Whether you’re supplementing while breastfeeding, exclusively formula feeding, or just wanting to have a back-up ready, choosing an infant formula can be a daunting task. The formula aisle is filled with competing claims all stating that their formula will make your baby stronger or smarter. How do you even get started?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no added sugars for children under 2, but kids love to be a part of holiday meals. Here’s an easy recipe that is perfect for babies. It’s sweetened with fruit, so it will not be as sweet as you may be used to, but babies do not need their foods to be as sweet. This has been a hit at our house every Thanksgiving since I started making it. It requires only 3 ingredients and you have the option of using all frozen or packaged foods, making it extremely convenient. Alternatively, you can opt for fresh options as well.
Many parents have expressed fear in regards to introducing allergens to their baby. This makes sense. The idea that your child could have an allergic reaction to a food is scary. The recommendations for allergen introduction have changed recently, so you may have done something completely different with an older child. Know that these recommendations are to help reduce the risk of allergies, but there is nothing you can do that is guaranteed to prevent allergies. If your child ends up with a food allergy, it is not your fault.
One of the things new parents find most surprising is how focused they are on their child’s poop. Whether your child struggles with constipation or diarrhea, poop problems can add another layer of stress to starting solids. First off, know that there will be changes to your child’s poop. We expect that. Their digestive system has a lot to learn. There are ways to help them through the transition and make it more comfortable for everyone.
You get a bucket full of candy just for wearing a costume! But now that Halloween is over, what’s the best plan for dealing with all of that leftover candy? Should you use the Witch Switch? Just throw it out when they’re not looking? Tell them you threw it out and video it in hopes of getting a viral reaction? My answer, as pediatric dietitian, may surprise you.
While there are many people with strong opinions on baby led weaning versus purees, that’s not what this post is about. This post will be going over some of the key points we look at when introducing solids to babies. First we need to determine if they are developmentally ready to start solids. Then there are a few key nutrients that we should focus on. Lastly, there are a couple of things that we should avoid.
While a peanut butter (or nut-free alternative) and jelly sandwich has been the go-to option for a no-fuss meal forever, how do you know if you’re picking out the best jam or jelly for your baby? There are so many options in the jelly aisle that it can be overwhelming. Should you be looking for lower sugar or higher fiber? What’s most important?
There are many reasons why you may want to offer a bottle to a breastfed baby. First, it is a great way to get your partner or another caregiver involved and give you a break. There may be a time that you need to be away from your baby (like going back to work), so knowing they can take a bottle can give you peace of mind. Pace feeding is a technique that can prevent overfeeding and bottle preference, preserving your breastfeeding relationship.
When it’s finally time to leave your little one with someone else, it can be challenging to know how much milk to leave! If you have been exclusively breastfeeding, you may have no idea how much milk your baby is getting each feed, so how do you know what they need? Here are some tips for breastfeeding parents to help figure out how much milk your baby might need.
