How Can I Encourage My Infant To Develop Healthy Eating Habits?
When your baby is six months old and you first introduce her to solid food do not try and overload her spoon. Trying to give her too much food could put her off trying other food types. Variety of foods is important so make sure you are feeding her the four main food groups which are: Continue reading
When Is My Baby Ready For Solids?
In most cases it is advised that you should wait until your baby is six months old before introducing her to solid food. Waiting until this age protects your baby’s health by reducing the risk of getting infections from food and also developing food allergies. At six months she should have doubled her birth weight and her immune system is more robust. From six months of age formula or breast milk will not provide her with all the nutrients she requires as she is becoming more and more active. Waiting until she is six months old before introducing her to solids is even more important if your family has a history of Continue reading
Establishing Good Eating Habits in the First Year of Baby’s Life
There is no question that kids enjoy sweets, and if left to their own devices, many would indulge in junk food far more often than they should. But it would be a mistake to assume that children naturally prefer unhealthy food over healthy food. If good habits are instilled early, kids can actually grow up enjoying vegetable, fruits, and other healthy foods. It’s a matter of Continue reading
Can a Baby Be Healthy on a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet?
For parents who shun animal products from their diet—whether just meat or all animal products—figuring out how to feed a baby can be challenging. Added to this is the fact that, when you tell people about your choice, many are liable to look at you like you are crazy. But do not let others’ misconceptions stop you. It is quite possible to raise a perfectly healthy child on a vegetarian or vegan diet. You have to be a little extra conscientious in some ways, but your child can get all the vitamins and nutrients he or she needs.
So if you are seriously considering raising your child as vegetarian or vegan, tune out the naysayers and trust your own instincts. And if you decide to go forward, keep these tips in mind.
Breastfeed as long as possible: As long as you continue to breastfeed your baby Continue reading
Do I Have Infectious or Non-Infectious Mastitis?
If your breast tissue is red, swollen and painful it could be Mastitis. It most commonly occurs in breastfeeding women and is also known as puerperal mastitis or lactation mastitis. You can have the condition and not be breastfeeding but it is rarer and mastitis typically affects just one breast. If you are suffering from this condition you may be experiencing flu-like symptoms like a high temperature, chills and aches.
Posted in Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Development, Feeding, Feeding Products, Food Allergies, Health, Misc, Moms, Nanny, Nutrition, Solids | 
Leave a commentThe Perils of Meconium
Meconium is your baby’s first poo! It has the consistency of treacle, it is odourless and unlike later offerings it is sterile. It is very dark and almost impossible to wipe clean. Meconium consists of water, mucus, amniotic fluid, lanugo which is downy baby hair and also intestinal epithelial cells. For most babies it is just their first poo (one of many!) and means a very gooey first nappy but in some cases it can be a cause for concern.
From Milk to Formula to Solids: Helping Baby Transition
By Lisa Pecos
All major American pediatric and health organizations strongly recommend breastfeeding babies for at least the first six months of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics, one of the preeminent authorities on such issues, recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and regularly breastfed for the first year or as long as it is comfortable for both mother and baby. There is abundant research showing that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to nourish an infant. And though formula can be good, the mother’s body naturally produces the right milk for the baby throughout the stages of early development.
Posted in Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Feeding, Feeding Products, Newborns, Preemies, Solids, Twins - Multiples | Leave a commentImportant ‘Tummy Time’ With Your Baby
Parents are now very aware of the importance of laying their babies on their backs to sleep as lying them on their tummies can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In fact, cot deaths have decreased by 40% since the recommendation was put into effect in 1994.
Posted in Activities, Babysitter, Colic, Dads, Development, Feeding, Health, Moms, Motor Skills, Nanny, Newborns, Nutrition, SIDS, Sleep, Sleep Care, Solids | Leave a commentStarting Solid Foods: When and How
By Lisa Pecos
For several months following birth, breast milk (or formula) is the only food that your child needs. It is only a matter of time, however, before your child begins to develop cravings for solid food. As muscle coordination develops and the baby’s nutritional needs begin to change, the transition from an all-liquid diet to a mixed one becomes inevitable. Moving to solid foods is a big step, but the good news is that it usually comes naturally, so you will not have to force it.
Iron: Making Sure Your Baby Gets It
We’ve all heard that breast is best, but one of the drawbacks of exclusively breastfed babies is that they are at risk for iron deficiency. Although formula-fed babies get iron through fortified formula, breast milk does not contain adequate amounts. The LA Times reported that “Studies have shown that 4 percent of 6 month olds, and 12 percent of 12 month olds are iron deficient. Children between the ages of 1-3 years of age have rates of iron deficiency between 6-15 percent. Preterm infants, infants who are exclusively breastfed and infants who are at risk for developmental disabilities seem to be at higher risk to develop iron deficiency.”
So what’s the big deal? A lot, actually. Dr. Frank Greer, co-author of a Continue reading