Baby Food Recipes, News and Information

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Results from the EU Childhood Obesity Programme may show why there is a difference in the long-term risk of obesity between babies that are breast fed and those that receive formula.

Breast milk is lower in protein than formula - and researchers believe that the higher protein content of formula may contribute to long-term obesity.

990 babies were studied - some received a low-protein formula and others received a formula with a higher protein content. Breast-fed babies were also observed. It was found that the babies who received the low-protein formula had a body growth rate similar to that of the breast fed babies. The low protein content formula is considered safe and complies with the formula composition authorised by the EU.

This study is not over yet - the children will be further monitored to see if these results have an effect on obesity at a later date. But researchers believe that these results strengthen the theory that a propensity to obesity is set in very early childhood - and also that breastfeeding is best for baby. You can read more about this study here.

Anti obesity formula - a step too far?

In their efforts to quell the rising rate of obesity, scientists are trying to develop a formula that actually prevents a baby from gaining excess weight.

This research is creating a great deal of controversy because the aim is to supplement baby formula with a hormone called leptin, that inhibits appetite. It is believed that, by exposing babies to leptin, their brains will be programmed to avoid over-eating throughout their lives.

The formula is being developed by Professor Mike Cawthorne, director of metabolic research at the Clore Laboratory, University of Buckingham. He states that, by adding leptin to formula, he is merely replacing something that babies would receive anyway from their mothers' milk. Leptin is present in breast milk but currently not in formula.

There is, of course, a plenty of opposition to this research, with one expert describing the notion of expecting a baby who has had leptin to never get fat as "pure flight of fancy".

Encouraging healthy eating is, of course, one of the best ways you can prevent your little one developing issues with weight in later life. Another is to allow your baby to eat the amounts that he actually NEEDS, rather than the amounts that you FEEL he needs. Watching your baby carefully for signs that he is full is an important part of preventing over-feeding, which can lead to lifelong struggles with weight...

Read more...

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April 24, 2007 13:03 - Food For Tots Around The World

On this site, we often talk about the importance of introducing our little ones to a wide range of tastes and textures. As well as ensuring our babies are receiving a broad spectrum of nutrients, this approach also prevents "fussy eating" - tots who are already enjoying lots of different healthy foods are far less likely to be picky eaters later on and are much more open to trying new foods as those foods become appropriate for them.

Traditionally, parents have been taught that food for babies has to be bland - and if you've ever sampled a jar of commercially prepared baby food, then you'll know that most baby food companies follow this advice to the letter!

Yet more and more parents - and, indeed, the medical profession - are realizing that babies actually ENJOY stronger flavours, seasonings and "exotic" foods. The important thing to remember is that seasoning does NOT necessarily mean salt, which can be dangerous for a young baby and should not be added to his food. But "seasoning" can be a range of herbs, spices... even garlic, all of which can transform your baby's bland fare into something truly delicious!

It is also interesting to look at the cultural differences in the introduction of food to babies around the world. In the west, we are often told to introduce foods in a certain order - usually infant rice first, fruits and veggies next, then meats. But this isn't the way it's done everywhere - and you certainly wouldn't be alone in wondering why we are told to stick to such a rigid schedule when babies from other cultures do perfectly well on a very different feeding regime.

Take a look at this fascinating article from La Leche League, which really gets you thinking and makes you realize that a bit of flexibility in your baby's diet isn't such a bad thing! Sam from the UK also sent us an interesting link about what toddlers eat around the world which we enjoyed reading... check out the paragraph about "Sweet Tooth Satisfiers" in Brazil, which sets standards we should all be aspiring to!

On a cautious note, it's always important to seek your doctor's approval before introducing new foods to your baby and it is vital, too, to take the risk of food allergy into consideration when adding new foods to your baby's diet. Yes, many babies eat a variety of different foods at various stages of development, but food allergies can provoke severe reactions in a few children, so the risk should never be dismissed - particularly if there is a history of food allergy, asthma or eczema in your family.

Nevertheless, try to think beyond the routine mashed banana for your baby and don't be afraid to allow him to fully expore the wonderful and exciting world of food!

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April 25, 2007 08:19 - Swede (Or Rutabaga) Soup

Swede, also known as rutabaga, is a very tasty, healthy - and neglected - vegetable. This simple swede soup recipe is creamy and delicious and perfect for babies from 6 months of age (or later if you are concerned that onions may upset your baby's tummy).

YOU WILL NEED

1/2 medium swede, peeled and diced
1 clove garlic, chopped finely
1 small onion, chopped
1 celery stick, sliced
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
16 fl oz (about 2 cups) homemade vegetable stock (instructions to make this are included in our pumpkin and barley baby food recipe)
2tbsp chopped fresh thyme

Saute the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until tender.
Add the remaining ingredients (except the thyme), bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for around 20 mins, until the swede is tender.
Remove from the heat and stir in the thyme.
Pour into a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy, then serve!

Would you like to know more about swede and learn how to create a yummy swede dip for your baby? Read more...

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April 26, 2007 17:47 - Free Stuff For Baby Plus Money Saving Coupons

There's no denying that bringing up a baby these days can be expensive - but there are lots of offers available on the internet for parents to receive samples and coupons that can help them save a few pennies!

Our new Free Stuff For Baby page contains links to sites offering various samples, money-saving vouchers and rewards schemes, so why not take a look and see if there's anything there that may interest you?

We will be updating this page often as we come across offers that you may find useful, so please do bookmark the page and visit it regularly. The page will also contain details of any sales that companies selling baby products may be holding and it's always useful to know where the best bargains are!

If YOU know of any great free or money saving offers that other parents could benefit from, please let us know and we'll be sure to add them to the page! Read more...

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April 26, 2007 18:48 - Research Confirms That Weight Charts Are Misleading

Here at Homemade Baby Food Recipes we've long doubted the accuracy of weight charts for babies.

At best, they cause unnecessary worry for mothers of perfectly healthy babies, who may be led to believe that their little ones are underweight. At worst, they can lead to babies literally being force-fed, as anxious parents struggle to bring their baby's weight into line with "requirements". And this, of course, can lead to obesity - not just in infancy, but throughout childhood and beyond.

Research has now confirmed that, indeed, many of the growth charts most commonly used by the medical profession set unrealistic expectations in terms of infant weight gain.

A report published by New Scientist explains that the most popular growth chart, which was produced by the US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), has been in use for 30 years. At the time the chart was introduced, the aim was to ensure that babies were not malnourished. But researchers are now recognizing that these charts were based on babies that were almost all bottle-fed and from white, middle-class Ohio families. As a result, the babies were heavy and their weights should not necessarily be considered as ideal for all infants today.

Certainly, breast fed babies tend to weigh less than babies receiving high protein formula. Thanks to these charts, many breastfeeding mums have been left feeling that they are not adequately "providing" for their babies.

Discussions took place last month to decide whether new charts, based on a study by the World Health Organization, should be used instead - so let's keep our fingers crossed!

When it comes to giving your baby solid foods, it is important to allow him to each as much as he needs, but to avoid pushing him into eating more than he actually wants. Learn how to spot the signs that your baby has had enough to eat... and what to do if you suspect that he may be eating too much. Read more...

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April 27, 2007 16:13 - Free Shipping at Boscovs (US)

Boscov's Online Department store is currently offering free shipping when you spend $50 or more on all UPS Standard Rate deliverable items...

But be quick... this offer ends on May 5th!

Boscov's stocks a wide variety of products for the home, including baby care accessories and toys. Check their site for more details... there are few exclusions on this offer and you can buy as many items as you like!

Free Shipping at Boscovs.com!

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April 29, 2007 13:56 - Recall of Sassy Hug & Tug Horse Rattle (UK)

Sassy Hug & Tug Horse rattles are being recalled because a sharp point from the head of the horse could become exposed.

If you have one of these rattles, pictured here, then please take it away from your child and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

If you have any questions, please contact the Flair Leisure Products Plc Helpline on 0845 456 1775 or email sassy@flairplc.co.uk

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April 29, 2007 15:02 - The Shape of a Mother

Slightly off the topic of baby food today, we just had to share a link with you that we received this week from Lily in the UK. Having just discovered this site herself, she thought that a lot of our visitors might enjoy it, too.

The Shape of a Mother was conceived by Bonnie, a stay-at-home mother to 2 children. The aim of her site is to enable mothers with bodies considered by society to be "less-than-perfect" during pregnancy and following childbirth to share their images - and lift the veil of secrecy that society imposes on them. In Bonnie's words...

"...So we can finally see what women really look like sans airbrushes and plastic surgery"

Thank you for the link Lily - all Mums should visit this site to remind ourselves that, despite the way "ideal" women are portrayed on TV, pregnancy DOES change your body - and the changes should be celebrated rather than mourned!

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