Category: healthy food

child safety, health, healthy food, momblog, Uncategorised

5 Most Common Choking Hazards for Babies

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The love that we have for our babies is immeasurable, infinite, and undeniable. We will do anything just to keep them safe, secure, nurtured, and protected. But do you know that there are a lot of things around us that can endanger their lives?

Here are five of the most common choking hazards that you must be aware of:

1. Balloons

Cute little girl inflating a pink balloon in the kitchenWe would all surely agree that balloons are extremely cute and very pleasing to the eyes. They easily catch the attention of our kids and make them highly interested with their colors. A crying baby can even be pacified by just allowing her to play with a balloon.

Most balloons that are used in birthday parties or celebrations are made of latex material. These latex balloons can pop easily with parts scattering in different directions. Once your child gets just a tiny part from the popped balloon, then she could potentially be in great danger.

Remember, balloons are some of the most dangerous things for your little ones. They even account for almost 50% of the deaths caused by choking in hospitals.

1. Popcorn, Nuts & Candies

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You may not have any intention of giving your toddler these goods yet, but what if you suddenly left your bowl of popcorn on the table and she starts munching on them? Popcorns, nuts, and candies are really so delectable that they are so hard to resist. But know that these foods are essentially difficult to chew. Never ever attempt to give your little ones this food unless you are certain that they can fully chew on them.

3. Hotdogs

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If you are health-conscious and really intentional on the snacks that you offer your children, then you may not be worrying so much about the choking hazard posed by hotdogs. But if you happen to just be cool with giving such a treat from time to time, then you have to be wary about handing a whole hotdog to your toddler. Ideally, you will have to cut the hotdog into bits and pieces to make sure that your child is able to chew on it properly.

Hotdogs are the main causes of choking among children. Their cylindrical form easily causes an obstruction in a toddler’s airway.

4. Button BatteriesPile of button cells (watch batteries)

Have you ever noticed that most of the children’s toys require button batteries to fully operate? That’s actually a very ironic fact. Shouldn’t toy manufacturers be more intentional in protecting the welfare of children?

But if your little one happens to have a toy that is battery-operated, make sure that it is properly secured. It would be best if these toys would have screws for the battery placement so that your child won’t be able to remove them on her own.

5. Coins

universal coin ripoff advice to avoid lawsuit

How many of us would carelessly place our loose change on top of the table or just anywhere? Coins can be a very dangerous thing when placed in the presence of curious little children. Once these coins are swallowed, they could stay on the esophagus of our little child and cause fatal choking.

Although it is very impossible to look at our children every second of their life, I would still advise that you offer much effort in protecting your little ones from every possible danger in her surroundings. Your supervision is crucial to keeping her safe, alive, and well.

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child development, child safety, health, healthy food, momblog

3 Food Myths that Parents with Toddlers Should Totally Avoid for Healthier Children

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Hey parents, do you even know that the World Health Organization recorded over 41 million children under the age of 5 to be either overweight or obese in 2016? We are now in 2019, and the figures could have gone way beyond in a span of three years!

Surprising? Maybe not, maybe yes… No matter how knowledgeable you are of the seemingly global epidemic of obesity in children, it is worth asking, “Why are more and more kids getting overweight? Why do some toddlers tend to be categorized as obese despite their young age?”

The answer lies in our food beliefs that affect family eating habits.

To help everyone break the constantly rising record of children getting obese, let me bust some of the most common food myths that actually contribute to the unhealthy development of toddlers and children.

1. Juice is Fun & Good for the Body

element5-digital-CpBBsda2eRI-unsplashOh yes, oh yes, the colorful appearance and the refreshing taste of juice can surely make your kids’ faces beam with delight! But wait, what kind of juice are you giving your toddler? A strawberry yogurt drink in a carton? An orange juice in a can? Hmmm…

Sorry to disappoint, but not all fruit juices are actually healthy! Although most of these packaged juices are labeled to have high nutritional value, you still need to get into the little details. How many calories are in each pack? How much sugar are you letting your child gobble up in single drinking?

Although it would be less convenient, I still suggest that you let your blender’s sounds be heard in your kitchen space. Grab some apples, pineapples, kiwis, mangoes, or berries from your pantry and toss them into your blender or juicer. Making your own natural juice or blended fruit at home beverage at home is still the best way to make sure that your child gets all the nutrients and fibers without the unnecessary sugars.

2. Organic is the Ultimate Healthy Option

Yes, organic is definitely better than those with artificial preservatives and chemicals. However, not all organic food shall be freely taken by your child. Not because the potato chips that you got from the grocery shelves contain the natural and organic label does it mean that your toddler can already eat the entire contents of the package!

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Even if a certain food is labeled as organic, still make sure that you carefully examine other aspects of the food such as its sodium level, the presence of artificial sweeteners, its calories, and nutritional value. High sodium levels can raise blood sugar and contribute to heart diseases. Huge amounts of artificial sweeteners can cause type 2 diabetes among children. Remember to look at the food in its entirety before buying it and serving on the dining table.

3. Flavored Yogurt is Great After Meals

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Whenever we hear the word yogurt, we can easily think of it as a healthy source of yummy probiotics. Yup, that’s true! Most yogurt drinks are really great for maintaining good gut health. However, some frozen and flavored yogurt delights are not just packed with probiotics and essential nutrients but also with lots of sugar!

Do you want a better alternative to flavored yogurt? Plain yogurt with your choice of fruits! Not that difficult, right? By doing this, you still enjoy the benefits of probiotics for your children’s gut health.

On the same topic

Remember, parents play a big role in determining the present and future health status of children. Whatever food we serve them today can create an impact on how well they would develop physically and mentally.

P.S.

By the way, a few weeks back I posted worksheets for your use on a post from Education.com.  Well now, they are offering the opportunity to win money for college and donations to your library in their Limitless Learners Contest!  Visit  https://www.education.com/contests/ for additional details.”

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child development, family time, healthy food, momblog, Relationships

15 Easy DIY Meal Design Ideas for Toddlers

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Toddlers can be fussy eaters who refuse to try a new food at least half of the time. Approximately half of all toddlers fit this description, so it is no wonder that food issues are a source of stress for parents.

Establishing healthy eating patterns is important to avoid problems such as obesity and eating disorders later in life. Various strategies can help your child accept a wider range of foods. One of such effective strategies is showing your creative side and experimenting with meals, snacks fruits and vegetables.

Did you ever hear them say yuck over carrots or apples? Then what has been your initial response? Most parents would choose to keep the “yucky” vegetables or fruits out of their children’s eyes to prevent them from showing disgust over what has been prepared on the table.

But if you really want to let your kids eat a particular “yucky” food, then you better start normalizing the experience of eating such. A subtle way of doing this is by making different forms of one particular food and letting them try these. For example, if your kids don’t like simple boiled carrots, why don’t you mash them with butter, process them with burger patties, or make differently shaped carrot fries? Let your creativity fly during meal preparation.

If you do not know how to make food look attractive for your toddler we picked some adorable ideas for you.

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Isn’t it easy? here are more ideas

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child development, health, healthy food, momblog

7 Useful Tips On How To Soothe A Teething Baby

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via 7 Useful Tips On How To Soothe A Teething Baby

Teething is a tough phase for your little ones. It happens sometime in the first year when your child is around 6 months.

If you are not totally sure if baby’s discomfort stems from teething pain then here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:

  • Rubbing an ear or earlobe
  • Reddened cheeks
  • Excessive drooling
  • Slight temperature
  • Teething rash around mouth and chin
  • Crying and irritability
  • Waking during the night
  • Refusing food and/or milk

Teething can be distressing for some babies but there are ways to make it easier for them. Here are tips on how to help soothe your child’s pain:

1. Cold food or drink and low inflammation diet

berry-yogurt-pops

If baby is eating solids, white foods such as refined sugar and flour, potatoes, and even dairy can cause inflammation. Focus on paleo-type foods—a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, pastured meats, wild seafood, ample healthy fats (coconut, avocado, butter, and whole eggs.)

To help prevent choking, place the fruit in a mesh feeder, and give that to your baby to lick or suck on.

Below are some cold foods many of us have that could bring relief:

  • Cold cut up cucumber slices. Cucumbers are also thought to have anti-swelling properties in them.
  • A frozen cheese stick. You can also serve it unfrozen, but frozen may provide more relief.
  • Cold celery. Not only is it cold but it is sturdy and the pressure from biting will also bring relief.
  • Cold soft foods like applesauce and yogurt. It’s a yummy snack with cold relief.
  • Cold water in a sippy cup with ice cubes. Your little one can chew on the cup and enjoy cool relief.
  • Frozen fruit juice slushy. You can make your own combo of fruit and freeze your blend in a 4 oz. zip-lock storage container. Then slightly thaw and serve it when needed. Frozen slushy pears mixed with apples were one of my son’s favorites.
  • Frozen breast milk. You can freeze this just the same as the fruit slushies and serve.

Always stay close when your baby is eating in case they choke.

2. Use a cold washcloth or spoon

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Soak a small washcloth in water, squeeze out water, then freeze for at least an hour. Let baby chew on the washcloth after it comes out of the freezer. However, don’t leave your child unattended while she’s sucking or chewing on the washcloth, as this can be a choking hazard.

Put a metal spoon in the fridge for at least 15 minutes when the spoon is cool, gently rub the back of the spoon against your baby’s gums.

3. Teething toys

  • Silicone teething rings: Made of safe silicone, rather than latex or plastic, this teether is a safe choicebaby-teething-toys
  • Wooden teethers: What works for one baby may not work for the next, so if silicone and rubber don’t do it, try a wooden teether. Just be sure to choose a brand that uses natural water-based sealants or food grade dyes. It should be unfinished or finished with organic flax seed oil.
  • Teething necklaces for mom are made of silicone and are great for baby to use while sitting in mom’s lap or in a baby carrier.15-facts-about-baby-teething-and-its-products

Also, never tie a teething ring around your baby’s neck, as it may be a choking hazard

4. Comforting distraction

A nice warm bath helps to distract a teething baby. This gives them the chance to take their mind off the pain by splashing around.baby-in-bath.jpg

Breastfeeding: simply holding your little one close and breastfeeding them can help soothe your little one.

Dry the drool. Excessive drool is a large part of the teething process. Keeping it wiped up will prevent skin irritation, which will only make the process more of an ordeal for your baby.

5. Natural remedies

chamomile-tea

Parents have been using herbal remedies for hundreds of years to help ease their baby’s teething pain. Chamomile, Rosehip, Catnip or Clove tea, may be something to consider for teething relief. It helps to relax and soothe irritability.

6. Give your baby plenty of cuddles

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Make sure your baby gets lots of hugs. Sometimes, the biggest comfort for a teething baby can be cuddle time with parent. Play and cuddle with your little one. Distract your child with a game like “peek-a-boo” to help take their mind off their discomfort

7. Medication

Different medical pills and bottles

If your baby is in pain or has a mild raised temperature (less than 38C), you may want to give them a sugar-free painkilling medicine that’s specifically for babies and young children. These contain a small dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen.

However, never give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16 years, as this can cause Reye’s syndrome.

Always follow the instructions that come with the medicine. If you’re not sure, consult your doctor or pediatrician for advice on using medication to help with baby teething symptoms.

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child development, health, healthy food, momblog

5 Proven Tips to Solve Your Picky Eater Problems

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If you have a picky eater at home, do not be worried because picky eaters are normal members of millions of households across the globe!

But why do we even have picky eaters? Is being picky a sign of disobedience? Basically, children are considered to be neophobic. This means that kids could easily become fearful of whatever is new to them such as food tastes or appearance. Since the majority of our children have this tendency to become picky eaters, a lot of parents would simply give in to their demands just to let them eat and never starve. But doing this could compromise not just our children’s health but also their behavioral development.

Here are six proven tips to solve your picky eater problems:

1.Involve your children in kitchen stuff.

cooking-with-kids-1

Don’t we all agree that the kitchen is a dangerous place for kids? But that could only always be true if we never organize our kitchen stuff. Surely, you don’t cook your meals 24/7, right?

It is best for children to be involved during meal preparation so that they could also feel the excitement in whatever they have helped with. Maybe you could let them soak some veggies in a bowl of water? Or you could also let them drizzle some dressing over salad? You can actually involve them in almost everything except for the obviously dangerous activities such as when you are using the knife or when the fire is already turned on.

2. Show your creative side and experiment with fruits and vegetables

Did you ever hear them say yuck over carrots or apples? Then what has been your initial response? Most parents would choose to keep the “yucky” vegetables or fruits out of their children’s eyes to prevent them from showing disgust over what has been prepared on the table.

But if you really want to let your kids eat a particular “yucky” food, then you better start normalizing the experience of eating such. A subtle way of doing this is by making different forms of one particular food and letting them try these. For example, if your kids don’t like simple boiled carrots, why don’t you mash them with butter, process them with burger patties, or make differently shaped carrot fries? Let your creativity fly during meal preparation.

3. Never consider mealtimes as power struggle.

Mother's Hand Feeding Food to a Young Girl (13-14) Who Is Making a Face

One of the frequently forgotten facts in parenting is our children’s natural tendency for power struggles. The power struggle becomes evident once our children reach the toddler stage. It is during this time that you would often hear them say “no” to so many things including food.

Do not compete with your kids. The power struggle may seem real but you need to know that it is only part of their development as human beings. Never force a specific dish to your children because they could grow hating such meals. Instead, you can talk to them in a gentle and reassuring way about the beautiful things that they could get from eating what they may initially hate.

4. Model what you preach.

Cliché? Yes, but this cliché still remains relevant in daily parenting. If you want your children to eat vegetables, then eat the same thing as your kids on the table. A lot of parents force their children to eat something that they themselves don’t even want to eat. This can cause a lot of trouble and confusion to our kids because they don’t want strange stuff. They need familiarity, thus they need to see you eating the same thing that you ask them to taste.

5. Monitor your children’s eating habits, weight gain, and other body reactions.

Some picky eaters are unfortunately suffering from allergic reactions to certain foods while others are facing medical conditions. As parents, we all need to closely monitor our children’s body reaction to what we serve them. Do your kids suddenly feel itch after being exposed to peanuts or eggs? This may be a sign of food allergy.

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It is also very important to keep a record of your children’s weight and appetite condition. If your children are losing significant weight and are almost always lethargic, then you better consult your pediatrician immediately. Some picky eater problems can be caused by certain medical conditions. Be sure to communicate such eating problems with a professional who can help you and your children.

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