Today, more than ever, we are aware of the incredibly strong link between nutrition and health. People are being more selective about the food they buy, taking a keen interest in how their food is benefiting them and their children both physically and mentally.

And when it comes to the topic of healthy eating, many parents tend to wonder whether they should be prioritising organic meals for their little ones instead of inorganic ones. Parents may be concerned that inorganic foods are sprayed with pesticides and aren’t good for the body.

It has long been debated how much of a difference eating organic foods makes in terms of overall health and nutrition, so it’s understandable if you’re unsure about whether to buy organic or not.

So, we thought it would be useful to look at the available information on this subject so that you can make the right decision for your child.

To begin with, let’s explore why some parents will tend to opt for organic foods for their baby.

What are the reasons some parents opt for organic foods for their baby?

They believe that it will limit their exposure to certain harmful chemical pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormones.

They believe organic foods are more nutritionally beneficial.

They believe that buying organic will also be better for the environment and local communities.

Why do other parents believe inorganic foods are just as good for their baby?

They believe that inorganic foods are equally nutritious as organic foods.

Because the government sets safe limits on chemical residues, they don’t see any health concerns.

Non-organic foods tend to be less expensive.

Now that we’ve explored both of these differing opinions, let’s help you come to your own decision about organic foods and your baby.

'Dirty Dozen' and 'Clean Fifteen' Food Lists

Every year, the Environmental Working Group compiles its ‘Dirty Dozen’ and ‘Clean Fifteen’ lists, which outline the fruit and vegetables that tend to be grown with the most and least pesticides.

While this information is based on fresh produce sold in the US, it still provides useful guidance to the rest of the world as it becomes evident, year after year, that certain produce is more prone to retaining pesticide residue than others.

In Europe, there is generally stricter regulation around the use of pesticides, but they are certainly in use. Some countries may have their own research-derived lists.

When it comes to buying our food, these lists can help us decide when it makes sense to opt for organic options and when we can safely go with non-organic.

So, how can I use this information to make decisions about my baby’s meals?

Choosing whether your baby should eat organic food is personal. The American Academy of Pediatrics has given an organic baby diet mixed reviews.

On the one hand, they have said that there isn’t really any solid evidence that an organic diet will lead to a child having a lower risk of disease or better health overall. However, on the other hand, they don’t deny that there could be some added nutritional value for children in organic foods and milks in the future.

So far, we have no clear evidence that organic foods will make someone healthier. There are, however, some dangers associated with eating inorganic foods that might have been sprayed with pesticides. Still, when it comes to the health of their little ones, many parents remain cautious and vigilant when it comes to the risks associated with inorganic foods and will opt for organic as a precaution.

If you are unable to afford organic foods, then please do not worry. A well-balanced diet of inorganic foods will still provide your little one with all the nutrients they need to be healthy.

Are organic foods better for babies?

On Unii’s Baby Nutrition Journey, we look at whether organic food choices are best.