Baby Food Recipes, News and Information

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In an effort to advertise their products to you, lots of baby care companies will offer free samples of their goods for you and your baby to try.

We regularly take a look at some of the free items on offer and add the best ones to our Free Stuff for Baby page.

Our page mainly includes offers for the US and the UK, but there are some international offers available, too.

We also try to bring you details of sales of baby goods and other free resources that you may find useful.

So why not take a look and see if there are any offers suitable for YOUR family - and don't forget to bookmark the page so you don't miss out on new offers as we add them...

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September 3, 2007 14:19 - Iron Deficiency - New Study Reveals Risk Factors

A new study that has just been published in September's edition of the journal 'Pediatrics' shows that overweight and Hispanic toddlers are at an increased risk of developing iron deficiency.

A deficiency of iron can cause severe, long term problems for children. The body uses iron to make haemoglobin, which supplies oxygen to the body's cells through the blood and gives blood cells their red colour.This is why a lack of iron is often indicated by skin paleness.

Iron deficiency also affects brain function and development - so children lacking in iron can face serious learning difficulties.

Unfortunately, around 2.4 million US children are affected by iron deficiency.

The Amercian Academy of Pediatrics study set out to identify the risk factors for children aged between 1 and 3 years and more specifically the risk factors for Hispanic toddlers, who make up the biggest minority group of children in the US.

The study revealed that overweight toddlers who are not in daycare are at an increased risk of iron deficiency (possibly indicating that good nutrition is more carefully adhered to in a daycare setting). The study also found that Hispanic toddlers are more likely to be overweight and not in day care than white or black toddlers - which, they believe, may account for an increased risk of iron deficiency within that group.

One of the authors of the report, Jane M. Brotanek of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, had previously authored a report entitled Iron Deficiency, Prolonged Bottle-Feeding, and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Young Children. This study found that prolonged bottle-feeding, which is more common with Mexican-American children than with white or black children, put children at a higher risk of iron deficiency. This is because bottle-fed children tend to consume a lot of milk and juice - both of which are low in iron.

To make sure that YOUR child is not at risk of iron deficiency, it is important to include lots of iron-rich foods in his diet. These include

• meat (particularly beef and lamb)
• dark green vegetables
• whole wheat cereal
• avocado
• peas
• beans
• tofu
• peas
• blackstrap molasses
• millett
• quinoa
• amaranth
• broccoli
• barley

To a lesser degree, there is also iron in brown rice, mushrooms, squash, white potato and sweet potato.

If your little one has been routinely prescribed iron drops WITHOUT a diagnosis of iron deficiency being made, then you may like to read about the controversy that surrounds the routine iron supplementation of breastfed babies...

Read more...

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September 4, 2007 22:43 - My Baby Won't Eat!

Natasha from Australia wrote to us today about her 12 month old daughter.

She has no teeth and Natasha is unsure about what to feed her as she does not seem to like chunky food. She also refuses to eat breakfast and lunch - and Natasha says that she only ever eats dinner when she is REALLY hungry.

Here is our reply, which you may find helpful if you are experiencing similar problems with YOUR little one...


Firstly, I'd like to invite you to read our page entitled How Much Should My Baby Be Eating?. This page shows how your baby may be receiving adequate nutrition - even though YOU may feel that she's not eating enough.

It also explains how babies are actually pretty good judges of the amount of food they need - and that following their cues, rather than comparing your child's food intake with that of another baby - is often the best approach.

Of course, it's important that your child's development and weight is monitored by a pediatrician. That way, any underlying problems that may be contributing to your baby's lack of interest in feeding can be quickly identified.

You say that your daughter has no teeth and does not cope well with textured foods. In itself, a lack of teeth should not prevent your baby from enjoying foods with soft lumps - babies gums are hard and many little ones do very well by simply mashing food between them (this is often known as 'gumming' food). We suggest some suitable foods for babies at this stage on our Finger Food For Baby page.

But I'd also like to direct you to our Baby Feeding Problems page, which explains how to help your baby transition from smooth purees to lumpier textures. Some babies gag excessively on lumps (I'm not sure from your message whether or not this is true of your daughter) - but the techniques we describe may help in any case.

It's also difficult to tell from your message whether or not you are feeding your little girl from a spoon, or whether she is feeding herself. Many parents who experience feeding problems with their babies notice a big improvement when they put their little ones 'in control' and allow them to feed themselves. You can do this by letting your baby use the spoon, or by providing a range of healthy finger foods for her to choose from.

Variety is also key - the more options you offer your baby, the more likely she is to discover something that she really enjoys!

Your comment that your daughter only eats dinner when she's really hungry made me wonder why she may not be so hungry on other days.

Perhaps she is still drinking a large amount of milk during the day which is filling her tummy? If so, then try slowly cutting back on the milk and increasing the amount of solids you offer.

Another culprit is juice, which often makes babies feel full, but provides no real nutrients. For this reason, drinking too much juice may lead to malnutrition in some infants.

If your little one is drinking a lot of juice, then we suggest reducing - or eliminating - juice from her diet.

More than likely, though, this is just a phase that your baby is going through. Sometimes, infants seem reluctant to eat for no easily identifiable reason. They could be teething, feeling a little under the weather - or simply more interested in the distractions around them.

You may be feeling stressed or anxious about your daughter's refusal to eat, but please do try to hide those feelings from her. Babies pick up on mealtime tensions very quickly - and this can compound the problem.

Instead, try to keep things happy and relaxed. Eat alongside your baby, praise her when SHE eats and - above all - be patient.

We hope that things improve for you soon - and please remember to consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your baby.

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September 5, 2007 16:07 - NettoCollection Recalls Cribs (US)

'Moderne' and 'Loft' Cribs are being recalled because the slats of the crib can separate from the side rails. This means that the cribs may pose a strangulation or entrapment risk to young children.

Fortunately, no children have been hurt - but the company has received three reports of the side spindles coming apart from the top rail.

The cribs, pictured below, were sold for around $1,350 at juvenile furniture stores across the US, from October 2003 through June 2005.

The side rails of these cribs have a brown finish and are made of wood. The only cribs involved in this recall have model numbers NC-137 and NC-140 and date codes 9/03 and 02/04. You can find the model numbers, the date codes and "Made in Poland" on a label on the end panels of the crib.

If you have one of these cribs, you are advised to stop using it and contact NettoCollection toll-free at (866) 996-3886 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive two replacement side rails. Alternatively, you can visit their website.

Source: http://www.cpsc.gov

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September 5, 2007 16:22 - Barbie Accessory Toys Recalled

Here we go again - another recall of toys by Mattel that violate lead paint standards.

This time, the recall involves a variety of Barbie accessory toys that were manufactured between September 30, 2006 and August 20, 2007. A chart on the CPSC website lists the model names, product numbers and date code numbers (which you can find on the largest part of each toy set).

The chart also includes photographs of the components of each toy that contain lead - clicking on any of the images will give you a larger version.

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September 5, 2007 16:31 - Geo Trax Locomotive Toys Recalled

Fisher-Price is recalling Geo Trax Locomotive Toys because they violate lead paint standards and pose a risk to children.

The toys involved are Geo Trax Freightway Transport and Geo Trax Special Track Pack locomotive toys. They were sold at retails stores across the US from September 2006 through August 2007 for between $3 and $16. They are red, with yellow paint on the ladder and horn and were manufactured between July 31, 2006 and August 20, 2007. The date code, which you can find marked on the bottom of the toy, is between 212-6CK through 325-6CK or 001-7CK through 232-7CK. The packaging on the Freightway Transport model is marked H5705 and the packaging on the Special Track Pack model is marked K3013.

If you have these toys, please take them away from your children and contact Fisher-Price toll-free at (888) 496-8330 anytime. Alternatively, you can visit their website.

Please note that, in order to receive a free, replacement toy, you will need to return the product.

Source: http://www.cpsc.gov

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September 5, 2007 17:03 - Bongo Band Toys Recalled Due to Lead Hazards

Fisher-Price is recalling Bongo Band Toys because - surprise, surprise - they violate lead paint standards.

The Big Big World 6-in-1 Bongo Band toys, pictured below, were sold at retail stores across the US for around $20 from July 2007 through August 2007.

The toys have two bongo drums. One has a blue drum surface and yellow and green plastic base. The other has a yellow and green base and an orange surface, with 'It’s a Big, Big World' printed on it. The drums came with accessories, including a drum stick, tambourine, bird and monkey. The product number 'K9343' is printed inside the orange drum. The date code, printed on the drum's orange ring surface, is between 139-7SH and 232-7SH. The toys involved in this recall have both the date code and the product number.

Please take these toys away from your children if you have them and contact Fisher-Price at (888) 496-8330 anytime. You will be given instructions on how to return the product for a free replacement toy. You can also visit the firm's website.

Source: http://www.cpsc.gov

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September 6, 2007 09:03 - New Coupon Code For One Step Ahead (US)

From now until October 31st, you can save 15% off purchases of $100 or more with our sponsors, One Step Ahead!

One Step Ahead is one of our favorite online retailers of baby goods. Not only does it offer a range of unique and innovative baby care items (some of which you won't find anywhere else), it also offers informational articles and regularly invites customers to submit their own stories and photographs.

This offer has come at the perfect time if you are just thinking about what your baby will be wearing for Halloween... One Step Ahead has an excellent range of really cute Halloween costumes and accessories!

To take advantage of this offer, simply enter the One Step ahead coupon code of SEPAFFB into the 'promotion code' field when you check out. (Please note that your total purchase excludes shipping and tax).

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September 6, 2007 15:12 - Recall of Kids R Cool Musical Fun Sets (Australia)

McPherson's Consumer Products Pty Ltd is recalling Kids R Cool Musical Fun Sets in Australia because small pieces can break off the triple horn, posing a choking hazard.

The set includes a recorder, flute, set of maracas and the triple horn and has a bar code of 9316201 310886.

If you have these toys at home, please take them away from your children and return them to the store you purchased them from for a full refund.

If you need more information, please call McPherson's Consumer Products on telephone 1800 651 146.

Source: http://www.recalls.gov.au

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September 6, 2007 15:18 - Mattel Toy Recalls - Contact Details (Australia)

As many parents are aware, there have been a disturbingly large number of Mattel toy recalls over the last couple of weeks. This is because paints used on the surfaces of these toys have been found to be dangerously high in lead.

If you live in Australia, there are three ways in which you can contact Mattel and find out whether or not YOU have any of the recalled items.

• Visit the Mattel website, then click the link for Australia.

• Call Mattel Australia toll-free, on 1800 674 753 from 8am to 5pm (Aust EST) Monday to Friday.

• Email Mattel at - infoaust@mattel.com.

Please note that you should not return any recalled items to retails stores and that items should, instead, be returned to Mattel. You do not need to have a receipt or the original packaging - and you will be issued with a refund equivalent to the value of the product you're returning.

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September 6, 2007 16:13 - Growing Tales - The Digital Baby Book

Growing Tales is a unique software program that allows you to capture all the wonderful landmarks from your baby's childhood AND keep all your health, pregnancy and family records organized.

Either as a gift to yourself or a friend (we think this would make the ideal baby shower gift!), you'll find Growing Tales invaluable!

The program has been featured by 'Parenting' magazine and Good Morning America. Here's how you can use the software:

• Keep a journal of your pregnancy

• Keep notes about your baby's progress - like a traditional "Baby Book"... but better!

• Organize your memories of your baby, by keeping photographs, audio and videos

• Keep friends and family up-to-date with baby's progress by printing or emailing special moments

• Keep details of medical records, school days, developmental landmarks etc - AND the program accommodates extra information for adoptions and multiple births

• Maintain family details (like a family tree, vacation highlights, family journals, family calendars and so on!)

Please note: This program is available for Windows® PC's only.

The minimum system requirements are as follows:

- Window® 98/2000/ XP
Internet Explorer®
Intel Pentium II 300 MHz
128 MB RAM
SVGA 800x600, 256 colors

Having all your baby's information together in one place is a great idea... so we'll think you'll love Growing Tales!

PLUS, if you order now, you'll receive 20% off your purchase!

To find out more, please click on the banner below.

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September 6, 2007 16:46 - Artificial Colouring In Food Causes Behavioural Problems - It's Official!

Parents have suspected it for years - and researched has now confirmed it! Artificial food additives affect children in a negative way.

The UK's Food Standards Agency has revised its guidelines on certain artificial colours following research by Southampton University. This research suggests that children may experience behavioural problems after eating or drinking certain combinations of these colourings along with a preservative called sodium benzoate.

To see the list of food colourings involved and to read more about this research, please visit the FSA website.

The FSA is also inviting comments to their 'Colours and Hyperactivity' blog, which you can access here.

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September 8, 2007 11:50 - Perfect Baby Food Purees

So - you've cooked a few healthy ingredients, whizzed them together in the blender to make a complete meal for your baby... and the end result has come out thick, stodgy and very unappealing.

OR - you've just thawed a couple of cubes of baby food and, although they looked great when they went into the freezer, they're now runny enough to drink!

Just what can you do to save baby's dinner and get your pureed disasters to a consistency he'll love?

Take a look at our two new pages, of course! We show you ways to thin baby food purees and thicken your baby's food using healthy ingredients that not only add a nutritious boost to the dish, but taste great, too!

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September 9, 2007 15:40 - Feeding A Baby With Reflux

If your baby has infant reflux, then the prospect of starting solids can be a little worrying. This is particularly true if your baby's symptoms have recently begun to settle - setting them off again is the LAST thing you want to do.

Trigger foods (ie the foods that can cause reflux to flare up) vary from one person to the next... and that's what makes feeding your baby difficult. There are no foods that you can absolutely guarantee will not aggravate your baby's reflux.

However, there ARE certain foods that seem to be lead to flare ups more commonly than others - and we have included them, along with some more great tips, on our 'foods for reflux' page.

But we would really appreciate YOUR input. If your baby has reflux, we'd love to know which foods you have tried and the effect they had on your little one. So please see our new reflux tips page, where you can submit YOUR tips and ideas and read tips from other visitors.

Thank you in advance for your contributions - by sharing your experiences, you'll be helping other parents who are worrying about what to feed THEIR little ones.

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