5 Reasons You Might be Using the Wrong Baby Formula

Using the right baby formula is important when it comes to making sure that your baby grows up healthy and strong. Unfortunately, it can be easy to use the wrong one depending on your circumstances. With this in mind, let's go over five reasons that you might be using the wrong baby formula.

1. Made in the USA

Let's be honest here, the United States of America has the lowest food and beverage standards of any country that could be considered "first world." This is not an insult, it's just a fact. This means that when it comes to food quality, you're better off getting your products from somewhere else such as the EU. Now, as you can probably guess, baby formula counts as a type of food that is regulated. This means that if you're using a brand that is manufactured in the US, you might want to consider switching to one that is made somewhere else such as the EU or UK.

So, what makes European baby formula better? It's because it undergoes much more stringent quality checks. This means that not only is the final product analyzed but also the ingredients that go into it. For example, the soil is carefully selected, and the seeds are untreated. The fruits and vegetables used are also given time to slowly ripen for maximum flavor.

Even this isn't enough for some companies such as HiPP. HiPP formula goes through 260 safety checks which include tests by independent companies. This allows them to produce baby formula of the highest quality every time.

2. GMOs in Your Baby Formula

There has been a decent amount of research on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) used for food and many studies have shown that they are relatively safe. However, research is still ongoing and some countries are more strict in their testing when it comes to GMOs as food than others. This is because GMOs have only been studied for a few decades. An example of this would be baby formulas in many EU countries being GMO-free since GMOs in infant formula can increase the risk of developing allergies, resistance to antibiotics, and exposure to toxins.

3. Added Sugar and Corn Syrup

Another thing that is extremely prevalent in the US compared to other countries is the tendency of food companies to add sugar and corn syrup to just about everything. The reason why is complex and has a lot to do with government subsidies to corn farmers and the fact that corn syrup is cheaper than granulated sugar. All that aside, it's a well-known fact that corn syrup, specifically high fructose corn syrup, is not good for you.

Now, you might be thinking that there is no way they'd even put high fructose corn syrup in baby formula, but you'd be wrong. The good news is that high-quality baby formulas will avoid corn syrup and other added sugars in favor of healthy ingredients that give the formula a satisfying taste and texture in a healthy way.

4. Natural DHA vs Synthetic DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acid found in fish. As you probably know, omega-3s are very healthy. However, there is also synthetic DHA which is typically paired with synthetic ARA (arachidonic acid) in some baby formulas. While research is still ongoing, even the US has banned companies from selling baby formula with these substances if they have an "all organic" label. This being the case, many baby formula brands will steer away from synthetic omega-3s and use all-natural ingredients.

5. Lack of Essential Vitamins and Nutrients

You might think that all baby formulas would have the essential vitamins and nutrients that your baby needs to grow up big and strong but you'd be underestimating how many companies like to cut corners. If you're serious about giving your baby the best nutrition possible, make sure that the formula you're giving them contains these essentials.

Using the Best Baby Formula

When it comes to using the best baby formula, it is oftentimes a process of elimination. You need to avoid formulas that are cheaply made with synthetic omega-3s and GMOs, and pumped full of corn syrup. Formulas like HiPP that use all-natural ingredients and perform some of the strictest safety checks in the world offer a much healthier and higher-quality baby formula for your child. Your child's future starts in their bottle, so it is important to use the best baby formula possible.