have to worry about anything unknown. For the first couple of months after introducing your baby to solid foods she won’t be eating much more than fruits and vegetables. So you really won’t need to do much besides bake, boil, or steam vegetables or some fruits. These first meals will need to be pureed, but you can use a blender or a manual food mill grinder.

You can even make the puree in large quantities and freeze it in serving sizes for future use. Ice cube trays are great for this. Just spray them with an organic cooking spray or coat with a thin layer of organic oil to make removal easier.

Organic baby food is a great choice for your baby’s delicate system. You won’t have to worry about the effects of unknown chemicals on their body. While it can get pricey there are more affordable options you can choose and still maintain a healthy organic diet for your child, and with the demand for organic baby food growing, it becomes more convenient than ever to find and purchase. Only you know the right option for your baby.

For more information about organics for your baby you may be interested in reading, Organic Baby: Eco Friendly from Birth.