Beware of Rice Milk and Soy Milk for Infants and Toddlers

Rice milk and soy milk sound healthy and good for you but are you aware that these beverages are not really good for the health of babies and toddlers? Rice milk and soy milk should never be confused with or used as a replacement for weaning to whole cow milk nor should they be used as a replacement for breast milk or fortified infant formulas. This article will explore why parents should not use these alternative beverages for weaning.

Whole cow milk contains a variety of nutrients that are among those crucial to building good health in babies and toddlers. Many of these nutrients are not naturally occurring in "alternative beverages" and while those beverages may be fortified, naturally occurring nutrients are best. It is most important to distinguish the difference between a soy formula and soy milk; soy formula is formulated with the nutrients an infant requires whereas soy milk is not. You should never switch your infant from a soy based formula to plain soy milk!

Whole cow milk contains natural calcium that is more easily absorbed and bio-available than calcium from other sources. It contains the "good" fats that are crucial to both infant and toddler development; a reason why pediatricians recommend whole milk for a minimum of the first 2-3 years of age. Whole cow milk is also a great source of protein, another nutrient that is crucial in healthy development. Vitamin A and B12, along with some other B Vitamins, are also found in whole milk and these Vitamins are essential in proper growth.

Rice Milk in particular is low in fat which is not recommended for those under 2 years of age and it is also low in (if not completely devoid of) protein. Soy milk also contains a lower level of fats.

"Low-fat soy milk and rice milk contain low levels of fat and protein. If these products are used parents must be sure children are getting adequate fat and protein from other dietary sources. Infants get adequate fat and protein from breastmilk or infant formula. Full-fat soy milk is generally recommended for young children. Breastfeeding a child during the second year of life helps assure adequate fat and protein intake as well."¹

Soy milk does not contain a good level natural calcium nor does it contain the level of fat and protein that whole cow milk does. Soy milk may also hinder the absorption of calcium even though it may be calcium fortified due to the phylates that it contains! If you find that your older infant or toddler may have an allergy to dairy - either a milk protein allergy or a sensitivity to lactose, or that you simply wish to exclude dairy products from your diet, using these "alternative" beverages as substitutes are good options. While these beverages may be good options, you should discuss a nutritional plan with your baby or toddler's pediatrician. You must ensure that your growing child receives calcium, fats, proteins and vitamins and minerals from other natural sources!

Offering your toddler these "milks" as an occasional drink should not pose any adverse health risks as long as you realise that these drinks are not enough to provide optimal nutrition. You should consult your pediatrician and/or a pediatric dietician to discuss ways to ensure that your infant or toddler receives the nutrients crucial to his or her healthy development.

Resources and Learning More:

• Milk and Milk Alternatives for Toddlers
• Severe Nutritional Deficiencies in Toddlers Resulting From Health Food Milk Alternatives
• Vegan Children¹
• Vegetarian Nutrition
• Soy Milk (not soy formula!) & Infant Death

Margaret Meade is the Editor of Wholesome Baby Food.com and is the mother of 3 boys. The boys were raised on all Homemade Baby Food; and since Mommy had been studying nutrition for many years, she knew homemade was best! She sincerely hopes that babies and parents everywhere might benefit from the great experience of making Fresh, Wholesome, Homemade baby food! Visit http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com and find out how easy it is to make your own baby food. Once you begin, good healthy eating habits will automatically flow!

7 Tips For Getting Organized

Most of us can use some tips for getting organized, especially when it comes to organizing kids´ rooms, because kids' rooms are infamous for being disaster areas. While this is a normal symptom of childhood, it mostly comes from not having everything set up in an easy to access manner. Children are just not good at keeping organized rooms and putting things up, so you want to make it fun and interesting, and most importantly, easy. This article will give several house organizing tips, and in particular, ideas on how to go about integrating a little organization into your childrens´ rooms.

1) Kids´ rooms can be a real nightmare to get organized, just because of the sheer number of books, toys, and various other things that they have accumulated over time. So, the first step is to search through everything and remove at least half of it. Throw out anything that is broken and/or useless, give away anything and everything that no one plays with any longer and hasn't in years, and move on to the task of organizing the rest.

2) A really good way to keep kids' rooms organized and free of clutter is to use clear plastic containers with colored lids. Toys like blocks and fast food chain toy characters can be stashed away in these clear containers, along with games and other materials. Although you can label the boxes, the most effective way to go is to color code them. You can place all shared toys in boxes with red lids, all of your son's toys in blue-topped containers, and your daughter's toys in pink-topped boxes. This is a very effective method to use in organizing and keeping everything sorted out, especially in kids´ rooms that are shared.

3) Ziploc bags are great for keeping small bits and little trinkets that just can not be thrown away. Beads and marbles are good prospects for the Ziploc treatment.

4) For really small items like seed beads, pins and other miscellaneous miniature items, you can keep them in individual baby food jars. Childrens´ rooms tend to amass these sorts of things, so you may as well find a place for them. Building sets can benefit greatly from just a few baby food jars to keep nails and screws.

5) One of the best tips for getting organized involves placing a plastic shoe organizer on the back of the door. It is a perfect way to give kids´ rooms a little surplus storage space without spending any money on furniture. The clear pockets are just the right size to hold stuffed animals, dolls and their clothing, and any number of assorted medium-sized toys.

6) Under bed space is commonly used in the kids' rooms, but only to hide away messes! Turn that blank space into something useful by buying rolling containers that are designed to go under a bed. Not only will you have less dust bunnies to get rid of, but you will have the perfect place to store puzzles and floor mats, or out-of-season clothing and bedding for kids´ rooms.

7) Colorful hooks on the wall are another nifty addition to kids´ rooms. Instead of being pressured to put away jackets, purses and bags, they can easily hang them from a hook and you'll be thrilled that the room looks much more organized and neater. If you get a hook unit that also comes with a shelf or basket attached to it, you will have extra storage space for more small-scale items as well.

Kids´ rooms are never going to be spic-and-span for long, but at least you can put a dent in the chaos! All of the suggested ideas and tips for getting organized above are just right for any kids´ room and work just as well for boys and girls.

Is your house screaming for organization? If so, visit Tips For Getting Organized for 21 days of FREE home organizing and cleaning tips.

http://www.getorganizedtips.firstinfobank.com

Giving Flax to Your Baby - The Facts on Flax for Baby, Toddler & the Whole Family

When can I introduce Flax and Flax Seed to my baby? Is Flax Good for Babies? What exactly is Flax and Flax Seeds and how will Flax benefit my baby?

Flax and Flax Seed is something that most of us have heard of either in passing or mentioned in an article somewhere. We know Flax is "good for us" and contains Omega 3's. Many people however have no idea where to buy flax, how to serve it and most importantly, when it may be introduce to baby and toddler. Our topic for October 2006 will introduce you to Flax. We'll show you how and when you may introduce Flax and Flax Seed to your baby!

As always, we recommend that you consult your pediatrician whenever you introduce your baby to a new food; generalities may not apply to your baby!

What is Flax?

Flax has been cultivated for centuries, it's cultivation can be traced back to the Stone Age even. The American Colonists grew flax to use it's fiber for making (linen) cloth and cultivated Flax for commercial production as far back as the 1700's!

Flax is a flowering perennial. It's flowers are plentiful and are amazing to see! Flax blooms from May through September. Flax is mostly grown in Canada and in the Northern Mid-West areas of the United States. Flax has amazing health properties and is a good source of healthy oils, fiber, and other essential nutrients for baby's (and adult's) health, growth and development. The three essential components of Flax that are wonderful for our bodies are:

• Omega-3 oils - You may recognize them as "alpha-linolenic acid" or ALA
• Lignans
• Fiber, both soluble and insoluble When Can My Baby Begin To Eat Flax?

Most often pediatricians will say that incorporating Flax into your baby's diet is safe around 7-8 months old. Ideally, you would begin offering you baby Flax in the form of either Flax meal (finely ground Flax Seeds) or Flax Oil.

How Much Flax Should I Offer my Baby?

We would recommend offering your younger baby no more than 1 tablespoon of Flax per day. Note that 3 teaspoons are equivalent to 1 tablespoon so you may add up to 3 teaspoons in several "meals" during a day. While one cannot really "overdose" on Flax, it is important to keep the dosage relatively low as Flax is a natural laxative. It is possible that very loose stools and/or diarrhea will occur with eating too much Flax. Many parents who give their babies Flax increase the amount once baby has turned 1 or 2 years old.

As with any new food, it is important that you watch out for any possible reactions. While Flax is not considered a high allergen, you still want to watch for any digestive upsets!

How Can I Add Flax to my Baby's Meals?

Many people add whole Flax Seeds directly to their baked goods and cereals. It has been found that the seeds may not prove to be as healthful as using the Flax Oil, Ground Flax or Flax Meal. The whole seeds may not break down enough in the digestive system to completely release all the wholesome and healthy goodness of the Flax.

Flax Oil, Ground Flax or Flax Meal may be added to your Baby's food in a variety of ways! (ensure your choice of foods is age appropriate for your baby!!)

• Add Flax Oil, Flax Meal or ground Flax Seeds to your baby's infant cereals
• Sprinkle Flax Meal or ground Flax Seeds in your baby's yogurt, mixed in or over baby's fruit purées, add it to veggie purees and meat/rice/veggie meals too!
• Flax Meal or Ground Flax is great in J&J's Baby Meatballs, meatloaf, fish cakes and homemade chicken nuggets too!
• Baked goods with added Flax Meal give your teething biscuits and rusks an extra nutritional boost too! Try Flax Meal or Ground Flax in Baby Cereal Pancakes too!
• Flax oil may be added to porridge, yogurt and anything else you may wish to add it to!

Can I Use Flax Oil as a Substitute for Other Oils in Cooking?

You cannot cook with Flax Oil as you do with Olive Oil! Flax oil will burn and go rancid when heated.

How do I store Flax?

Flax must be stored properly as it is very delicate. Whether you are using Flax Oil or Ground Flax, store your Flax in the refrigerator! Flax can go rancid very quickly and then it will be unhealthy to eat! Whole Flax Seeds are not as delicate and may be kept for up to 2 years in a dry cool sealed container.

How Will Flax Benefit My Baby's Health and My Family's Health?

One tablespoon of ground Flax Seed has about 40 calories, 2.3 grams of fiber and 2.8 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of which are omega-3s. Flax Seeds also contain Iron, some Calcium, Vitamins B-1, B-2, Vitamin C and E and some Vitamin E and carotene too! WOW! That's a lot of healthy nutrients packed into seeds!

Flax Oil is not as nutritious en masse as Ground Flax Seeds or Flax Meal. Your baby will still obtain all the Essential Omega 3 when using the Flax Oil however the protein and other nutrients decline when Flax Seeds are pressed into Flax Oil. It is worth grinding your own Flax Seeds or purchasing Ground Flax Seeds so that you can obtain all the healthy goodness of Flax!

Due to it's high soluble fiber content, Flax Seed or Flax Oil is a great natural laxative! Use Flax Seed Oil to help your baby with Constipation and to help keep the whole family "on schedule"!

Flax Resources & Learning More

• Flax Council of Canada - http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/english/index.php?p=home
• Seattle Times - What is Flax? - http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2003192279_flax13.html
• Whole Foods - Flax Seed Information - http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81

Margaret Meade is the Editor of http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com and is the mother of 3 boys. The boys were raised on all Homemade Baby Food; and since Mommy had been studying nutrition for many years, she knew homemade was best! Visit wholesomebabyfood.com and find out how easy it is to make your own baby food. Once you begin, good healthy eating habits will automatically flow!

Wheat Germ in Your Baby or Toddler's Diet

Did you know that wheat germ packs a whollop of a nutritional punch for baby and toddler alike? Wheat germ (the Kreschmer brand for example) has added Iron, Vitamins B, Folic Acid and Vitamin E. The nutrients in wheat germ are those nutrients that a baby needs to grow healthy and strong. Wheat germ contains the nutrients that will also help with baby brain development.

When your baby turns 8-9 months old, you may begin to introduce wheat products such as wheat germ. PLEASE be sure to consult with your pediatrician as your infant may have a special situation and the general recommendations may not apply!

Did you know that 1 and 2/3 tablespoons of wheat germ contains the adult RDA of:

• 4 grams of protein6% Iron
• 20% Vitamin E
• 20% Folic Acid and
• 10% Thiamin to name just a few!

Since Iron intake is a concern for infants and toddlers, let's look at the iron requirements and the iron content in the wheat germ. Here are the requirements for babies per mg: the recommended iron intake is approximately:

• 7 mg/d for term infants aged 5 to 12 months
• 6 mg/d for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years
• 8-10 mg/d for children aged 4 to 12 years.

Taking this into consideration, 1 and 2/3 tablespoons of wheat germ contains approximately 1/3rd of the "RDA" for your baby and 1/4 of the "RDA" for your 5yr old! If you sprinkle 6-8 tablespoons of wheat germ on something throughout the day - you have more than "met" the RDA. That's quite a good health bargain to us!

Ways to Incorporate Wheat Germ in the Baby and Toddler Diet:

• Sprinkle wheat germ on fruits
• Blend it in with cream cheese over toast
• Add it to yogurt with fruit
• Add to homemade teething cookies
• Add it to Baby Meatballs
• Sprinkle wheat germ in your baby's cereals

The addition of wheat germ to baby food possibilities are endless! Don't forget to boost up the vitamin C for your kids - so the iron absorption may be maximized! Go forth and Sprinkle on the Wheat Germ!

Margaret Meade is the Editor of http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com and is the mother of 3 boys. The boys were raised on all Homemade Baby Food; and since Mommy had been studying nutrition for many years, she knew homemade was best! She sincerely hopes that babies and parents everywhere might benefit from the great experience of making Fresh, Wholesome, Homemade baby food! Visit http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com and find out how easy it is to make your own baby food. Once you begin, good healthy eating habits will automatically flow!

Baby Food Allergies - How To Identify And Avoid Them

Many parents find the risk of baby food allergies one of the most worrying aspects of introducing new foods to their baby. But there are simple steps you can take to minimise potential problems and make your child's introduction to solid food a safe and happy one.

Allergic reactions take place when your baby's immune system mistakenly treats a harmless substance as a harmful one. Baby food allergy symptoms include diarrhea, eczema, nausea, constipation and watery or red eyes. Very rarely, a serious reaction known as allergic shock can occur. This can cause the throat and tongue to swell dangerously, which could lead to choking. In this situation, professional medical help must be sought immediately.

Baby food allergies should not be confused with food intolerance. A baby with food intolerance would have difficulty in digesting a particular type of food, which can be caused by many other things besides an allergen. In either case, diagnosis should be made by a medical professional.

In order to prevent baby food allergies such as these, or to identify foods to which your baby reacts, it is important to follow these simple guidelines --

1. Try to delay feeding your baby solid food until he is at least 6 months of age. His immune system will be better developed by this stage.

2. Only introduce one new food at a time and wait for a few days to see if a reaction occurs. It will then be easy to spot the "problem" food and eliminate it from your baby's diet.

3. Avoid foods that are known to be more likely to cause allergic reactions. Examples of such foods include eggs (particularly the whites), shellfish, gluten and citrus fruits.

4. Decide whether or not your baby is at a particularly high risk of developing allergies -- for example, do you suffer from an allergy yourself? This can often lead to an increased risk of allergies for your baby, although not necessarily to the same allergen (i.e. the substance responsible for the reaction).

5. Discuss any concerns with a medical professional.

Whilst it is sensible to be cautious, it is still important to remember that baby food allergies only affect around 8% of children. So try to keep things in perspective, introduce new foods individually and stay alert for possible reactions -- these measures will give you the confidence to safely introduce the delights of solid food to your little one.

Christine Albury is the author of http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com, helping you become head chef for a very special little customer.

For more baby food allergy information, visit http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/babyfoodallergies.html

Explaing the Popularity of Natural Baby Care Products

Whether you are a new or more experienced parent, of course, you want the best for your child. Today, there is a lot more respect shown to natural baby care means including organic remedies because more and more people that treat their babies with things such as traditional medicine are recognizing the benefits of herbs. There are new baby care products being released on the market all the time, but you might have noticed that natural baby care products are becoming more and more popular. Why is this?

Natural baby care products are of course the best way for you to care for your baby whenever possible. These products come in many different forms. Undoubtedly most important is the food your child eats. Next, skin products should be natural baby care products, since these products are "ingested" in some form or another; they are either absorbed through the skin or ingested when your child places a hand in his or her mouth, for example.

Where should you get your natural baby care products? When you are shopping online, you should only buy baby food that comes from the official web site of a known brand. If you are shopping at your local grocery store, check out those food brands that are most well known to you and perhaps most popular. If a particular brand is on sale, make sure that, first of all, the expiration date for that particular food is not close at hand. Then, make sure that it is a popular brand and that you're just getting a good deal. This does happen, and if it does, good for you. Of course, you first concern is for your child's health, however, not the money you save. If in doubt, don't buy.

Because some babies may have trouble digesting food, make sure the natural baby food products you buy contain easy to digest fruits and vegetables. Ask your pediatrician whether or not your little one is ready for such potentially allergenic foods as cereals, dairy, and the like. If not, avoid these.

When you care for your baby's skin, you can choose from many natural products. Perhaps one of the most important skincare products for your baby is diaper rash cream. Many brand-name diaper rash ointments contain such potentially harmful substances as petroleum jelly. A better and more natural option is to choose a diaper rash cream that has an aloe vera base. Aloe vera also helps heal minor cuts and burns.

You can find natural baby care skin products in a variety of places. One of the easiest ways to shop for natural baby care skin products is online. If you go online, you can research a particular brand you like before you buy it. In some cases, you can also buy online; or go to your local drug or department store, or a specialty shop such as a baby boutique. Whichever you choose, a little homework and some careful planning will help you buy just the products you need.

For answers to your questions about these baby care basics, you can consult from a virtual library of baby care books. Since natural baby care products are so readily available, parents interested in using these products should have no problem finding them. It is a good idea to have done the research and some of these products on hand before the first labor pains even hit.

To learn more about general baby care tips and information visit our site at http://www.basicbabycare.com

Let's Play "Hide-and-Sneak" with Veggies!

Do you find yourself sitting by helplessly while your very own little picky eater works her way through every ounce of spaghetti sauce, picking out the almost microscopic bits of cooked onion?

Do you wish there were a way to get little Johnny to eat more veggies than just the French fries at the local drive-thru? (Do those even count as veggies, anyway?)

Well, relax.

While these tricks won't necessarily help you win each of those out-right battles waged over plates of food with flagrant veggies and fruit, playing a little "Hide-and-Sneak" could be just what the doctor ordered for a simple way to help your child eat healthier ... even if their picky little taste buds haven't quite matured enough for a full serving of cooked Brussel sprouts.

1) Puree veggies and add to spaghetti sauce, soups, or soup stock. You can also use small baby food jars of pureed carrots or squash to thicken (and add some healthy veggies) to assorted sauces and soups.

2) Shred veggies and add to ground meat for healthier burgers, meatloaf, or meatballs. You can also add some shredded veggies as you're browning ground meat for tacos and other ground meat meals.

3) Hide those "icky" onions in sauces, casseroles, or other recipes by sauteing the sliced onions in a small amount of margarine/butter or olive oil until soft. Then blending throughly in the blender. You'll get all of the delicious onion flavor but none of that yucky "slimy" texture picky kids tend to find so disgusting.

4) Thicken gravies and sauces with pureed vegetables (be sure to steam or cook the veggies first). You can also use baby food veggies for this, too

5) Add 1/2 cup of carrot puree (or a jar of those handy baby food carrots) to your favorite brownie mix or chocolate cake recipe.

6) Let your kids "dip" their various raw or cooked veggies in a dip: Cheese dip, Ranch dressing, salsa, mayo, sour cream, or ketchup. One mom reported to me that her daughter's veggie-with-dip of choice is cooked green beans dipped in her favorite ketchup. Yeah, I know. Ick! But at least she's eating those green beans happily.

7) Make your own fruit-flavored breakfast "syrups" by blending fresh or thawed blueberries, strawberries, raspberries or whatever you child's favorite berries might be with a small amount of honey.

8) Make popsicles with 100% fruit juice, pureed fruit mixed with a bit of honey and juice or milk, or flavored yogurt.

Be creative ... invent your own version of "Hide-and-Sneak" with your picky child's personal food arch-enemy.

Deborah Taylor-Hough (free-lance writer and mother of three) is the author of several popular books including an official book from the Dummies people on Frugal Living, and Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month. To subscribe to her free email newsletter, Simple Times, send an email to: subscribe-simple-times@hub.thedollarstretcher.com Visit Debi online and read more articles dealing with simple living, frugality, parenting, homemaking and much more: http://thesimplemom.wordpress.com/

The Ultimate Baby Health - Making Your Own Baby Food

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.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on parenting please visit Baby Care.

Safe Baby Food Recipes - Go For These Mouth-Watering And Hygienic Recipes For Your Darling Baby

Being a mother how much do you love your baby?

Do you really take care for your sweetheart baby?

Now you might be thinking that the author of this article is so stupid to ask such questions from a mother! Of course, every mother loves her baby more than anything else...

But let me explain one thing to you, sweet mama.

There are very few mothers, who really make efforts to maintain proper hygiene for their baby. Just thinking to make your baby healthy for a lifetime is not enough. What you need is the proper way to prepare hygienic recipes for your baby according to his/her age requirements.

So, to help you all sweet and caring mothers, here are a few recipes especially for your o-so-lovable babies:

1. Peach Cobbler – For 6 Months And Over

INGREDIENTS:

3 canned peaches (into 6 halves) or 3 ripe peaches

1 egg yolk (for babies who are 6-10 months old, omit egg yolk and thicken with an infant cereal)

1 teaspoon sugar

METHOD:

Peel the peaches into small pieces and dice them. Mash the mixture to your desired consistency. Now beat in the egg yolk and sugar until it gets smooth (for 6-10 months old infants, omit egg yolk and add infant cereal by 1 tablespoon until you get the thickness you desire).

Finally, bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until it sets. Cool before serving and Enjoy!

2. Tomato Pasta - For 10 Months And Over

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon margarine

1/4 cup cheddar or mild cheese, finely grated

1 large tomato, skinned, seeded and chopped

1 teaspoon baby rice

1 tablespoon cottage cheese

1/2 cup small pasta shapes

METHOD:

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the pack. Melt the margarine in a saucepan, add tomato to it and then cook over a low heat for not more than two minutes. Remove the pan from heat. Add the cheeses until they melt into a sauce.

Finally, stir in the baby rice. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and serve. And Tomato Pasta for your baby is ready to serve.

So, how was the experience, lady! I am quite sure you will thank me for this. You can also check out for some more tempting ones on my website.

Navneet Brar provides you with a rich collection of Hygienic Baby Food Recipes. These recipes are for all you sweet and caring mamas to make your baby’s eyes twinkling. Check these out!

Baby Blankets and Baby Shower Games

It's time to party for a baby shower. This festive party time makes a great theme for any baby shower since there are so many things you can do to tie for the party. Celebrating the anticipated arrival of a couple's first child is an important event that takes Baby shower games are almost a necessity for this very special occasion. You can find a lot of entertaining and fun activities that will keep your guests occupied throughout the event.

So you've gotten the job of planning a shower for someone who is expecting. This is both an exciting and frustrating thing. It's wonderful knowing that you get to share in the joy of such an important occasion, but with all the details to take care of, it can become overwhelming very quickly. There are many things to consider including the invitations, the food and the baby shower games.

Many people who host these occasions may find that choice is a great thing. However, it can be pretty difficult deciding which baby shower games to choose and it may be a little tricky deciding how many activities to incorporate into the afternoon. There are a handful of ways to make the task a little easier.

When it comes to the invitations and the food for the shower it's best to consider what the mom-to-be would like. If it's a surprise shower, you'll have to put some extra thought into this. If she is well aware that it's happening, you have the luxury of asking her what she'd enjoy. This makes the job much easier. When it comes to the baby shower games there are resources that you can turn to for help as well, and one of those is the Internet.

Many websites have dozens of ideas that will help someone planning any type of shower, be it wedding or baby. This includes many different baby shower games that are fun for everyone attending including the expectant mom and the guests. One of the baby shower games that have been popular for decades is a word search. The type of word search puzzle that you'll use for a baby shower will include words that focus on an infant. With baby shower games where the participants have to complete a task, like puzzles, you can have a prize for whoever finishes first. This gives everyone a little extra push to do their best.

Try choosing baby shower games that are timed. This is the ideal approach to keeping a tight schedule during the party. There are plenty of activities that have a definite beginning, middle and end. These baby shower games usually do require a timer to help them along.

A great baby shower to play for example is you could have the guests list as many songs that have the word "baby" in the title as they can. You want the activity to take about 10 minutes to complete from beginning to end. Consider the couple minutes it takes to give directions and pass out the pages when scheduling the baby shower games.

The guests have about 3 to 5 minutes to come up with as many songs as they can. The time is at your discretion but I do lean more towards 3 minutes unless there are a large number of guests. Baby shower games usually take a little longer to complete when there are more people playing.

Another really fun idea that many new moms particularly enjoy involves baby food. The host purchases several different types of baby food and places them each in small dishes. With a few plastic spoons for tasting, each guest must sample the infant delicacies and write down what they think it is. Before you play baby shower games that involve food be certain that no one is allergic to anything that is in the products. You certainly don't want to cause any discomfort to your guests during the baby shower games.

Finally the new mom is really the center of attention on this special day so why not devise a task just for her? One of the baby shower games that will put the expectant one on the spot is a dress the baby game. Here she will be blindfolded and given a plastic doll along with the various items one needs to dress an infant including a diaper, some booties and a Baby Blanket Then she's twirled around a couple of times and left to dress the baby, all while her eyes are covered. This may be embarrassing for the soon to be mom but it certainly entertains everyone at the shower including the new grandmas who may just decide upon seeing the results of the dress-up game that they need to play nanny for a few weeks after the delivery.

Some baby shower games can take more time no matter how many guests you have. Baby bingo is a great idea that requires nothing more than some pens, blotters or markers and papers with grids. Guests fill in the squares with presents that they believe the mom-to-be will receive.

As the gifts are opened, the guests mark off the items on their pages. The first one to get a "bingo" wins a prize. This is one of the longer baby shower games to play but it is a fun activity that will keep everyone occupied. You can also opt to have more than one winner for this activity.

Speaking of winners, baby shower games should also have prizes. The winning guests can choose from grab bags or the attendants can hand out presents as the baby shower games end.

Not only this, but a baby shower is also an opportunity to pamper the guest of honor. Once the new baby joins the family, it may take the new parents a considerable amount of time, money and effort indulge in greeting and partying with the baby showers guests. So, instead of burdening them further with more responsibilities. Why not treat them so something special?

Cristina
Find Baby Blankets for your next baby shower.

Make Your Own Baby Food

It is becoming more common for parents to make their own baby food. The rising number of recalls and outbreaks from store bought items can make anyone stop and think about this. Also, making your own can save on your grocery bill. Please note that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning solid foods between four to six months old, but many doctors suggest waiting until they are at least six months old.

The very first solid food that your little one should be introduced to is a single grain cereal, and breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of their nutrition. Once they are eating cereals well you can begin to offer different foods.

There are many simple and cost effective foods that you can start out with. Bananas, potatoes, peaches, sweet peas, and avocados are only a few of them you can try. As with any foods, always make sure you only introduce one new food every few days. This is especially true if your family has any history of food allergies. If you are only letting your little one have a new food every few days, it will make it much easier to spot any potential problems foods.

If your baby is at least six months old you can probably get away with mashing any of the foods with your fork to a consistency that is good for them. If they are younger, you can use a food processor or blender. There are gadgets on the market made specifically for mashing foods like this for babies. However, they can be expensive and difficult to clean out.

It can be very easy to incorporate your baby’s food from whatever it is you are already preparing for the rest of your family. If you are making steak and potatoes, simply take a small part of the potato and mash it up to the desired consistency. No extra effort, very little time, and you didn’t have to pay a dollar for a tiny serving of food. If you have some veggies included in your family’s dinner, why not set aside a small bit of them once soft, and mash them up? If you add salt or any kind of spices, be sure to take out your little one’s serving before doing so.

On the other hand, if you prefer to do things in advance, there is a multitude of ways to prepare weeks worth of baby food. One of the easiest methods is to prepare the foods that you choose, and then fill ice cube trays with them. You can simply put it in the freezer and take out a block each time you want to serve some to your little one.

Making your own baby food does not have to be time consuming or expensive; it can take as little time as you want (taking from the meal you are already preparing), or you can make an afternoon of it. Just be sure to watch them for any problem foods and not to introduce too many at a time.

For more Parenting Guide please visit our blog http://www.caringparent.org

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Wonderful Wheat Germ - An Ideal Ingredient For Your Baby's Food!

Would you believe me if I told you that there was a secret ingredient that you could add to your baby's food that would provide a massive nutritional boost? An incredibly healthy ingredient with such a subtle flavour that your baby wouldn't even notice it?

It sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?

Yet that secret ingredient DOES exist - and YOU can increase the nutritive value of many of your baby's meals by the simple addition of wheat germ.

Note: Before including wheat germ (which contains gluten), or any wheat products into your baby's diet, remember to check with your doctor.

What is wheat germ?

Nutritionally speaking, wheat germ is one of the most valuable products available. It is the smallest part of the whole grain, which is made up of 4 parts

• the husk (outer layer)
• the bran (a nutritious, high fibre part of the grain)
• the endosperm (the largest part of the grain, used in processed grain foods)
• the germ (the smallest part of the grain, packed with nutrients)

Why is wheat germ good for my baby?

The list of nutrients contained in wheat germ is impressive - in fact, wheat germ provides more nutrients per oz than any other grain or vegetable. By adding it to your baby's food, you are providing him with

• folic acid
• phosphorus (needed for healthy teeth and bones)
• fibre
• vitamin A
• vitamins B1 and B3
• vitamin B5 (otherwise known as pantothenic acid, which helps the body assimilate energy from food)
• vitamin E (which strengthens the immune system)
• protein (the protein content of wheat germ is actually higher than most meats)
• iron
• potassium
• riboflavin
• calcium
• magnesium
• zinc

Buying and storing wheat germ

You can buy wheat germ at health food stores and it is more commonly becoming available in leading supermarkets. It is sold in both fresh and toasted forms - fresh is best, if available.

You may notice on the packaging that you are advised to keep wheat germ in the refrigerator (fresh should be refrigerated immediately and toasted should be refrigerated once opened). This is important, as wheat germ contains fat and will spoil if stored incorrectly. To maintain freshness, always keep opened wheat germ in an airtight container.

Adding wheat germ to baby's food

Wheat germ has a very subtle, faintly sweet taste, meaning you can easily add it to both savoury and sweet baby food dishes. If your baby is a fussy eater and you are concerned that he is not receiving adequate nutrition from his solid food, then the addition of wheat germ ensures that he receives an extra dose of valuable nutrients with everything he eats. It can be included in virtually any dish...

• sprinkle some on baby's cereal, or fruit purees
• use it to top cooked veggies
• stir it into your baby's stews and casseroles or soups
• stir some into your baby's yogurt
• mix it with breadcrumbs when breading chicken, tofu etc for your baby
• use it as a "dusting" to coat slippery finger foods for your baby
• when baking for baby, use small amounts of wheat germ in place of equivalent amounts of flour

Do remember that wheat germ helps constipation, which means that giving your baby too much may have quite the opposite effect! Sprinkle a little over his meals and do not use wheat germ if your baby has diarrhea.

Christine Albury is the owner/editor of Homemade Baby Food Recipes - your guide to dealing with the many aspects of introducing solid foods to your baby.

Introducing Fish To Your Baby

If your baby has reached 1 year of age you have probably given him a variety of fruits, veggies, and meats, but not fish. Your doctor probably told you early on to stay away from fish if your baby is under one year. Fish is one of those no-no's before baby is one and that is why you don't see jarred fish foods in the commercial food aisles in the grocery stores.

The Nutritional Benefits of Eating Fish

If your baby is at least one year of age, it is safe to give your baby fish. Fish is highly nutritious because it contains the Omega-3 fatty acids that are important for brain development. That's why your mother told you to eat fish the night before a big exam to increase your brain power! Additionally, recent studies have shown that the Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce ADHD in children. Fish is also very high in protein and low in calories. Which is an excellent food choice.

What is Mercury and how will effect my child?

Many parents worry about the mercury levels that can be found in fish. For this reason, it is not recommended that fish be introduced to children under 1 year. What is Mercury? Mercury is a poisonous metal released in the air by industrial pollution which turns into methlymercury when it enters rivers and oceans. Methlymercury is found in the tissue and muscle of fish and can have damaging affects on young children and unborn children as well. Mercury affects the developing brain and nervous system. Babies who are exposed in utero may have trouble learning and concentration later in life.

How can you keep your child safe?

Young children and pregnant women should never eat swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, or shark, which all have the highest levels of methylmercury. Canned tuna should also be limited to three 3 ounce servings of "chunk light" tuna per month.

What kinds of Fish to introduce?

The best kinds of fish to introduce to your baby are Cod, Flounder, Sole, and Haddock because they pose a low allergy risk and are the easy to digest. Beware of any kinds of fish that contain bones. It is extremely important to be sure the entire fish in bone free before serving it to your baby. The bones can get stuck in your child's throat and cause him to choke. As a young girl, I have learned from experience, trust me! Always discuss introducing fish with your pediatrician first.

Can Fish be Pureed?

Sure! Feel free to puree fish as you would any other food. It may not be baby's favorite so feel free to add vegetables and fruits to your fish purees for a less "fishy" taste.

Visit http://www.oceansalive.org and click on "Eat Smart" for the best and worst seafood choices. You can also visit the Environmental Protection Agency at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish.

For Homemade Baby Food Fish Recipes visit http://www.myhomemadebabyfood.com

Tamika, "Tamilyn", Gardner is editor and owner of http://www.myhomemadebabyfood.com which a website that provides information about all the wonderful benefits of preparing baby food at home and great recipes for babies and toddlers.

Traveling with Homemade Baby Food

Traveling with Homemade Baby Food is easier than you may think. At the same time, it does take some pre-planning and calculation. Depending on where you are going, how long you are staying and what types of "creature comforts" will be available, you may not have to rely on a single ounce of commercial baby food.

A good hint that will help ease traveling with baby - with or without homemade baby food, is to try to serve some meals at room temperature. Serving meals at room temperature will allow your baby to become accustomed to food that is not "hot". By offering some meals at room temperature, you never have to worry about a meal being rejected because it is not heated! This will leave you free to plan your day trips and journeys without having to search for a microwave at every corner. Here are a few tips:

Storage and Packing: Take along a mini-cooler packed full of the food cubes you will need. This will require you to plot out how many cubes of each particular food you will feed to your baby during the given time frame you will be away from home. If you have been using the freezer bag storage method - simply take out each freezer bag of food cubes and arrange in the cooler with ice packs. As the cubes are already frozen, they should be able to withstand a journey of 6 hours with minimal thawing.

How Foods will Travel:

Baby Food Cubes do travel well and may be thawed/heated as you do at home if appliances are available OR may be thawed over a gas stove or camp fire via the submersion method. If using a camp stove or camp fire - warm a pot of water over the fire and place the number/types of food cubes needed into a container that will not melt and thaw the cubes. Be sure to keep a close watch on the cubes as they are thawing so as to avoid overheating!

Cereals will also travel well and you may either take your ground grains and cook as needed or take cereal that has been frozen in ice trays and prepare as usual.

Fruits are a bit tricky when taking along on a vacation. Unless they are already pureed and frozen into cubes, be sure to purchase fruits that are "almost" ripe. If you take along fully ripened fruits, you may find they will rot or go bad before you are able to use them.

Vegetables will travel well and if you will be preparing them during your stay, we recommend peeling, and if possible, cutting/dicing prior to leaving your home. Store them in an airtight freezer bag and if possible, fill the bag with some water to help maintain freshness.

Dairy/Eggs should be of the dry powdered kind, especially if you will be camping and won't have access to refrigeration. If you will have full refrigeration where you are going to be staying, purchase your needed dairy and eggs at your destination and point of stay.

Most Recommended Tools You May Need:

Manual Food Grinder will allow you to grind as you go! This is great for when you will be eating out in restaurants as well. You will be able to order fruits and veggies and grind them up fresh right there!

Extra Storage Containers/Freezer Bags for when you leave your quarters to go day-tripping. It is also good to have extras if you need to divide servings and save them for another feeding.

Whisk or Potato Masher in case you need to further mash or mix up foods to the right consistency.

If all of these Tips seem too overwhelming or cumbersome, don't hesitate to pack jars of commercial baby food and boxes of commercial cereal. If you decide to go this route, we suggest serving your baby some commercial baby foods a week or so prior to your journey. There are babies that will refuse to eat commercial baby foods, especially if they have been brought-up thus far on only homemade baby food. You do not have to use only commercial during this time, simply offer either a fruit or veggie or cereal for one meal along with your homemade baby food.

Happy Traveling!

Margaret Meade is the Editor of http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com and is the mother of 3 boys. The boys were raised on all Homemade Baby Food; and since Mommy had been studying nutrition for many years, she knew homemade was best! She sincerely hopes that babies and parents everywhere might benefit from the great experience of making Fresh, Wholesome, Homemade baby food! Visit http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com and find out how easy it is to make your own baby food. Once you begin, good healthy eating habits will automatically flow!

Caring For Your Baby's Teeth

Keeping your baby's teeth clean may not always be easy -- when he clamps his jaws shut, it can be difficult to persuade him to open them -- but it is very important.

Ideally, you should start cleaning your baby's mouth from birth, using a piece of damp gauze or a soft, damp washcloth to wipe any milk residue from his gums and teeth. It's a good idea to start this early, as it gives your baby time to get used to the whole routine and may make him less likely to object to having his teeth brushed later on!

Once his baby teeth start appearing, it's crucial to clean them carefully at least twice a day. The bacteria that live naturally in your baby's mouth turn the sugars (including natural sugars) from foods into acid. This acid may then attack the enamel of your baby's teeth.

The importance of your baby's first teeth

Although your baby will eventually lose his first teeth, don't be fooled into thinking that caring for them is any less important than caring for his permanent teeth later on.

• Baby teeth "reserve" a place for the permanent teeth to grow into. If a baby tooth is lost, the permanent teeth may shift, potentially leading to orthodontic problems later on.
• Babies need their milk teeth in order to learn to speak clearly and correctly.
• Baby teeth are needed for biting and chewing.
• The excessive loss of baby teeth due to decay can affect your child's confidence at pre-school level -- after all, we all want to look our best!

Choosing a toothbrush

Once your baby has his first tooth, it's time to buy an appropriate toothbrush. A long handled brush with a small head is best at first, as this design makes it easy to reach all parts of your baby's mouth quite easily. The brush should have soft, rounded filaments and should be replaced every 10-12 weeks, or as soon as the filaments start to splay.

Alternatively, you could use the type of infant toothbrush that fits over your finger and some babies do prefer this -- but beware if your baby is a biter, as they don't offer much protection to your vulnerable finger!

When your baby is older and wants to hold the brush himself, then buy him a chunkier-handled design, which will be easier for him to hold -- although you will still need to do the bulk of the brushing yourself!

Toothpaste and fluoride

You don't have to use toothpaste to clean your baby's teeth -- the action of brushing is the most important factor in keeping them clean. If you do use toothpaste, then choose one specifically designed for infants -- these usually contain very little fluoride. The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry actually recommends that babies under the age of 2 should receive NO fluoride at all.

Although fluoride can help strengthen the enamel of the teeth, too much of it can lead to fluorosis - a condition which can cause white spots to appear on the permanent teeth. Young babies tend to swallow toothpaste rather than spit it out -- if you use an adult toothpaste, then they will be swallowing too much fluoride.

Speak to your child's dentist for more information about the fluoride requirements for your child.

For further information, see How Much Fluoride Is Enough?

Tips for brushing baby's teeth

• If your baby is reluctant to open his mouth, try putting a brush in your own mouth -- babies love to copy whatever Mum's doing!
• Try singing a musical scale with your mouth wide open (no-one's looking!) He may try to copy the singing -- or he may laugh -- but either way, he'll open his mouth!
• Sit your baby in whatever position works best for you -- standing or sitting behind your baby as he looks up is a great position, because it enables you to reach all parts of his mouth very easily.
• Be gentle -- firm brushing isn't necessary at this stage and can put your baby off the whole experience.

Visiting the dentist

So when should your baby pay his first visit to the dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and many other dental authorities worldwide, you should take him for a dental check-up at some point during his first year.

This gives your baby's dentist the opportunity to identify potential problems at an early stage and also to establish a good prevention program. It also gets your baby accustomed to the routine of dental visits and can help ensure he is calm on future visits.

Tips to keep your baby's teeth healthy

• Avoid giving your baby juice. Nearly 90% of infants in the US are drinking juice before their first birthday. Yet whole fruit is nutritionally superior to fruit juice and contains dietary fiber, which juice lacks. Giving water to your baby is the healthiest option when he needs additional fluids.
• If you do give your baby fruit juice, then make sure he drinks it from a sippy cup, not a bottle. Drinking juice from a bottle causes it to "pool" around your baby's teeth and puts him at a very high risk of dental decay.
• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. The lactose in milk can react with the bacteria in your baby's mouth, forming the acids that attack tooth enamel.
• Do not dip your baby's dummy/pacifier into any sweet substance.
• Do not add sugar to your baby's food. (NEVER use honey as a sweetener for babies less than 1 year of age -- honey may contain botulism spores, which can be fatal to a young baby).
• Ensure that baby's teeth get an extra good clean at bedtime! During the night, his natural production of saliva decreases, so its rinsing action diminishes too. This means that any harmful bacteria in the mouth are able to settle on the teeth more easily.
• If your baby is receiving oral medication, give it to him before you brush his teeth, not afterwards. Almost all oral medications for infants contain sucrose.

Christine Albury is a mother of four and the author of Homemade Baby Food Recipes - your complete guide to solid feeding during baby's first year. Christine writes for many other parenting sites and a regional UK magazine. Homemade Baby Food Recipes, which was recently featured by the BBC, includes a very active blog - keeping parents up to date with all important baby food news - plus a free monthly newsletter.

How To Get Your Baby To Eat Vegetables

Vegetables contain so many vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary to good health that it's important to ensure your baby is eating enough of them. Understandably, then, many parents become concerned when their little ones refuse to eat vegetables at all!

When starting solids, it's a good idea to try introducing veggies before fruits -- the thinking behind this is that babies will be less happy to accept vegetables after experiencing the sweetness of fruits. Despite this, though, some babies just don't seem to particularly enjoy vegetables -- so here are some ideas to help incorporate these nutritious foods into his diet:

• Try cooking your baby's vegetables in homemade beef stock or chicken stock instead of water (avoid commercial stocks, which are too salty for use in baby food preparation). This is a popular solution that works well for many parents.
• Try stirring some pureed veggies into pureed fruit. It sounds awful, but actually tastes pretty good -- babies have no idea which foods should "go" together, so you'll be surprised by what they enjoy!
• Top a dish of cooked veggies, whether pureed or cut-up, with grated cheese. A subtle difference, but one that many babies appreciate! Alternatively, serve veggie pieces with a cheese dip.
• Add pureed veggies to your baby's favourite soup or pasta sauce -- he won't even realize he's consuming all those wonderful vitamins!
• For older babies, add grated squash, pumpkin or carrots to your homemade muffins.
• At mealtimes, offer your baby a plate of cooked vegetables to feed himself at the beginning of the meal (if he is developmentally ready for finger foods). This is when he will be most hungry... and therefore most likely to try them.
• If you are making mashed potatoes for your baby, use sweet potatoes instead of white ones -- they are highly nutritious and a great source of beta-carotene.
• Don't overcook your veggies! As well as losing their texture, vegetables lose their goodness AND their colour when cooked to a mush. If you want your baby to enjoy vegetables, they need to be appetising and visually enticing, too!
• Set a good example by eating plenty of veggies yourself -- eat them in front of your baby, with exaggerated enjoyment... and your baby might just copy you!

Christine Albury is a mother of four and the author of Homemade Baby Food Recipes - your complete guide to solid feeding during baby's first year.

Christine has written for many other parenting sites and a regional UK magazine. Homemade Baby Food Recipes, which was recently featured by the BBC, includes a very active blog - keeping parents up to date with all important baby food news - plus a free monthly newsletter.

Baby Do's and Don'ts

New parents are filled with elation when they meet their baby. The elation is quickly coupled with fear as they second guess their ability to take care of such a tiny person. Following are a few tips for things to do and things not to do with babies.

DO:

• Do breastfeed your baby exclusively, if breastfeeding. The AAP recommends breastfeeding for the first 6 months or longer.
• Do select an iron-fortified infant formula if your baby will be formula-fed.
• Do have your baby sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Do respond to your baby when he or she cries. Holding and soothing your baby will not spoil them!
• Do support your baby’s head and neck when picking him or her up to avoid injury.
• Do provide an environment with a lot of social interaction. This includes eye contact, talking, listening and touching. Loving touches builds your baby’s sense of trust.
• Do talk frequently to your baby to help develop and refine auditory skills.
• Do repeat your baby’s babbling and sounds back to them to encourage them to continue.
• Do teach independence. Encourage your baby to do things for himself or herself. Only help if he or she shows frustration or asks for help.
• Do introduce new foods at the rate of one per week, so you can pinpoint any allergies.
• Do make sure your child has accepted most vegetables and fruits before trying any meats.
• Do discard unfinished jars of baby food since bacteria forms quickly.
• Do steam or microwave vegetables to retain vitamins and minerals as opposed to boiling.

DON’T:

• Don’t feed your baby juice or water to pacify them. If you think they are thirsty, feed them.
• Don’t feed your baby low iron formulas, homemade formulas, cow or goat milk as a substitute to iron-fortified formula.
• Don’t shake your baby! This can cause Shaken Baby Syndrome resulting in severe head injuries, brain damage or death.
• Don’t expect your baby to sleep through the night (for at least 6 hours) until they are about 4 months old.
• Don’t leave your baby unattended in a situation where he or she could fall, such as by rolling off a couch or a changing table.
• Don’t allow stuffed animals and pillows in your baby’s crib during their first year. These items might provide a choking hazard, especially those that are less than four months old.
• Don’t start your baby on solid foods before 4 months of age, especially if allergies fun in the family.
• Don’t let your child take a sippy cup of juice or milk to bed. The sugars left in their mouth overnight can cause tooth decay.
• Don’t feed your baby formula or food heated in a microwave until you have checked the temperature of the heated formula or food.
• Don’t feed pasteurized cow's milk before 9 to 12 months of age.
• Don't feed nuts, raisins, popcorn, raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits or peanut butter to children under the age of 2.
• Don't give honey to children less than 12 months old due to potential contraction of botulism.
• Don't feed your baby beets, spinach, collards or turnip greens until he or she is 12 months old due to high concentrations of naturally-occurring nitrates which could reduce your baby's hemoglobin.
• Don't add salt, sugar or strong spices to homemade baby foods. If you are using part of the family meal for your baby, remove the baby’s portion before seasoning food for the rest of the family.
• Don't use cookies to pacify a fussy baby.
• Don't use canned vegetables as they are loaded with sodium and additives. Frozen vegetables tend to have little or no sodium.
• Don't give highly acidic fruits, such as oranges, tangerines and pineapples, to babies less than 12 months old since the acid can be harsh on an immature digestive system.
• Don't feed egg whites to babies less than 12 months old due to a potential allergic reaction. Cooked egg yolks are fine.
• Don't force-feed your baby. Start with one or two spoonfuls and let your baby guide you.
• Don't limit your child's fat intake during the first two years. Fats are necessary to development.

Hilary Basile is a writer for http://www.myguidesusa.com The MyGuidesUSA.com network of sites is the ultimate guide to the USA. Individual portals offer valuable tips and resources for dealing with life’s major events. Find parenting tips and resources at http://www.myguidesusa.com/becomingaparent

Try Avocado as a Great First Food for Baby!

Pediatricians continue to acknowledge that babies do not always need to start solid foods with bland and pasty infant cereals. Many suggest the goodness of avocado as a first food for baby. It is said that an avocado is so packed with nutrients that it is the only single food that a human could survive on if lost in the jungle!

Babies need carbohydrates, and fats as well as proteins for their growth during the crucial first year and avocados deliver these essential nutrients and many more! An avocado is smooth and creamy when mashed - a perfect food that will be more readily accepted as baby begins solids. A wonderful "good fat" food for baby's brain and physical development, try an avocado as baby's first food instead of refined cereals! Avocado may be offered as early as 4 - 6 months old! As you begin to introduce a wide variety of foods, you will find that mashing an avocado and mixing with applesauce, peaches or pears, bananas and even yogurt make a wonderful meal or snack.

Do you doubt the goodness of avocado? Have a look at the nutrients in one medium avocado:

VITAMINS: (one medium)

Vitamin A - 1230 IU

Vitamin C - 15.9 mg

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .2 mg

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .25 mg

Niacin - 3.9 mg

Folate - 124.6 mg

Pantothenic Acid - 1.95 mg

Vitamin B6 - .56 mg

Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

MINERALS: (one medium)

Potassium - 1204 mg

Phosphorus - 82.4 mg

Magnesium - 78.4 mg

Calcium - 22 mg

Sodium - 20 mg

Iron - 2 mg

Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc. USDA-NAL source

"Sodium- and cholesterol- free, avocados contain valuable nutrients including 8% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for folate; 4% DV for fiber and potassium, 4% DV for vitamin E; and 2% DV for iron. A serving of avocado also contains 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Per serving, avocados have 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain. "California Fresh Avocados

Avocados are high in fat and calories and we are often told to stay away from them due to this. A medium size avocado contains approximately 700 calories and up to 30 grams of fat - WOW! While avocados are indeed full of fat, infants should not be on a "low fat" diet so disregard any advice to not feed avocados because they are high in fats! If you have any doubts, as always we recommend you consult your pediatrician. The benefits of avocados far outweigh the "risks". Avocados contain monounsaturated fats which are said to lower "bad" cholesterol and also aid in maintaining a healthy heart. Also high in fiber, avocados are great aids in reducing the risks of cancer and heart attack.

Just how does one select the perfect avocado for baby's first solid food? When selecting an Avocado, you want a dark green color with bumpy texture. The fruit should be firm yet yielding when gently pushed. When an avocado is sliced in half, the flesh color should be a green that gently transforms into a buttery yellow around the pit. Avocados are served fresh from their peels! There is no need to cook avocados for baby or adult! Give an avocado a gentle roll around your counter to help separate the meat from the shell before you slice!

If you want to freeze avocados, I suggest peeling and piting then freezing avocados in slices. You may then take out a slice, mash it up and then serve at room temperature. You can also create a bath of:

• 1/2 cup water and * 2 squeezes-drips of lemon juice
• Bathing the slices in mixture will help to retard browning.

**Don't feed citrus or acidic fruits to a baby before 1 yr esp. if your baby gets rashy from other foods! Using a drip or 2 of lemon juice in a puree or to bathe several avocado slices is not the same as pureeing up a few orange slices and serving them!**

Enjoy some simple avocado baby food "recipes":

Mashed Avocado

(4)6-8 months old

Peel and pit a ripe avocado

Cut "meat" out and mash with a fork

There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked.

Banana-Cado (4)6-8 months old

Peel and pit a ripe avocado

Cut "meat" out and mash with a fork

Peel and mash 1 banana

Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved.

Avocados and Bananas do not need to be cooked.

Guacamole for Baby 8 months (due to wheat germ & Cheerios)

1 ripe avocado

wheat germ or crushed cheerios (optional)

pinch of garlic powder, pepper & basil

Peel and pit a ripe avocado and cut "meat" out and mash with a fork. Mix avocado, wheat germ/cheerios and spice then blend.

Fold in plain whole milk yogurt until a texture good for your baby is achieved. Allow baby to dip toast, soft cooked veggies or even her own fingers in the guac. for a yummy meal accompaniment.

Avocado & Cream Cheese Delight 8months

Prepare avocado as shown above then blend with Cream Cheese until a semi-smooth mixture is formed.

Add wheat germ or crushed cheerios and shape into little balls or spread on toast or crackers or blend with cereals.

Avocado Fruit Salad

6-8 months

3 or 4 ripe avocados

3 or 4 ripe bananas

3 or 4 Pears (steamed)

A couple of dollops Yogurt (for 8 months +)

Peel, deseed and slice fruits as needed.

Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved

Add a couple of dollops of Yogurt if desired

*Use diced fruits as a Baby Finger Food snack for older infants and toddlers - drizzle the Plain Yogurt over the fruits.

Here are a few great foods to mix with avocados for baby:

Bananas

Pears

Apples

Summer Squash - Zucchini, Yellow (Crooked Neck)

Chicken

Yogurt

Always consult your baby's pediatrician prior to introducing solid foods. Generalities may not apply to your baby's particular circumstances!

Margaret Meade is a WAHM and is the mother of 3 boys. Currently the Editor/Owner of http://www.WholesomeBabyFood.com and http://www.WholesomeToddlerFood.com, she enjoys the opportunity to help parents and caregivers start their children on good healthy eating habits! Nutrition, journalism and IT are her very diverse backgrounds; enabling the ease of writing infant and toddler nutrition articles and websites. Here's to happy and healthy eating!

Tripling the Fun with Baby Shower Games

A baby shower is not usually organized by the mother or father-to-be, but by their close friends or family members. These parties are designed to make the prospective parents feel that the people closest to them are celebrating their good fortune and are happy about the coming addition to the family. Parties like these are usually fun and full of good will, but they can be even more enlivened with baby shower games. These games provide more laughs and smiles, and they can be instrumental in bringing friends and families closer for an auspicious event – the coming of a baby.

A baby shower can have guests from a few couples to several dozen. Sometimes the larger the party is, the greater the chance that the guests do not know one another. People from all walks of life may find themselves in one room together for a few hours for the party: from Dad’s colleagues at work to Mom’s high school gang. Baby shower games are a great way to break the so-called ice, make the guests feel more comfortable with one another and remind them that they are present for a common cause: to celebrate the coming of a baby, the child of their friend or relative.

Organizers of baby shower party games should remember to keep activities short and simple. Games that are too complicated will not achieve the desired goal of letting the participants feel at ease with one another. Also, having complicated activities runs the risk of breeding boredom or resentment, either of which could cause guests to make a beeline for the door – something that the parents-to-be will not appreciate. So what party games would be ideal for a baby shower?

If you’re the party organizer, you would not want for game ideas; there are literally hundreds of suggestions and tips offered on web sites. Arguably, the most popular game would be the “Baby Food Game.” Participants are required to guess the name of the content of baby food jars whose labels have been removed. Variations of this game include placing the jar’s contents in a diaper and having the guests identify the baby food in the diaper, or having a guest describe a kind of baby food in unattractive ways (such as “mashed monkey food” for “banana”) and getting other game participants to guess the food being described.

Another example of baby shower games that is guaranteed to bring on the guffaws and jibes is the “Who Am I?” game. This activity needs a bit more preparation, but it may well be worth it. Basically, what this game entails is to show baby pictures of guests and game participants do their best to guess the identity of the person in the baby picture. An easier variant of this game would be to have the emcee announce something about the character trait of a guest, and have other people guess who he or she is referring to. For instance, the host can say something like, “When this person was a child, he or she always drew on the walls with crayons. It’s not a surprise then that he or she is now an artist.”

Another example of fun party games for baby showers is something called “What Am I Drinking?” Participants are blindfolded and asked to drink from baby’s bottles. All they have to do is identify what they’re drinking. The one with the greatest number of correct guesses wins the game. Another great guessing game would be “What’s in the Bag?” As the name of the game implies, participants are asked to name the contents of a bag and the person who gets the highest number of correct guesses wins.

It would be even more fun if prizes are awarded to game winners. But organizers of baby shower games shouldn’t think that they have to give expensive prizes or awards. Remember that these party games are all in good fun; games with too high a stake might just foster unnecessary feelings of competitiveness. Token awards are ideal, such as pens, candles, foodstuff, or perhaps a kiss or hug from the mother or father-to-be? That would certainly bring on lots of cheers and good-natured laughter.

Organizers should also remember to keep the number of baby shower games in moderation. Don’t plan ten games for a two-hour party; two or three games will suffice, and spare enough time for eating, chit-chat, and gift-opening. Planned and done right, these party games will make any baby shower an affair to remember.

Your-babyshower.com provides you with information on all kinds of babyshower related issues like baby shower games, invitations, gifts, cakes and more. Come take a look at http://www.your-babyshower.com/

Baby's First Foods - A Straightforward Guide To Starting Solids

Introducing your baby to solid foods is exciting and rewarding - but it can be difficult to know exactly how and when to get started.

Your baby should be four months of age at the very least -- before this, his immature digestive system will find it difficult to cope with solid food. Most medical professionals, however, will advise waiting until your baby is at least six months of age, to reduce the risk of food allergies.

Your baby's age is not the only consideration and there are other factors to take into account when determining whether or not the time is right for baby's first foods.

Look for signs of readiness in your baby -- does he watch you with interest when you eat, following the progress of your food from plate to mouth? This increased interest in solid food can indicate that he's ready to try it for himself.

Does your baby seem dissatisfied after his usual milk feeds, or is he waking at night after previously sleeping through? Although these may be signs of an increase in his appetite, they can also be triggered by discomfort from teething. It is important to try to establish whether or not teething is the cause, to avoid introducing solid foods before your baby really needs them.

Your baby should have good head control and be able to sit well, as this makes swallowing easier. Younger babies may not be able to sit unsupported, however, so it is very important to provide the appropriate support if this is the case.

The decision to introduce solid foods to your baby must ultimately be made by you and your child's doctor. You may feel pressured by other people -- particularly the older generation -- to give solid foods to your baby earlier than medical advice recommends. It is important to remember that a great deal of research has been carried out in order to provide this advice and such information simply wasn't available in the past.

So what is the best first food for baby?

Baby rice, an easily digestible, single grain cereal, is the ideal food to start with. It can be mixed with warmed breastmilk or formula, so its taste will be familiar to your baby. Initially, you can mix it to a fairly runny consistency that your baby will find easy to cope with, thickening the texture slightly with each subsequent feed.

About a tablespoon of baby rice is the perfect amount to start with. Try giving this first solid feed around lunch time, but take the edge off your baby's appetite by giving him some of his usual milk feed before the baby rice. If he is too hungry, he will be frustrated and distressed.

He will respond well to supportive gestures and smiles, so stay relaxed and don't worry if he pushes the food back out of his mouth! Most babies do this instinctively at first and this "tongue-thrust" reflex will subside as he becomes accustomed to the new and unusual textures he is experiencing.

If he does not seem interested, simply take the food away and try again the next day, or a few days later. You should not try to force him to eat, as this is traumatic for him and will only make things more difficult. After all, there is no rush -- at this stage, breastmilk or formula is meeting all of his nutritional needs.

Once your baby is comfortably enjoying baby rice, then try introducing pureed, fresh vegetables. It is worth noting that some babies do not like baby rice at all and begin by eating vegetables straight away.

Introduce only one new vegetable at a time, leaving four days between each new food. This will help you identify any foods that cause an allergic reaction or trigger digestive problems in your baby.

Some good vegetables to introduce as baby's first foods are butternut squash, sweet potato, carrots, swede (or rutabaga) and white potatoes. These can be boiled or steamed, then pureed. Alternatively, sweet potatoes can be baked in their skins, then the soft flesh scooped out, ready to serve -- instant, healthy baby food!

You can try combining different vegetables for some delicious new flavours -- examples include parsnips with green beans, sweet potato and squash and swede (or rutabaga) and carrots. The possibilities are endless!

Once your baby is enjoying vegetables, you can add fruits to the menu. Good choices include pureed banana, avocado and cooked, pureed apples and pears. Citrus fruits should be avoided for the first year, as they can trigger allergic reactions.

For something really different, try combining fruits and vegetables, such as apples with carrots, or bananas with sweet potato, for some unusual but tempting new flavours.

Follow your baby's lead and increase the amount and frequency of his meals as his appetite dictates. Always watch carefully for any signs of allergic reactions and discuss any concerns with a medical professional.

Above all, have fun introducing baby's first foods -- by selecting and preparing these fresh and wholesome ingredients, you are getting him off to a wonderfully healthy start.

Christine Albury is the author of http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com, helping you become head chef for a very special little customer.

For more information on introducing baby's first foods, visit Introducing Solids