Meet Scarlett

Simple Meal Planner

2009-03-05T19:17:00.001-08:00

Just for starters- A sample of my meal planner for the little boy or girl who's just started weaning

Week One

Week Two

Mercury in Fish- Myth and Fact

2009-03-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Fish and seafood have long been a center of controversy, and these days many of us are left wondering - are fish still safe to eat?

What's in fish?

Fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain Omega 3. Therefore a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children's proper growth and development.

However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most people, the risk from mercury ingested by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system.

In addition, fish also contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), toxic industrial compounds that were banned in 1979, but that persist in the environment. Fish absorb PCBs from contaminated sediments and from their food. You can limit exposure to PCBs simply by trimming, skinning and cooking your catch to reduce fatty tissue. But, unlike mercury, which you can eliminate from your body over time, PCBs are stored in body fat for many years.

The Amercian Health Authorities- FDA Recommendation on Mercury and Fish is that women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children should avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.

Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish contain high levels of mercury, and therefore should be avoided by the above groups.

It's okay to eat once or twice low-mercury fish per week. Low-mercury fish include shrimp, crab, cod, clams, scallops, canned light tuna, canned salmon, pollock, and catfish.

Albacore "White" tuna contains more mercury than other kinds of tuna. Eat less of albacore tuna per week (about 1 serving).

For a complete list of fish and recommended portions, mummies search the National Resources Defense Council guide.

In Summary:

1. Fish is still a top agent in preserving heart health.

2. Fatty fishes especially contain rich omega 3 and many important proteins that are essential for young children, and ensures proper growth and development.

3. Do choose the types of fish wisely.

4. Eat fish for an average of 2-3 times a week

Nitrates in Baby Food- Myth and Fact

2009-03-05T06:26:00.000-08:00

Nitrates - What are they?

Nitrates naturally exist in water and soil, therefore most vegetables naturally contain nitrates (root vegetables and leafy green ones especially). Nitrates are also laboratory formulated and used in fertilizers. Nitrates are ingested either from vegetables or drinking water Although growing conditions affect actual levels, spinach, kale (Kai Lan), and cabbage are typically the most spoken of.

Nitrates can become dangerous if they body converts them to nitrites (which can cause a particular type of anemia - defiency in red blood cells in babies.)

Physio Makeup of our babies' body

However, it is worth look at the physio makeup of the human body before we decide. By the sixth month of life, babies have a sufficient amount of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs to destroy bacteria that convert nitrates to nitrites. And due to the fact that solids are usually held off till the 5/ 6 months, babies are protected from harm by the time vegetables are introduced into their diet. Commercially prepared vs. made from scratch is completely irrelevant. Some nitrates are naturally occurring, jarred baby food containing any of these vegetables will also have nitrates (this includes organic brands.) So, vegetables that naturally contain nitrates can safely be fed to babies six months or older.

The Amercian authorities cites this --- "Because the intake of naturally occurring nitrates from foods such as green beans, carrots, squash, spinach, and beets can be as high as or higher than that from fresh hydroponics, these foods should be avoided before 3 months of age --- Preventive strategy would be not to introduce home preparations of these vegetables to infants before 3 months of age, although there is no nutritional indication to add complementary foods to the diet of the healthy term infant before 4 to 6 months of age. Infants fed commercially prepared infant foods after 3 months of age generally are not at risk of nitrate poisoning, although the containers should be refrigerated after first use and discarded within 24 hours of opening"

Cyanosis

The reason why nitrates have became a concern for many parents is due to the unusual reporting of the condition known as - "Cyanosis" with the most obvious symptom which is that of a bluish color of the skin, particularly around the eyes and mouth. A baby with these symptoms should be taken to an emergency medical facility immediately. The doctor will take a blood sample to be sure the baby is suffering from nitrate poisoning. The blood sample of an affected baby is a chocolate brown instead of a healthy red. Nitrate poisoning can be treated, and in most cases the baby makes a full recovery.

In Summary:

1. Nitrates occur naturally in vegetables and water (even drinking water) and therefore, it is impossible to remove all traces of nitrates totally unless we remove even the nutritional vitamins and minerals

2. By 3 months, babies can produce enough hydrochloric acid to destroy the nitrates they ingest

3. Therefore by 6 months, it is considered safe to introduce plain drinking water, common root vegetables and green leafy vegetables to babies.

4. However, it is important to monitor the baby for any signs of 'Cyanosis' after the introduction of root and green leafy vegetables (rule of 3 days)

Weaning Equipment : No Brainer!

2009-02-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

If you need to start somewhere, get these equipment ready first!!

1. Soft-tip weaning spoon
Babies love exploring new things with their mouths (and gums), so go for a soft tip spoon, so our babies' gums won't hurt when they try their first bites.

2. Bowl for Savoury Puree
Separate sweet puree and savouries. Savouries make babies excrete more saliva, while sweet purees don't.

3. Bowl for Sweet Puree
You may like to give a savoury meal first then offer the sweet one as dessert. Steam acidic fruits to make them less acidic.

4. Blender
You'll need this if you want to make creamy as heaven puree.

5. Container for blending
Please don't blend using a ceramic or glass bowl!

6. Baby Cubes
Making more at one go saves time. More ingredients allow better blending too, so you might need to store some extras.

7. Drinking Mug
Make a habit to give your child a drink of water after or before each meal. Start with basic bottle nipples, then sippy cup top, then straw.

8. Bowl for prepared puree/ steamed ingredients
You'll need to steam your vegetables in some container, use this =)

List of foods to refrain from, from 5- 12 months

2009-02-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Foods that are 'No-No' at 5- early 6 months:

- Gluten (such as wheat cereal, wheat flour, bread, breakfast cereals, rye, barley, oats)
- Eggs
- Citrus Fruits (oranges, grapes, lemon, lime)
- Cauliflower and broccoli
- Meat and poultry
- Mango
- Durian
- Celery
- Tofu (contains soy)
- Nuts and peanut butter
- Honey
- Salt
- Sugars
- Processed dairy products (cheese, fresh milk)
- Fish, Shellfish
- Hot or spicy foods
- Tea and Coffee

Foods that are 'No-No' at 7-12 months

- Cow's milk
- Unpasterised cheese
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Salt
- Refined sugar
- Honey
- Shellfish (crab, crayfish, oysters)
- Tea and Coffee
- Hot or spicy foods
- Artificial sweeteners

Baby food ingredients to add at later 6 months - 7months

2009-02-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

After 3rd week into 6 months- 7months, try adding the below into your infant's diet

- Whole well cooked eggs (Protein)
- Chicken (Protein)
- Lean red meat (Protein)
- Wide range of fish (Protein)
- Mango (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Cucumber
- Broccoli and cauliflower (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Yogurt (Calcium, Digestive bacteria)
- Mushrooms (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Tuna (Protein, Fatty Acids)
- Onions
- Kiwi (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Fortified Soft bread (Carbo)
- Pasta (Carbo)
- Rice(Carbo)

Baby food ingredients suitable for 5 month old infants

2009-02-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

The below is a list of ingredients suitable for your infant at 5 months:

- Apples (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Pears (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Peas (Vit B)
- Papaya (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Banana (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Pumpkin (Vit A, Antioxident: Vit C)
- Apricot (Antioxident: Vit C, Vit A, Zinc, Fibre)
- Prunes (Antioxident: Vit C, Vit A, Zinc, Fibre)
- Baby rice (Zinc)
- Carrots (Vit C, Beta Carotene: Vit A)
- Potato (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Parsnip
- Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries (Antioxident: Vit C, Vit A, Zinc, Fibre)
- Peach (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Cantaloupe Melon (Antioxident: Vit C)
- Avocado (Antioxident: Vit C, Vit A, Zinc, Fibre, Fatty Acids)
- Sweet Corn

Which kind of nutrients to look out for when making baby food? Part I

2009-01-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

Start by giving your baby, foods that will help to boost her immature immune system. Remember the 'Triangle" food group chart? We aim to move towards that right amount of each food group by the time our baby becomes a toddler.

Do not worry about certain 1st-time fruit purees not being able to provide all of the necessary nutrients, the first weaning month is more about letting your baby try out new foods, texture and tastes. Baby's main form of nutrition still come mainly from formula or breast milk. Try a variety of different foods with your baby, and decide which foods contain a larger pool of nutrients e.g: peas, apricot, prunes.

We will be able to introduce a larger pool of foods towards baby's 7th month which will start to include red meat, leafy vegetables, starches, eggs etc.

Baby food needs:

1. Proteins/ Amino Acids (to help build, repair muscles, tissues, hair and organs, and is also a boost to the immune system)
- Meat (Poultry, Red Meat)
- Fish
- Dairy Products (milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt)
- Soya beans (tofu, soya cheese, soya milk)
- Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, oats, muesli)
- Ground nuts (almonds, hazelnut, nut butters)
- Ground seeds (sunflower seeds, sesame seeds)

2. Iron/ Red blood cells (healthy blood and muscles, babies who do not have enough iron appear listless and lethargic, develop slower, has poorer mental development please couple with vitamin C to enhance absorption)
- Red Meat
- Eggs
- Beans
- Tofu
- Oily Fish (tuna, mackerel, sardines)
- Puree apricots, raisins and prunes
- Wholegrain cereal and bread
- Nuts
- Green vegetable (broccoli, spinach)

3. Calcium (strong healthy bones, teeth)
- Full fat dairy products
- Nuts
- Sardines in oil
- Sesame seeds
- Green leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach)
- Puree apricot, raisins or prunes

4. Zinc (maintains efficient healthy blood function and immune system, helps wounds to heal and assist in growth, lack of zinc results in skin problems, wound healing and lack of appetite)
- Turkey
- Red Meat (beef in particular)
- Canned sardines in oil
- Full fat cheese
- Eggs
- Brown rice
- Puree apricot, raisins and prunes
- Passionfruit
- Spinach, watercress
- Peas
- Wholegrain bread or cereal

5. Vitamin C (antioxident to fight cancers, to fight and prevent colds, assist absorption of iron, boost immune system)
- Kiwi
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Oranges
- Mango
- Papaya
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Blackcurrants
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Potato
- Grapefruit
- Sweet potato
- Cantaloupe Melon

When is the right time to wean? What if i want to wean my baby earlier?

2009-01-13T05:10:00.000-08:00

The ideal time is to begin when baby begins her sixth month (24 weeks). Why? Let me explain:

Weaning is the process in which we introduce semi- solids (solid food mixed with milk or water) and solids (solid food on its own) to our baby. The aim is to get baby to finally eat the same food as the rest of the family.

Weaning, correctly and sufficiently done, can result in baby accepting a wide range of tastes (in turn does not become a fussy eater) as well as suss out foods that baby may be allergic to. Therefore, it is important before any form of solid introduction that we allow baby's gut and stomach to be developed fully and able to digest harsh foods before testing and introducing new tastes.

We may wish to wean our babies earlier, but please do observe the following signs to read if your baby is indeed ready for the weaning process:

1. Baby must be able to sit upright with support and her neck should not wobble
2. Baby starts to wake earlier, looking for milk than her usual wakey time
3. Baby appears more easily irritable, and starts to chew hands or toys excessively before next feed is due
4. Baby accepts a spoon with liquid or baby rice and does not spit the spoon nor the liquid or rice, but continue to suck the spoon
5. Baby weight starts to level off (taper or slow down)
6. Baby's first teeth has developed
7. Baby shows interest in our food, and her eyes track your spoon or fork as it move it in front of her, she will drool too
8. Baby apppears still hungry, even though milk feed has been increased for the last 3 days (usually 240ml is max)

A) 斷奶的準備（4～5個月）

2008-12-31T07:37:00.000-08:00

■ 目標
讓寶寶習慣牛奶母奶以外的味、道習慣湯匙。對於只嚐過母奶牛奶的寶寶而言，離乳食是出生後的首次經驗，寶寶或許會對這種不同以往的味道感到困惑。3～4個月是哺乳到順利斷奶的暖身期，為了讓寶寶習慣母奶牛奶以外的味道，可先從稀釋2～3倍的新鮮蘋果汁開始。

■ 步驟
以輕鬆的心情讓寶寶嚐試新口味寶寶習慣果汁之後，可進一步嚐試蔬菜湯或味噌湯的上面清澈部分。但是如果寶寶不喝，也毋須心急，在這個階段寶寶不喝果汁、菜汁，絕不表示此後他不再接受離乳食，以輕鬆的心情讓寶寶嚐試新口味吧。不過，寶寶對果汁、菜汁的接受度高，有時反而會導致過早進入斷奶期。***太早開始斷奶，將會對尚未發育完全的腸胃、肝臟造成負擔，同時也較容易引起過敏。

■ 準備斷奶前
先讓喝奶時間有規律保持哺乳時間的規律，是斷奶前的重要工作。寶寶到了3～4個月，喝奶量會增加，兩餐的間隔大約是3～4個小時。喝奶的時間固定，則肚子餓的時間便會有規律，將來寶寶較容易接受離乳食。

● 先從果汁開始

（目的）補充水分、讓寶寶習慣不同於奶水的味道。（適合的水果）多汁的水果。味道溫和的水果。容易榨汁的水果例如：橘子、蘋果、西瓜、哈密瓜

（做法）1）清潔雙手、用熱水沖淋調理器具。2）選擇新鮮水果，用流動的水仔細洗淨。3）用濾茶網過濾。4）加冷開水稀釋成兩倍。（餵食方法）於兩次喝奶之間餵食。

（**）可選擇日光浴後、散步後、洗完澡後餵寶寶喝。剛開始先餵一茶匙，如果寶寶不排斥，可每1～2天增加1茶匙。當量達到10茶匙時，可用奶瓶餵食。果汁的量一天一次30ml便足夠。

B) 離乳食的第二階段初期-- 吞嚥期（5～6個月）

2008-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

■目標
習慣用湯匙餵食。能吞嚥離乳食。習慣離乳食的口感、味道。進入此階段末期，便應開始留意每餐所攝取的營養是否均衡。正式進入斷奶階段了。先從糊狀食物開始，優格以及一般嬰兒食品的軟硬度皆可做為您的參考。剛開始寶寶還不會閉唇，食物大多會流出來。這個時期的目標並非在於攝取營養，而是著重於讓寶寶習慣用湯匙餵食，學會吞嚥食物。吃的量可由1天1茶匙調整為每隔1～2天增加1茶匙。對於吃得多的寶寶也應慢慢加量，不要突然增加。

■步驟
配合寶寶發育的餵食技巧這個階段的寶寶還無法閉唇吞嚥食物。因此剛開始餵離乳食時，可將盛有食物的湯匙放進寶寶口中，並依著上唇輕刮，順勢將食物留在寶寶口中。不過，由於寶寶的嘴巴仍是張開的，所以食物會再流出來，可用湯匙接住食物再送進寶寶口中。持續這樣的練習，寶寶自然便學會閉唇吞嚥的動作。

1）不要急於將湯匙伸入寶寶口中，應先將湯匙輕輕碰觸寶寶的下唇，以此暗示寶寶動嘴吃東西。2）等待寶寶用上唇將食物送進口中。
3）寶寶將食物含進嘴裡後再抽出湯匙，流出來的食物可用湯匙接住再送進寶寶口中。

●餵食時間表（孩子的個別差異很大，食慾也不固定，這張表並非絕對標準，應視寶寶的成長狀況而定）

⊙此階段可開始吃的食物水煮蛋黃、白肉魚、吻仔魚、稀飯、加熱過的豆腐

Credits

2008-01-01T07:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/fish-baby-food-recipes.html

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/nitratearticle.htm

http://smallbitesnutrition.blogspot.com/2009/01/you-ask-i-answer-nitrates-baby-food.html

http://www.healthcastle.com/fish-safe-eat.shtml