My 1-Week-Old Tried Baby’s Only Organic Formula: Read His (Mom’s) Thoughts

Meet Baby's Only

Baby's Only was founded in 1999 by creating America’s first organic toddler formula. Now, with a whole suite of formula products, the brand strives to “make organic formula accessible for every family.” I didn’t know about this mission when I decided to give it a go, but it makes the decision to use Baby’s Only even sweeter. Baby stuff, especially formula, is freaking expensive – and parents shouldn’t have to choose a lower-grade option because they can’t afford healthier options for their babes. 

One of the other things I love about the brand is that they are headquartered – and manufactured – right here in Ohio. God forbid another formula shortage, but having it domestically produced makes me feel more secure that I might be more likely to be able to feed my baby if that were to hit again. Beyond that, the brand doing all of their own manufacturing means they have 100% say over the quality control of their processes. This is a big deal to me simply because you just care differently… you care more… when it is your own stuff you’re making.

Got Milk? Baby’s Only Does.

So, let’s talk about ingredients, shall we? Baby’s Only is specifically formulated to simulate breast milk. This was important to me in choosing a formula for our baby, because he is adopted and I didn’t really have the option to breastfeed him. Beyond that, I know a lot of moms around me who want to breastfeed and can’t, so formula becomes their only option. I am a firm believer that the best baby is a fed baby. It should not matter (especially to others!) how you get your nutrition to your baby, so long as you are getting them the nutrition that they need.

I really didn’t understand formula ingredients prior to my deep dive, but this article in particular from Healthline helped me understand what I wanted – and perhaps more importantly, what I didn’t want – for my baby. The most important thing to look at is the list of the first few ingredients, which are Organic Lactose, Organic Nonfat Milk, Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil, and Organic Soybean Oil in Baby’s Only. 

This points us to the proteins included in the milk, which are an important component to any diet, but especially a growing baby’s diet. I did read that these are standard size proteins, so most healthy babies should be able to handle the proteins, but they do take “digestive work” to absorb, so do be mindful of that if your baby has a sensitive stomach or other health issues. It is best to consult with your doctor if you’re not sure! It’s also important for us to look at the carbohydrate source, which in Baby’s Only is lactose. In a world where cow’s milk has become a little taboo, at least for adults, this might make you nervous to hear. However, this for me was a real pro because lactose is actually the same carbohydrate that is found in breastmilk – and I did want to be close to breast milk if possible in nutritional value. 

Though carbohydrates and proteins are probably the most important components for selecting a baby’s formula since they affect digestion most, there are of course other things to look out for. Unlike other leading brands,  Baby’s Only contains vegetable oil instead of palm oil, which is known to cause constipation in some babies. Vegetable oils have been a consistent and safe source of essential fatty acids for kids for decades, which is why the brand chose it over the lesser-stress-tested palm oil. 

Baby's Only is also boasts the Purity Award awarded by the Clean Label Project, an independent third party. This means the product is laboratory tested for substances including things like heavy metals. It made me feel good knowing this product is third-party certified to ensure purity.