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Baby Food Recipes, News and Information
For all the latest baby food news, updates to nutrition guidelines, product recalls, great new baby food recipes, hints, tips and more!
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June 11, 2007 09:18 - Recall of Flashing Eyeball Toys (US)
Flashing Eyeball Toys, which were sold during July 2006 for around $3, are being recalled.
The plastic eyeballs (pictured below) contain kerosene - which clearly poses a chemical risk to children if the toy breaks. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.
These toys have the following model numbers - 27828 27544 06470
You can find the model numbers on the back of packaging, which also features the words "Flashing Evil Eye" and "Try Me".
If any of your older children have these toys, please take them away and return the toys to the store you bought them from for a full refund.
For more details, please call Gemmy Industries at (800) 231-6879 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can e-mail them at Davidm@gemmy.com or visit their website.
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June 11, 2007 09:19 - Cooking With Yogurt
We received an e-mail today from Surya, who had enjoyed reading through our Indian baby food recipes. Surya raised an interesting question - some our curry recipes use yogurt... and sometimes it is added quite early in the recipe. Surya was concerned that the yogurt might curdle - or split - when used in this way.
We're so glad that Surya wrote to us, because this is something that we should have mentioned on the recipe pages (and it's something that we've now added to our Indian baby food recipes page)!
When using these recipes to make curry for your baby, only use full-fat yogurt (in other words, yogurt made with whole milk). Full-fat yogurt is not only better for your baby, but the higher fat content also "holds it together" during cooking. Low-fat yogurts do tend to split!
If there is no full-fat yogurt available and you are forced to use a reduced fat alternative - or if you're still having problems with full-fat yogurt - then there are a few things you can try to prevent it from curdling...
Before you prepare any of your other ingredients, remove the yogurt you will be using from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature until you come to use it. The chances of it curdling are much higher if you add it to the pan straight from the refrigerator.
As you add the yogurt, try stirring in a little chickpea flour, corn flour ... or whatever flour you have!
Stir the food constantly as you add the yogurt - I've never had any problems with curdling as long as I've remembered to keep stirring!
If all else fails, try using sour cream instead of yogurt - but only use around half the amount that the recipe calls for (so if the recipe asks for 2tbsp yogurt, use just 1tbsp sour cream).
Thank you, Surya, for writing to us - this just shows why we value visitor feedback so much! If YOU have discovered a great technique for preventing yogurt splitting when you cook - or if you have any other cooking tips you'd like to share - then please do let us know, or leave your comments below.
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June 11, 2007 14:42 - Recall of Waitrose Ice Lollies (UK)
Real Fruit Juice Assorted Ice Lollies are being recalled by Waitrose because they contain milk, although it is not declared on the label. If your child suffers from an allergy to milk or lactose intolerance, then these lollies could trigger a reaction.
The lollies, in packs of 6 x 73 ml, bear a "best before end" date of January 2008 and a batch code of 6201N7.
Waitrose has removed all the affected stock from its shelves and says that customers should return any lollies they may have at home for a full refund.
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June 12, 2007 11:47 - Flying With Your Baby This Summer?
If so, you're probably dreading it! Everyone seems to have a horror story about a baby that screamed constantly throughout an 8 hour flight - or how they struggled to keep their little one occupied amidst hostile glares from fellow passengers!
Although we can't guarantee you'll have a totally stress-free flight, there are definitely a few things you can do to make life easier - and keep your sanity at the airport AND on board the aircraft!
Make sure you bring a stroller/pushchair. It will be invaluable at the airport and means your baby can (hopefully) nap while you're waiting. If your flight is delayed, you won't want to be spending hours with a wriggling infant on your lap!
On the subject of delays - make sure you are well equipped with extra nappies/diapers, wipes, snacks etc. If your baby is using a sippy cup, it might be worth carrying a spare - just in case!
Security restrictions have tightened considerably over recent years. It is important to check which liquids you can take through security - and also what you will be permitted to take into the country you are visiting. Many destinations will not allow you to bring in opened containers of formula, for example.
If your baby is a good sleeper, try and book a night flight - particularly if the flight is a long one.
Please click here for more information and tips about flying with your baby...
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June 12, 2007 14:55 - Whoops!
A technical issue is causing problems on our blog pages and some of the text on these pages is obscured. We are aware of the problem and working to get it fixed. It won't be long... sorry if it has made some things difficult to read!
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June 12, 2007 14:58 - Recall of Grated Cheese (UK)
Packs of grated Cheddar cheese are being recalled by Iceland because they may contain pieces of wood.
The products involved are 200g packs of Mature Grated White Cheddar, with a "Best Before" date of 28 July 2007.
Iceland has removed the cheese from its stores. If you have any at home, please return it to them for a full refund.
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June 13, 2007 21:19 - Recall of Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys (US)
Various Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys, pictured below, are being recalled.
The paints on the wooden buildings, vehicles and other train set toys, which were sold nationwide from January 2005 through June 2007 for between $10 and $70, contain lead. Lead is poisonous and can lead to health problems if it is ingested by young children.
The full list of products involved in this recall appears below. The packaging for these toys features the "Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway" logo on the top left-hand corner. The manufacturing code may appear inside the battery cover or on the bottom of the product. Toys with codes which contain "WJ" or "AZ" are not involved in this recall.
Recalled Products
James with Team Colors Engine & James with Team Colors #5 Coal Tender
Red James Engine & Red James’ # 5 Coal Tender
Red Lights & Sounds James Engine & Red James’ #5 Lights & Sounds Coal Tender
Red Hook & Ladder Truck & Red Water Tanker Truck
Red Fire Brigade Train
Brown & Yellow Old Slow Coach
Red Holiday Caboose
Red Musical Caboose
Red Sodor Line Caboose
Red Coal Car labeled "2006 Day Out With Thomas" on the Side
Red Baggage Car
Red Skarloey Engine
Red "Sodor Mail" Car
Red Fire Brigade Truck
Red Coal Car
Deluxe Sodor Fire Station
Smelting Yard
Yellow Box Car
Red Stop Sign
Yellow "Sodor Cargo Company" Cargo Piece
Yellow Railroad Crossing Sign
Ice Cream Factory
If you have any of these products at home, please take them away from your children and contact RC2 Corp. toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT Friday. You will receive a replacement toy. If you would like more information, please visit their website at recalls.rc2.com
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June 14, 2007 15:20 - Babies Being Treated For Obesity (UK)
A worrying report that appears on the BBC website in the UK today says that doctors are treating babies as young as six months of age for obesity. The article reveals that pediatricians believe that some parents are overfeeding their children, thereby "killing them with kindness". Some babies, they say, are simply being given too much food, whereas others are being given the wrong type of food.
One alarming example given in the report was of a parent who had given their baby a milkshake from McDonald's... in a baby bottle and fed through a teat.
It's not always easy to gauge exactly how much food your child should be eating. When doctors talk about overfeeding, it can make you question the size of the portions you are feeding your baby.
Babies are actually born with a natural ability to decide how much food they need and will usually "tell you" when they're full by turning their head away from the spoon, spitting food back out or by simply losing interest in their meal.
A common mistake that many parents make is to encourage their baby to continue to eat... even after these signs are being displayed.
As we explain on this page, by ignoring these signals and coaxing your baby to eat more, you may be interfering with his ability to gauge when he is full. This can lead to weight problems - not just now, but in later life, too.
If you make your baby's food in bulk and freeze it for future use, make sure that the portions are not too big. Some parents have told us they they often encourage their babies to finish up a meal because the alternative is to throw the remaining food away. But you can avoid this situation by taking out a few small portions of food from the freezer in the morning and using them one by one throughout the day, as needed.
Another important factor in controlling your baby's weight is, of course, to make sure that the foods you give him are healthy. Give your baby plenty of fruits and vegetables and, once he is able to manage finger foods, then give him well cooked, soft vegetables or slices of fruit to nibble on between meals. Avoid commercially prepared snacks for your baby which often contain unnecessary fats and very little in the way of nutrients.
Finally - encourage your baby to be as active as possible. Put him on the floor at every available opportunity and get him moving around as soon as he's able to.
The focus of the BBC's report was whether or not parents should be viewed as neglectful when their babies become dangerously overweight. In most cases, we believe that problems like these are due more to a simple lack of education (or common sense!) than malice or neglect - and that it might be better to instruct parents more fully on proper nutrition than to see these problems as a form of abuse.
What do you think?
Does YOUR baby have a problem with weight - if so, what do you think might be the cause? Do you think that parents of overweight babies are neglectful?
Please leave your comments below.
(Please remember - if you are at all concerned about your baby's weight, then it is important to discuss your worries with his doctor.)
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June 14, 2007 16:06 - Recall of Morrisons Play and Learn Toys (UK)
Morrisons are recalling Play & Learn First Key Rings and Play & Learn 8 Links & Holders. This is because they have received complaints about them and feel they do not meet their safety standards, making them potentially unsafe to use.
If you have either of these toys at home, please take them away from your children and return them to your nearest store, where you will receive a full refund. You won't need to produce a receipt.
If you need more information, please contact Morrisons Customer Careline on 0845 611 6111.
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June 14, 2007 16:13 - Nordstrom Products Recalled (US)
Nordstrom children's jackets and sandals are being recalled because they pose a choking risk to young children.
Both items (pictured below) were sold at Norstrom stores nationwide and the sandals were also sold on Nordstrom.com. The jackets, which cost around $35, were sold from November 2006 through April 2007. The sandals, which cost around $27, were sold during February 2007.
The problem with the sandals, which were sold in both toddlers' and little girl sizes, is that the jewels on the straps can fall off. The Calypso-style shoes have gold straps with jeweled flowers (the toddler-sized sandals have an ankle strap) and are tan in colour. There is a flower pattern on the upper sole, along with "Nordstrom".
The Pine Peak Blues Children’s Jackets also being recalled were sold in infant, toddler and youth sizes. The zipper pull can come off the zipper itself, presenting a hazard. They are navy in colour, with long sleeves. The English flag appears on the left shoulder and there is an "England" patch on the left chest. As well as the zipper front, there are two zipper front pockets and "Pine Peak Blues" is printed on a label inside the jacket.
If you have either of these items, please return them to any Nordstrom store or Nordstrom.com for a full refund.
For more information, please contact Nordstrum at (888) 282-6060 anytime, or visit their website.
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June 15, 2007 14:35 - Butternut Squash and Red Lentil Puree
Here's a tasty and nutritious vegetarian baby food recipe using butternut squash, red lentils and a touch of coriander - it's easy to make and absolutely delicious.
You will need
12oz butternut squash 6oz potato 2oz red lentils pinch ground coriander 10 fl oz milk (use either cow's milk, breast milk or formula)
Cut the butternut squash in half, remove the seeds and peel, then dice. Rinse the lentils, checking carefully for any small stones. Peel the potato and dice. Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the squash, lentils, potato and coriander. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently until the lentils and squash are tender (around 15 mins). Place the mixture into a food processor and blend until smooth.
If you live in Australia, please note that you should return the recalled items by mail to TWR Recall POBox 653 Mount Waverley Vic 3149. Be sure to include your mailing address in the envelope and you will receive either an identical replacement or a similar item, along with an engine as a free gift. It will take from 6-8 weeks to receive your replacement toy and gift.
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June 16, 2007 15:18 - Starting Solids At 6 Weeks?
Don't worry - this isn't a new recommendation (at least, not an official one) - but it IS the advice sometimes offered by well-meaning family and friends.
Previous generations of parents were often encouraged to give their babies solid foods much earlier than is recommended today. It is only over recent years that the implications of introducing solids before 6 months of age have been studied in detail, highlighting several concerns, including the increased risk of food allergy and potential obesity.
But your baby's grandparents may not have had any problems when starting their babies on solids - in fact, many will say that starting solids is the only way to get your baby to sleep through the night.
So - other than not complaining to your mother-in-law when your little one (and you) have been up for half the night - how do you deal with advice about feeding your baby that is not just inappropriate, but potentially harmful? Read more...
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