In the Philippines, experts recommend feeding first solid food to baby at 6 months. One difficulty I find with that is at that age, a baby can already grab a spoon or even the bowl itself and make a lot of mess around the dining area. More importantly, it takes more time for the baby to get accustomed to eating from a spoon. When this happens, feeding becomes a daunting task for both the parent and the baby himself.
I, pretty much a hands-on Mom, have three girls. I started feeding my first-born at 4 months old. That was an awesome experience. I have a picture of her eating her first baby food with gusto. For the 2nd and 3rd children, I started feeding them at around six months. When I started feeding my 3rd child, that's the time I realized again that I should have started feeding her earlier. I know I also had a little difficulty feeding my 2nd child at 6 months but I didn't write it down. I sort of forgot(?) the experience and there came the 'feeding my third child for the first time' and the realization all came back to me! At about 4 and 1/2 months she was already beginning to show real interest in the food that we eat. I ignored that for a few more weeks and sticked to the advice to start feeding her only when she's 6 months old.
I was exclusively breastfeeding and at five months old, my baby wanted more milk than I can produce. (As a Mom, you would know when this happens.) I find her crankier. I couldn't give her formula milk because she refused feeding from a bottle. I saw it happened as the days go by but still I waited for the 6th month. When I started feeding her at six months, it took about two weeks before she can at least eat a tablespoon of baby food.
Feeding first foods can be a cherished moment, stress-free, not to mention camera and video friendly (one of the baby's firsts, remember?) for both parent/s and baby if it is started once you see your baby is ready.
Remember that every baby has individual needs, so don't be surprised if your baby seems ready for solids earlier or later than other babies of the same age. Don't be pressurized by friends with young babies, or helpful relatives. Be guided by your own baby.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
* if your baby still seems hungry after a milk feed
* wants feeding more frequently
* starts waking at night after some weeks of sleeping through
* shows a real interest in the foods that you are eating
* seems more restless and cranky
If your baby is showing some or all of these signs then she is probably ready to begin solids but the majority of babies should not be given solid foods before four months as their digestive systems can't cope. Be guided as well by any family history of allergies, eczema or asthma.
In the first few days or weeks of feeding, your baby is not dependent on solid food for the supply of nutrients as this is still met by milk feeds. Don't worry if she only takes a taste of food - the actual experience of taking food off a spoon is the important thing.
However, by six months the baby's body store of nutrients has been used up and solid foods are crucial for supplying vital minerals and vitamins your baby needs. But of course, milk will still be an important part of your child's diet.
Here's one recipe to try as baby's first food. It's very simple to prepare. It's consistency should be only slightly thicker than milk. Then as days or weeks go by you can reduce the amount of water and add some other vegetables which you can find in the other recipes.
SQUASH PUREE
1 cup squash (diced about 2cm wide)
1 cup water
Boil the water then add the cubed squash. Simmer for 15 minutes. Puree in a blender or a food processor.
Add previously boiled or purified water as needed to make the puree smoother when you're going to feed it already. Instead of water, you can use expressed breastmilk or formula milk (if your baby is already drinking formula milk) just before serving so that the taste will be more familiar to your baby.
My baby is allergic to formula milk that's why I only added formula milk to her food when she's already 1 year old.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
How I learned to Make Baby Food?
I'm a proud Mom of three girls. I was fortunate to raise my first-born in England. Being a first-time Mum then was not that easy but it's a good thing I was in a very baby-friendly country. Oh, I miss the free immunisations. :-) I also miss baby changing facilities everywhere; plenty of choices for baby things -prams, cots, toys, books, Clarks' baby shoes and even baby food. My daughter loved Hipp Organic Baby Food when she was a baby. There's nothing like that here in the Philippines. When I had my second and third baby, I myself had to make baby food for my children.
It's a good thing I was able to buy "healthy baby meal planner" book back in the UK. It's a very helpful book indeed. But not all the ingredients in that book is available here in the Philippines so I get ideas from the book then I use the ingredients that we have here.
It's a good thing I was able to buy "healthy baby meal planner" book back in the UK. It's a very helpful book indeed. But not all the ingredients in that book is available here in the Philippines so I get ideas from the book then I use the ingredients that we have here.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Breastmilk - Baby's First Food
All of us know that breastmilk is the best milk for babies up to two years. Please see http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;100/6/1035
Breastmilk is practically baby's first food. We know it's importance. But up to now, I know many mothers who wanted to breastfeed but were not able to. The reason they told me is because no milk would come out! Sadly, they turned to formula milk.
While I was pregnant with my first baby I was fortunate to have colleagues who were very helpful. They lent me books about pregnancy. I think one is sort of a 'day by day guide to pregnancy'. The other book that I read cover to cover was "What to Expect When You're Expecting". Yvee, my colleague then, was the one who introduced me to this series of books that are really quite helpful. Thanks a lot Yvee!
"What to Expect the First Year" is the 2nd in the series that every mother or expecting mother should have especially first-time mothers. Without it I may have not been able to raise healthy children. My first-born child benefited much from it. I have lent it to other moms too.
That is the book where I learned how to breastfeed. Other more important things to successfully breastfeed are determination, perseverance, patience, and belief that this is one of the best things I can give to my baby.
It's not that easy. In my experience, at first, no milk would come out too. I tried to breastfeed my baby during our second day in the hospital. (I gave birth late in the afternoon the previous day and was quite exhausted and felt so much pain from the episiotomy that's why I wasn't able to do it on baby's first day.) I didn't even know how to hold a baby then. She's so tiny and fragile. I thought I might hurt her. When I saw how the nurse holds my baby and the other babies in the hospital, I was quite convinced I can do it even better than how they do it ... because I hold my baby with affection.
During the first day of breastfeeding, I think no milk came out but my baby continually suck my breast. On the second day, we already went home. The baby was crying. I nursed her. She was still crying. Some people in the house already said you should give her formula milk already, she must be hungry. I continued breastfeeding because I know (I read), that at first no milk would come out. But if the baby continually suck the breast, eventually milk will come out. I hold on to that belief. True enough, in the afternoon, my baby is quite satisfied already. She was already getting milk. It's the baby's sucking that stimulates milk production in the breast. No other person or gadget (like breastpump) is comparable to a baby's sucking motion.
It's quite hard at first. Baby is crying and other people are also worried on how to make the baby stop crying. Keeping in mind what's best for your baby will keep you going. Had I given up on the second day, I could have not exclusively breastfed all my three children for more than a year each.
Another problem I encountered while breastfeeding my first baby was sore and cracked nipples. My nipples were so painful it made me cry. I read my book again and saw what I could be doing wrong. I still breastfed even if my nipples were cracking. (Your nipples will normally shed old skin in the breastfeeding process but it doesn't have to be painful.) It happened because I didn't breastfeed properly. When breastfeeding, baby should put the whole nipple in her mouth no matter how big it is. A newborn's mouth is so tiny, your nipple might look so big for it. In the same way that a woman's body is designed to be ready for childbirth, a woman's nipple is also designed to fit her infant's mouth. I didn't know that at first. It became painful because my baby did not fully suck the whole nipple. For my second and third babies, I knew better. Thanks!
Breastmilk is practically baby's first food. We know it's importance. But up to now, I know many mothers who wanted to breastfeed but were not able to. The reason they told me is because no milk would come out! Sadly, they turned to formula milk.
While I was pregnant with my first baby I was fortunate to have colleagues who were very helpful. They lent me books about pregnancy. I think one is sort of a 'day by day guide to pregnancy'. The other book that I read cover to cover was "What to Expect When You're Expecting". Yvee, my colleague then, was the one who introduced me to this series of books that are really quite helpful. Thanks a lot Yvee!
"What to Expect the First Year" is the 2nd in the series that every mother or expecting mother should have especially first-time mothers. Without it I may have not been able to raise healthy children. My first-born child benefited much from it. I have lent it to other moms too.
That is the book where I learned how to breastfeed. Other more important things to successfully breastfeed are determination, perseverance, patience, and belief that this is one of the best things I can give to my baby.
It's not that easy. In my experience, at first, no milk would come out too. I tried to breastfeed my baby during our second day in the hospital. (I gave birth late in the afternoon the previous day and was quite exhausted and felt so much pain from the episiotomy that's why I wasn't able to do it on baby's first day.) I didn't even know how to hold a baby then. She's so tiny and fragile. I thought I might hurt her. When I saw how the nurse holds my baby and the other babies in the hospital, I was quite convinced I can do it even better than how they do it ... because I hold my baby with affection.
During the first day of breastfeeding, I think no milk came out but my baby continually suck my breast. On the second day, we already went home. The baby was crying. I nursed her. She was still crying. Some people in the house already said you should give her formula milk already, she must be hungry. I continued breastfeeding because I know (I read), that at first no milk would come out. But if the baby continually suck the breast, eventually milk will come out. I hold on to that belief. True enough, in the afternoon, my baby is quite satisfied already. She was already getting milk. It's the baby's sucking that stimulates milk production in the breast. No other person or gadget (like breastpump) is comparable to a baby's sucking motion.
It's quite hard at first. Baby is crying and other people are also worried on how to make the baby stop crying. Keeping in mind what's best for your baby will keep you going. Had I given up on the second day, I could have not exclusively breastfed all my three children for more than a year each.
Another problem I encountered while breastfeeding my first baby was sore and cracked nipples. My nipples were so painful it made me cry. I read my book again and saw what I could be doing wrong. I still breastfed even if my nipples were cracking. (Your nipples will normally shed old skin in the breastfeeding process but it doesn't have to be painful.) It happened because I didn't breastfeed properly. When breastfeeding, baby should put the whole nipple in her mouth no matter how big it is. A newborn's mouth is so tiny, your nipple might look so big for it. In the same way that a woman's body is designed to be ready for childbirth, a woman's nipple is also designed to fit her infant's mouth. I didn't know that at first. It became painful because my baby did not fully suck the whole nipple. For my second and third babies, I knew better. Thanks!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Beef With Broccoli and Carrots
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes or less
Serves 2 to 4
This beef with broccoli recipe uses less oil than the traditional chinese beef and broccoli stirfry. I also add carrot as an extender but of course it also makes the dish more colorful and more nutritious.
Another thing that sets this apart from other recipes is cooking the broccoli and carrot (separate from the beef) in seasoned water to bring out its taste and make it more palatable (especially to kids). I think I'm still able to get most of the nutrients from the broccoli and carrots since I use the water from the boiled vegetables as part of the sauce.
Ingredients:
250g lean beef
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp olive oil
(you can use vegetable oil)
Marinade:
1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
dash of black pepper
Sauce:
Mix together
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
(in another bowl, mix together)
1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water
Vegetables:
1 head broccoli (large)
1 medium carrot (sliced about 2mm thick)
1 small onion (halved then sliced thinly)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
For Cooking Broccoli and Carrots:
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon sugar, or to taste
Preparation:
Cut the beef across the grain into thin slices about 2mm thick. Size could be about 1cm wide and 5 cm long. Add the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last (use your fingers to rub it in). Marinate the beef for about 5 to 10 minutes.
While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables:
Wash and drain the broccoli. Cut the flowerets into 3 or 4 pieces. Cut the carrot and onion. Mince the garlic.
Cooking Proper...
In a pot, boil the water together with the salt and sugar. Add the carrots, then the broccoli. Cover the pot and bring to a boil again. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer for about 4 minutes or until broccoli turns bright green and is tender but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pot. Set aside. Reserve the water in the pot for the sauce.
While simmering the vegetables, you can cook the beef in another pan or wok. Heat the wok and add half of the canola and olive oil. When the oil is medium-hot add the onions and saute for about 1 minute. Add the garlic and saute for another minute. Remove the onion and garlic from the pan leaving the excess oil in the pan. Add the remaining oil. After a few seconds add the beef. Blanch the beef by letting it lay flat for 30 - 40 seconds, and then stirring to separate the pieces. Cover the wok to let the beef's juice stay in and let it brown for about 3 minutes. Make sure it doesn't burn. It's best to use a non stick pan. Put back the sauteed onion and garlic. Add the sauce. Stir. Bring to a boil. Add the boiled water from the broccoli and carrot. Bring to a boil. (At this point you can further simmer the beef for about 5 to 10 more minutes if you want to make it more tender.) Add the cornstarch-water mixture. Stir and bring to a boil. Finally add the broccoli and carrots. Done.
You can actually serve the beef with the cooked vegetables on the side or some on top so as not to discolor the vegetables with the sauce.
Best eaten with steamed rice!
Tip:
It's easier to slice the beef thinly when it is a bit frozen.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes or less
Serves 2 to 4
This beef with broccoli recipe uses less oil than the traditional chinese beef and broccoli stirfry. I also add carrot as an extender but of course it also makes the dish more colorful and more nutritious.
Another thing that sets this apart from other recipes is cooking the broccoli and carrot (separate from the beef) in seasoned water to bring out its taste and make it more palatable (especially to kids). I think I'm still able to get most of the nutrients from the broccoli and carrots since I use the water from the boiled vegetables as part of the sauce.
Ingredients:
250g lean beef
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp olive oil
(you can use vegetable oil)
Marinade:
1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
dash of black pepper
Sauce:
Mix together
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
(in another bowl, mix together)
1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water
Vegetables:
1 head broccoli (large)
1 medium carrot (sliced about 2mm thick)
1 small onion (halved then sliced thinly)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
For Cooking Broccoli and Carrots:
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon sugar, or to taste
Preparation:
Cut the beef across the grain into thin slices about 2mm thick. Size could be about 1cm wide and 5 cm long. Add the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last (use your fingers to rub it in). Marinate the beef for about 5 to 10 minutes.
While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables:
Wash and drain the broccoli. Cut the flowerets into 3 or 4 pieces. Cut the carrot and onion. Mince the garlic.
Cooking Proper...
In a pot, boil the water together with the salt and sugar. Add the carrots, then the broccoli. Cover the pot and bring to a boil again. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer for about 4 minutes or until broccoli turns bright green and is tender but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pot. Set aside. Reserve the water in the pot for the sauce.
While simmering the vegetables, you can cook the beef in another pan or wok. Heat the wok and add half of the canola and olive oil. When the oil is medium-hot add the onions and saute for about 1 minute. Add the garlic and saute for another minute. Remove the onion and garlic from the pan leaving the excess oil in the pan. Add the remaining oil. After a few seconds add the beef. Blanch the beef by letting it lay flat for 30 - 40 seconds, and then stirring to separate the pieces. Cover the wok to let the beef's juice stay in and let it brown for about 3 minutes. Make sure it doesn't burn. It's best to use a non stick pan. Put back the sauteed onion and garlic. Add the sauce. Stir. Bring to a boil. Add the boiled water from the broccoli and carrot. Bring to a boil. (At this point you can further simmer the beef for about 5 to 10 more minutes if you want to make it more tender.) Add the cornstarch-water mixture. Stir and bring to a boil. Finally add the broccoli and carrots. Done.
You can actually serve the beef with the cooked vegetables on the side or some on top so as not to discolor the vegetables with the sauce.
Best eaten with steamed rice!
Tip:
It's easier to slice the beef thinly when it is a bit frozen.
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