Babies are totally reliant on us as parents and adults, to make the right choices when it comes to feeding and of course we want our children to have the best possible start in life.

From conception until one year of age, children are at their most vulnerable. Their organs and body systems are still very immature. Children's bodies are different to those of adults. It is really important that we don't view children as mini adults! Their vital organs are less able to deal with harmful substances.

Organic foods are grown avoiding synthetic pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. When they have been harvested, they are likely to be less processed and contain less food additives than non-organic foods.

People buy organic food for many reasons, including: nutritionally healthier, fewer pesticide residues, taste of the food, and the belief that organic food has a higher nutritional value. Organic farmers also have a greater concern for the environment and for animal welfare. It is natural food that most people feel they can trust.

As well as tasting better, scientific research suggests that organic food could be nutritionally superior to non-organic food. Over 450 active pesticides are licensed for use in the UK. Organic farming only allows very few and this is only in extreme circumstances, and some are derived from natural substances.

Over the last 10 years, 2 out of every 3 parents have chosen to give their child some organic food during the weaning period - either homemade, or ready prepared. In some supermarkets, organic baby food is the only type of baby food on sale.

Organic baby and children's foods offer parents the peace of mind that they are giving food that is certified to have been produced having avoided pesticides, but that also offers the best nutritional start in life. Organic foods are the purest foods available, certified free-from*:

• Processing aids
• Emulsifiers
• Processed thickeners and added starches
• Hydrogenated fats

* Certain processing aids, emulsifiers, thickeners and starches are permitted as listed in section 40.8 of the standards.

The organic authorities such as the Soil Association have decided that the above ingredients have no health benefits to a child, and dilute the nutritional values of the food. They are banned in organic baby foods. All organic baby foods contain 95% or 100% certified organic agricultural ingredients.

This information is provided by Organix Brands Ltd.

For more information on organic foods for babies and children visit www.organix.com

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