Selecting The Right Car Seat

You keep the car in good repair. You monitor road and weather conditions. You wear lap and shoulder belts for all your trips. You drive defensively. Now, with delivery just six weeks away, you are preparing for a tiny passenger. Safe travel is of top concern.

Is there one certain infant car seat that is the “best”? No. Is the cost of the seat a gauge of its safety? No. Can someone else choose the seat for your newborn? No. The best car seat is the seat that fits your child and the car...and is used properly each time you travel. 

Basic seat requirements:

• Seat fits your child’s specifications (i.e., height, weight, special needs). (Most infant seats fit a child whose weight is at least 5 pounds.)
• A label lists manufacturer’s name, model number, date of manufacture.
• Seat has not been recalled by the manufacturer.
• Seat is less than 6 years old.
• A label states that the seat has met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213)
• Seat has not been involved in a moderate or severe crash.
• All seat parts are intact.
• Instruction manual is available.

Before you go seat-shopping:

• Learn your car. Grab a flashlight and the car manual; climb into your car’s second row of seats. (The middle is the safest position; infants face the rear of the car.)
• Find the “child passenger safety” section of your car manual. Read it slowly. You will learn some new words!
• If you will be using the center seat belt, find the two parts of the belt (the long strap with the latch ...the short strap with the buckle); hook them together. Get acquainted with the wind-up system of that seat belt.
• For cars made after 2002, there may be recessed bars for attaching “LATCH” hooks. [LATCH = Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children] . Find out where the LATCH bars are located.
• Think about your travel. Will there be daily car trips? Will you be transporting other passengers, pets, or cargo? How many cars will be used for your child? How long-legged are the people who will be riding in the front seat? (Infant seats are rear-facing and their long backs extend toward the front row seats. Sometimes the front row passenger needs to move the front row seat forward.)
• Learn the parts of a seat and the product choices. Useful references: American Academy of Pediatrics “Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families 2008” (www.aap.org) ...National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ( www.nhtsa.dot.gov, 1-888-DASH-2-DOT).

At the store:

• Take your time. Talk with the sales person. Often sales are final, but some stores allow you to try the seat in your parked car before purchase.

Installation help:

• To find a certified child passenger safety technician convenient to your zip code, dial 1-866-SEATCHECK or visit www.seatcheck.org.

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The Benefits of Signing With Baby

5 Reasons Why Parents Love Signing With Babies

In the past decade, a growing number of parents worldwide have discovered the joys of using simple sign language with their preverbal babies.  Why sign language?  Babies can gain control of their hands long before they develop the oral motor skills necessary for speech, so signs allow little ones to express their thoughts without crying or whining, a bonus for both babies and parents.  But reducing frustration is just one reason parents love using Baby sign language.

Here's what researchers Linda Acredcolo, PhD and Susan Goodwyn, PhD, the authors of Baby Signs:  How to Talk with Your Baby Before  Your Baby Can Talk (Contemporary Books, 2002), have found in their 20 years of research on the effects of Baby sign language on babies' development.

1. Baby sign language help babies talk sooner

One concern that parents have is the effect of sign language on speech development.  Acredolo and Goodwyn have found that Baby Signers actually talk sooner than non-signers.  The reason being that they are using expressive language from an earlier age, playing with words, ideas and pairing them up before they have even developed the oral motor skills necessary for speech.  In addition, they have found that by age 8, children who signed had stronger reading skills than those who did not. 

2. Baby sign language Empower Babies to Initiate Conversation

Most babies will show signs of wanting to communicate by coming up with their own simple gestures:  they will raise their arms to say 'Pick me up,' reach for things they want, pat the couch to say 'up', or open their mouth wide when they want more food.  Signs expand on this idea and offer children an opportunity to communicate about specific ideas or concepts.

After returning from a walk around the neighborhood, Isabel looked at her mom and signed 'airplane.  'Yes,' her mom said, 'we saw a big airplane up in the sky today.  It was flying to a place far away.'

In this exchange, the child expressed a topic on her mind and the parent was able to elaborate on it, modeling language on a topic the child initiated.

3. Baby sign language Reduce Frustration

Parents and researchers agree that after learning Baby sign language as a communication tool, both child and parent have fewer moments of frustration that stem from a lack of communication.  Tantrums decrease, and parents have found that they can discipline or redirect their child in public without using their voice, therefore avoiding embarrassing moments for the child.

The most frustrating age for a toddler is 17-22 months because although he is mobile and he understands what you're saying, he may not be able to communicate about what he wants.    Sign language can help clarify communication between parent and child, replacing grunts and whining with clear expressions of thoughts.  Children as young as 6 to 8 months old can understand the signs for 'milk,'  'more,' and 'all done.'  Between 8 and 12 months, children often begin signing 'more' when they are out of Cheerios or would like another push on a swing, or they will sign 'all done' when they have had enough to eat or want to leave the mall.   Once children start speaking, parents have found that signs help fill in the gaps until the child is able to intelligibly communicate all the thoughts he wants to share.

4. Baby sign language Provide a Strong Foundation for Early Literacy

Signs make books more meaningful to babies.  Your child can be an active participant in story time, labeling pictures and predicting what comes next in their favorite books.  This kind of participation and interaction helps children understand the similarities and differences between concepts.  When they first learn the sign for 'dog,' they may generalize it and label all mammals in a book 'dog.'  Once the parent has helped them learn to see the distinguishing features of a dog, a horse and a bear, they can then learn to generalize the sign for 'dog' to the family pet, a stuffed animal and the star of Blue's Clues, given appropriate feedback from adults.

5. Baby sign language Stimulate Intellectual Development

Participation in reading activities, along with the vocabulary boost inherent in early communication, lead to stronger early reading skills.  Marilyn Daniels, author of Dancing With Words: Signing for Hearing Children's Literacy (Bergin & Garvey, 2001), found in her research that hearing students in pre-kindergarten who had the benefit of adding the visual and kinesthetic (movement) elements of sign language to verbal and written language scored significantly higher on standardized vocabulary tests than hearing students with no sign instruction.  Adding sign language to verbal communication has been found to help enhance a preschool child's vocabulary, spelling and early reading skills.

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Creating A 'Green' Registry

As more and more new moms make the choice to be environmentally friendly, Babies“R”Us has identified a growing trend in baby registry influenced by today’s eco-conscious lifestyles.  In addition to the basics, such as bottles, bibs and bouncers, more moms are choosing to register for “green” items that are good for baby and the environment, including bedding and apparel made with organic cotton and natural dyes, a mattress made with organic cotton fill, organic food and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.  

Babies“R”Us maintains an ongoing dialogue with new and expectant moms to identify and stay at the forefront of trends.  These unique insights into the shopping preferences of millions of parents have revealed that the momentum behind natural lifestyle choices has inspired a growth in the creation of “green” baby registries or registries populated with organic items. 

“Setting up a baby registry is the first step new and expectant parents take when establishing their baby’s environment.  In the past, color and pattern were key determining factors, but now, parents are increasingly interested in ensuring that their baby’s world is healthy and clean,” said Tori Binau, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Babies“R”Us.  “This has translated into a trend of  creating ‘green’ registries featuring natural and organic items that are good for both baby and the planet.”

Below are examples of some of the most popular natural and organic products chosen by moms when building a “green” baby registry:

• Organic-certified baby/toddler food.  Organic food offered at Babies“R”Us, including puréed jar food, toddler snacks, milk and juice, from brands such as Gerber®, Earth’s Best®, Horizon Organic® and Healthy Handfuls®, is certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Mothers who choose to breastfeed to provide their babies with the most natural source of nutrition can find breastfeeding accessories at Babies“R”Us, including breast pumps for purchase and hospital-grade breast pumps by Medela® for rent from select stores.

• Organic cotton apparel.  Parents can choose to dress their baby in layette, one piece underwear, bodysuits, shirt and pant sets, caps, socks and sleep sacks made with cottons that are naturally grown and certified organic.  Featured brands include Koala Baby, which is exclusive to Babies“R”Us, Gerber® and Halo®. 

• Natural bedding.  Earth-friendly products provide a peaceful, gentle sleeping environment.  Offerings in this category include the Serta® Perfect Balance Mattress made with organic cotton fill and bedding made from organic cotton, such as the Nature’s Purest™ “Hug Me” collection by Summer Infant® and the Bunny Meadow collection by Kids Line™. 

• Environmentally friendly cleaners for the nursery and home.  Cleaning products that don’t contain toxins are gentle on the planet and safe for people, pets and the environment.  Babies“R”Us carries cleaning products that can be used for dishes, laundry, surfaces and bathrooms from brands such as Seventh Generation®, Method® Home, Clorox® GreenWorks™, BabyGanics and Mrs. Meyers Clean Day®.

• Eco-smart gear.  Whether eating in a high chair or relaxing in a swing, these products embrace baby in eco-smart gear.  The Nature’s Purest™ “Hug Me” collection by Summer Infant®, which includes a playard, bouncer and bassinet as well as a high chair and swing, features cotton produced without harmful pesticides, chemicals or dyes.

•  Natural skin care.  Pure and natural personal care products such as lotions, balms and ointments from brands like Avalon Organics®, Earth’s Best®, MethodBaby™, MethodKid™ and Weleda Baby keep baby’s skin soft and clean. 

 

• Chlorine-free diapers and wipes.  Parents can keep babies dry with hypo-allergenic diapers that are free of chlorine, fragrance and latex, as well as wipes moistened with natural aloe vera, vitamin E and water to cleanse gently and naturally, both from Seventh Generation®.

• Organic baby care items.  Bath time, feeding time or bedtime, keep baby’s environment natural with hooded towels, washcloths, bibs, burp cloths, blankets, infant wraps and a slipcover for the Boppy® pillow, all made with organically-grown cotton.  Babies“R”Us offers organic baby care items from Gerber®, Bumkins® and Kiddopotamus®.

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Exercise, A Key Factor in Overcoming Postpartum Depression

Mother’s Day conjures up images of relaxed, contented moms gazing lovingly at their newborns and basking in their role as the family’s primary caretaker.  But sometimes images can be deceiving. The darker side of motherhood is not often discussed, yet its effects can be staggering. 

The “baby blues” – a short-lived period of mild depression postpartum - is extremely common among new moms, affecting up to 85% of new moms, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  Alarmingly, one in ten of those women will experience the most severe form of the baby blues, postpartum depression (PPD).

Postpartum depression can surface anytime up to six months after childbirth, and if left untreated, can last up to a year or even longer.  Common symptoms include loss of appetite, loss of energy and motivation, increased crying or tearfulness and feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, restlessness, irritability or anxiousness.

San Diego, CA mom Laura Russell (*name has been changed) described her experience with PPD as “devastating.”  Not only was she so depressed she could not function; she was then separated from her newborn son, thus compounding the feeling of worthlessness and isolation.

“I actually had to be institutionalized because the postpartum depression was so bad,” she said. "I have never experienced something that was so debilitating and so devastating in my life.”

 After she was released, Russell was told by her doctor that in order to keep her depression under control, she could either use medication or seek out other coping skills such as therapy and exercise.

“ I joined a Stroller Strides exercise class, and looking back, I can honestly say, the classes saved me. The combination of regular exercise and the support I received from other new moms was something that no drug could give me. I lost weight and really began to feel better.” 

Russell’s experience supports a commonly held belief that exercise is an effective prescription for depression.  A recent study in Maternal and Child Health Journal, concluded that “better maternal well being” was found among mothers who maintained or increased their exercise both pre and postpartum when compared with mothers who had no or a decreased level of exercise (Maternal and Child Health, September 2004, Volume 8, Number 3). The article by JW Blum from the College of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham, Maine, also cited support from partner/husband, family and friends as a significant factor in maintaining or increasing sports/exercise.

Numerous mental health professionals concur.  “Research clearly proves that exercise has positive psychological effects, generating a more positive mood, relieving symptoms of stress and leading to an increased self esteem,” said Dr. Susan Levy, Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University.

She applauded programs like Stroller Strides that combine exercise with a supportive group environment, adding that peer support is an effective way to encourage participants to continue exercising. “To gather new moms in a positive, supportive atmosphere can provide enormous incentive to begin exercising postpartum and also to adhere to an exercise program.”

Stroller Strides was founded in 2001, and is now offered in more than 150 locations across the United States, from Tampa, FL to Seattle, WA.  The unique stroller fitness program offers a challenging class for moms who bring their babies and toddlers in strollers, utilizing power walking and exercise tubing.  In addition to the classes, nationally certified Stroller Strides instructors organize playgroups and Moms’ Night Out, giving moms opportunities to socialize and further foster relationships

Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with thier babies.  It includes power walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller.  Stroller Strides classes are taught by nationally certified fitness instructors who are also moms.

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Selecting a Guardian

Top 10 Things to Consider when Selecting Back-Up Parents for Your Children

Although it’s almost unimaginable to think of yourself not being there to raise your children, imagine the situation where a court gets involved and chooses a “suitable” guardian to care for your children. Also, imagine that your family is fighting over who should have custody. This is why it’s so important to take matters into your own hands and nominate a guardian for your children while it’s still your choice. Here are ten tips that can help making the decision regarding who to nominate a little easier.

1. Consider more than just the obvious choices. Start by making a list of all those you know and trust to take good care of your children. Extended family members who are old enough to care for your children can make excellent choices to raise your children, not just siblings, aunts and uncles.

2. Friends can make for exceptional guardians. In addition to your list of family members, you should include close family friends, from church, your children’s school or even a child care provider with whom you have a special relationship.

3. Finances of the guardian should not be your primary consideration. It is a mistake to eliminate anyone from the list because you don’t think they have the financial wherewithal to support your children. With proper estate planning, you will have taken care of this potential issue well in advance (this is where having a trust and life insurance in place can play a vital role in your planning strategy).

4. Think about who will love your children most. If the couple or person you choose as guardian has their own children, do you feel that they would be able to love your children the same way they love their own?

5. Do the values of the guardian reflect your values and philosophies? You should consider whether or not the people on your list of potential guardians share your same religious beliefs, moral values, child-rearing philosophy, educational values and social values.

6. Does the guardian act responsibly and are they a good role model? How does each potential guardian deal with adversity, do they have a good temperament, are they patient, are they affectionate, and are they mature enough to take on the role of a parent?

7. Consider the practical factors. Is the guardian you have chosen married or single? If they are married, what would happen if the couple divorced? This may make for an argument to only list your biological family member as guardian in case there is ever a divorce down the road. You should also consider the guardian’s age and health. Although your parents may be a natural choice because you know they would love your children unconditionally, they may be getting too old to keep up with your children (depending on their health). Also, consider how close the guardian lives to other important people in your children’s lives.

8. Who would be a good, not a perfect choice? No one will take care of your children exactly the way you would. After all, no one can really replace you. What you are trying to do is pick the best overall choice for “back-up” parents. Although this is a difficult decision to make, if you truly consider what matters most to you, you will likely be able to come up with some reasonable and good choices. Trust your instincts, they are usually right. After selecting your first choice, come up with one or two back-up choices.

9. Talk with everyone involved. This does two very important things. First, it will eliminate hurt feelings and feuding if something should ever happen. And second, you can also gauge a potential guardian’s feelings about being nominated as a back-up parent to your children. Also, talking to your children about it if they are old enough is a good idea. They may have an opinion on where they would feel most comfortable.

10. Do the necessary planning to guide and protect your children. Create a set of guidelines to express your parenting values and your hopes and dreams for your children. Set up a trust that will hold the assets (including life insurance) that you will pass to your children. Instruct the trustee to provide necessary financial assistance to the guardians you select. You can also create special instructions through your trust to provide for annual trips to visit relatives and friends, incentives for your children to graduate from college or provide for the purchase of their first car or home or even a wedding. Lastly, designate mentors in your children’s lives—special people in their lives to help guide them. An example might be the person you choose to act as trustee. He or she could be a terrific “financial” mentor to your children. A leader at your church might make the perfect “spiritual” mentor. A close friend might make a wonderful “emotional” mentor since they know you so well and can communicate things about you and your values that maybe even your family doesn’t know.

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Cord Blood Banking Questions

The blood that remains in your baby’s umbilical cord after it has been cut is called cord blood and is rich in stem cells. Stem cell therapies are one of the most promising areas of medical treatment and have already been used to treat nearly 70 diseases, including leukemia and blood disorders. 

According to the Cord Blood Donor Foundation, cord blood stem cells can treat the same diseases as the stem cells in bone marrow, with significantly less chance of harmful rejection. Expectant parents can save their baby’s cord blood at birth by making arrangements with a family cord blood bank.  Family banks save cord blood for the exclusive use of the baby or other family members. Here are some of the most common questions parents have about cord blood banking:

Q. What are cord blood stem cells?

A: Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, the building blocks of organ tissue, blood, and the immune system. Collecting cord blood stem cells is non-invasive and performed immediately following the delivery of a baby.

Q: What diseases are treated with stem cell transplantation?

A: Stem cells have a natural regenerative power to heal, and have been used for decades to treat nearly 70 life-threatening illnesses including leukemia, blood disorders, and other cancers. Additionally, the potential for using stem cells to treat a number of common illnesses, such as heart disease, juvenile diabetes, and brain injury, is one of the most promising areas of medical research.

Q: Who can use my baby’s stem cells?

A: Your baby will be a perfect match for the cells, and the mother can also use the cells due to her carrying the child during the pregnancy.1 The most common use for cord blood stem cells is between siblings; however, any family member who is a suitable genetic match may benefit from these cells.

Q: How likely is it that my family will need to use stem cells?

A: According to published research, the odds that your child will need to use stem cells for currently available treatments is estimated at between 1 in 200 and 1 in 400.2. Most importantly, if your family needs stem cells, using your own family’s cord blood has been shown to have significant advantages compared to using cord blood from an unrelated donor3. Additionally, siblings are twice as likely to be able to use each other’s cord blood compared to each other’s bone marrow.

Q. How is cord blood collected?

A: Collecting your baby’s cord blood is painless, does not interfere with the delivery, and takes only a few minutes. Immediately following delivery, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. An obstetrician or nurse will collect the blood from the umbilical cord before it is discarded. The collected cord blood is then shipped via medical courier to the cord blood bank where it is processed and cryogenically stored. When you enroll with a cord blood bank, you will receive a collection kit that contains everything your doctor will need for the collection.

Ask Dr. Sears

Should I bank my baby’s cord blood?

I strongly recommend cord blood banking to my patients. Using your own family’s cord blood has been shown to significantly improve medical outcomes compared to using cord blood from someone outside your family. In fact, it is twice as likely that siblings will be able to use each other’s cord blood for treatment compared to each other’s bone marrow. 

Currently, a number of serious diseases have been treated with cord blood stem cells. And there’s a more compelling reason to save these cells—their potential to treat diseases like juvenile diabetes, heart disease, and brain injury. As new treatments develop, having cord blood stem cells on hand to treat these conditions will be invaluable.

Parents have only one chance with each child to bank his or her cord blood stem cells. The importance of banking is clear, but the financial commitment may deter some families. Thankfully, payment plans make the cost well within reach for most people. I believe cord blood banking is well worth the investment for a family’s future, and parents should strongly consider making use of this valuable service.

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Planning For a Healthy Pregnancy

Prepregnancy is the ideal time to review your lifestyle, habits and health history. Getting healthy before pregnancy will help you cope with the stress of labor, delivery and recovery. And it will help your baby, especially in those critical early weeks of development. Let's review a few ideas of prepregnancy (or "preconceptual") planning.

Nutrition and vitamins are critical for you and your baby. Women who are planning a pregnancy should take prenatal vitamins, which contain folic acid. Folic acid supplementation can lower the incidence of neural tube defects (spina bifida). The spinal cord closes by 28 days of embryologic life, prior to when many women realize they are pregnant, making vitamins particularly important in the preconceptual period.

Before becoming pregnant, you should also decrease or eliminate caffeinated beverages. Heavy ingestion of caffeine may be associated with smaller, less healthy babies. A Costa Rican study showed that maternal coffee intake decreases iron absorption, potentially causing anemia for you and your unborn child.

Pregnancy is not a time to diet, so optimize your weight prior to conceiving. Obesity is associated with a higher incidence of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and difficult labors. Ideal nutrition is achieved with your old-fashioned food pyramid, containing moderate servings from all five food groups. Fad diets are unbalanced; they could be harmful to you and your baby.

Discuss your medical history and any medications you take with your obstetrician prior to becoming pregnant. Some medications (including some antibiotics, antiseizure drugs and drugs used for psychiatric disorders) may harm your baby and should be stopped well before conception. If a type of medication is essential for your health, perhaps your doctor could minimize the dose or substitute an alternative, safer drug. Women with serious health problems (diabetes, lupus, hypertension) can have successful pregnancies, but they need to get special care before and during their pregnancies.

A moderate exercise program begun preconceptually is safe to continue in an uncomplicated pregnancy. High temperatures, contact sports and heavy lifting should be avoided. The key is to initiate the exercise program before you become pregnant, then to make remaining fit and active a part of your healthy pregnancy.

Finally, review your immunization status, family genetic history, work environment, and prior pregnancy history with your doctor before becoming pregnant. These are all important areas where early intervention will help you and your baby throughout your pregnancy.

Becoming a parent is a major commitment; improving your health before pregnancy can help you to have a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby.

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New Baby On The Way, What To Do With # 1?

So, you are going to have a baby! Not your first baby, but perhaps your second, third, maybe even fourth. I remember the excitement I felt when I knew my second was on the way. A playmate for my son. I remember the joy of considering having another little person to get to know and enjoy.

Then out of nowhere, the anxiety hit and I thought, “How will my first born, previously known as the center of the universe, respond?” 

I think I felt this right around the time I was seven months pregnant with my second. You know the time I’m talking about; far enough along to be ready to be done being pregnant, but not nearly long enough to finish all you feel like you have to.

It is certainly the point of realizing the implications of how life is really going to change, again.

It was then that anxiety became an emotion that I did not expect. How will Hayden (my first born) get the same attention he had been getting? How will he know we still love him just as much? How can we help him through this upcoming transition of chaos?

Honestly, I do not think I am any different from other expectant mothers. I spent plenty of uncomfortable sleepless nights wondering how to handle number one with the impending introduction of number two.

I have read articles about keeping the same routine for your first, trying not to upset the apple cart to much, so they realize that despite the giant upheaval life just gave them, they can still expect their naptime to be 1:00 pm.

I also read ideas on one-on-one timing. Give your first-born special outings, special alone time with mom/dad/grandparents whoever. The idea is they will realize their continued importance within the family.

Another option people suggested was if your first born was old enough, give them new responsibilities, help them identify their role as the older sibling and why this is such a “better” gig anyway.

You get the idea, but I have to tell you that all these ideas gave me was more worry. They reinforced my fear. “I was going to damage this precious child who up until now, had all the attention in the world!”.

Almost three years later, I am claiming pregnancy (and post-partum) insanity. There is no way on earth that you can keep the same routine. Period. The end.

You may try, but let’s face it; life is different with a new baby in the house. Everything from wake up to bedtime is different with two or more kids.

You may find time to squeeze in alone time with the first-born, or be blessed to have a person who can help with that, but in fact, this is where I actually learned the true art of multi-tasking.

In my alone time with Hayden, I taught him how to fold laundry and load the dishwasher, needless to say at 18 months, which is how old he was when Tucker was born, I was tricking myself into believing that I could incorporate alone time and additional big boy responsibility.

In all seriousness, my fears for my first-born were real, I don’t deny that, but as a mom who attempted to do the above to some extent, I certainly had not given myself, or my son, enough credit.

If you’re in the same situation, follow your oldest child’s lead. Keep them in (or offer them) activities. Keep them engaged in dance, their music, computers, or other outside interests. This will give them the time away to be themselves without little brother or little sister. At home, you are a family and it is such a blessing to have all of those relationships and personalities.

I’m weathering the storm and you too will figure out by trial and error how to love, balance, and give to each child the support and attention they need. In the end kids are resilient.

You love them and because you have the awareness to take care of their needs individually, you will give them the sense of identity and strength they need.

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Eating When Baby Arrives

A new baby can be overwhelming for the whole family.  The last thing on your mind is cooking for yourself or eating a healthy diet.  However this is the time you really need to eat right.  Whether you’re breastfeeding and need the extra calories, want to increase your stamina against the sleep deprivation or are starting to think about losing the “baby weight” - a healthy diet can really help with your energy level and overall outlook.  Here are a few tips for how to eat healthfully during this exciting time.

1.  Say “yes, please!”.  Friends, family members and neighbors will ask if you need anything.  Allow them to help by bringing you a meal or picking up some groceries.  They really do want to help and allowing someone to cook for you is a labor of love and kindness.  Friends who do not cook may want to bring you a prepared meal from a grocery store or your favorite restaurant.

Many moms groups have members standing by to make a meal whenever they hear a new baby is coming home from the hospital.  Take advantage – you’ll be able to return the favor when it’s your turn to be “on call”.

2.  If you do want to cook – make large quantities.  Use your freezer to stock left-overs and make your own convenience foods for a day when you don’t feel like cooking.  Good options include: lasagna, chili, vegetable soups, stews, roasts.

3.  Call a personal chef to come in and make meals for you.  There are many services in the area who will prepare menu items based on your likes and dietary restrictions.  This is an especially good option if you have a slow recovery or have a partner who is traveling.

4.  Order groceries online.  If you don’t feel like going out – you can still get your groceries.  Many stores in the Bay Area offer delivery of whole foods as well as other staples and toiletries.

5.  Buy healthy, fresh, foods.  If your refrigerator is stocked with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, yogurts, meats and your pantry has beans, grains, pasta and condiments you’re more likely to be able to throw something together to make a meal or snack, rather than order take-out or “fast” foods.

An apple with peanut butter, yogurt with granola, a fresh fruit smoothie or veggies with cottage cheese make great adult power snacks without much preparation.

6.  Divide and conquer.  Chores such as grocery shopping or cooking that you used to do can be delegated to your partner.  Be gracious and appreciative.  If his idea of making dinner is a cheese sandwich – eat it and enjoy.

7.  Make a healthy diet part of your family’s lifestyle.  If you get into the habit of eating healthy foods now, you’ll be able to set a good example for your new child when he’s ready to eat.  It’s never too early to teach and learn good eating habits.

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Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing a pediatrician for your child is an important and often daunting task. Here are some common questions many parents ask when it comes time to find the right pediatrician who will meet their needs and their baby’s needs. 

When is the right time to find a pediatrician for my baby?

Early is always better and definitely before the baby is delivered. Generally, women should select a pediatrician before the eighth month of pregnancy. Establishing a relationship early allows the doctor to be aware of any pregnancy-related issues which may occur and be ready to give your baby a first checkup while in the hospital. Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important things you can do before giving birth. 

What should I look for in a pediatrician?

Good pediatricians should perform four main functions:

• Help prevent illness in your child and treat illness when it occurs.
• Spot problems early and refer specialists as needed.
• Offer assistance and advice for behavioral and emotional stages of your child’s growing years.
• Be board-certified and have passed rigorous testing and standards of the American Board of Pediatrics. 

How are pediatricians trained?

Pediatricians are medical doctors who have completed four years of medical school and a three-year residency program where they learn the skills needed to treat a broad range of conditions from basic childhood illnesses to more serious diseases. 

What questions should I ask when selecting a pediatrician?

Interview a few pediatricians in order to find someone who best meets your needs and is also compassionate, open to your thoughts and shares similar views. Be prepared to ask:

•  Is it easy to get a last minute appointment?
• How many doctors are in the pediatrician’s office?
• How much time will the doctor spend with my child during each visit?
• Is the doctor covered under my insurance plan?
• What hospital is the doctor affiliated with?
• What is the doctor’s specialty, if any?
• How accessible is the pediatrician after hours?
• Who will cover the doctor’s patients if they are out of town?

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The Benefits of Homemade Baby Food

Babies usually triple their weight during their first year.  So if “they are what they eat”, this is the most important time to give them the best.  Plus you want to give your baby the best of everything, right?  You may not be able to give your child fresh, homemade organic foods every day, but here are the benefits for you and your child when you do make the effort.  Once you start cooking for your baby you’ll see how easy and convenient it is to provide healthy food for your family.

More nutritious

Homemade food is more nutritious than commercially prepared baby foods because it retains more of the nutrients, especially vitamin A and B. This is because the food is less processed. The jarring process necessitates the use of very high heat under pressure. Much more than you can generate when cooking at home. Unfortunately, many vitamins are destroyed by heat.

Some of the baby food on the market has additives and thickening agents including cornstarch, flour, chemically modified starches or “tapioca” (corn syrup, starch). This means your baby is getting less fruit and vegetables and more “filler”.   Thus children get less nutrition and you get less value for your money.

More Control

By making your own food, you’ll know exactly what your child is eating. You can monitor their diet, and know which vitamins and nutrients are lacking. A study by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2002, reported that over 40% of children’s calories come from fast and processed foods. Spend your time making your own food, rather than reading and de-coding labels on all those overly processed foods in the grocery aisle.

  

No Chemicals or Preservatives

Your food will not have anything in it that you didn’t put there. You’re not trying to preserve shelf life or disguise any of the ingredients in your food, because you’re baby will be eating whole, fresh foods without additives and chemicals.   Frequently used preservatives include partially hydrogenated oils or trans-fats, which are linked to diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

  

Better Taste

While sometimes convenient, a big drawback of commercial baby food is that it bears little relation to the real food. Fresh, seasonal food just tastes better. You probably haven’t eaten baby food since you were a baby – because you don’t want or have to. If eating homemade baby food, your child will appreciate real foods from their first bite. These will be the flavors and food items that they will continue to enjoy as they grow. Jarred baby food is not available in every fruit and vegetable, nor is it seasonal. You may miss the opportunity to introduce fruit and vegetable options, which you want your baby to eat later with the rest of the family. Some children get used to bland, smooth, jarred foods and have difficulty being reintroduced to the same real foods and textures later.

  

Less Waste

Making food gives you control over quantity, taste, texture and expense. You will not have to throw away partially eaten jars of food. Instead you can cook what you know your baby will eat, prolong the life of your homemade food in the freezer, or eat the food yourself.

You can also use some of baby’s puree as an ingredient for all age recipes.  Apple and pear puree is a healthy way to create moist and sweet baked goods.   Vegetable purees are the perfect start for homemade soups.

Less Cost

The cost for making your own baby food is often less than buying commercially prepared baby foods, if you shop smart and cook in larger quantities. For instance a four ounce jar of baby food ranges in price from .60 - $1.20 each, depending on brand and place purchased. However when making your own baby food, and following our tips for creating less waste and buying in-season whole foods, you can actually save on the price. I purchased enough apples for an apple puree for $2 at the farmer’s market, and my recipe yielded 16 ounces, thus my cost is only $.50 per four ounce serving.

  

No Special Shopping

There’s no last minute rush to the store to buy baby food.  You can buy the foods you and your family already eats, so you always have ingredients for homemade food at hand.  Create variety from a single, whole food item. When making baked sweet potatoes you can chose to puree some (for baby), cut pieces into soft chunks (for toddler), and leave the rest whole (for mom and dad). Because your homemade purees are made with whole foods, the leftovers can be made into soups, side dishes and sauces for the rest of the family. Honest.  You may doubt that because you wouldn’t even consider making anything for yourself from a jar of baby food. That right there, must mean it’s not the best for you or your baby.

photo credit: Neil. Moralee via photopin cc

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