best baby care

All things are not created equal and that includes veggies. During his first year of life your baby will grow faster than he ever will again. Think of it this way. If you currently weigh 130 lbs and you were growing as fast as your baby is growing then you’d weigh 390 lbs by the years end. That’s a lot of growing. Babies need great nutrient rich choices (made by you) to accommodate their metabolism and growth rate. For instance a baby requires more Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Calcium per pound of body weight than an adult male.

Luckily there are many power packed veggies to choose from for your baby. Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, broccoli, and carrots are full of vitamin A (beta-carotene) which is vital to healthy eyesight, normal cell development, immune defenses and more. Nerve and muscle processes both rely heavily on thiamin and green peas are a good source. Red sweet peppers, green peepers, and broccoli contain high amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant which also assists in iron absorption. Calcium is an integral part of bone structure and plays a major role in blood clotting, maintaining blood pressure and much more. Broccoli, lima beans, soybeans, and squash are healthy choices if you’re aiming for calcium.

Vegetable Preparation & Serving

Cooking up a batch of vegetables for your baby can save you money (those tiny jars don’t come cheap) and can save your baby nutrients. Commercial baby foods are perfectly safe but some have added water, starch, or sugar which can dilute the nutrients your baby is receiving. Plus you can quickly whip up a batch of veggies while you cook for the rest of your family.

To make babyfood at home all you really need are fresh or frozen vegetables, a knife, and a fork. If you make a lot of homemade babyfood you could invest in some kitchen tools that make life easier such as a blender, babyfood grinder, food mill, or food processor. To make babyfood just pit and peel vegetables, cook in microwave or on stovetop until very tender, and mash up. To create a purée style food with only a fork you can mix in small amount of breast milk or formula until it’s the right consistency. Freeze homemade babyfood in ice cube trays and pop one or two cubes out per serving. You can save babyfood in the freezer for one month and freshly made in the fridge for three days.

Post-Pregnancy Nutrition

Post-Pregnancy Nutrition
Most women are concerned with losing those extra pounds gained during pregnancy. The good news is that not only is breast-feeding the best food for your baby for the first four to six month but it also helps mom to lose fat gained during pregnancy. You can safely lose about 1 pound a week without interfering with your infant's growth.

• It helps shrink your uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. • It saves time and effort; no bottle, mixing or heating is needed. • Traveling and night feedings are easier. • It saves money. • It gives you special time to bond with your baby. • It is the healthest way to feed your baby, and can have lasting effects ont their immune system. For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding,


Calorie needs are increased during breastfeeding due to the extra energy required to produce milk. A woman should consume an extra 500 calories per day. What does 500 calories look like?

500 calories • 1 1/2 cup cereal • 1 cup skim milk • 1 piece toast with butter • 1/2 cup juice

500 calories • 1 glass skim milk • 1 oz potato chips • 1 medium apple

500 calories • 1/2 cup green beans • 1 slice bread with butter • 1 cup skim milk • 1/2 cup canned fruit
How Much to Drink Be sure to drink at least 8-12 cups per day.
Try filling up a pitcher of water with your day's amount of fluid and make sure it is empty before going to bed. If you drink juice, milk or other fluids you can take the same amount out of your pitcher
How Much to Drink
Be sure to drink at least 8-12 cups per day.


Try filling up a pitcher of water with your day's amount of fluid and make sure it is empty before going to bed. If you drink juice, milk or other fluids you can take the same amount out of your pitcher

Baby care

Breast milk is the perfect food for a baby, it contains all the nutrition your baby needs for the six months, with the added bonus of antibodies and other properties important to baby’s health and development. Health authorities recommend that you breastfeed your baby for at least six months if possible.

1. Infant formula is the only suitable alternative to breastmilk. It is modified to meet baby’s needs and must always be mixed according to the directions on the container.
2. Babies don’t need to start on other foods until they are ready which is normally around the age of six months. The ideal first food is a baby cereal mixed with baby’s regular milk, followed by fruit and vegetable purees introduced one at a time. In the beginning baby needs to be offered his regular milk (breast or formula) before he is offered solids.
3. Introduce lumpy foods after three to five weeks of pureed food. Gradually make it more and more lumpy because this will help baby learn to chew even if she has no teeth. Add finger foods to baby’s diet around about eight months. By the time baby reaches her first birthday she should be eating regular family food with some modifications. Ready made baby food in cans, jars or frozen is ideal as an occasional meal but is not suitable for everyday use.
4. Keep meal times relaxed, offer baby a variety of healthy choices and never force him to ‘eat up’. If he is hungry you can always offer him more.
5. Babies don’t need sugary foods, salty, fatty foods or fast foods. Low fat foods are also not acceptable, baby needs nutritious choices.
6. Soft drinks are not suitable for babies or toddlers. Milk and water are all baby needs with occasional juice drinks, watered down 50/50. At meal times baby should be offered water to drink.
7. Iron and calcium are important nutrients in a baby’s diet. Iron can be found in breast milk, lean meat, chicken, eggs, fish, legumes, fortified baby cereals, wholegrain cereals, dried fruits and dark green leafy vegetables. Calcium is found in breast milk and infant formula, dairy products, calcium fortified soy products, tinned sardines and salmon.
8. Learn to read the labels on food you buy in the supermarket. Ingredients are listed in order with the greatest quantity first. If you find ingredients you would not normally put into your baby’s meal then don’t buy the product.
9. Be careful when you prepare the family’s food. Always wash your hands before handling food and keep raw and cooked foods separate. You can find out more about hygiene and food