The little angels now sit up in their high chairs and their sister has a booster seat at the table.
This day it was - eating in the garden!
Showing posts with label Feeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Feeding. Show all posts
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Saturday, 30 June 2012
USELESS SAINSBURY'S MANAGERS NEED TO BE SACKED
After booking a £400 order from Sainsbury's online, they called half an hour before delivery to say that baby milk and nappies etc would not be included.
When you cannot go out with 4 little people (let alone carry the goods home), online is a wonderful resource. However, there is no point when they do not supply the most important items.
Needless to say, the order was cancelled and she went elsewhere, but found the time in her busy schedule to write to the Manager, who (as to date) has not even had the decency to respond.
Needless to say, Sainsbury's has lost a valuable customer.
Shame they are so arrogant as not to need her custom and neglected those children.
When you cannot go out with 4 little people (let alone carry the goods home), online is a wonderful resource. However, there is no point when they do not supply the most important items.
Needless to say, the order was cancelled and she went elsewhere, but found the time in her busy schedule to write to the Manager, who (as to date) has not even had the decency to respond.
Needless to say, Sainsbury's has lost a valuable customer.
Shame they are so arrogant as not to need her custom and neglected those children.
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
FOUR HAPPY BUNNIES!
So the triplets and their sister are doing so well, they are now weaning.
Just look at these little wonders.
Just look at these little wonders.
Monday, 11 June 2012
AVOID "BEABA" BABYCOOK PRODUCTS
Beaba Babycook Duo Gypsy was a bad buy and I would avoid wasting your money on an expensive product (£169.99), which does not do what it says.
What made it worse was, the company's attitude to my complaint. Beaba was incredibly patronising, high-handed and basically rude.
They made out that my daughter (for whom I'd bought the machine) and myself, did not know how to use it (even though I told them we had followed the instructions) and kept copying and pasting their sales blurb back at me.
It was bought to help prepare meals for weaning, but the food kept sticking to the sides of the pots after steaming and had to be opened and rearranged many times. So, it was back to the good old conventional methods!
Thank goodness for the site where I bought it.
thekiddiestore.co.uk instantly understood and told me to return it and gave me a refund.
Well done and thank you, great customer service.
I will use thekiddiestore.co.uk again, as that's what happens when you get it right!
Friday, 4 May 2012
WEANING TRIPLETS
Weaning triplets together with the 8 months older sibling, is no easy task for mum!
The old routine is changing and every time you think you have a routine, they change it!
I'm going back to these dears next week and I think a massive cook up to go in the freezer might be called for.
Mum is a true hero to get this far on her own, but now the normal routine has gone out the window and another has to be set introducing them to solids.
Eating is different to sucking a bottle and not all babies have read this manual. Some take to it instantly, while others take their time to get used to it.
The good news is that they all get there in the end, but sometimes the task is harder, even with one!
The old routine is changing and every time you think you have a routine, they change it!
I'm going back to these dears next week and I think a massive cook up to go in the freezer might be called for.
Mum is a true hero to get this far on her own, but now the normal routine has gone out the window and another has to be set introducing them to solids.
Eating is different to sucking a bottle and not all babies have read this manual. Some take to it instantly, while others take their time to get used to it.
The good news is that they all get there in the end, but sometimes the task is harder, even with one!
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
MANAGING MULTIPLES FEEDING
When feeding multiple babies (which probably have many and various medications), it is not easy to remember who has had how much and at what times etc.
Therefore, a very helpful tool is a large white board.
There are various ways to work this and you may find the way you'd like, but this is how I did it with the triplets parents. (pictured here) :-
Mark out the lines in permanent pen; giving names across the top and 24 hours down the left hand side.
Leaving a space on the right for extra information and summations.
In the appropriate hour box, fill in:-
It is so easy to forget things when there is so much to do and deliver.
This also means that helpers can see without having to bother you!
The summation for the day goes on the right hand side, together with additional information about baths, inoculations, concerns and weight (if you ever have the time to do that).
Without the triplets having a white board, life would have been almost impossible!
The picture is when they are 6 months and are down to approx 4 hourly feeds and sleeping most of the night.
Therefore, a very helpful tool is a large white board.
There are various ways to work this and you may find the way you'd like, but this is how I did it with the triplets parents. (pictured here) :-
Mark out the lines in permanent pen; giving names across the top and 24 hours down the left hand side.
Leaving a space on the right for extra information and summations.
In the appropriate hour box, fill in:-
- Feed start time minute
- How much was taken
- What medications and amount
- Wet or dirty nappy
It is so easy to forget things when there is so much to do and deliver.
This also means that helpers can see without having to bother you!
The summation for the day goes on the right hand side, together with additional information about baths, inoculations, concerns and weight (if you ever have the time to do that).
Without the triplets having a white board, life would have been almost impossible!
Thursday, 3 June 2010
SIGNS OF PAIN
Almost three weeks have past since the cleft operation and he is doing so well.
His smile is like a bright sunbeam.... broad again, rather than being pursed from the stitches and such a happy little bunny.
He's off most medications now, but you can still see the dissolvable stitches in his mouth.
He's feeding and sleeping more; in fact last night he did a seven and a half hour stint between his feeds!
He was unsettled in the early morning today and has been of late, so I think he may still have some pain in the early hours of day.
He cries and waves his little arms and legs about wildly; rather than those rhythmic colicy jerks. He only does tiny burps nowdays and doesn't seem to need much winding at all. Everything else seems fine, so the only thing I can think of is pain.
Another thing he does to make me think it is pain; is when I cradle him to try to help him to sleep (which he clearly shows he wants to do and something I don't do with a baby unless unwell), he buries his head under my arm and against my body with his cheek pushing against me.
As he has no control over his arm movements yet, I think this is like an older person holding an area that they have hurt.
e.g. When we hurt ourselves, we rub the area and this in turn sends a signal to the brain to concentrate on healing that spot and maybe increase the blood supply if necessary.
I have suggested some Calpol at this feed time, so he can sleep easier afterwards, although I did not give it last night, as I would always seek the parents approval before applying any medication not in the routine.
All in all, he looks wonderful and has a delightful little spirit and is as loved as any baby could be.
His smile is like a bright sunbeam.... broad again, rather than being pursed from the stitches and such a happy little bunny.
He's off most medications now, but you can still see the dissolvable stitches in his mouth.
He's feeding and sleeping more; in fact last night he did a seven and a half hour stint between his feeds!
He was unsettled in the early morning today and has been of late, so I think he may still have some pain in the early hours of day.
He cries and waves his little arms and legs about wildly; rather than those rhythmic colicy jerks. He only does tiny burps nowdays and doesn't seem to need much winding at all. Everything else seems fine, so the only thing I can think of is pain.
Another thing he does to make me think it is pain; is when I cradle him to try to help him to sleep (which he clearly shows he wants to do and something I don't do with a baby unless unwell), he buries his head under my arm and against my body with his cheek pushing against me.
As he has no control over his arm movements yet, I think this is like an older person holding an area that they have hurt.
e.g. When we hurt ourselves, we rub the area and this in turn sends a signal to the brain to concentrate on healing that spot and maybe increase the blood supply if necessary.
I have suggested some Calpol at this feed time, so he can sleep easier afterwards, although I did not give it last night, as I would always seek the parents approval before applying any medication not in the routine.
All in all, he looks wonderful and has a delightful little spirit and is as loved as any baby could be.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
FLAT HEADS, TREATMENT and PILLOWS
During the birth procedure (whether naturally or by C-section), often babies have neck problems which are not always evident.
Mostly, they show up with digestive problems, as the Atlas bone (which can affect the flight and fright and digestive system) may have been moved out of position as they cork screw out, sometimes causing colic.
Baby may also have a propensity to turn the head in one direction when lying down, which may cause that side of the head to become flattened. Or if they lay flat on their back, they may get a flat-spot at the back of the head.
I have had babies with hardly any neck at all showing and in extreme cases, they may show signs of pain when moving the arms or shoulders and sometimes get sores in the folds of skin in the neck.
When I think there may be a problem, I suggest to mum that they might like to visit a baby cranial Osteopath or Chiropractor; but please note that they must be trained in this area.
To be safe, I recommend they go to an excellent centre: the Osteopathic Centre for Children in Bloomsbury, London.
This is a Charitable organisation run by the Foundation for Osteopathy and you are asked for a donation for the visit, which a present is approx £30 and well worth the money.
The Centre has highly train professions and also Osteopaths who are learning cranial work, so you see more than one person.
The excellent treatment looks as though they are doing nothing and it is gentle and does not pain the baby at all.
Even if you think there are no problems, it is always nice to have your baby checked out by someone who is looking for things that the normal midwife or doctor do not seem to notice.
Since the "Back to Sleep" campaign (which makes us sleep babies on their backs), there has been an increase of flattened heads and at the Centre they recommend the Lilla Kuddis pillow to prevent Flat Head Syndrome.
Babies heads do not harden until 12-18 months.
Normally I would never recommend a pillow for any babies; but this is safe and baby lies with both his head and shoulders on it.
The pillow has been developed in Sweden by Midwives and Physiotherapists and had has good results.
The only thing I am not happy with, is that the filling is not made of natural fibre (which in my opinion may make the baby sweat), although the cover is 100% cotton.
Mostly, they show up with digestive problems, as the Atlas bone (which can affect the flight and fright and digestive system) may have been moved out of position as they cork screw out, sometimes causing colic.
Baby may also have a propensity to turn the head in one direction when lying down, which may cause that side of the head to become flattened. Or if they lay flat on their back, they may get a flat-spot at the back of the head.
I have had babies with hardly any neck at all showing and in extreme cases, they may show signs of pain when moving the arms or shoulders and sometimes get sores in the folds of skin in the neck.
When I think there may be a problem, I suggest to mum that they might like to visit a baby cranial Osteopath or Chiropractor; but please note that they must be trained in this area.
To be safe, I recommend they go to an excellent centre: the Osteopathic Centre for Children in Bloomsbury, London.
This is a Charitable organisation run by the Foundation for Osteopathy and you are asked for a donation for the visit, which a present is approx £30 and well worth the money.
The Centre has highly train professions and also Osteopaths who are learning cranial work, so you see more than one person.
The excellent treatment looks as though they are doing nothing and it is gentle and does not pain the baby at all.
Even if you think there are no problems, it is always nice to have your baby checked out by someone who is looking for things that the normal midwife or doctor do not seem to notice.
Since the "Back to Sleep" campaign (which makes us sleep babies on their backs), there has been an increase of flattened heads and at the Centre they recommend the Lilla Kuddis pillow to prevent Flat Head Syndrome.
Babies heads do not harden until 12-18 months.
Normally I would never recommend a pillow for any babies; but this is safe and baby lies with both his head and shoulders on it.
The pillow has been developed in Sweden by Midwives and Physiotherapists and had has good results.
The only thing I am not happy with, is that the filling is not made of natural fibre (which in my opinion may make the baby sweat), although the cover is 100% cotton.
FEEDING WELL & GAINING WEIGHT
Things change so quickly with these little people.
Last night "my little boy" drank almost double what he's been drinking since his operation; taking nearly 7oz or 200mls. Then went straight back to sleep for nearly 5 hours.
The next feed he seemed uncomfortable again, so I gave him 2½ mls of paracetamol, which settled him. It seems to work within 15 minutes.
He scar has healed beautifully, but you can still see the dissolvable ones inside his mouth.
His recovery his astounded me, but his cells are regenerating so fast at 3 months, I suppose it's not so surprising.
He went back to his Paediatrician today and has gained weight again (past his preoperative weight) showing he is definitely on the mend, bless him!
Last night "my little boy" drank almost double what he's been drinking since his operation; taking nearly 7oz or 200mls. Then went straight back to sleep for nearly 5 hours.
The next feed he seemed uncomfortable again, so I gave him 2½ mls of paracetamol, which settled him. It seems to work within 15 minutes.
He scar has healed beautifully, but you can still see the dissolvable ones inside his mouth.
His recovery his astounded me, but his cells are regenerating so fast at 3 months, I suppose it's not so surprising.
He went back to his Paediatrician today and has gained weight again (past his preoperative weight) showing he is definitely on the mend, bless him!
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
PAIN ONGOING
The hospital thought that "my baby" would only need pain killers for one week.
Mum has seen an European website for Cleft babies in which some parents write about their baby crying for 3 weeks or more.
The last 48 hours (over the post operative week), he has shown signs of being in pain and quite unsettled, crying and waving his arms about in distress.
Although he is feeding more, my view is that he is in distress and needs help through the pain.
After all, he has a huge amount of work done to his hard palate, let alone his lip.
Last week I had excruciating tooth ache and root canal work and still have a residue of pain; so it is not surprising that my poor little boy must be feeling it so much worse. He really is a Brave Little Soldier and loved so much.
So, he is back on Ibuprofen at 8 hour intervals (3x per day) and Paracetamol at 6 hour intervals (4x per day).
Now, if you Google Phenergan (which I used to give to my children when necessary) you get loads of advice now as why not to use it. But as it was provided specifically for the baby by Great Ormond Street Hospital, I feel no reason why he should not have it.
However never use Phenergan without it being prescribed, as it has had some adverse reactions.
Lets hope that being back on pain killers helps his discomfort. I see no reason why he should suffer, and that isn't in silence!
Mum has seen an European website for Cleft babies in which some parents write about their baby crying for 3 weeks or more.
The last 48 hours (over the post operative week), he has shown signs of being in pain and quite unsettled, crying and waving his arms about in distress.
Although he is feeding more, my view is that he is in distress and needs help through the pain.
After all, he has a huge amount of work done to his hard palate, let alone his lip.
Last week I had excruciating tooth ache and root canal work and still have a residue of pain; so it is not surprising that my poor little boy must be feeling it so much worse. He really is a Brave Little Soldier and loved so much.
So, he is back on Ibuprofen at 8 hour intervals (3x per day) and Paracetamol at 6 hour intervals (4x per day).
Now, if you Google Phenergan (which I used to give to my children when necessary) you get loads of advice now as why not to use it. But as it was provided specifically for the baby by Great Ormond Street Hospital, I feel no reason why he should not have it.
However never use Phenergan without it being prescribed, as it has had some adverse reactions.
Lets hope that being back on pain killers helps his discomfort. I see no reason why he should suffer, and that isn't in silence!
Saturday, 22 May 2010
CLEFT HARD PALATE & LIP POST OPERATION
A week on from his cleft operation and I now understand that the doctors not only fixed his lip, but also his hard palate and implanted a bone piece to use as a fixation point for later on.
Given that so much was done, my admiration for this 3 month old little boy just grows daily.
He has healed so fast and given the amount of work done and the pain he went through, he is as bubbly as usual. His mum is also doing a wonderful job looking after him.
So anyone with a baby with a cleft palate take heart, as these things are fixable and in the right hands your baby will thrive.
I also understand that "my baby" had a severe cleft and the parents were only informed by the doctor after his surgery, as the doctor did not want to alarm them as to the task ahead of him.
But all is going well and he looks wonderful and is feeding normally again. He has dropped a pain killer and is only on antibiotics and paracetamol now.
What a little star!
Given that so much was done, my admiration for this 3 month old little boy just grows daily.
He has healed so fast and given the amount of work done and the pain he went through, he is as bubbly as usual. His mum is also doing a wonderful job looking after him.
So anyone with a baby with a cleft palate take heart, as these things are fixable and in the right hands your baby will thrive.
I also understand that "my baby" had a severe cleft and the parents were only informed by the doctor after his surgery, as the doctor did not want to alarm them as to the task ahead of him.
But all is going well and he looks wonderful and is feeding normally again. He has dropped a pain killer and is only on antibiotics and paracetamol now.
What a little star!
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
POST HAIR LIP OPERATION
Oh my little boy looks wonderful. And when I say "my little boy" of course I mean my clients little boy, but I love my charges no less than any baby I have looked after.
The doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital have done a fantastic job on his lip, he looks so good and it is healing very well.
Of course, he is on antibiotics and pain killers still, but it won't be long till he won't need them.
Tomorrow (5 days after his operation) he goes back to have his minute and almost unnoticeable stitches out.
I thought he would find it hard to smile; but no, he gave me the sweetest little grins as usual, bless him.
I can't say what admiration I have for the surgeons who do this micro surgery and bring together everything to look so normal.
Last night I gave him his bottles, although understandably his appetite is down, but he seemed to have no trouble taking what he wanted.
In a short time he will be taking his usual amount of milk again and gaining good weight.
Before his operation, he was 'nil by mouth', which I think must have been the hardest part for his parents. Anyone who has looked after a baby knows that when they are hungry, they want to be fed .. and NOW!
So back again tonight to see my dear little chap, who has been so brave. It has all been worth it, I'm so proud of him.
The doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital have done a fantastic job on his lip, he looks so good and it is healing very well.
Of course, he is on antibiotics and pain killers still, but it won't be long till he won't need them.
Tomorrow (5 days after his operation) he goes back to have his minute and almost unnoticeable stitches out.
I thought he would find it hard to smile; but no, he gave me the sweetest little grins as usual, bless him.
I can't say what admiration I have for the surgeons who do this micro surgery and bring together everything to look so normal.
Last night I gave him his bottles, although understandably his appetite is down, but he seemed to have no trouble taking what he wanted.
In a short time he will be taking his usual amount of milk again and gaining good weight.
Before his operation, he was 'nil by mouth', which I think must have been the hardest part for his parents. Anyone who has looked after a baby knows that when they are hungry, they want to be fed .. and NOW!
So back again tonight to see my dear little chap, who has been so brave. It has all been worth it, I'm so proud of him.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
CLEFT PALATE
I have been looking after a baby with a cleft palate and hair lip for the last 3 months and he had his 1st operation (on his lip) last Saturday and I go back to look after him again tonight.
Baby's mum has said she would like me to include information in this Blog, without giving away confidentiality's of course.
Hopefully, this might give support to parents who have a cleft baby too.
The first thing to say is, it needn't be that hard. Yes it is a shock and as a parent, you will wonder why this has happened to your baby. But truth is, they are not really sure; but there will be teams of people to get you through and a genealogist who will look into the 'why' for you.
I never saw my little boy as any different than any other baby I have looked after, apart from the fact that I needed to use a special bottle which I squeezed as he drank.
He would intake more air than usual (as he couldn't make a vacuum in his mouth as he drank), so he needed to be well burped several times during a feed; but then, as I always wind well anyway, so there was really no difference apart from squeezing the bottle.
I can't wait to see him again this evening, he is a joyous little chap with a huge smile (although that might be a little hard at the moment) and a pleasure to look after.
More about this when I have seen him tonight and the aftercare involved.
Baby's mum has said she would like me to include information in this Blog, without giving away confidentiality's of course.
Hopefully, this might give support to parents who have a cleft baby too.
The first thing to say is, it needn't be that hard. Yes it is a shock and as a parent, you will wonder why this has happened to your baby. But truth is, they are not really sure; but there will be teams of people to get you through and a genealogist who will look into the 'why' for you.
I never saw my little boy as any different than any other baby I have looked after, apart from the fact that I needed to use a special bottle which I squeezed as he drank.
He would intake more air than usual (as he couldn't make a vacuum in his mouth as he drank), so he needed to be well burped several times during a feed; but then, as I always wind well anyway, so there was really no difference apart from squeezing the bottle.
I can't wait to see him again this evening, he is a joyous little chap with a huge smile (although that might be a little hard at the moment) and a pleasure to look after.
More about this when I have seen him tonight and the aftercare involved.
Monday, 5 April 2010
PATIENCE WHEN WINDING
More winding time and patience is needed.
Often when my tried and tested methods just don't seem to do the trick, maybe methods aren't needed.
I find that with some babies (and all are different), all they need is to SIT STILL.
So, after each break in the feeding, let baby sit there, slowly letting the milk settle and after a few minutes, slowly sit him up a little straighter.
Then, with one hand in front of the stomach and chest and the other behind (as if book ends), hold him in that position for a few minutes more and see if wind comes up.
If not, put him in the classic over the shoulder position and if still nothing, change sides and place over other shoulder.
You'd be surprised how gravity does it's job!
Often when my tried and tested methods just don't seem to do the trick, maybe methods aren't needed.
I find that with some babies (and all are different), all they need is to SIT STILL.
So, after each break in the feeding, let baby sit there, slowly letting the milk settle and after a few minutes, slowly sit him up a little straighter.
Then, with one hand in front of the stomach and chest and the other behind (as if book ends), hold him in that position for a few minutes more and see if wind comes up.
If not, put him in the classic over the shoulder position and if still nothing, change sides and place over other shoulder.
You'd be surprised how gravity does it's job!
MORE TIPS FOLLOWING MY ABSENCE
Sorry nothing for a week or so, but I've been on another job which took alot of time and energy from me.
As a result, I am posting some more winding tips.
As a result, I am posting some more winding tips.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
WINDING TECHNIQUES
Winding is one of the most troublesome things in a baby's life.
Time and again, a baby will cry and cry and mum does not know how to stop him, but there are things you can do.
For a start, putting baby on your shoulder and hoping for some wind to come out is not enough; and in my opinion is the lazy way!
There again, banging the baby's back hard and curdling the stomach contents is too much and not right as well.
So a variety of methods are called for apart from the obvious and you will soon learn what suits both baby and you.
As I said have before, sometimes it takes 25% feeding and 75% winding, if baby has trouble in that direction.
So here are a few methods I use, that you may not have been shown before:-
1. Try laying baby on a flat surface and when one bent leg (or both) start to jerk up and down, pick baby vertically upwards and (hopefully) he will burp.
2. Then there's what I call the African method: Lifting baby up and down in the air, holding her under her arms. Slowly up and down with each move taking about 2 seconds.
Remember what you are trying to do; which is to obtain a straight line from the stomach to the mouth, so the "Bubble of Air" has a straight passage to travel up and not get caught in some bend or kink, as in a bendy straw.
3. Try swaddling baby tight and sitting him upright on your knee; one hand up against his tummy and the other straight up his back (your hands, like a pair of book ends!). Gently make sure baby is lifted, so he has a good straight line of passage from tum to mouth. Now just hold the baby very still and upright, then if nothing still, you can very gently rock baby to and throw.
4. One last position. Sitting upright, cross your legs and place baby face down over your knees, with her head and arms leaning over the higher thigh, her legs hanging over your lower thigh.
(As a rule of thumb, if the baby feels comfortable on you, you will probably feel comfortable to her!)
5. You can always try some sips of plain boiled water. I find this is as good as anything you might buy more often and not.
I hope this is of help, it can be so stressful when you cannot get wind up, or your baby has colic.
Time and again, a baby will cry and cry and mum does not know how to stop him, but there are things you can do.
For a start, putting baby on your shoulder and hoping for some wind to come out is not enough; and in my opinion is the lazy way!
There again, banging the baby's back hard and curdling the stomach contents is too much and not right as well.
So a variety of methods are called for apart from the obvious and you will soon learn what suits both baby and you.
As I said have before, sometimes it takes 25% feeding and 75% winding, if baby has trouble in that direction.
So here are a few methods I use, that you may not have been shown before:-
1. Try laying baby on a flat surface and when one bent leg (or both) start to jerk up and down, pick baby vertically upwards and (hopefully) he will burp.
2. Then there's what I call the African method: Lifting baby up and down in the air, holding her under her arms. Slowly up and down with each move taking about 2 seconds.
Remember what you are trying to do; which is to obtain a straight line from the stomach to the mouth, so the "Bubble of Air" has a straight passage to travel up and not get caught in some bend or kink, as in a bendy straw.
3. Try swaddling baby tight and sitting him upright on your knee; one hand up against his tummy and the other straight up his back (your hands, like a pair of book ends!). Gently make sure baby is lifted, so he has a good straight line of passage from tum to mouth. Now just hold the baby very still and upright, then if nothing still, you can very gently rock baby to and throw.
4. One last position. Sitting upright, cross your legs and place baby face down over your knees, with her head and arms leaning over the higher thigh, her legs hanging over your lower thigh.
(As a rule of thumb, if the baby feels comfortable on you, you will probably feel comfortable to her!)
5. You can always try some sips of plain boiled water. I find this is as good as anything you might buy more often and not.
I hope this is of help, it can be so stressful when you cannot get wind up, or your baby has colic.
Monday, 1 March 2010
HARMFUL BPA CHEMICAL IN PLASTIC BOTTLES
I'm finding it hard to justify sterilising bottles, against the anti-BPA advice.
For a start, I don't think you need to sterilise in a clean household; but this BPA chemical in plastic is worrying me.
The chemical Bisphenol-A, is found in all feeding bottles made from polycarbonate.
It is released when the bottle is heated, so what happens to the droplets of water left in the bottle after sterilising?
And .. should we be heating a bottle to boiling point, when this is the worst thing to do? (see 2. & 3. below)
There are bottles such as Born Free, which are BPA safe, but the majority of the bottles on sale on the High Street are toxic.
Here is some information from:-
"Toxic Baby Bottles", By Rachel L. Gibson, Environment California Research & Policy Center, 2007
1. You should not heat food in plastic containers, or heat liquids in plastic baby bottles.
2. Heating food and liquids in plastic containers can cause chemicals and additives in the plastics to leach out more readily—right into baby’s food and milk.
3. While some plastic containers are marketed as “microwave safe,” it is safest to avoid them for heating.
4. If you do use plastic bottles, containers, or dishware, avoid harsh detergents or hot water when washing them to reduce exposure.
5. Do not put plastic bottles, or containers in the dishwasher.
6. Also, throw out any plastic bottles, containers and dishware that start to look scratched or hazy.
7. Do not let milk sit for long periods of time in plastic.
I know quite a few parents who use the dishwasher for baby's bottles. But what about the rinse aid left in them? Never like that either.
Oh I wish I were a chemist, or would I frighten myself even more!
For a start, I don't think you need to sterilise in a clean household; but this BPA chemical in plastic is worrying me.
The chemical Bisphenol-A, is found in all feeding bottles made from polycarbonate.
It is released when the bottle is heated, so what happens to the droplets of water left in the bottle after sterilising?
And .. should we be heating a bottle to boiling point, when this is the worst thing to do? (see 2. & 3. below)
There are bottles such as Born Free, which are BPA safe, but the majority of the bottles on sale on the High Street are toxic.
Here is some information from:-
"Toxic Baby Bottles", By Rachel L. Gibson, Environment California Research & Policy Center, 2007
1. You should not heat food in plastic containers, or heat liquids in plastic baby bottles.
2. Heating food and liquids in plastic containers can cause chemicals and additives in the plastics to leach out more readily—right into baby’s food and milk.
3. While some plastic containers are marketed as “microwave safe,” it is safest to avoid them for heating.
4. If you do use plastic bottles, containers, or dishware, avoid harsh detergents or hot water when washing them to reduce exposure.
5. Do not put plastic bottles, or containers in the dishwasher.
6. Also, throw out any plastic bottles, containers and dishware that start to look scratched or hazy.
7. Do not let milk sit for long periods of time in plastic.
I know quite a few parents who use the dishwasher for baby's bottles. But what about the rinse aid left in them? Never like that either.
Oh I wish I were a chemist, or would I frighten myself even more!
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
NUT ALLERGIES. WHY?
Nut allergies are caused by non contact in early years?
Interesting thought that, and one I might subscribe to.
Hearing that children with peanut allergies were successfully introduced to a small amount of peanut power in yoghurt, made me wonder why that would work?
Was it that they never had any peanuts when small and then suddenly introduced to them, with a bad result? Or what?
Personally, I think moderation in all things from the start. Maybe then the immune system would have a chance to build up it's resistance, rather than being deprived and then having to deal with an onslaught.
One of my babies was put on a 5 year research programme, which had 500 babies which would be introduced to nut products during their first 5 years and another group of 500 that were to have no nuts at all.
After 5 years they would be introduced to nuts and the researchers would see which group had the better outcome.
My money is on the first group, who had been naturally introduced and exposed to nuts in the first place.
Interesting thought that, and one I might subscribe to.
Hearing that children with peanut allergies were successfully introduced to a small amount of peanut power in yoghurt, made me wonder why that would work?
Was it that they never had any peanuts when small and then suddenly introduced to them, with a bad result? Or what?
Personally, I think moderation in all things from the start. Maybe then the immune system would have a chance to build up it's resistance, rather than being deprived and then having to deal with an onslaught.
One of my babies was put on a 5 year research programme, which had 500 babies which would be introduced to nut products during their first 5 years and another group of 500 that were to have no nuts at all.
After 5 years they would be introduced to nuts and the researchers would see which group had the better outcome.
My money is on the first group, who had been naturally introduced and exposed to nuts in the first place.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
STERILISING BOTTLES.....NOT
It's not necessary to sterilise bottles, just wash with hot soapy water and rinse well.
Well I wasn't saying that, until a mum with 6 week premature twins left the UCHL and was told that, so she never sterilised their bottles. They are now over 2 years old.
They don't sterilise in Scandinavia, America or Australia and probably other countries I don't know about as well.
Then yesterday, I was at a private maternity hospital and was told by a nurse from Great Ormond Street Hospital, that it was good enough to clean with soap and hot water.
Hearing that was music to my ears!
Of course, the government publicly line is geared to the lowest common denominator (as I have said before), so I cannot advocate the non-use of sterilisers professionally; but secretly... I think it!
Well I wasn't saying that, until a mum with 6 week premature twins left the UCHL and was told that, so she never sterilised their bottles. They are now over 2 years old.
They don't sterilise in Scandinavia, America or Australia and probably other countries I don't know about as well.
Then yesterday, I was at a private maternity hospital and was told by a nurse from Great Ormond Street Hospital, that it was good enough to clean with soap and hot water.
Hearing that was music to my ears!
Of course, the government publicly line is geared to the lowest common denominator (as I have said before), so I cannot advocate the non-use of sterilisers professionally; but secretly... I think it!
Friday, 12 February 2010
REFLUX AND TREATMENT
I've had a very busy few days and have seen 2 former babies who are just wonderful and blossoming.
I have been doing my night work and that baby has been confirmed with Reflux and now is on Gaviscon Infant until she she's the specialist; and I have to say, it is helping to settle her more quickly and she seems to be in less discomfort, thank goodness.
She is still a very noisy sleeper and it takes a trained ear to determine whether she needs attention, or she is just sleeping noisily!
However, it is still hard for mum to not worry about all the noise she makes and manage to sleep through the snuffles and grunts!
Worth trying Gaviscon Infant in these circumstances though and a specialist's advice is also called for, as I am reluctant to keep a small baby on Gaviscon Infant for a long time because of the sodium content in it. The specialist can prescribe some better remedies.
I have been doing my night work and that baby has been confirmed with Reflux and now is on Gaviscon Infant until she she's the specialist; and I have to say, it is helping to settle her more quickly and she seems to be in less discomfort, thank goodness.
She is still a very noisy sleeper and it takes a trained ear to determine whether she needs attention, or she is just sleeping noisily!
However, it is still hard for mum to not worry about all the noise she makes and manage to sleep through the snuffles and grunts!
Worth trying Gaviscon Infant in these circumstances though and a specialist's advice is also called for, as I am reluctant to keep a small baby on Gaviscon Infant for a long time because of the sodium content in it. The specialist can prescribe some better remedies.
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