So you want to help your children go organic? That’s great! Here are some ways they’ll benefit from organic food, toys, clothes and other accessories.

Nutrition: Some studies indicate that organic food may contain more nutrients, such as vitamin C and iron, than conventionally raised food. One reason for this may be that organically grown food is raised in fertile soil that’s not been depleted by chemicals.

Taste: Are your children picky eaters? Take heart – some researchers believe that because organic food is grown in such fertile soil, it tastes better than conventionally grown food.

Treatment of disease: Since growth hormones and antibiotics are prohibited in organic production, all organic meat and poultry is antibiotic-free. This means that your children may have less of a chance in the future of becoming resistant to antibiotics – antibiotics that could help cure them of a serious disease or illness one day.

Health: Organic production’s prohibition of synthetic pesticides and other chemicals means that organic onesies, stuffed animals and other fiber products, as well as any organic food your children eat, were produced under conditions that allow for significantly less pesticide residue than conventionally grown products. (Organic crops may not be 100 percent pesticide free, as synthetic pesticide residue can blow onto organic farmland from neighboring fields.) Since children typically eat more food on a per-pound basis than adults do, they may be affected more by pesticide residue, which some studies have linked to cancer and other serious illnesses. In addition, children, especially infants, have less-established immune systems than adults do and go through stages of rapid development. They may be more vulnerable to toxins for these reasons as well.

Behavior: Some studies point to artificial colors and preservatives as a cause of hyperactivity in young children. Since additives are prohibited in organic food production, you may end up with less-hyper kids if you feed them organics.

Environment: Organic production respects our air, water, soil and wildlife with its ban on synthetic chemicals. So, by buying products for your children that are made from organic fiber and food, you’re teaching them how to create a healthy, clean environment.

Good for sensitive skin: Organic clothing may be better for children who have sensitive skin – and many babies do – as it doesn’t contain chemical dyes or other synthetic ingredients that might cause allergic reactions.

Support of local farms: Organic fiber and food are often grown locally on small farms. Therefore, by buying organic products for your children, you’re supporting your community, not to mention organic agriculture as a whole.