Archive for the ‘Childcare’ Category

Facts About Organic Baby Food

Quite simply, organic baby food is that which is processed without the use of artificial pesticides and/or synthetic fertilizers. While many note organic food as being either store-bought, garden grown or gathered in the wild, the correct association is certified organic foods, which are produced and labeled according to strict regulatory standards. In a number of countries, including the United Says, the use of the word ‘organic’ in the commercial market, without the proper certification, is prohibited by law.
Organic baby food is most commonly found in a supermarket and will be labeled accordingly. Because of it’s nature, organic baby food is more pricey than other types. Processed organic baby food typically includes only those ingredients that are organic and has no artificial food additives. While there seem to a number of benefits to using organic baby food, the most common reason for purchasing this type of product is the overall quality. Increased nutritional value, the absence of residues from artificial pesticides and better taste are all positive benefits of organic baby food.

Organic baby food, because it is believed to be fresher, often carries an improved taste over other baby foods. Because organic farms are small, their products are most commonly sold close to home. Therefore, organic baby food and other products feature a fresher taste simply because they’re fresh.

By 2003, organic food products were available in 20,000 natural food stores and 73% of commercial grocery stores. While many believe that organic baby food is helpful, others are not as certain. Some believe that farming and organic fertilization might carry it’s own risks that may be passed along in organic baby food.

The main debate lies with the better approach to manufacturing organic food. Is it more healthy to use artificial and synthetic products in food processing or natural fertilizer and organic farming methods? There are both sides to any debate and the questions surrounding organic baby food is no different. There’s legitimate concern over contamination and safety of organic food and products, but an exact determination as to which side of the table is right has yet to be decided.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes. It should not be considered as, or used in conjunction with, professional medical advice or suggested feeding for your infant, toddler or young child. Prior to beginning any food preparation involving the use of organic baby food, consult your child’s physician for additional information and/or a suggestion regarding the use of organic baby food as part of your child’s food intake.

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Do you read with your kids?

I’m still wondering how to spend the weekend with my kids without hubby around. He says he may not be able to make it home by Saturday night. Well, it’s alright with me. I just hope things go well for him and his new project can take off without a hitch. If everything goes smoothly, we may be able to move back to KL.

I kinda miss KL life in a way. Ipoh can be a boring place to live in if you are the kind that loves excitement in your life. It has nothing much to offer except less traffic jam. I said less, ok. Oh well, i’ll most probably end up curled up in bed with my kids reading children's books with them this weekend. What a good way to spend quality time with them.

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Is your kid stroller-trained?

Do you know my 5 year old kid still sits in a stroller when we go shopping? People find it odd that a boy his age is still in a stroller. I had him trained since he was just a baby. He loves it and not complaining. But my 2 year old doesnt like being contained. He’ll want to climb out of his stroller the moment we stop moving. Haih, not even strollers with five point harness can stop him from trying to climb out. Looks like it’s time i get him a safety harness. Cant have him running all over the place. I’d rather stay home than chase after him at the mall.

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Child dentist

My hubby asked to take our elder kid to a child dentist to have his teeth checked. I told him our kid is only 4 and a half and those are still his baby teeth. I make sure he brush them twice a day. I was very afraid of the dentist when i was a kid. The very mention of a child dentist will send me hiding inside the chicken coop, lol.

A good child dentist is not east to find these days. Most of friends send theirs to the government dental clinic to have their teeth checked. They told me the waiting period can be long though. My kid cannot sit still. So, i dont think going to the government dental clinic is a good idea.

I’ll try to find a good child dentist somewhere around my area. I think it’s good for him to start visiting one early to help ease the phobia. Anyway, i have to pay my dentist a visit soon. I’ll take him along with me and let him see that it’s not a scary experience at all to have his teeth checked. Do you know of a good child dentist? Do let me know, ya.

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Fitted Diapers

Fitted Diapers are a two-layer nappy system usually made from some absorbent material, maybe hemp or cotton. Designed in an hourglass shape, Fitted Diapers eliminate the need to fold and pin. This saves time when out in public and a quick nappy change is in order!
Though the Fitted nappy may seem similar to the contoured nappy, they actually differ in that - fitted nappies carry elastic in the legs and waist region. This gives Fitted Diapers an advantage, as it can be worn without an outer cover, displaying those cute prints on the diaper! Also, the lack of cover means baby’s body feels cool and will get plenty of air. With its unique hourglass design, Fitted Diapers make movement simple for babies by preventing the ‘waddling effect’ caused by bulky and cumbersome diapers.

Leaks and stains rarely appear on a Fitted cloth nappy, as it provides excellent containment against even solid waste, thus keeping covers clean. However, Fitted Diapers take longer to wash and dry due to its being a two-layer nappy system. In addition, they are high-priced, and are better suited for outside wear. Along with a set of ordinary nappies, it is recommended to invest in a few fitted cloth nappies for when taking baby out on his first picnic!

Fitted Diapers are available in several kinds of fabrics like hemp, organic cotton, and organic cotton prints. Some of the brands that carry fitted cloth nappies are Punkin-butt, and Sugar Peas. Other brands include Tots Bots, Motherease, Popolino, Bambino Mio, and others. In fact, Fitted Diapers are available in every major brand, and in a varied price range to suit your budget!

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How to wean baby off

Trying to get my 20 month old baby to eat can be such a nightmare. He just wouldnt open his mouth for me to spoon food inside. Al he wants is breastmilk, breastmilk and more breastmilk. When is he ever gona wean off me. I’m getting very tired of all this breastfeeding thingy, especially i have so much to do during the night and all he wants to do is tag onto me.

I cant really do much. just wish that hubby can be cooperative enough to sleep with his for two whole weeks. My friends told me most baby wean off in two weeks time. I’ll have a word with hubby and see if he’s willing to help or not. If not, all of us will suffer at the end of the day.

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How Organic Is Your Baby?

So just what does organic mean for babies? There was a report done by a working environmental group that showed results including findings of a significant amount of toxic chemicals are found in the blood of newborns.

The American Red Cross ran a series of blood tests on 10 umbilical-cord samples and their findings included 287 contaminants in the blood samples. Of the 287 found in the blood, 180 of the contaminants cause cancer in humans and animals, 217 of them cause damage to the brain and nervous system. 208 of the toxic chemicals caused abnormalities and birth defects on animals tested. Included in the contaminants were mercury, fire retardants, pesticides, plastic and other noted toxic contaminants.

Now there is a whole market of organic baby products that one can buy to help eliminate the toxic chemicals that bombard our babies. The National Organic Standards Board or NOSB was established to assist the National Organic Program NOP with creating and maintaining guidelines for substances in organic production. In 1990 the US congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, which made its stipulation that the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) establish uniform standards for Organic Agricultural Products.

On the market today are both edible and non-edible merchandise that are Organic Baby Products. You can find Organic Baby food, Organic baby textiles in which products are made from, Pesticide free wood based Organic Baby furniture products, Organic Baby Clothing, Organic Baby Body Care Products and Even a whole Organic Baby shower waiting to happen.

Organic standards included that the NOP enforces are; no organic food products may contain in production or handling: genetic engineering, ionizing radiation and sewage sludge. Crops meet “organic” standard if they were grown with out the use of most conventional pesticides, Petroleum base fertilizers and Sewage Sludge based fertilizers. Livestock must be raised according to organic standards. This means for livestock that they are fed organic feed, raised with access to outdoors, and raised free of antibiotics and growth hormones.

Also in accordance with the NOP organic farmers adhere to practices that minimize soil erosion and practice renewal resources and exercise maximum water conservation. Organic farmers rely on rotating crops and livestock grazing as opposed to using harmful chemically synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic farmers do not use harmful chemical pesticides that contaminate the groundwater and use natural fertilizer alternative like animal and plant waste to avoid polluting waterways. Many pregnant women who sharecrop have medical problems them selves as do their babies because of exposure to non-organic toxic substances.

Today you can walk into any well-stocked grocery store and find a supply or organic baby food as well as your local health food store. The label will say “Organic” to ensure that you are getting Organic baby food or Organic baby products.

Online I found Organic Baby Crib sets including the mattress made by a family based company called Shepard’s Dream. This means all the wool and cotton used in their products is organically grown. Arlington Furniture Factory makes FSS certified wooden products. FSS certified means that the wood they use is not wood byproduct it is real wood and it comes from renewable forests. Their finishes are natural and non-toxic. There are also lines of pesticide and chemical free Organic baby clothes you can get for your baby. Organic baby soaps and products can be found in your local health food stores as well.

For those who are expecting their own organic baby or grandchild there is a fun site where you can get all your organic baby shower products at organicbabyshower.com. One other great site for all Organic non-edible baby needs including rattles and teethers is organicgiftshop.com.

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Bedtime tales

I put Josh Groban on again as my kids tend to sleep better listening to his constant droning. It may drive me nuts listening to it all night long. But i tell you, it’s way better than my kids waking up every now and then. It’s the school holidays and they’ve been out with me at very odd hours at times, lol. So, you can bet how pretty screwed up their sleeping hours can be these few days. I ought to have their bedtime routine down pat, but it’s not easy as i work at night and from the bedroom too. Maybe once i move to my own place one day. Just hope the day will come real soon.

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Appeton with Lysine

I’m at wit’s end trying to get my baby to eat solid food. At 17 months od, he still wants to nurse all day long. Not that i dont want to nurse him. The thing is i dont have much for him to nurse and he’s hungry all day long. My heart aches to see him so skinny and refusing food. I will try giving him some Appeton with added Lysine and see if it improves his appetite to eat or not. Just hope that doesnt make him nurse more than now though, ol.

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Josh Groban for my light-sleeper

I finally found out what works best for my light-sleeper. I play Josh Groban one night on my Nokia N73 music edition and he slept through the night. Really it works. I used to play nursery rhymes and he doesnt quite like it. I thought it’s because of the squeaky noise towards the end of the playlist, but it’s not. It took me so many months to finally find something that can get him to sleep so soundly. I hope this works forever.

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