Health

What’s the difference Between Organic Milk and Conventional Milk?

This post was written in response to a question from TheScientificParent.org reader, Andrea.

It’s tough being a parent these days. Sometimes I think it was easier for our parents and grandparents before the internet when they didn’t have so many mixed messages thrown at them. Today we are bombarded with all sorts of messages about food and nutrition. Every day we’re told what to eat or not eat. What food or ingredient might be “toxic”, or which are the “superfoods”. Attractive food bloggers, svelte trainers, celebrity chefs, and even TV doctors all have something to say about what you and your family should be eating and if we don’t follow their advice we’re told that we’re poisoning our children.

On most shopping lists you’ll find written “milk”. In the 80s and 90s, your decision about milk usually came down to 2% or skim, but now the sheer number of options makes it even make more confusing and overwhelming, so does the sometimes misleading marketing. Milk cartons read, “organic,” “antibiotic-free,” and “hormone-free.” What does all of this mean and does it make a difference when it comes to nutrition?

Before I go on, I want to disclose that I work for a supermarket chain that processes and sells both organic and conventional milk, so I know this issue rather well.

What does “organic” mean? The use of the word “organic” and the USDA organic symbol is regulated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and means that products must conform to certain standards set by the National Organic Program (NOP). In dairy farming these standards have to do with the type of feed (it must be organic), access to outdoors and grazing, and treatment of the animal not necessarily with the quality of the milk itself.

organic milk vs regular milk The NOP standards also don’t mention nutritional standards. The way organic milk has been marketed has lead consumers have been led to believe that organic milk is nutritionally superior to conventional milk. The jury is still out on this topic. One meta-analysis found that organic milk is higher in protein and omega 3 fatty acids, but if you were to compare their nutrition facts panels you would find that generally in terms of calories, fat, protein and calcium there is little or no difference between conventional and organic cow’s milk. A recent meta-analysis looked at over 200 published studies and found that the nutritional quality of a cow’s milk was not as much due to the fact that the cows were on a conventional or organic dairy farm but a multitude of factors including the breed, age and the health of the cow and what they are being fed or were grazing on.

What about taste and nutrition? If you read the NOP standards for dairy farmers it mentions nothing about taste, because how things taste can depend on the individual. Some consumers find that organic milk tastes better, but perhaps it’s the marketing that’s lead them to believe there’s a taste difference.

What about antibiotics? Dairy farmers, both organic and conventional, do not routinely give their cows antibiotics. The NOP prohibits the use of antibiotics, unfortunately, that messaging that may lead some to assume that conventional dairy farmers routinely give their cows antibiotics but this is not the case.

On a conventional farm, antibiotics are only administered when cows are sick, usually with an infection that human mothers are familiar with: mastitis. The antibiotics are prescribed and administered after the cow is examined by a veterinarian. Antibiotics can be expensive, which makes their routine use simply not financially feasible for dairy farmers.

Beyond this, there are regulations regarding the use of antibiotics known as the “withdrawal time” which is the time after a cow is given an antibiotic that their milk can be used commercially. Additionally, all milk is tested at the farm and at the milk bottling plant for the presence of antibiotics. If antibiotics are detected the milk cannot be used for human consumption.

What about hormones? All milk has hormones – even organic milk! Think about it, in order for a cow to produce milk they must have the right hormones that occur naturally in their bodies, just like in a nursing human mother.

But that’s not what most people are referring to when they talk about hormones, they usually mean artificial growth hormones (rbST & rbGH). Artificial hormones are used to increase a cow’s milk supply and they are not permitted in organic farming.

Many conventional farmers do not use artificial growth hormones, but some do. It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider these hormones to be dangerous to humans since they are broken down during digestion and not absorbed in the body.

What about the size of the farm – aren’t organic farms smaller? The size of the farm has little to do with the quality of the milk, the treatment of the cows, or whether the farm is organic or conventional. The majority of U.S dairy farms (74%) have less than 100 cows. The majority of U.S dairy farms (97%) are family owned and operated. In 2008 less than 2000 dairy farms in the United States were classified as USDA organic.

So what’s the bottom line? It’s your choice whether you want to buy milk that comes from organic or conventional dairy farmers, just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Personally, I buy either conventional or organic milk regularly (it depends what’s on sale) and I drink milk daily.

Author: Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN is the Corporate Dietitian for Ingles Markets based in Asheville, NC.

Originally posted at https://thescientificparent.org/organic-vs-conventional-milk/

Big Kids

Best Sunscreen For Kids With Eczema – Buyer’s Guide

There is the best sunscreen for kids with eczema that will protect them when playing outdoors even in the scorching heat of the sun. Buying the best one can be a tough decision because there are many brands available in the market. Every parent must know how to protect their kids’ skin from the sun. Though the sun is the most powerful source of vitamin D it has many risks which are harmful to your child.

Direct contact with the sun can cause early aging signs, wrinkles in the skin, cancers, eye damage, and even more health problems. Outdoor activities are good for the kids but we should consider different factors before letting our kids go outside. Listed below are the things that you should keep in mind before buying the best sunscreen for your kids with eczema.

Things to Consider Before Buying Sunscreen

Type of Formula

Sunscreens can be the water-based formula and silicone-based formula.

Water-Based Sunscreen

If you have kids with eczema, then it is advisable to use sunscreen that contains water. Water-based sunscreen is gentle and soothing to the skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy. Water-based formulas offer long-lasting protection to the eyes.

The water-based formulas prevent sand & dust from getting into sensitive eyes. Most of these formulas in sunscreens are not tear-free. So it is advisable to use baby sunglasses or a visor when playing outdoor sports.

Silicone-Based Sunscreen

If you prefer sunscreen with a matte finish, then consider using silicone-based formula. Silicones are good for oily skin types of people. The Silicone-based Sunscreens are best for kids having eczema. They don’t come in contact with skin so there is no chance of irritation.

Ingredients in the Formula

best sunscreen for kids with eczema

The type of ingredients in the formula will determine how effective it is to protect your baby’s skin.

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide

Children with eczema should be cautious while buying sunscreen because they can break out in a rash. If the label says “mineral” or “natural,” that means it contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which is a safe ingredient for all skin types.

Sunscreen should contain at least 10% of both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because it provides superior protection from UVA and UVB rays and does not irritate sensitive skin.

Octinoxate & Avobenzone Octinoxate

The Octinoxate & Avobenzone Octinoxate penetrates your kid’s skin to absorb UV rays so you must avoid using chemical ingredients if your child has eczema. On the other hand, avobenzone protects against UVA rays. Avobenzone is known to cause irritation in sensitive skin types, so if you have a child with eczema then avoid avobenzone.

Sensitivity of Kids’ Skin

Sunscreens contain chemicals that may cause irritation, dryness, and even redness on your baby’s sensitive skin. Therefore it is important to look for a formula that will not clog pores and is non-allergenic which contains ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

SPF Levels

SPF Levels should be considered. You should always look for a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 and higher if you want to get the most protection. However, we don’t recommend buying any products with more than 50 SPF because these are not more effective than products with lower levels. Higher SPF levels offer only an extra margin of increased protection and do not provide significant benefits which can be the best sunscreen for kids with eczema.

Pediatrics recommends using SPF 30+ because it protects from 98 percent of UVB rays, any sunscreen with an SPF level equal to or greater than 15 should be sufficient enough to protect your baby’s skin against harmful sun exposure which can be the best sunscreen for kids with eczema.

best sunscreen for kids with eczema

Kids’ Age and Activity Level

The recommended SPF levels are 15 for infants under six months old and 30+ for older children with high activity levels. If your child doesn’t spend much time outdoors then using SPF 30 is enough. However, if they are constantly playing outside you should consider using a higher SPF level.

There are now lotions that contain SPF and these can be used daily without leaving a white residue behind. They also provide maximum protection so you don’t really need to buy two different sunblocks or reapply them after every few hours which can be the best sunscreen for kids with eczema.

Expiration Date

Kids’ skin is very delicate and sensitive to certain chemicals which can cause dryness, irritation, or other signs of allergy. The best way to figure out if the product will not harm your baby’s skin is by looking at the expiration date.

You should only buy sunscreens that are free of these chemicals and do not expire for at least a year after you buy them. A sunscreen can last up to three years in its original packaging but once opened, it should be used within 12 months.

Amount to Apply

Most people underestimate how much sunscreen should be applied before going out in the sun. To get the best result you should apply 1 oz (30 ml) on your kid’s body and reapply every 2 hours. If your kid goes swimming or exercises, then re-apply sunscreen every 40-80 min depending upon swimming time.

Applying to Face

Sunlight is harmful to the whole body but it can be particularly dangerous for a kid’s face. Their delicate skin is more vulnerable to sun damage. You may also use mineral powder sunscreen for kids having eczema, contact dermatitis, or rosacea. They create a physical barrier between skin and sunlight which makes them the best suitable sunscreen for sensitive skin.

Final Thoughts

So these are factors that you should take into consideration when buying sunscreen for your kid. You should also know that most sunscreen ingredients are safe to use. So you don’t have to worry about applying sunscreen to your child’s skin.

However, there are a few factors that will help you choose the best one for your kid. So if you follow these factors whenever you buy a new sunscreen, your kid’s skin won’t suffer from sunburn again.

Big Kids

The Best Nebulizer For Kids: Top 8

You know that breathing problems, including asthma and allergies, can afflict kids too. If your child is struggling with breathing issues, you probably want the best treatment for them right away. You might also be wondering what exactly an effective asthma treatment entails for kids. The best nebulizer for kids comes with pediatric masks, timers, adjustable speeds, portable designs, quiet operations for sleeping children. Plus an affordable price tag so you don’t break the bank trying to save your child’s health. Listed below are the top 8 best nebulizers for kids.

Top 8 Best Nebulizer For Kids

#1-MAYLUCK Portable Compressor Nebulizer

The MAYLUCK Portable Compressor Nebulizer is one of the best respiratory treatment devices for kids. This one provides accurate and appropriate medical treatments to infants and young children suffering from breathing problems like asthma and croup! It is FDA approved & certified by the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. It comes equipped with an efficient anti-static compressor that doesn’t require a face mask or mouthpiece which makes it easy to use.

To top it all, this nebulizer is BPA-free & also has a safety valve that prevents moisture build-up. It has been used to treat infants and young children from 4 months to 8 years of age. These nebulizing machines are easy to use with no assembly required, however, there are several components that need to be replaced which makes this aerosol inhaler a bit expensive!

#2-UNOSEKS Portable Nebulizer

This UNOSEKS Portable Nebulizer is rated as one of the best nebulizers for kids. It is compact and weighs only 1.5 pounds which makes it one of the most travel-friendly. This best portable respiratory treatment device provides accurate medical treatments to infants and young children suffering from breathing problems like asthma, croup, pneumonia & bronchitis.

It comes equipped with an efficient anti-static compressor that doesn’t require a face mask or mouthpiece making it easy to use with kids above 3 years of age. UNOSEKS inhalation kit for kids is BPA free certified by the Underwriters Laboratories Inc, FDA approved.

#3-SWELUXE Portable Nebulizer for Kids

If you are looking for the best respiratory device treatment that can be easily used, then the Sweluxe Portable Nebulizer for Kids is the best option. This best nebulizer for kids provides accurate and appropriate medical treatments to infants and young children suffering from breathing problems like asthma, bronchitis, croup & pneumonia!

This one is a bit expensive but then its compact size, lightweight design, and travel-friendly. The SWELUXE pediatric aerosol inhaler kit comes equipped with an efficient anti-static compressor that doesn’t require a face mask or mouthpiece making it easy to use with kids above 3 years of age. In addition, the SWELUXE is one of the best pediatric that can last long.

#4-SDOM Portable Nebulizer

The SDOM Portable Nebulizer is the top-rated one of the best pediatric nebulizers. This is a must-have for infants and young kids who suffer from breathing problems like asthma, croup, pneumonia & bronchitis. It does not require a face mask or mouthpiece that makes it easy to use with kids above 3 years of age. SDOM travel kit comes equipped with an efficient anti-static compressor.

It is one of the most comfortable devices to be used for medical treatments and for mild breathing problems like asthma, bronchitis, croup & pneumonia! An aerosol inhaler is a great tool for children to use when they have breathing problems. They can be very beneficial in respiratory systems and offer a soothing relief from symptoms of asthma, croup, pneumonia & bronchitis.

#5-MABIS Nebulizer For Kids

This MABIS Nebulizer For Kids is a positive pressure system, which lets you control how much medication flows into your child’s mouth and lungs. Another great feature of this product is that it has a special, large-capacity translucent reservoir bag that allows for easier breathing treatments on children with mild to moderate signs of respiratory distress or coughing.

This one is compatible with all types of medications used in inhalation therapy. It is FDA approved so you know it’s the most trusted name in the industry! A great product at an affordable price.

#6-ASOMI Ultrasonic Portable Nebulizer

If you are looking for a product that is going to be easy to use and comfortable for your child, the ASOMI Ultrasonic Portable Nebulizer is perfect. It is one of the rated best respiratory treatment devices for kids.

This nebulizer is extremely lightweight. It weighs in at just under 1 pound. So your little one won’t even notice that they have it on their back! It’s also very quiet which means that your kiddo will actually want to wear it if they need it. It is a great quality product at an affordable price.

#7-GULIFE Portable Nebulizer

This nebulizer is one of the best nebulizers for kids. The GULIFE Portable Nebulizer is perfect for children because its small size makes it easy to hold. It is also extremely quiet so even if your child uses it while resting, they probably won’t wake up. The sound of a compressor machine can be scary to some children so this one eliminates that problem completely. It also provides medicine in very fine particles which are better for young lungs than traditional either compressor types. A definite must-have for kiddos who get frequent breathing treatments!

#8-UNOSEKS Desktop Nebulizer Machine

The UNOSEKS Desktop Nebulizer Machine is one of the best nebulizer home respiratory treatment machines for kids. This is another great choice for children with breathing issues. It has no compressor which means that your child will be free of the noise and vibration that they are probably already afraid of.

The fact that it’s lightweight also makes it easy for young children to use, even on their own! You can set any kind of schedule you want so if your kiddo needs treatments every 4 hours at night, you don’t need to worry about having enough medicine ready-just make sure this unit is charged up before bedtime!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! We hope we’ve given you some good information and reviews on the best nebulizer for kids. It’s tough to choose one, but what they all have in common is that they are extremely easy to use. They will provide your child with reliable relief from their breathing problems no matter where you go! Now that you know the best Portable Pediatric Nebulizers on the market, do your research before purchasing any of them.

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Babies

The Best Bubble Bath For Kids: Top 8

Bath time is a great way for parents to get their kids clean and spend some fun time together. However, kids can be quite picky about what bath products they will use. If you are looking to get the best bubble bath for kids, then this article will help you learn more about them. You will know how to find the one that works best for your child. Listed below are the top-rated bubble bath for kids.

Top 8 Best Bubble Bath For Kids

1. California Baby Calendula Bubble Bath

Your kids will surely love this California Baby Calendula Bubble Bath since it has a lovely scent. It is best used as a body wash due to its gentle formula. This best bubbly bath for kids contains natural ingredients like oat, chamomile, and calendula, making it great for those with sensitive skin. It’s also best not to use this foam bubble bath on your child’s face so you may need an extra face wash product to compliment this one. It is formulated with a preserving system that includes anise and basil, which do not irritate sensitive skin or eczema. Plant-based bubbling components that create a lot of bubbles!

It has an herbal complex enriched with nourishing herbal ingredients that helps to protect sensitive skin from the sun! It is scented with a light, relaxing fragrance that includes Calendula extract, French lavender, and clary sage essential oils that make it ideal for before bedtime. It’s a combination of an everyday shampoo and a body wash bar. It includes organic foaming components that generate a lot of bubbles while cleaning from head to toe. It’s free of irritants to the skin and eyes, so there are no more tears!

2. Johnson’s Baby Bedtime Bubble Bath

The Johnson’s Baby Bedtime Bubble Bath is one of the best bubble baths and foam washes for kids. It contains mild cleansers to keep the skin soft without drying it out. It has been dermatologist tested and approved and is best used as part of a gentle cleansing routine. This relaxing baby bath is made with NaturalCalm Essences, a unique combination of soothing scents that is hypoallergenic and devoid of phthalates, parabens, dyes, or sulfates. It is also a tear-free baby bubble bath that is gentle on the eyes.

The calming scent and soft motions of bubbles help to gently cleanse and calm your baby before bedtime with a special aromatic combination that helps to relax and soothe him or her. The lovely bubbles this relaxing baby bath produces while bathing makes bath time more enjoyable, and it may be utilized in conjunction with Johnson’s scientifically proven regimen of a warm bath, light massage, and quiet time to help your child get a peaceful night’s sleep.

best bubble bath for kids

3. Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel Body Wash

If you are looking for the best bubble bath for kids that has a nice scent and will suit those kids with sensitive skin, then the Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel Body Wash is the best option for you. As well as being the best foam bubbly for babies it also offers the benefits of being soap-free so therefore great if your child is prone to having sensitive skin. Another great thing about this best foaming soap is how easy it is to use, making it the best shampoo for kids with sensory processing disorders.

You can get this best bubble bath for newborns from any online store or market. This Mustela’s best-selling product is a body wash and shampoo that includes 93% plant-based components, including natural Avocado. This hypoallergenic, non-tear cleanser is delicately scented with Mustela’s unique scent and is safe to use from newborn babies.

4. Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash

Aveeno Daily Moisture Baby Bath Wash and Shampoo is a 33-fluid-ounce that gently nourishes and cleanses delicate baby skin and hair. Formulated with oat extract, which is carefully isolated from the oat kernel for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The solution is also pH-balanced, hypoallergenic, and devoid of soap, parabens, phenoxyethanol, sulfates, and phthalates.

This bubble bath cleanses the baby’s skin and hair without drying it and leaves behind a light, refreshing scent. This is recommended by the pediatrician and dermatologist for kids especially with sensitive skin. Aveeno baby daily moisture gentle bath wash can be used every day to help keep your child’s skin and hair feeling soft, smooth, and healthier.

5. Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash With Calendula

The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash With Calendula is made with organic calendula. The skin is clean and smooth after being washed with this moisturizing bath wash. This bubble bath wash is hypoallergenic and non-irritating to the skin. It’s free of paraben, mineral oil, colorant, and allergy-friendly. It is highly recommended by dermatologists for kids especially those kids that have delicate skin.

This best bubbly shampoo comes in two sizes so that you have the option of buying a smaller bottle if you are just looking to try it out or a larger pack if you like what you’ve tried and want to keep going back to your best bubbly baby soap. It is best used on babies with sensitive skin and helps reduce dryness without any harsh chemicals. The best part about its ingredients is how few irritants they contain. You can get this best foaming baby soap from Amazon and specialty stores.

6. BabyGanics Bubble Bath

This best bubble bath for kids is good for delicate skin. The BabyGanics Bubble Bath is made up of natural ingredients like babyface cleanser, grapefruit seed oil, and sodium Laureth sulfate-free foaming cleanser. All its ingredients are biodegradable which makes it great for the environment as well. You can get this best infants body wash from Amazon and specialty stores. This bubble bath is pediatrician and dermatologist tested. It is not also used on animals.

best bubble bath for kids

7. The Honest Company Bubble Bath

The Honest Company Bubble Bath is made up of natural ingredients, such as aloe vera juice and coconut oil. It has an awesome fresh citrusy smell that your kids are going to love! It is gentle on your child’s skin and will leave their skin feeling soft and smooth. In addition, this foaming cleanser is non-toxic, tear-free, and free from harmful chemicals that can harm your little ones!

8. Oilatum Baby Bath Wash

The Oilatum Baby Bath Wash removes dirt without drying out your little one’s skin. This bubbly soap provides much-needed relief from dry skin but best of all it doesn’t cause any irritation when in contact with their eyes, which is great if they tend to rub them after bathing or showering. You can get this best age-appropriate bubbly baby soap from Amazon and specialty stores.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best bubble bath for kids can be difficult because there are so many bubble baths on market today. While it is important to choose one that has ingredients free of irritants, it is also good to do some research and find out what ones are the best allergy-tested best gentle face cleanser. This list brings you the best bubble bath that will surely love with your kids!

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