Baby Food Recipes, News and Information

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Celeriac may look like a strange, bumpy brown object, but it is actually a very tasty vegetable - so why not develop your baby's palate and try including some celeraic in his next meal?

Celeriac - also known as celery root, knob celery and turnip-rooted celery - is very rich in vitamin C and is also a great source of iron and calcium. It is the root of a plant similar to celery, although it tastes sweeter and milder than celery.

When buying celeriac for your baby, look for one that seems heavy for its size, with no bruises on the skin. Small is best... larger roots are overgrown and can be woody in texture. When you're ready to cook the celeriac, wash it under running water, cut it into quarters and peel off the brown skin.

How to cook celeriac for your baby

• add it to your baby stews and casseroles
• boil it, then mash it with white potatoes to give them a unique flavour your baby will love
• cut it into chunks and roast it alongside other vegetables, then mash well or puree for younger babies
• use it in vegetable soups for your baby

NOTE: As with all foods, celeriac should be introduced separately to your baby, or with foods that your baby is already safely eating, to ensure that it does not provoke an allergic reaction. It is not recommended as a first food and is best introduced when your baby is already enjoying a wide range of other vegetables.

Simple celeriac baby food recipe - celeriac and apple mash

1 small celeriac, peeled and chopped
milk (you can use formula/breast milk)
1/2 apple, peeled and sliced
2oz cooked rice

Simmer the celeriac and the apple in a little water until tender.
Drain, then place in a bowl with the cooked rice and mash together.
Stir in enough warm milk to achieve the perfect consistency for your baby. For younger babies, you can puree the mixture, adding more milk as necessary.

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December 12, 2006 13:37 - Could Your Baby's Toys Harm His Hearing?

For many of us busy shopping for suitable Christmas toys for our little ones, results of tests carried out by the Ear Institute at University College (London UK) make interesting reading.

As this BBC report shows, 14 out of 15 toys tested made noises which were above 85 decibels (the recommended safety limit) when held close to the ear. The charity Deafness Research UK warns that these toys could actually damage a child's hearing.

Researcher Dr Brad Backus said that, whilst these toys do have the potential to cause harm, they should be safe if used sensibly. This means that children shouldn't use these toys for too long (no more than one hour a day), nor should they place them too close to their ears.

If you have older children, you may be interested to know that the main culprits were toy guns - but, worryingly, some toys mentioned in the BBC news report - including the VTech Pop Up Surprise Ball and the Fisher Price Dance Baby Dance Buildin Band - are intended for babies.

As the report suggests, these toys are probably fine when used safely - but it would be a good idea to keep a close eye on your baby when he's playing with them - or maybe even to avoid buying them in the first place.

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December 13, 2006 14:26 - Nestle Infant Formula - FDA Warning

The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) has warned Nestle S.A. (NSRGY) that a sample of its Good Start infant formula did not contain enough calcium and phosphorus to meet minimum nutrition standards.

In May, a sample of Nestle brand Good Start Infant Formula with Iron was tested. According to the FDA, the sample was just short of the required amounts of calcium and phosphorus and contained less than stated on the label.

Nestle is now required to let the FDA know of the steps it plans to take to correct the problem, which puts it in violation of federal regulations.

Source: http://www.marketwatch.com

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December 13, 2006 17:00 - Recall Of Brio Rattles

BRIO is voluntarily recalling its bell rattles, as they pose a choking hazard to young children.

It has been found that the bell can break into small pieces, although no injuries have yet been reported.

The rattles (pictured below) are made of wood and have 6 slats connecting the 2 round ends. The metal bell is contained inside the slats and the rattle has the name BRIO on one side. The rattles were sold nationwide via mail order, online and through specialty toy stores from February 2005 through April 2006, for around $5.

If you have one of these toys at home, take it away from your child and contact K'NEX Industries
at (800) 543-5639 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday to Friday, or e-mail them at email@KNEX.com, for a free replacement toy.

Source: http://www.cpsc.gov

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December 16, 2006 22:59 - Your Baby And Vitamin D

Did you know that vitamin D is often known as the "sunshine vitamin" - because its main source for your baby is actually the sun rather than his diet?

We have just added a new page to our site telling you more about vitamin D - why your baby needs it and how you can ensure he's getting enough. We also look at the subject of routine vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants - including the arguments for and against - plus we show you how guidelines vary around the world ...

Read more...

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