So your baby is weaning, or perhaps you have had your baby on formula and it is time to switch, or maybe you can’t or chose not to breastfeed but would like to avoid traditional formulas….whatever the reason, nearly all moms will be asking WHAT IS NEXT? What is the safest and healthiest milk to feed my baby? Let’s go through the options one at a time and look at the options! You will probably be surprised how many there are!

For Babies Under 1 Year: Babies under 1 year old are recommended to have either breastmilk or formula. When moms can’t or don’t breastfeed, the formula options and alternatives can seem daunting!

1. Traditional Cows Milk Formula- This is certainly the “go to” recommendation by doctors and what parents assume is best for baby. But is this the case? Milk cows raised in traditional factory farms are given antibiotics for mastitis and to prevent disease stemming from the conditions. Up to 17% of cows are given the GMO hormones RGBT which is linked to an increase in insulin-like growth factors that are related to multiple cancers including prostate, bladder, and breast cancer. Other contaminants like pharmaceuticals have been found in conventional milk. Nearly all conventional formula is loaded with GMOs or genetically modified ingredients! Derivatives of corn, soy, sugars and DHA is almost certainly GMO. Typically the DHA is derived using a toxic chemical called hexane. There have been formula recalls for contaminants like melamine where children have died. All of this is packaged in a BPA lined can. Even the “BPA free” linings may have the same questionable endocrine disrupting effects. A new study showed that 70% of BPA free products still release endocrine disrupting chemicals and that companies are just substituting on toxic  chemical (in this case BPA) for another (such as BPS) Finally, cow’s milk has higher levels of radiation than other foods caused by the continuing leaking of radiation from Fukushima. And while the tests are from last year, nearly all of the types of radiation released persists for years…or decades.

1. Traditional Soy Formula- Traditional soy formula is likely GMO. Over 90% of all soy in the US is genetically modified and if you aren’t buying organic, you are almost guaranteed to be eating GMO. GMOs have been linked to allergies, infertility, cancer and more. Soy also has estrogen like effects on the body which may alter the delicate hormonal balance of baby.  These phytoestrogens can cause fertility and development issues in both men and women in their reproductive years and goiters on the thyroid in adulthood. Baby girls that were fed soy formula in infancy had a significantly higher chance of developing PCOS and endometrial issues post-puberty. Soy itself has been deemed dangerous on multiple occasions by the FDA. Furthermore, genetically modified soy has been linked to poor gut health, autoimmune disease, and autism.…Click here for another great article on GMOs

1. Organic Formula- Organic formula allows you to avoid many of the concerns we have with traditional formulas. There are NO GMOs allowed in organic formula….well…maybe! Most organic formulas, in fact, use Martek’s DHA which is derived from GMO. Due to the uproar with companies using this in organic when it is against the organic standards, they are being required to remove this DHA by 2014. Many organics use BPA or other bisphenols in the lining of their cans. Baby’s Only Formula is the only “traditional organic” formula that has none of these contaminants. There were concerns about arsenic in the rice syrup used in this product, however, they have changed their filtration processes and are testing “NOT DETECTABLE” amounts of arsenic in their products.

1. Donor Milk- Many moms get totally freaked out about the idea of donor milk! But when you really think about it…you don’t know the cow you are getting your milk from either! Human babies thrive on human milk! If you are unable to make enough milk or choose not to breastfeed then we strongly encourage you to learn more about donor milk! There are donors who are nursing allergic babies so if you have a baby allergic to milk, nuts or whatever, you can likely find the right milk for your baby. To learn more about donor milk go to The International Breast Milk Project, Eats On Feets, or check out Human Milk For Human Babies on Facebook.

1. DIY Formula- I did not even know you could make your own formula until recently! I discovered it as I have a baby who is allergic to dairy, soy, everything! I had someone recommend raw goats milk formula. I did research and found that goat’s milk is closer to breastmilk than any other milk. Weston Price has the most popular recipe for making your own formula for baby. There are also recipes that have a coconut milk base for those babies with allergies to dairy and goat’s milk. Making your own formula is a great option for the natural minded mom who wants to avoid the chemicals and toxins in traditional formulas.

ALTERNATIVE MILK CHOICES FOR BABIES OLDER THAN 1!