Baby Food Recipes, News and Information

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Food is rarely the sole cause of eczema in children, but food sensitivity may worsen the symptoms of eczema in some children.

Avoiding dairy products is often helpful for babies with eczema - whilst it is unlikely to eradicate the symptoms altogether, many parents notice a marked improvement when they eliminate dairy from their babies' diets.

Caron from the UK told us about her son, Andrew, and his experience with eczema...

"It developed when he was 5 months old and covered most of his body. It was very inflamed and weeping and kept him (and me) awake at nights.

We were prescribed various creams, none of which helped, when a homeopathic friend of mine suggested eliminating certain foods from Andrew's diet to see if that helped.

Within 3 weeks of eliminating dairy, I saw a massive improvement. His eczema has now almost totally cleared up (he is 9 months now). It was awful while it lasted and I was desperate for answers - I hadn't thought that food could play a part in eczema."

In Caron's case, it seems that diet was, indeed, the main factor in her son'e eczema - although it should be noted that it's important to discuss any type of elimination diet with your child's doctor, to ensure that your baby continues to receive the nutrients he needs.

Read more about the link between diet and eczema, with suggestions for baby foods that may contribute to the condition and others that may help relieve it... Read more...

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March 11, 2008 08:57 - Recall of Maize Flour Polenta (UK)

One batch of Maize Flour Polenta is being recalled by The Health Store because it is labelled 'gluten-free' but does actually contain gluten. This makes it unsafe for those on a gluten-free diet.

The product involved is The Health Store Maize Flour Polenta in a 500g pack, with a batch code of 7255 and a 'Best Before' date of 06/09/2008.

If you have one of these packs, please return it to The Health Store for a full refund.

Source: http://www.food.gov.uk

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March 11, 2008 09:35 - Smaller Pieces of Meat Boost Iron Absorption

Grinding up your baby's meat into very small pieces can increase the amount of iron he absorbs from them. This is according to a research report just published in the Agricultural Research magazine.

In a 3 year study, the US's Agricultural Research Service, along with Cornell University, looked at how infants in developing countries could absorb more iron from their meals. The studies, which took place in Ithaca and Peru, found that processed, freeze dried chicken liver or thigh added to iron-fortified wheat flour was one of the best mixes for increasing the bioavailability (ease of absorption) of iron.

The key finding in this study related to the size of the meat particles. Raymond Glahn, from the Agricultural Research Service's US Plant, Soil and Nutrition Research Unit, said:

"We observed that small pieces of meat in the porridges we developed yielded more bioavailable iron than larger pieces"

This discovery, according to the Agricultural Research Service's article, confirmed recent studies from Sweden that suggested that the size of food particles plays a part in iron absorption. In the new study, researchers found that the iron uptake from cooked, freeze dried meats was significantly higher when the meats were processed for longer (40 per cent higher for beef blended for 6 minutes as opposed to 30 seconds, for example).

Iron deficiency is a worldwide problem, but particularly so in developing countries where many families are unable to afford iron-fortified maize, wheat and rice and instead use home recipes that may not contain enough bioavailable iron.

These findings will help families in such areas increase their babies' iron absorption and can, of course, be applied to the feeding routines of babies worldwide, particularly where low iron levels are a cause for concern.

You can read the full article - Boosting Iron Absorption in Infants on the Agricultural Research website - and our Iron Supplements for Infants section looks at how the body uses iron, suggests why iron supplementation may not always be necessary and shows other ways in which you can boost your baby's iron absorption.

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March 12, 2008 13:13 - Ellaroo Infant Sling Carriers Recalled (US)

Ellaroo Ring Sling Baby Carrriers are being recalled because it has been discovered that the aluminum rings on the carriers can bend or break. This means that the fabric could slip through the rings and that a baby could fall from the carrier. Although Ellaroo has received four reports of the rings bending - and two reports of their breaking - no babies have been injured, thank goodness.

The carriers involved in this recall are those with item numbers 2101 and 2102 printed on the outside of the product box. The sling has a fabric carrier and two aluminum rings and is designed for carrying babies up to 35 pounds in weight. The carriers come in mahogany, brasilia, mango stone and malay color prints.

Only sling carriers with the lot numbers 03/07 and 07/04 are included in this recall.

You can find the lot numbers printed on a label inside the Ring Sling, underneath the size label.

These slings were sold for around $100 at department stores, juvenile product stores and online from June 2007 through February 2008.

If you have one of these slings, please stop using it (of course) and contact Ellaroo, who will provide a replacement Ring Sling or provide instructions for repair.

To contact Ellaroo, call (800) 483-4902 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m CT Monday through Frida. Alternatively, you can visit their website.

Source: http://www.cpsc.gov

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March 12, 2008 13:33 - Toy Cars, Airplanes and Motorcycles Recalled (US)

X Force Commander Toy Airplanes and Super Famous Toy Cars and Motorcycles are being recalled because their surface paints are too high in lead.

There are 2 sets included in this recall. The first, the 'X Force Commander', contains 6 variously coloured plastic jet airplanes, with an item number of 5689 printed on the front of the packaging. The second set, the 'Super Famous', contains a red or yellow plastic toy car and a gray motorcycle.

These toys were sold at Dollar Stores from September 2006 through November 2007.

If you have any of these toys around the house, please put them immediately out of reach of your children and return them to the store you bought them from for a full refund.

For images of the recalled items, please visit the CPSC website. If you have any questions, please contact S.U. Wholesale toll-free at (877) 580-8883 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

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March 12, 2008 15:20 - Up to 12% Off Tike Tech Strollers (US)

You can currently save up to 12% on Tike Tech Strollers at JoggingStrollers.com - but this great offer is only available until March 28th!

Tike Tech produce high quality, innovative strollers that are built with busy parents in mind!

Their 3 wheel designs are durable, colorful and - with their roomy baskets - are ideal for getting out and about with your baby!

With both single and double strollers included in this sale, there's never been a better time to shop...

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March 13, 2008 09:44 - How to Make Whole Wheat Tortillas

We often suggest using whole wheat tortillas as a finger food for baby - but what if they are unavailable in your part of the world... or if you simply prefer to make your own?

Well, now you can, using our recipe for super-easy homemade wheat tortillas!

Here's what you'll need

8oz (1 cup) whole wheat/wholemeal flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 fl oz (1/4 cup) warm water

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in the olive oil, mixing well.
Add the warm water slowly until the mixture develops into a dough (you may add a little extra water if needed).
Form the dough into a ball and turn on to a floured surface.
Knead for a few minutes, then cover with a clean cloth and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
Divide the mixture into 6 equal pieces, then roll them flat.
Cook the tortillas in an ungreased frying pan (skillet) for around 30 seconds per side until puffy.
Spread with baby's favourite filling, roll up and cut into sections - try using a delicious red bell pepper puree or a mixture of mashed avocado and banana - simple to put together and brimming with nutrients for your older baby!

More links you'll like -

A guide to finger foods
How to make your own baby bread sticks
More infant finger food recipes

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March 14, 2008 09:05 - Recall of Toy Sundae Sets (US)

Play Wonder Toy Sundae Sets are being recalled because the wooden cherries on top of the toy pose a choking hazard to young children.

The Sundae Sets (pictured below) were sold at Target stores from December 2006 through December 2007 and include 4 wooden scoops of ice cream in various colours, banana slices, a spoon, a bowl and the cherries. The pieces stick to each other with Velcro.

The sets included in this recall, which sold for around $10, have a model number of DPCI-204-12-0526. You can find the model number on the packaging (if you still have it).

If your child has one of these sets, please take it away and return it to Target for a full refund - and, if you have any questions, you can contact Battat Inc. at (800) 247-6144 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET. Alternatively, you can visit their website.

Source: http://www.cpsc.gov

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March 14, 2008 12:47 - More Magnabild Toys Recalled (US)

Even more Battat Magnabild Magnetic Building Toys or Sets are being recalled, following the original recall back in January this year.

The problem with these toys is that small magnets inside the pieces can fall out. If a child swallows more than one magnet, the magnets can attract each other, causing blockages or intestinal perforations that can be fatal.

The new recall involves two sets (pictured below). The first set has 108 pieces and an item number of BB1439H, which can be found on a hang tag attached to the rotating display case. It contains 60 1 inch magnetic rods and 48 metal balls.

The second set has 68 pieces and an item number of BAT-34, which can be found on the box. It contains 44 1 inch rods and 24 metal balls.

The word 'Magnabild' appears on all of the plastic building pieces.

These sets were sold for between $20 and $35 from July 2005 through February 2008 at various retailers across the US.

If you have any of these toys at home, please take them away from your children and contact Battat, who will send you a pre-paid mailer to return the toy in exchange for a free replacement product.

You can contact Battat Inc. at (800) 247-6144 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET - alternatively you can visit visit their website.

Source: http://www.cpsc.gov

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March 14, 2008 14:37 - Huge Savings at the BabyCenter Store

It's March Madness at the BabyCenter store with an EXTRA 10% off all sale items!

We're big fans of the BabyCenter store - their range of products is extensive, their customer service is superb and their regular sales and special offers provide truly great value for parents!

Taking advantage of this latest offer is easy - just enter the special code 'SAVE10%EXTRA' when you check out.

But be quick...

This code is only valid until Monday 3/17 at 9am PST.

Save an Extra 10% off all Sale Items at BabyCenter Store with code: SAVE10%EXTRA.

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March 14, 2008 21:20 - Recall of Toddler Pear Juices (Canada)

Two varieties of pear juice are being recalled because they may contain arsenic. At present, there doesn't seem to be any indication how this toxic substance got into the juices, but - thankfully - no illnesses in connection with this recall have been reported.

The affected products are all Lot Codes of President’s Choice Organics Pear Juice from Concentrate for Toddlers (1L) , which has a UPC of 0 60383 70935 8 and Beech-Nut Pear Juice from concentrate with Vitamin C added (128ml), which has a UPC of 0 523842 8 - the affected Lot Codes are 2009 FE 02 and A0384B0935.

These products were distributed across Canada but were not sold in the United States.

If you need more information, please contact Loblaws Customer Relations at 1-888-495-5111 or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

Source: http://www.inspection.gc.ca

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March 14, 2008 21:55 - Pear Juice Recall - An Update

Health Canada has released information for parents concerned about the recall of certain pear juices for toddlers due to contamination by arsenic.

Please see Health Canada's advisory here

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March 16, 2008 15:21 - 10 Healthy Baby Travel Snacks

One of the biggest secrets to happy travels with your baby is to make sure you have a selection of healthy snacks on hand, should the need for them arise. If you've ever been out and about with your little one and looked for a snack to tide him over until his next meal, you may have found that finding something appropriate - and healthy - is not always easy.

Many pre-packed snacks intended for children either contain too much salt or sugar for your baby.

So why not head over to our new Baby Travel Snacks page where you'll find useful tips and 10 quick and easy ideas for make-ahead snacks 'on-the-go'.

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