September 26, 2009
Parenting, Safe environment
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Joyce Lewis, retired Community and Government Affairs Director, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), says she is seeing an increase in the number of new parents who want to “go green.” Parents want to raise their babies in a safe non-toxic home and leave less of an impact on the environment. There are many different ways to go green. Some people eat only organic or locally produced foods. Cleaning products should be free of toxic chemicals, or they can be made with a few ingredients from home, like vinegar and baking soda. Lewis also recommends avoiding or limiting use of plastic food and beverage containers and personal care products with dyes or fragrances. It’s important to read product labels for a list of ingredients rather than relying on the manufacturer’s advertising.
Read more of this article here
I have changed my household over to an environmentally safer line of products.
They are ordered and delivered from your own home and are available in over 14 different countries around the world.
If you would like to learn more about making your home and environment safer using these products, there is a short introductory video HERE
If you would like to shop this way be sure to let me know if you are interested and I or a business associate can help you to enrol.
Enjoy parenting
Jan
September 24, 2009
Baby behaviour, Sleep and Settling
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I know there are many parents out in the community tired due to their babies or toddlers not sleeping and stretched financially due to our economic times and I would like to help.
The CD “Putting them to Sleep” provides a stack of useful information (60 minutes worth) about sleep and how you can get more.
I am providing a massive clearance price of this CD as my way of contributing to the community.
Why not take advantage of this generous offer while it lasts, if not for you for a friend or neighbour who may be struggling and in need of some sound advice in the area of sleep and settling.
More information available here
September 20, 2009
Baby behaviour, Nutrition
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It is recommended that solid food not be given to a baby under 17 weeks old as studies have shown that a baby is not developmentally ready to tolerate solids at this age; Greer FR, et al. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children. Pediatrics 2008; 121:183-91
If your baby is younger than 17 weeks and they are hungry and not gaining weight, provide them with extra breast feeds or introduce an additional bottle of infant formula.
A baby who was born prematurely is ready to commence solids midway between 16 weeks post birth and 16 weeks post due date. Depending on how prematurely they were born these babies may show facial defensiveness where they reject objects near their face making a spoon coming towards them a fearful experience?
Sometime after your baby reaches 17 weeks of age they will begin to show signs that indicate they are ready to start the adventure of solids.
The signs of solid food readiness may include:
•The ‘tongue thrust’ present in younger babies is gone. This reflex has allowed for sucking, but is now ready for the next stage of chewing and swallowing
•Your baby is able to sit in a semi-controlled, upright position. Not being able to sit will prevent them focusing on eating
•Your baby’s weight gain has slowed down
•Your baby is waking at erratic times overnight when previously they had been sleeping through
•Your baby is constantly dissatisfied when being breastfed (pulling off and on the nipple etc)
•They are wanting to breastfeed more regularly during the day instead of spacing feeds out to every 4 hours
•They are watching you eat with greater interest and could even be trying to take the spoon or food from your hand
When a couple of these signs are evident then it will be time to get a few things organised. You will need equipment to cook & puree food, eating utensils and suitable food.
1. Saucepan with lid and steamer insert or multi-tared steamer or glass jug or dish safe to use in a microwave
2. Sieve to push cooked food through using the back of a wooden spoon or a food processor, blender or ‘Mouli’
3. Small container to feed your baby from
4. Soft long handle plastic coated spoon
5. High chair or similar
6. Bib and face washer
Their sweet taste buds develop first therefore; try cooked and pureed sweet potato or pears as a first food which will increase your chances of the first mouthful being enjoyed. You can gradually bring in the bitter flavours once they are enjoying the concept of eating.
Ensure the very first mouthful of food is semi liquid by adding breast or infant formula, is delivered with a soft spoon, not too hot, not too cold, they are sitting in an comfortable upright position facing you at your eye level and they are not tired. Speak quietly and smile.
MORE INFORMATION HERE
