Archive: Health

7 of the Healthiest Foods to Feed Your Baby

Around four to six months, babies begin to develop the coordination to swallow foods. When moving from milk to solids, start slow with mushy foods. And remember that you can blend just about anything into an easy-to-swallow puree. Here are some healthy options for baby solids:

Baby cereal

Mix baby cereal with breast milk for an easy transition. This will start to get your child used to a thicker consistency, while still keeping things familiar. Plus, the extra grains are a great source of iron.

Avocados

The unsaturated fats in avocados are similar to those in breast milk so avocados make for another great transition food. Plus, they make great snacks on the go! They travel well because they can stay at room temperature.

Squash

High in vitamins A and C, cooked squash is simple to prepare and a baby favorite. It’s gooey texture is easy to eat and tough to choke on. Squash’s vitamin C will build a healthy immune system, help heal wounds and build scar tissue. The vitamin A will help with vision and maintain healthy skin, hair and teeth.

Apples

Apples are a tasty treat that little ones love. Just like squash, they’re high in vitamin C. Just peel the skin and chop the apples into tiny pieces to prevent choking.

Beans

Try feeding your child kidney or pinto beans. By about eight months old, you baby should be old enough to eat beans and they’re easy to prepare- just serve them right out of the can. Beans are a great source of protein and antioxidants.

Broccoli

Just because you didn’t like broccoli as a kid, doesn’t mean your baby won’t. Broccoli tends to get a bad rep taste-wise, but you baby doesn’t know that. Not only is it filled with calcium and fiber, but chilled broccoli can provide some relief for teething little ones.

Bananas

Gooey and easy to gum, bananas are a great choice for those just starting out on solid foods. You don’t even need teeth to eat them. Plus, bananas are a great source of potassium, key for healthy muscles. They could even help sooth the ache of growing muscles.

Sources:

-“The ten best foods for babies.” Baby Center

-“Vitamin C” and “Vitamin A” Medline Plus 

–Baby Food 101

–US Dry Bean Council

–WH Foods

-“Solid Foods.” Mayo Clinic.

-Photo courtesy of federico stevanin/freedigitalphotos.net

5 Surefire Ways to Fight Germs at Daycare and Preschool

There’s no germier combination than dozens of little grabby hands, runny noses and the irresistible urge to taste everything. No matter what precautions your childcare service takes, daycares and preschools are loaded with potential colds, flus and fevers. Here are some tips to help fight off those bugs:

1. An apple a day…

You know the saying. But it’s true! Healthy eating habits help keep children’s immune systems strong. Make sure they maintain a well-balanced diet. The USDA recommends kids ages 2 to 3 should eat a cup of fruit and a cup of vegetables daily.

2. Catch those zzzs.

In addition to the proper nutrients, enough sleep is also essential for a strong immune system. Here are the total hours of sleep children should get, depending on age:

• 6-12 months: 14 hours
• 1-2 years: 13-14 hours
• 2-3 years: 12-14 hours
• 3-5 years: 11-13 hours

3. Wash hands!

Remind your kiddo about the importance of washing his or her hands. Make sure they understand that the job needs to get done after using the bathroom and before they eat. You can monitor them at home to make sure they’re being diligent with their hygiene.

4. Be courteous to other families.

Read up on your daycare or preschool’s guidelines about when to keep a child home. If your child is super sick, save other families the trouble of going through the same thing. We all know bugs spread like wildfire with little ones so keep your kid at home until he or she is no longer contagious.

5. But remember: things will only get better.

As time passes, your child’s immune system will adjust to its new germy world. If it’s their first time in daycare or preschool, they’re likely to be sick a lot more in the beginning. As their little bodies adjust to the new surroundings, they’ll build the ability to fight off germs, keeping them happy and healthy.

Sources:

-Austin, Elizabeth. “8 Tips for a Healthy School Year.” Parenting.com.

-“Healthy Kids Diets Guidelines.” Eating Well.

-Gelman, Lauren. “Baby and Children Sleep Chart.” Parents.

Fitness Tips for Moms on the Go

Sticking to New Year’s resolutions is never easy, but it’s even tougher for busy moms. Take the start of a new year as an opportunity to revamp your health plan. Here are some fitness tips for moms to help squeeze workouts into your busy schedule:

Set a routine

And stick to it! Pick a few days a week and put your workouts on your calendar. You already have everything from play dates to soccer games on it, so the best way to guarantee your own time is to pencil yourself in.

Overlap workout time with social time

No matter how hard you wish, there are only 24 hours in a day so take advantage of the little free time you can squeeze in. Get a group of friends together and go on a bike ride. Call up your sister for a running buddy. And socializing while you exercise will make burning calories a lot more fun!

Find a gym with daycare

Lots of gyms are family-friendly and have childcare options available. Many even have special playrooms so your kids can run around and get some exercise while you’re pounding away on the treadmill.

Sneak in mini workouts throughout the day

Don’t have time to set aside for the gym each day? No problem. Just sneak in simple exercises like crunches, pushups, squats or planks during nap time or while your little one’s tuned into Sesame Street. If you do so on a daily basis, you could start seeing results within a month.

Bring your toddler along

Can your little one join in on the fun? Coordinate a stroller run with other moms or buy a bike with a child seat on the back.

Don’t forget about what you’re already doing

Chasing a toddler around, cleaning the house and walking the dog are workouts in themselves. Pick up a pedometer to see just how much ground you’re covering every day.

Sources:

-“Workout tips for working moms.” Every Day Family

-“Family Go Fitness.” Disney

-Photo courtesy of photostock/freedigitalphotos.net