Organic & Natural Baby Products, Baby Food & Skin Care We stock and extensive range of organic skin care and natural organic baby products for your baby's hair and skin. Avoid nasty chemicals and use only natural beauty products - they are better for your baby's skin and better for the environment. See more product reviews on our blog. We have recently had some very negative feedback about the information provided on this page - some of which has been rather abusive to say the least! Despite the tone in which it is delivered, we welcome feedback and take on board everything that is expressed to us. There were some comments made on this page which were based on personal experience and opinions (aren't we entitled to this?) - that may have appeared to be pro formula and anti breastfeeding - which of course is not our intention. We do apologise if these comments have offended some people and as a result they have been removed. I wish to make it clear that we are neither pro breastfeeding or pro formula feeding. We are merely trying to provide information and chemical free options for mothers who can not, or choose not to breastfeed.. Like most things in life, the choice to breastfeed is a personal one, but sadly not a choice that all mothers are presented with. I solely breastfed my beautiful angel from the second she was born, however after a couple of weeks I visited my lactation nurse and was horrified to find that she had lost a considerable about of weight. Honestly, it was one of the worst days of my life - I felt I was a failure as a mother. I was reduced to tears, my poor baby - she must be so hungry - how could I let this happen! I fed her as often as I humanly could, but unfortunately I was unable to produce enough milk to satisfy her - particularly as she was a very large bubba (10 pounds 7 at birth). I ate well, took vitamins and herbs such as blessed thistle and fenugreek to help my flow, but unfortunately I still did not produce enough. It was suggested to me that I could take a particular drug to assist with my milk flow, but I have a strong anti drug policy (particularly when breastfeeding!) so this was not an option for me. My lactation nurse recommend that I supplement feed her with formula, and within a week she had gained weight, started sleeping well, and I started to regain my sanity. I continued to feed her with both bottle and breast until she was ready to be weaned, and whilst I adored breastfeeding her - she was never as satisfied after a breastfeed as she was after a bottle feed. This would not be the case for everyone of course - but it was certainly the case for me. Of course, I suffered a great degree of guilt and a sense of failure that I could not solely breastfeed her - but as I watched her thrive and develop in to a beautiful, intelligent, happy, healthy child, I knew that all that mattered was she was happy and healthy - regardless of where she was getting her milk from. She is now 2 and a half and she has never been sick - despite being unimmunised - and is the most beautiful, healthy. happy child in the world (well, we think so anyway). From 12 weeks old, she has slept 12 hours straight every night, and 2 hours every day, she has no allergies, is tall and strong, and is as bright as a spark. Now - there is no doubt that my child enjoys the blessing of optimum health due to her being breastfed - however I have to say that I believe formula also provided her with wonderful nutrients, and prevented her from being hungry. I receivied a comment from on lady who claimed that formula fed babies are "deprived". Of course I find this comment highly offensive - as would all mothers who formula feed. My child has never, and will never be "deprived" of anything - especially nutrients! So, I have to say that formula feeding my precious angel with formula was in no way detrimental to her health. But again - this is simply my experience. Unfortunately, when I was struggling with breastfeeding and trying to find the most natural way of bottle feeding my child - there were very few sites that sold organic formula and it was almost impossible to find baby bottles that did not contain Bisphenol A in them, This, was one of the main reasons we had for starting this business. I want to be able to provide those mothers who can't, or choose not to breastfeed - with chemical free options - and help alleviate the guilt they may suffer as a result of not breastfeeding. I have many friends and customers who have had differing experiences with breastfeeding. Some have breastfed up until their children are 2, some until 6 months, some, like me have breast and bottle fed, and some have chosen not to breastfeed at all. Whilst I may not agree with some of their decisions, I still embrace them and understand that this is a very sensitive subject for some mothers - therefore I would never dream of criticising them for the choices they have made. Acceptance brings peace. And lets be honest - the last thing we need in those first few months of parenthood is criticism. So, next time you see a baby being fed from the breast, or from the bottles, smile, and be happy that that child has someone to love and care for it and that it is being nourished. Love and light Siobhan PS - I have written a blog about this topic and would welcome your feedback! See here Oh! And in response to those comments made that we are providing this information about formula because we are "money hungry monsters" and "greedy", allow me to make some facts clear. We sell over 1500 natural and organic products on our site, 3 of these products are organic baby formula. As a small retailer, the profit that we make on this formula (like most organic products) is minescule -  roughly $5 per box. The sale of formula on our site represents a very small part of our total sales. The money that we make on selling formula per year would barely be enough to take ourselves off to the movies. Hardly money grabbing.......... All about baby feeding - from breast to bottle. Page Contents ► Cow's milk formula ► Breastfeeding vs formula feeding ► Advantages of breastfeeding ► Follow on formula ► Changing formula ► Goat's milk formula ► Happy Baby Bottle review ► Thickened formulas  ► When you bottle feed ► Green To Grow Baby Feeding Bottles ► What you need for bottle feeding your baby Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way of feeding your baby. The Australian Breastfeeding Assocation has a wonderful website with a mass of information about the benefits of breastfeeding See here  The reality is that some mothers will bottle feed for some of the following reasons: The mother does not wish to breastfeed. The baby is unable to breastfeed successfully because of an illness or a congenital condition that prevents breastfeeding. The mother has an illness that prevents her from breastfeeding. The mother wishes to wean her baby from the breast prior to 12 months of age. The mother is going back to work and her workplace does not provide facilities for breastfeeding or expressing breast milk. The baby is adopted and the adoptive mother is not lactating. Just because you can not, or decide not to breastfeed does not mean, by any stretch of the imagination, that you are not a wonderful and loving parent. So please, do not feel guilty. There are plenty of chemical free alternatives available in the form of organic formulas and importanly, chemical free bottles. Formulas are, essentially, modified milks that are designed to be as close to breasmilk as possible. It is possible for babies to thrive on formula milk, just like babies thrive on breastmilk. There is some vaulable information about formula on this website. Australia has a rich supply of baby formulas on the market, however the only ones that we promote are organic formulas. Note we have chosen not to stock Holle Organic Formula 1 which is recommended from birth. There are goats milk formulas, cow's milk formulas, lactose free formulas & both organic cow's and goats milk formulas. All these formulas have been formulated to contain optium amounts of carbohydrates, fats, protein (very important), vitamins, minerals and many other nutrients your baby needs in the first two or so years of its life - therefore allowing your child to grow and be nourished by formula. Benefits of breastfeeding Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the first important decisions expectant parents will make and most likely well before your baby is born. And in some cases, mothers are not given this choice if for example, they are unable to breastfeed due to illness or in some cases, if their baby being born prematurely. There's no right or wrong choice, however, the World Health Organisation (WHO) does recommend breadfeeding for newborn babies. The WHO also recommends that mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months see site here. That being said, breastfeeding may not be possible, or even a priority, for all women. The decision to breasfeed should be made based upon the way you personally feel about breastfeeding. Of course, the decision may also be based on medical factors which are beyond your control. Some mothers - choose to both bottle feed and breastfeed. Breast milk is the most ideal way to keep your baby full of nutrients, but for mothers who are not either able to breatfeed, or who can't breastfeed organic baby formula is right for you and your baby and a fabulous alternative. It is noteworthy to mention that if you make a decision to feed your baby formula you can rest easy knowing that all your babies nutritional needs will be met. Furthermore, you will still be able to effectively bond with your baby. No matter how you feed your baby the moment will be special. Obviously, when you decide to either breastfeed of formula feed your baby it will be a personal one. When making a final decision as to which direction to go you may like to consider the following important points. Advantages Of Breastfeeding - see more information on the Australian Breatfeeding Association Website. Brestfeeding can truly be an amazing exeprience for mother and gorgeous newborn baby. Breastfeeding provides baby nutrients, nourishment & a chance for both mother and baby to bond with each other.  Fighting Infection - special antibodies pass from a mothers breast milk to your baby can significantly help in reducing the chances of: Meningitis Ear infections Diarrhea Respiratory infections Allergies Asthma Diabetes Obesity SIDS Breast milk also helps to build you babies immune systmem, in turn helping to fight infection and lowering the chance of viruses and some bacteria. Breastfeeding is also very important for  premature babies as it contains essential vitamins & minerals. Breast Milk Is FREE It seems obvious but breast milk is free and because it is full of special nutrients, minerals and antibodies breast fed babies are often less sick than babies who are formula fed. Some research suggests that babies who are only breastfed for a minimum of 4 months had a 40% less ear infections than those babies that were formula fed. Ultimately, for parents, this mean less time at the doctor and more time spent bonding with your baby. All about bottle feeding: Cows' Milk Formula    → to top Always sterilize your teats & bottles Cow's milk formula is the most popular baby feeding formula on the market It is very important, as mentioned above, to follow the directions on measurements on the can, never improvise Although formula milk has come a long way in the last 20 years it will never completely replace breastmilk as the better alternative for e.g. breastmilk contains certain properties that protect your baby from viruses and infections that formula milk could will never contain Always sterilize your teats & bottles All baby formulas in Australia meet very strict standards policed by Autralian Food Standards As your bottle baby gets older make sure this age coincides with the age on the baby formula can Follow On Formulas (bottle babies 6 months and on or stage 3)   → to top When a bottle baby starts using this stage formula it can lead to constipation Always check and follow instructions as measurements may be different Some extra hungry bottle babies may find this step very satisfying due to the higher levels of protein. Bottle babies at this stage can sometimes look drunk after a bottle The carbohydrates in this level of formula will be exactly the same as in the previous stages This stage will have higher levels of minerals, calcium, sodium and other essential vitamins Baby formula at this stage is more like cow's milk The structure and design of this formula is to coincide with the starting of solid feeding  Changing Formula    → to top  Once your bottle baby has settled on a formula it really is best to stick to it, but if you do have to change do not change too often, as this is likely to unsettle bubba and mess with that all so important routine. Even at six months you really can stick to the same formula  as by this stage your bottle baby should be getting enough nutrients from the solids your baby. It is really important to note that if you do decide to change formulas that you first read the directions on the can as the scoop sizes may well be different to the one you were previously using Be mindful that changing from a step 2 formula to a follow on formula will not make your bottle baby settle any easier When and if you do decide to change formula for your bottle baby it may take a few days for your bottle baby to get used to it i.e. they may have extra bowel movements & get constipated Seek medical advice before changing to any soy or any alternative formulas for you bottle baby Goats' Milk Formula    → to top Goats' milk formula is a great alternative to regular cows' milk formula for a bottle baby Goats' milk formula contains similar proteins to cows' mik formula and contain lactose. Given this, Goats' milk bottle baby formula is not suitable for baby's with a lactose intolerance, the same reaction can occur if using other cows' milk dairy products. However, goats' milk formula can be used well on baby's that are not quite settles on cows' milk formula Those Mum's & Dad's that choose goats' milk formula are using looking for an alternative to regular cows' milk It is worth noting that goats' milk is much softer, therefore it is much easier for bottle babies to break it down and digest To see Holle Organic Goats Milk Formula click here Thickened Formulas   → to top   Thickened formulas are not always the answer to your baby's woes, always consult a doctor before giving a thickened formula These types of formulas have a thickener in them that may help your baby keep it's food down Due to the thick nature of these types of formula it may mean that you need to change the flow-rate of your baby's teat, otherwise they may become quite upset and/or frustrated Formula thickeners may also be added to regular formula What You Need For Bottle Feeding You Baby    → to top A combination of baby bottles and teats - we only recommend & promote the use of either glass baby bottles or BPA free plastic baby bottles Sterilising equipment. Either jug for boiling water, purpose built sterilister Mixing bowl - optional Bottle warmer - optional When You Bottle Feed    → to top When you bottle feed your baby, hold her close & check the teat frequently for blockages, as sometimes the formula clumps and gets stuck in the end of the teat Always check the temperature of the bottle by shaking a few drops onto the back of you hand, if do not feel any discomfort, generally speaking, neither will your baby During the process of bottle feeding your baby you may experience her crying, playing with the teat, or wriggling. This could possbile mean that she has wind or that the baby bottle formula is too hot Never leave your baby unsupervised whilst bottle feeding Whilst you are bottle feeding your baby check, every so often, that the teat has not sucked together or has even gone back into the bottle as this will cause the flow to cease As mentioned earlier always follow the instruction for amounts on the can of the formula Green To Grow Baby Feeding Bottle   → to top Green To Grow baby bottles are the latest in the BPA and toxin free frenzy. Green To Grow baby bottle offer your baby a 150ml & 300ml feeding alternative. Green To Grow Baby bottles are not only BPA free but are packaged in recycled carboard & printed in soy inks, thus lowering their "carbon footprint". * Milk & Tickles BPA free plastic baby feeding bottle. Milk & Tickles is an Australian company. Milk & Tickles fits most stardard sized teats. Milk & Tickles BPA free baby feedin bottles are 250ml and will let you know when the bottle is the right temperature for your baby to drink. Happy Baby Glass Bottle - review in detail   → to top Happy Baby Glass Bottles are safe - Keep your baby healthy and use the famous glass Happy Baby Bottle See all Happy Baby Products