January 03, 2007
Issue #005
3 Jan 2007
What's in this issue...
- When YOUR baby started solids
- Could your cooking pots be hazardous to your baby?
- When can my baby eat corn?
- New and updated pages
- Cooking plantain for your baby
- Baby care "tip of the month" - Getting to grips with sippy cups
- Safety recalls
- Our featured product review - Positive Parenting Using The G.O.L.D. Standard
- Visit our "website of the month"
- This month's subscribers-only recipe - Tasty Tofu Fingers
When YOUR baby started solids
Last month, we told you about a Hindu religious ceremony known as Anna Prashna, which marks a baby's introduction to solid foods. One of our visitors, Parul from Toronto, was originally from India and told us about her baby's Anna prashna when she visited India recently..."We had the Anna Prashna for my almost 7 month old boy when I had gone visiting a couple of months ago. The baby's first food (in our case kheer, which is rice cooked with milk and sugar) is placed in front of gods and we do a puja (prayer) before the baby is given the food. After the Anna Prashna, the baby can have any solid food."
It seems that this is the only type of official ceremony that exists to mark the introduction of baby's first foods - so we'd like to hear about your unofficial ceremonies! We'd particularly love to see some photos of your baby enjoying (or not) his first taste of solid food - and our favourites will appear the Homemade Baby Food Recipes website.
Just contact us requesting details of how to send your photos and we'll e mail you straight back with instructions (unfortunately, we're unable to publish the e mail address you need to submit your pictures - this is part of an effort to reduce spam).
We look forward to seeing your photographs!
Could your cooking pots be hazardous to your baby?
It may not be something you have even considered - but the condition of your cookware and the materials from which your pots are made can affect your baby's food.For a list of potentially hazardous cookware - plus tips for the BEST types of pots to use for your baby food preparation - then read this recent article on our blog.
When can my baby eat corn?
Many of us like nothing better than a nice, fresh ear of corn on the cob - but corn may not be the best food to offer your baby during his first year.For one thing, corn is a common allergen and many doctors suggest waiting until your baby is at least a year old before you introduce it - particularly if there is a family history of food allergy. The symptoms of corn allergy in infants could be any of the typical food allergy reactions seen in babies, although anaphylactic shock is rare with an allergy of this type.
If your baby is allergic to corn, then he will have to avoid all products containing corn and corn derivatives - no easy task, as many foods and even household products contain corn in some form. The problem is compounded by the fact that the labelling of products containing corn is not regulated as it is with other allergens like nuts and milk. So it takes a bit of detective work to ensure the foods and products you are using are safe. This site is an excellent resource for families and individuals trying to live a "corn-free" life and contains masses of tips, advice and products to avoid.
The possibility of allergic reaction is one consideration when introducing corn into your baby's diet - another is that the insoluble fibre contained in corn can cause diarrhea. Corn - fresh corn in particular - is difficult for your baby to digest and you could find that it gives your baby gas/wind or causes bloating and discomfort.
Although corn contains protein, vitamin C, certain B vitamins and folate, its natural sugars turn rapidly to starch once it is picked. This means that its nutritive value to your baby is not particularly high... and this is why it's not commonly recommended as a food for babies.
If you DO choose to give your baby corn
- DON'T give it as a first food. Wait until your baby is eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and digesting them well.
- DON'T give him whole kernels until he is able to chew his food well and is at least one year of age. Whole kernels pose a choking hazard.
- DO give him creamed corn at first, as it's easier to digest. You can make your own by pureeing kernels in a food processor, with enough water to achieve the desired consistency.
- If you buy canned/tinned sweetcorn for your baby, DO check the labels carefully and avoid brands that contain added salt or sugar.
New and updated pages
As we mentioned last month, we have changed the logo at the top of our site - so when you visit our pages, things may look a little different. Hope you like the new look.Lots of additions to our Baby Food News blog this month, including some great new recipes so don't forget to visit! Just as a reminder - there are two ways to stay up-to-date with new blog posts -
- Via RSS - scroll to the bottom of the "Baby Food News" page and you'll see the orange button at the foot of the page! If you're unfamiliar with RSS, click here to find out about RSS and how it helps you keep up with all the latest information!
- Subscribe by e-mail. At the top of our blog page, you'll see an invitation to subscribe - just complete your e mail address and you'll be notified by e mail when new posts are made!
Our new page, Your Baby and Vitamin D, gives you lots of information about this valuable vitamin and how to ensure your baby is getting enough. We show you how guidelines vary around the world and explain why breastfeeding groups disagree with AAP recommendations when it comes to vitamin D supplementation.
In case you missed it , our butternut soup recipe from a previous issue was so popular that it now has its own page!
Cooking plantain for your baby
Plantain (also known as platano) is high in potassium and, depending on how ripe it is, can vary in taste from potato-like, to very sweet. This yummy sweet potato and plantain soup recipe is easy to make and blends plantain with almost every baby's favourite - sweet potato - for a nutritious and creamy soup.
Baby care tip of the month - Getting to grips with sippy cups
This article has been moved here.
Safety recalls
Lots of important product recalls again this month - please pass these details on to anyone you know who may be affected.Over 50,000 Mood Necklaces and Diva Necklaces are being recalled in the US because they contain lead.
See Kai Run children's boots are being recalled in the US because the snaps pose a choking hazard.
Children's butterfly necklaces are being recalled in the US because they contain lead.
Brio Rattles are being recalled in the US as they pose a choking hazard.
Powerpuff Girl necklaces are being recalled in the US because they contain lead.
Baby Puffa Jackets are being recalled in the UK because they pose a choking hazard.
BABYBJÖRN® Feeding Spoons are being recalled in the US and Australia because they can pose a choking hazard.
The First Years® Shake 'n Jingle Keys are being recalled in the UK because they pose a choking hazard.
Macy's in the US are recalling Infant Coveralls because they pose a choking hazard.
Wal-Mart in the US recalled its Holiday Time Stuffed Christmas Beagles because they can pose a choking hazard.
Phil & Teds e3 Strollers with doubles seats are being recalled in the US because they may pose an abrasion hazard to children.
Our featured product review - Positive Parenting Using The G.O.L.D. Standard (E-Book Format, Available Worldwide)
The This excellent e-book aims to teach parents to successfully discipline their children using the G.O.L.D. Standard - which stands for Gratitude, Obedience, Love / Respect and Discipline.The book describes how to implement a system of rewarding your children with "tickets" for good behaviour - and how your child can then use those tickets to "buy" privileges such as watching TV. It also addresses a range of parenting issues, including how to teach your children to work (willingly!), how to motivate your children and how to instill discipline without spanking, yelling, nagging or time-outs.
Positive Parenting Using The G.O.L.D. Standard is priced at $22.70, which includes the following bonus features
- Ticket Templates and Family Charts
- E-mail consultation for a limited time
- Free e-book "The Travel Bug"
- Free e-book "How to Potty Train Your Child in Five Hours" by Christopher Westra
- Free e-course on setting effective rules and consequences for your children.
Website Of The Month - Seatguru
If you're planning on flying with your little one, then we've found the perfect website for you... www.seatguru.com.This excellent site lists airlines from all around the world in alphabetical order. Click on the airline you'll be flying with and Seatguru will provide you with
- detailed seat map graphics for the aircraft you will be flying in
- detailed seat information, such as misaligned windows and limited legroom
- colour coding to show superior and below-standard seats
- the locations of in-seat power ports
- details of all in-flight amenities, including facilities and requirements for babies
Don't forget to visit our travelling with baby pages before you set off, for some great tips, advice and useful information.
And if you have any good tips you'd like to share, then please contact us. Our visitors really appreciate tried and tested tips from other parents.
This month's subscribers-only recipe - Tasty Tofu Fingers
This recipe for tofu fingers is very quick and easy and would make a wonderful finger food for babies of at least 8 months of age. If you've never given your baby tofu, why not look at our tofu baby food recipes page, which gives you lots of information about tofu... including the different varieties available, nutrition information and storage and preparation tips. Be sure, too, to check our infant soy allergy page if your baby has never had tofu before.If your baby isn't keen on tofu, just use chicken or fish in this recipe instead!
You will need
2oz tofu
2oz fresh breadcrumbs made from wholewheat bread
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)
tiny pinch garlic powder
little beaten egg yolk
Method
Preheat the oven to 350 deg F.
Cut the tofu into thin strips.
Mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder and cheese together in a small bowl.
Dip the tofu strips into the egg yolk, then roll them in the breadcrumbs until fully covered.
Placed on a greased baking sheet and cook for 10-15 mins, turning half way through the cooking time.
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