The ingredients that go into baby foods are the basis of early, healthy development. Babies will grow up fast, and will require different kinds of foods with different textures etc. Little ones need to have calcium, protein, vitamins, fat, carbohydrates and plenty of iron in their diets for physical and mental growth.

Here is a basic timeline for developing a baby’s eating habits:
The first six months or so you will want to breast feed if at all possible. If breastfeeding is not possible, consult your doctor about which formula might be best for your baby. After the first months try the baby out on soft, almost watery purees, such as runny yogurt. After seven months your baby can handle lumpy foods, with the mushy consistency of foods like rice pudding, mashed bananas etc. etc. Once the baby has become nine months old, you can feed him or her soft foods that are diced or shredded into very small pieces, such as Vienna sausages and cheese. Try to use the same types of foods that you are eating for that meal, if possible. You will continue this manner of feeding until the child is one year old. By their first birthday, babies should be adapted to family foods cut into very small pieces, as well as whole milk.

It doesn’t take much time to make baked potatoes and mash them to a pulp for the baby. And other kinds of fruits and veggies such as avocados, bananas and pears require hardly any prep work at all. Blenders and food processors, even manual potato mashers produce suitably runny purees with minimal effort, so you don’t have to worry about time. A great plus, considering the overall eating habits of Americans today, is that by making these mini-meals you’re more likely to have fresh produce in the house.

A baby needs a lot of vitamins and iron. Vitamins promote growth and healing. Iron is important for babies between 6 months and 2 years because it aids mental and physical development. Vitamin C helps babies absorb iron, so try to mix iron-fortified cereals with foods high in vitamin C.

Some good foods for your baby include foods like apricots, avocados, broccoli, butternut squash, cantaloupe, cauliflower, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, rice cereal, and sweet potatoes.

Certain foods to avoid include:
Gluten, which is a type of protein found in barley, rye, wheat and some oats—avoid feeding these to your baby until he or she is six months old at least, high-fiber foods should also be avoided, honey (honey should not be given to your baby until he or she is at least a year old) According to the American Academy of Pediatrics. There is a connection between honey and infant botulism, which is a potentially fatal illness.

Also, you will want to avoid nuts (not only can there be an allergic reaction to nuts, but they can also be a choking hazard. It is recommended that you do not feed your child nuts until he or she is at least five years of age.) Salt is another bad thing for babies under the age of one to consume. (Salts can strain their immature kidneys, as well as can cause dehydration.) Sugars are a no-no too. Try to save sugary snacks or deserts for rare occasions, and unpasteurized cheeses (which can promote listeria infection).

Talk to your doctor for more advice on making baby foods.

By: Anne Clarke

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It can be extremely frustrating when you’re breastfeeding and you have a cold! Not only do you feel extremely lousy but you can’t just take any old over the counter medications to relieve your discomfort. This is because not every cold medication is safe to take while breastfeeding. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose over the counter cold medications that are safe while breastfeeding.

First of all, you should ask yourself if a non medical approach is possible. While nursing, it is typically suggested that you try the non medical approach first as these tend to be safer for baby. Some proven natural methods that may help are:

• Take a Nap.

• Take Vitamin C or Drink Plenty of Orange Juice.

• Take a Warm Bath with Vicks Vapor Rub In It.

• Use a Humidifier.

• Rest and Relax.

Second, you should do a bit of research about the medication you wish to take. This can be done by asking your physician, a pharmacy technician, or some other medical professional. Another option is to conduct some internet research. Keep in mind however that many over the counter cold medications are excreted through breast milk so that when you take a dose, so does your baby. In addition, some cold medications have also been shown to limit or impede a mother’s ability to make milk. A good rule of thumb is that if a medication was safe during pregnancy then it is likely to be safe while nursing. However, always ask a professional to be extra careful.

Third, know the facts and be wise in your decision. Although natural remedies tend to be best, here are some common cold medications that are often recommended while you’re breastfeeding. Tylenol Cold and Sudafed are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, along with Beconase or Flonase nasal spray. For allergies, non sedating Sudafed and Benadryl are also considered safe for use during breast feeding, although some studies show that Benadryl can actually decrease your milk supply. Allegra is fine as well, however you should avoid long term use. One thing you should also avoid is the extended capsules or formulas. These are the ones that are meant to last all day long. They are more likely to get into the breast milk and be passed to baby, as well as stay in his or her system for a longer period of time.

Instead of risking this, simply take the regular acting medications and avoid the 9 or 12 hour kind. If you find that your cold or condition is not getting better and you are continuing to take the medication in order to find relief, you should visit your physician. Continuing to take the medication will only increase the risks to your baby, and medicines should not be taken for more than a few days with no improvement in condition.

In conclusion, breastfeeding is a wonderful thing and you shouldn’t let something like a cold slow you down when it comes to giving your baby the best possible start. By utilizing the tips and ideas mentioned above, you can make the best choice for you and your nursing baby.

By: Mishaun Taylor

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There is lots of talk about whether carpet is a healthy option when covering the floor in your nursery because of the chemicals used not only in the carpet, but also in the backing and the adhesive. Although there are plenty of other choices, because of its warmth and ease, carpet is traditionally the most popular preference for bedrooms.

Here’s a list of 8 things parents should know when they’re choosing carpet and want to keep it healthy for a baby.

1. When buying carpet, look for the Green Label Plus logo. Many of the carpet companies jumped onto the ecological bandwagon in a big way in 1992 with their ‘Green Label’ and ‘Green Label Plus’ programs that test the carpet, the cushion and the adhesives for off gassing. These programs ensure homeowners that the carpet they are buying passes the most stringent criteria for low chemical emissions.

2. Even if your carpet passes the most stringent criteria for low chemical emissions, have it installed as far in advance as possible. Install it in the warm weather so that you can open your windows. This will allow some of the fumes to dissipate, especially if you use a fan.

3. Although it sounds like a good idea at first, steer clear of ‘Stain Resistant’ carpet since the chemical that prohibits staining is known to cause cancer.

4. Ask your salesperson if the carpet you’re interested in is made from recycled product and if it’s also recyclable when you’re ready to replace it.

5. Avoid carpet backing with polypropylene, tyrene-butadiene rubber and latex, which use strong chemical bonding agents.

6. Avoid a long loose pile carpet, which will provide a home for food, moisture and asthma inducing dust mites.

7. What falls into the carpet stays in the carpet until it’s vacuumed. Choosing the right vacuum can be every bit as important. An old or poorly made vacuum will blow dust and dirt back into the room and can create respiratory problems. Invest in a new vacuum with a HEPA filter that will trap dust that settles in the carpet.

8. Consider carpet made of natural wool (make sure it’s organic and has not been given a moth treatment), which is fire resistant, obviously made from a renewable resource, durable, biodegradable and provides a wonderful indoor environment.

Carpet is not only a style choice; it can also be a good health choice for your baby. New carpeting can contain toxic chemicals and because of the large amount of carpet that goes into a room, it’s important to know what you’re buying.

By: Deborah Fine

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