Phthalates Were Removed from Babies’ Toys in U.S., but Infants Still Get Them in Excess from Foods

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A study has found that babies are getting twice the amount of harmful phthalates in their diets that the Environmental Protection Agency considers to be safe.

Phthalates are man-made chemicals used to make plastics softer and more flexible; they can be found in storage containers, water bottles, electronics, vinyl curtains and floors, plastic toys and many other consumer products.

But a number of studies on animals over the years linked phthalates to premature birth, low birth weight, lower sperm counts and anatomical defects in male genitalia. In addition, they remain in human tissue over time; studies have found that almost every person tested in the United States has the chemicals in their system.

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Is BPA More Dangerous During Pregnancy? And Where Does the BPA Controversy Stand Now?

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The controversy over Bisphenol A, or BPA, continues, as heated as it was in 2008, when reports about possible health consequences to humans from long-term exposure followed reviews of many scientific studies.

What Is BPA?

BPA is a solid, colorless chemical used to make many kinds of plastics, and to make the sealant or liner on the inside of food and beverage cans. BPA is used to harden plastics, though it’s also found in some plastic sandwich bags and plastic cling wrap.

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Is Baby Eating Enough?

Mother breast feeding her baby girl

How to Know if Your Newborn Is Eating Enough

As a new mom, it’s very natural to worry about all aspects of your newborn’s health, and feedings are no exception.

How can you tell if your baby is getting enough milk? There are a number of clues that can answer this question, beginning with the cues that your little one gives you.

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What to do About an Overweight Baby

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If you are worried that your overweight baby has gained weight too fast and now weighs too much, it is most likely that you are worried over nothing. Infants can indeed become overweight if they are overfed, but this happens only rarely. Even most perfectly healthy infants go through many different phases in their first year of life, and those who are born large and thrive during their early months commonly accumulate a lot of fat, which can make them look rather round and pudgy. But looks can be deceiving. Whereas we usually think of adults with a lot of fat as unhealthy, a decent amount of extra fat on a baby can Read More

Weaning Baby From the Bottle

Most pediatricians recommend that babies be weaned from the bottle by the first birthday or soon thereafter. But for a host of reasons, many parents do not meet this milestone. Bottles are comforting to the baby, and they can be excellent sleep aids. They are also simple and convenient and produce minimal mess. For these reasons, it is not uncommon to see two- or three-year-olds who are still on the bottle. Although the reasons why parents and babies resist weaning from the bottle are all understandable, there are some very important points in favor of weaning by the first birthday, including Read More

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. Read More

What to Do When Your Baby Rejects the Bottle

After several months of breastfeeding, many babies are understandably reluctant to change. Breastfeeding is warm and comforting, it brings mother and baby close together, and it comes easily and naturally. So when it comes time to introduce the bottle and your baby does not take to it right away, do not be frustrated. The plastic nipple takes some getting used to, and the temperature of the milk in the bottle can be difficult to regulate. Plus, if you are introducing formula at the same time, this adds another element of difficulty. Read More

The Bare Necessities for Newborns & Parents

Preparing for your newborn baby arriving can be overwhelming so here is a guide to getting the essential gear required for those first few weeks. The list can seem endless once you think about what you might need; pushchairs, cots, nappies, blankets. Here I will try and cut through the confusion and give you a guide to the top ten necessities as chosen by mothers and in a budget friendly way. Read More

The 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. Read More

Breastfeeding Basics: Answers to Five Common Questions

Most new mothers who choose to breastfeed discover almost immediately that little instruction is required. The act of nursing is instinctive for both mother and baby, and even without outside help the process usually goes relatively smoothly. But even when things go relatively smoothly, it is common for problems to arise. If you are encountering breastfeeding problems or are worried about issues you may face in the future, here are some of the most common questions that might arise. Read More