Baby Feeding

For new parents, learning how to feed your new baby may seem overwhelming at times. Even for experienced parents, feeding issues can be challenging because each child is different. It is very important when reading any advice to keep in mind that your little one is unique and what works for one child may not be best for your child. It is also best to always discuss feeding issues with your baby’s pediatrician, as he or she is best suited to help you with feeding matters.

Breast Feeding Your Baby

New mothers have to make the personal decision to either feed their baby formula or breast milk. Breastfeeding has phased in and out of popularity throughout the years based on the ever changing lifestyles of mothers and families. When choosing whether or not to nurse your new baby, consider the pros and cons of breastfeeding regarding your the needs of your baby and yourself.

The pitfalls of breastfeeding occur during the days and weeks after the birth of your baby. During this time, some mothers struggle with getting their baby to latch, discomfort during feedings and keeping up with the demanding schedule of nursing. Due to these challenges, some women don’t make it past the early stages of breastfeeding. By finding ways to overcome these obstacles, you can continue nursing your newborn and eventually feel very comfortable with the process.

While still in the hospital, lactation consultants can assist you in finding a comfortable latch for you and your baby. For new mothers who still can’t get their babies to latch, lactation consultants show them proper holding techniques and even offer rubber nipple shields that facilitate the latching process for babies. The nurses at the hospital will also give you pain medication to relieve the uterine and nipple pain associated with nursing.

Breastfeeding gives new mothers the opportunity to spend quality time bonding with their new babies. Immediately after the birth of your baby, nursing provides skin-to-skin contact, giving him feelings of warmth, comfort and security. If you commit to… Read the rest

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Baby Feeding

When you think of feeding your baby, you are likely thinking of two things: healthy food and convenience. One of the biggest trends in baby foods in the past few years has been the ready availability of organic baby foods. Just 10 years ago these were a specialty item that could be hard to find. Today, every major baby food company has an organic line, and some companies make nothing but organic baby foods.

Buying the organic foods mean less exposure to pesticides for babies. Studies have shown that pesticides have a heavier impact on children than they do adults, making many parents concerned about the long-term damage of pesticides. With organic foods, there is one less worry for new parents who likely have plenty of worries about their new bundle of joy.

Meals and Convenience

One of the reasons that those little glass baby food jars have remained so popular over the decades is that they are incredibly convenient to use. Just pop a few into your diaper bag and you have a few meals ready just in case they are needed.

One way to make sure that you are always ready for a feeding on the go is to use a travel baby spoon case in your diaper bag. These hold two or three travel spoons, depending on the design, and keep them clean and ready for use. With a case, your spoons are also easier to find in your bag.

When at home, popping open a jar… Read the rest

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Baby Food Myths

When it comes to your baby, we don’t need to tell you that you’re going to do whatever you can to make sure that they’re eating a healthy diet, one that is safe, and one that can help them to grow up big and strong. And so, it’s only natural that you’re going to be skeptical of most of the advice that comes your way, and that you’re probably going to double-check every tidbit you receive.

Don’t resist that. Being skeptical is something that makes you a good parent. There are limits, of course, and some parents you’ll meet are simply distrustful of literally everything and anything, whether or not it’s backed up by facts and solid research. The important thing when raising your first child, though, is that you think with your brain, and not your heart. When it comes to what’s best for your child, you have to know. Having a “feeling” that this or that is best simply isn’t enough, you need to know.

What you need to look for, when deciding on baby food and formula, is good, solid facts. Logical facts are the only thing that you really have to go on when determining what your baby needs and at what stage, and you’re going to want to lean them as much as possible. You can cross-reference these if you like, but these are three myths about baby food, formula and feeding that have got to go:

Myth 1: Breastfeeding in Public is Illegal

In… Read the rest

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Baby Bibs

  Everything is wonderful when the new baby comes home. Life could not be more perfect than it is at that point. That feeling of euphoria soon comes to an end when the baby spits up, becomes colicky and ceases to smell like baby shampoo. Babies are wonderful little beings that fill our lives with joy and with that joy comes many stress factors. Trying to keep baby’s clothes clean should not be an additional stress factor. That is where baby bibs come into play.

Parents are busy trying to make sure that baby has everything he or she needs throughout the day. Among the many chores that ultimately accompany new parenthood are changing diapers, feeding and calming the baby. Baby bibs come in handy during every feeding, but that is not the only time things can get messy with the baby. Baby bibs can be worn throughout the day to avoid several issues that can arise.

The problem that some parents have with using them is that baby bibs tend to cover up that “cute outfit”. When parents disregard the baby bib facts, opting to show off the cute clothing underneath, they also invite other problems into the scenario. The main reason to use baby bibs is to keep stains off clothing. Stains from baby formula, mother’s milk and, later, solid foods are difficult to remove from clothing. Once the clothing is stained, it may have to be discarded, costing parents the price of new clothing.

Baby bibs come… Read the rest

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Baby Bottle

   If you have decided to bottle feed your baby, you may be overwhelmed by the number of bottles available. Do you choose a bent or straight bottle? Do you want a bottle with a liner or without? Do you want a glass bottle or plastic bottle? How do you choose a bottle or bottle system for your baby?

Many people choose a bottle based upon recommendations from their family and friends. This is a good way to make a choice, but keep in mind that your baby may not like the same bottle that your friend’s baby liked. In fact, if you bottle feed all of your babies, you still may need different types of bottles because each of your children might like a different type of nipple. For this reason, it is best to not purchase a lot of bottle supplies initially. For example, you may have purchased a nice bottle system only to discover that your baby really likes the style of bottle used at the hospital. In that case, you may decide to purchase bottles that are similar for use at home.

Even if you are breastfeeding, you may want to train your baby to take a bottle. This is helpful if you need to go back to work, as your baby will be adjusted to drinking from a bottle as well as breastfeeding. In this case, you will want to find a system that is designed to be used by breastfeeding mothers. If you have… Read the rest

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Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding is one of the best gifts you can give to your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby’s life. They also recommend that breastfeeding continues until at least your baby’s first birthday.

Breast milk is nutritionally rich. It is perfect balance of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. One fascinating aspect of breast milk is that it contains leukocytes. Leukocytes are living cells that are found exclusively in breast milk. They help fight infection to keep your little one healthy. Your milk contains the exact balance of antibodies and nutrients that your baby needs. As your baby grows, your breast milk will adapt to meet your baby’s changing nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding also has health benefits for you, the mom. Breastfeeding reduces your risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. It also has long-term health benefits. By breastfeeding, you reduce your risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer. Breastfeeding moms also lose their baby weight more quickly.

Breastfeeding is natural, but that does not necessarily mean that it is easy. Let’s discuss some tips to help make your breastfeeding relationship a success.

To get off to a great start, nurse your baby as soon as possible after birth. In many instances, you and your baby can experience your first nursing session just minutes after delivery. Many hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff. Your lactation consultant can be an invaluable source of nursing information and encouragement. She can help assure that… Read the rest

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What to feed your baby

Starting Baby On Solid Foods

At about the age of four months, you may notice your little one starting to pay very close attention to you as you eat. Sometimes, babies will have such a look of longing, staring raptly as your fork moves from your plate to your mouth, that it may make you feel as though you are starving the poor little one. This behavior is completely natural, however, and is part of your baby preparing to eat solid foods.

When To Start Feeding Solids?

Opinions vary on this, but the absolute minimum age your baby should be is four months old. Their digestive systems just have not developed enough to handle solid foods before then. Many experts suggest waiting until six months old to introduce solids, but you can follow your baby’s cues and let them have little tastes after four months if they act ready. Let your baby lead the way when it is time to try solids – rushing too fast can cause digestive troubles and possibly cause your baby to react negatively to feeding.

What Should I Feed My Baby?

The first solids you introduce to your baby should be very simple and easy to digest. Typical starter foods are baby cereals such as rice, oats and barley, or simple one-ingredient baby foods such as sweet potatoes, peas or carrots. If you plan to feed commercial baby foods, look for foods marked Stage 1 to guide you in your decision.

You can also… Read the rest

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Nursing Pillows

  A comfortable nursing pillow can make feeding time a joy for both you and your baby. Feeding your baby is hard work. Holding a squirming seven-pound baby in your arms for twenty minutes, eight times a day can lead to aching arms, a stiff neck, migraines and sore nipples. A nursing pillow helps eliminate this discomfort by supporting your baby at breast level so that she can latch on properly and successfully nurse. The additional support a nursing pillow provides allows you to maintain better posture during breast or bottle feedings so you will be more comfortable, as well.

Nursing pillows come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. You will want to find the one that is best for you. There are two basic shapes available: a “C” shape meant to wrap around your waist, and a square or rectangular shape meant to rest on your lap. Nursing pillows also come in a variety of sizes from the small circular ones which wrap around your waist, to long tubes which can be used as a maternity pillow prior to your baby’s birth.

The filling material determines the pillow’s firmness and ability to support your baby. Pillows with polyester filling offer less support but conform to your baby easier than the pillows filled with foam.

Nursing pillow covers can be removed for washing and come in a variety of colors and styles. Be safe and choose a nursing pillow cover with no zippers to catch on your baby’s delicate skin… Read the rest

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Baby Formula

Baby formula is designed to either replace or supplement breast feeding, if the mother has chosen to not breastfeed full time. While many mothers worry about which brand or formula is the best, it really all comes down to personal preference. All infant formulas must be inspected and passed by the FDA to ensure complete and total nutrition. This means the every brand and every formula has been proven to supply all the necessary nutrients and vitamins a growing infant needs to thrive.

The difference between baby formulas comes into play when you start examining the additional ingredients used in any formula. Some will offer extra vitamins, like DHA or even probiotics in their formulas. Some are processed differently, and some are sold as either powder or premixed liquid.

Some children suffer from gas or constipation while on a full formula diet. This can often be cleared up by switching the child’s formula. Every baby responds differently to certain ingredients. If your baby was born premature or with immune or other health issues, there may be a particular type of formula their pediatrician recommends. It is very important in this situation to do as the doctor says.

If you are worried about, or having problems with affording your baby’s formula, there are programs available to help you that your pediatrician can tell you about. These programs include the WIC program, which offers food vouchers for expecting and new mothers that covers the cost of baby formula, milk, cheese, and… Read the rest

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Baby Bottles

One of the choices you may be trying to make for your future baby is which kind of baby bottles you will use. Is there really a difference in brands or types?

A good bottle can help prevent gas for a little one with a sensitive stomach. For newborns, smaller bottles are the best option. You will not want to reuse the milk and only filling a bottle part of the way allows more air to get in their stomach. Whether you are using formula or a breast pump will also determine the kind of bottle to buy. Some are designed to work with a pump to make the job easier.

You can also buy bottles with disposable liners which help prevent air in the bottle and are thrown away once used. The problem with this kind is that it can get expensive to continually replace the liners.

Another concern of many parents today is the chemicals contained in plastic bottles that may leak into the liquids. However, parents still like the convenience and safety of using plastic. Many stores carry BPA-free plastic bottles to protect your baby from the dangers of chemicals.

Along with choosing a bottle, you have to consider the nipple. Some of them are softer and feel more like the breast. Others are firmer and completely round, while still others are designed to feel like a pacifier. If your baby is using a pacifier, this might be a good option.

Some babies are picky about… Read the rest

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