Nutrition Archives - Baby Care Journals

Nursing Moms, the Let-Down Reflex and Milk Supply

December 11, 2014December 31, 2014 admin

New moms may have the best intentions in wanting to breastfeed their newborns; but sometimes, nursing the baby doesn’t happen so effortlessly. This can lead both mom and infant to feel discouraged and want to give up trying.

But don’t give up! Your breast milk carries in it a large assortment of vital, life-sustaining nutrients, germ-fighting immunity cells, hormones, and many strains of beneficial bacteria that will colonize your baby’s gastrointestinal tract and aid digestion, as well as prevent allergies later on.

More Parents Are Refusing Vitamin K Shots for Their Newborns Amid Fears of Reactions

October 31, 2014November 26, 2014 admin

A recent study from the University of Calgary has found that increasing numbers of parents are refusing to consent to their newborns receiving a shot of vitamin K at birth, due to fears about possible reactions to the high single dose of the vitamin, as well as the other ingredients that come with it.

Vitamin K is necessary for normal blood-clotting in both adults and children; however, babies are usually born with insufficient amounts of the vitamin in their system, as it doesn’t cross very well from the mother’s blood through the placenta. The mother’s diet does not affect the levels of vitamin K that her baby is born with to any large degree.

Is It Safe for My Baby to Eat Garlic?

May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 admin

Baby girl wearing a chef hat with vegetables and pan. Use it for a child, healthy food concept

Perhaps you’re a parent who’s hip to the many health-promoting benefits of eating whole natural foods and nutritious home-cooked meals. And maybe you know what a marvelously healthy and nutrient-packed food garlic is. So, you’re anxious to introduce garlic to your baby. But how long should you wait?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until your baby is at least six months old, before starting solid foods. The purpose of that is to help prevent the development of food allergies in your child. So, you want to wait until your infant is at least six months to give them garlic.

Is It Okay to Give a Baby Under One Year Old Cow’s Milk?

February 19, 2014February 19, 2014 admin

Cow’s milk is the single most complete food on Earth — no other food has as many nutrients. So, it is understandable if a mother might be eager to start her baby on cow’s milk as soon as possible.

However, doctors advise against giving cow’s milk to an infant before he or she has turned one year of age. There are several reasons for this.

It is cow’s milk’s very nutritiousness — the sugars, fats, proteins and minerals in it (calcium, phosphorus and potassium, to name the three most prominent) — that make it difficult for young babies to digest, since their digestive systems are still maturing. Read More

Is Baby Eating Enough?

December 23, 2013December 23, 2013 admin

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.

Many Babies Are Fed Solid Foods Too Soon, CDC Study Finds

April 12, 2013 admin

A study published in late March, 2013 in the American Academy of Pediatrics journal Pediatrics found that a majority of babies in the United States may be getting introduced to solid foods much too early, often leading to a variety of chronic illnesses.

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed 1,334 new moms nationwide; they found that almost 93 percent had introduced solid foods to their infants before the babies were six months old, 40 percent had introduced solids before four months, and 9 percent had done so before four weeks of age.

Preparing to Wean Your Baby

July 18, 2012December 14, 2012 admin

You may have decided that it is now time to begin feeding your baby solids. If so, here is some handy advice about preparing foods and feeding your little one. You want to preserve as many of the vitamins in your baby’s food as you can so prepare her food just before she eats it. Once you have cooked and puréed her food vitamins B and C will begin to deplete. If you want to Read More

How Can I Encourage My Infant To Develop Healthy Eating Habits?

April 19, 2012December 19, 2012 admin

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: Read More

Establishing Good Eating Habits in the First Year of Baby’s Life

April 11, 2012December 19, 2012 admin

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 Read More

Do I Have Infectious or Non-Infectious Mastitis?

March 9, 2012March 15, 2012 admin

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