Posted on 31 March 2010. Tags: breast milk, breastfeeding, calcium, cow's milk, growth and development, liquids, nutrition

There will come a time when each and every parent will have to make a decision about when to introduce their child to cow’s milk. The challenge is the fact that a baby’s digestive system is oftentimes probably not ready for cow’s milk until they reach their first birthday. Despite the fact that a baby’s digestive system may effectively process cow’s milk, cow’s milk doesn’t have all of the nutritional supplements which a baby really needs for growth as well as development during the first year. The fact is, according to quite a few pediatric professionals, giving an infant cow’s milk may very well most likely play a role in the advancement of an iron deficiency and also possibly internal hemorrhaging. No less crucial would be the fact an hypersensitive reaction may potentially manifest, as well. Nevertheless, there will certainly come a time when introducing your baby to cow’s milk will certainly make a great deal of sense and be an essential step in the proper direction.
Cow’s milk has already been proven to provide protein which can help encourage growth for your baby. Additionally, cow’s milk contains plenty of carbohydrates. These particular carbohydrates can give your baby a great deal of strength as well as energy. Another essential advantage comes from the undeniable fact that if your child gets sufficient calcium from the time they are very young, there is a very good probability that your baby will have reduced risks of high blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer, and hip fractures.
When considering how to get your baby into drinking cow’s milk, you may want to experiment with giving your baby a small amount of cow’s milk. Perhaps only a few tablespoons and wait to notice if your baby wants more. You could combine it with some cereal or some other suitable food item. And please remember, simply because your baby is drinking his or her own cow’s milk from a cup doesn’t imply that you have to quit breastfeeding your baby. The majority of medical professionals suggest that you make certain that the breast milk is not your baby’s principal source of nourishment. Keep in mind, your baby continues to grow to where more is necessary insofar as nutrients and vitamins and minerals.
Here is the conclusion: Cow’s milk plays a huge role in helping your baby grow into a healthy toddler. It is great that you are taking an interest in determining when and how to make this essential transition.
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Posted in Baby Food 101, Featured Articles
Posted on 30 March 2010. Tags: butternut squash, cereals, food choices, fruits, growth and development, healthy baby food, healthy choices, healthy eating habits, hungry babies, likes and dislikes, make your own baby food, new food, nutrition, picky eater, solid foods

Your baby is the center of your life; you and your spouse are devoted to raising and providing for your new son or daughter. Once your baby reaches four to six months of age, some solid foods may be introduced in his or her diet. Recommended foods include the following:
a) cereals and grains: rice, oat, barley
b) fruits: bananas, avocado, apples, pears
c) vegetables: sweet potatoes, green beans, acorn/butternut squash
f) protein and dairy: avoid at this age
You and your spouse are worried, however, because you suspect that your baby may be a picky eater. You are concerned that you baby might not be getting enough nutrients every day. Follow these tips to help your baby develop healthy eating habits.
Tip One: Remember that you toddler might be displaying signs of picky eating as a means of gaining control and independence. Be patient with your child.
Tip Two: Feed your baby a variety of healthy foods. Offer your baby a new food and allow him time to try it out on his own terms.
Tip Three: Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to offer your baby wholesome and healthy foods, but it is your baby’s responsibility to decide whether or not to eat those foods.
Tip Four: Your baby will never starve herself so try to relax about how much foods she eats and keep offering healthy choices.
Tip Five: Your toddler’s appetite will change on a regular basis. His likes and dislikes of foods will change often, too.
Tip Six: If your toddler is teething, she has very sore gums and may not wish to chew much food. She may lose her appetite for a few days, then the normal appetite returns.
Tip Seven: If your child is busy entertaining herself by exploring the rug or a new cloth book, she might be upset if you remove her from her “play” and sit her down in the high chair to eat.
Tip Eight: Remember that babies go through natural growth spurts. During a period of rapid growth, your baby will be very hungry. Babies who are not experiencing a growth spurt will typically be less hungry.
Tip Nine: Your baby’s appetite will decrease as he ages and becomes less dependent on breast milk or formula for his nutrition. Less food is required at this stage to support healthy growth and development.
Tip Ten: Give your baby control of her eating. Consider if you are still spoon-feeding your baby that she might be at a stage where she would prefer to feed herself and control what foods she eat.
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Posted in Baby Food Tips, Featured Articles