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The thought of my kids being exposed to lead and other heavy metals, even in small amounts, keeps me up at night. Lead and heavy metal exposure in infants and young children can lead to major cognitive and behavioral problems, developmental delays, reduced growth, and even organ damage.
One recent study showed that 30% of infant formulas have detectable amounts of lead in them. Another headline revealed that lead-tainted apple-sauce poisoned hundreds of children last year.
It’s more important than ever to look for safe baby formulas without lead and other heavy metals so we can be sure our kids aren’t being exposed to these toxins when they eat.
Consequences of Heavy Metal Exposure in Infants and Young Children
Exposure to lead and other heavy metals, even at low levels, can have serious consequences for infants and children, since their developing bodies are vulnerable. Some possible effects of lead exposure include:
- Cognitive and behavioral problems: Heavy metal exposure can impair brain development, leading to learning disabilities and other behavioral issues like hyperactivity and attention deficits.
- Developmental delays: Infants and young children exposed to heavy metals may experience delays in reaching developmental milestones, such as crawling, walking, and talking.
- Reduced growth: It can interfere with the production of hormones that are necessary for growth, leading to delayed growth in kids.
- Organ damage: Heavy metals can accumulate in our organs, including the kidneys, liver, and bones, which can give way to long-term health problems like kidney damage and osteoporosis.
How Does Lead Get Into Formula and Other Baby Foods?
Lead can find its way into infant formula and baby foods through various means. Activities like mining and the use of leaded gasoline have increased lead and other heavy metal levels in our environment.
As a result, our soil, water, and air have become contaminated with heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium). Plants can absorb these heavy metals, as can water sources used in formula and baby food manufacturing. (This is why a robust water filter is so important.)
Lead can also enter infant formula and baby foods during the manufacturing process. Equipment used in food processing may contain lead components, or lead-containing materials can come into contact with products when they’re packaged or transported.
Some materials used for infant formula and baby foods, such as cans and pouches, may also contain lead. This can lead to lead leaching into the product, especially when it’s stored for long periods or kept in a hot place.
The Best Baby Formulas Without Lead or Other Heavy Metals
Let’s get into my recommendations for the safest baby formulas without lead or other heavy metals. All of the baby formulas below have received the Clean Label Purity Award from the Clean Label Project. This means they’ve been independently tested for contaminants including heavy metals, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, as well as pesticides and plasticizers. Most of them are manufactured in Europe, where manufacturers are held to much stricter standards around heavy metals and other contaminants.
1. Bobbie Infant Formula
Although it’s made in the U.S., Bobbie organic infant formula distinguishes itself from its many American competitors through its dual certification from both the USDA Organic and the EU organic standards. Crafted from non-GMO ingredients, Bobbie organic infant formula doesn’t include any trace of corn syrup, palm oil, or maltodextrin. It also meets the EU restrictions on the presence of heavy metals, which the FDA currently (and absurdly) does not require.
Engineered to be gentle on infants’ stomachs, formula from Bobbie mirrors the 60:40 whey to casein ratio found in breast milk. It’s earned the Clean Label Project Purity Award, as well as certification as a pesticide-free formula.
2. Serenity Kids Whole Milk Toddler Formula
Serenity Kids makes toddler pouches, baby foods, snacks, and this toddler formula, all of which have earned the Clean Label Project Purity Award for low levels of heavy metals, including lead. This toddler formula is designed to meet the nutritional needs of toddlers who are 12 months and older. It’s crafted with high-quality ingredients to support healthy growth and development.
Serenity Kids Toddler Formula is made with whole food ingredients and is free from added sugars, artificial flavors, and synthetic additives. It aims to provide toddlers with essential nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, in a balanced and easily digestible form.
3. Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk
Kendamil, a British formula company, sets itself apart by utilizing whole milk sourced from local British farms, in contrast to several other formulas that rely on skimmed milk. Kendamil’s formula is uniquely devoid of soy oil and palm oil, which are prevalent in many other formulas. The cows providing milk for Kendamil are pasture-raised and maintain a grass-fed diet, ensuring higher quality of the milk used in their formula.
For crucial fatty acids crucial for baby’s brain development, Kendamil substitutes palm oil with coconut oil. Their formula contains DHA, ARA, and prebiotics extracted without the use of hexane. Kendamil also offers a goat milk version of its formula for babies who have cow milk allergies.
4. HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Baby Formula
Among baby formulas, this popular Dutch organic baby formula is highly regarded across Europe, as well as here in the U.S. by many parents. It’s formulated to mirror the whey-to-casein ratio present in breast milk, which aims for optimal nutrition for infants. Utilizing vegetable oils as a fat source, it also includes prebiotics and probiotics to support babies’ digestive health.
Free from GMO ingredients, added sugars, starch, soy, and synthetic additives, this formula can serve as a complement to breastfeeding due to its similarity to breast milk.
Incorporating DHA and ARA, essential fatty acids crucial for brain development, this formula uses hexane to extract the fatty acids. This may make some people worry that hexane may be left behind in baby’s formula. However, HiPP assures consumers that any traces of hexane are completely removed and undetectable in their products. Given their adherence to strict European standards for testing for hexane and other toxins, this assurance seems fairly credible.
5. Loulouka First Infant Milk
Loulouka’s popular organic infant formula is made with organic Swiss cow’s milk and contains essential ingredients for newborn development. It’s packed with minerals and vitamins like iron, Vitamin A, C, and D. Once babies get to the 6-month mark, they can transition to Loulouka’s “Follow-on Formula Stage 2.”
Loulouka’s production facility is fully certified to meet strict organic standards in Europe, ensuring the milk, cows, and the environment are all respected throughout the entire production process. Its Swiss organic farms uphold sustainable farming practices without using artificial pesticides or herbicides.
6. Lebenswert Organic Baby Formula
Formulas from Lebenswert exceed even the strict European Union guidelines concerning organic farming practices. Lebenswert’s formula is produced with milk from grass-fed, free-range cows raised on a 100% organic biodynamic farm with zero hormones or pesticides — hence the “Bioland” certification you’ll find on the box.
The milk for Lebenswert Bio comes from organic farms in Germany and Austria where cows are raised according to the strict guidelines of the Bioland Association.
7. Jovie Organic Goat’s Milk Formula
Made in Australia, this formula is tailor-made for sensitive babies who can’t drink cow’s milk. It’s designed for babies aged 0-6 months who feed up to 8 times a day.
Sourced from organic farmers and made without GMOs, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, this formula has also earned the Clean Label Purity Award (like the others on this list) for having among the lowest levels of heavy metals and other toxins.
8. Aussie Bubs Infant Formula
Tailored for babies from 6 to 12 months who feed four times a day, this Australian-made formula is sourced from cows that graze outdoors all year round and are fed a grass-fed diet.
Bub’s Organic Grass-fed Stage 2 Formula is made from a blend of organic ingredients. It’s made without GMOs, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Plus, it’s been selected for the prestigious Clean Label Purity Award from the Clean Label Project.
How To Find Safe Lead-Free and Heavy Metal-Free Infant Formulas
Navigating the world of infant formulas can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found some strategies that can help parents make informed choices.
Research Brands Extensively
Make sure to look for brands that prioritize safety and transparency and address parents’ concerns about heavy metals in their formula. I want to know that the formulas and baby foods we choose for our kids undergo rigorous testing for heavy metal contamination.
Read Labels
Carefully read ingredient lists and product labels. It’s important that the company provides clear information about where the formula is manufactured and what testing protocols they follow.
Many major baby food companies (including Earth’s Best, Gerber, Plum Organics, and Beech Nut, among others) have been found to contain dangerous levels of heavy metals.
Even some of the formula and baby food companies that are organic have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals, so buying organic isn’t necessarily enough.
Consult Pediatricians
My kids’ pediatrician has been an invaluable resource through this journey. Pediatricians can often provide personalized guidance based on your children’s needs and any specific health concerns they may have.
Check for Certifications
The Clean Label Project is a super helpful organization for staying updated on the latest studies and information about heavy metals and other contaminants in foods and other products.
The Clean Label Project conducts independent laboratory testing on various consumer products to evaluate their levels of contaminants, toxins, and other potentially harmful substances. This includes testing for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, as well as pesticides, plasticizers, and other contaminants. Products that pass their rigorous testing earn the Clean Label Purity Award.
The Clean Label Project Purity Award goes to products that demonstrate exceptional purity and quality based on testing criteria. Products with this award have lower levels of contaminants, toxins, and other harmful substances (including heavy metals) compared to similar products on the market.
Consider European Certified Formulas
When it comes to preparing your infant’s bottle, the quality of European baby formula distinguishes Europe’s formulas significantly from American formulas. European baby formulas adhere to far more stringent regulations and higher standards that are set by the European Commission than American formulas need to do as set by the FDA.
The EU standards prioritize ingredients that promote digestive health, growth, and development. Under EU guidelines, all European organic baby formulas are mandated to be devoid of pesticide residue, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic chemicals and preservatives, heavy metals, and potentially toxic ingredients.
The EU’s guidelines have strict limitations on heavy metal levels in baby formula that the FDA does not have here in the U.S. Many American parents have made the switch, even though European formulas tend to be more expensive and slightly harder to find on store shelves.
Final Thoughts On Baby Formulas Without Lead or Other Heavy Metals
By taking precautions, reading labels, asking questions, and staying informed, you can help make sure your baby is only drinking safe and nutritious formula that supports healthy growth without the risk of heavy metals. It’s unfortunate that here in the U.S., we need to figure this stuff out by ourselves, and that the FDA doesn’t do a much better job protecting our children from heavy metal and lead poisoning.
While the issue of lead in infant formula and other baby foods remains a serious concern, and probably will for a number of years, taking proactive measures and doing your research can help reduce these risks. It might keep you up at night when you first start reading about these issues, but try to get some rest, as there are options for healthier formulas out there.
Don’t forget to check out some of my other articles for eco-conscious parents, including my guides to non-toxic toys and bath toys, organic stuffies, how to build a non-toxic nursery, and the best strollers and car seats without flame retardants.
