Top 5 Reasons for Making your own Baby Food

In doing research I found that it is truly best to make your own baby food.

1. Not only do you get to know exactly what is in the food, but also allows the baby to get used to get used to the types of foods they will eating in future.

2. Home-made baby food is fresher and full of nutrients. In order for the storage shelf like to be long, store-bought baby food is cooked at a very high temperature, which takes all the nutrition out of fruits and vegetables.

3. When making your own baby food, you have more variety to feed your baby.

4. It's good for the enviroment because you are using reusable storage containers.

5. Let's not forget that it is CHEAPER too! It takes a little more time and efforst, but the benefits out weigh the extra time & effort.

I know that some parents don't always have time to make their own food each and every time, so here are a few tips to help you along.

- Make batches of foods and freeze them in ice cube trays (about 1 oz)
- Batch and store in the refrigerator in containers
- If you want to use glass jars, look for the ones that do not have preservatives

Below is a list of websites for baby food recipes. Starting very soon I will be making my own brown rice cereal for Ryley!

http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/index.htm

http://freshbaby.com/healthy eating/benefits.cfm

Being a Conscious Parent: This works for me! Ideas from moms to moms.

Being a Conscious Parent: This works for me! Ideas from moms to moms.: "Adapted from the Encouragement newsletter, here's a few tips from moms who've checked them out and found they work! Distract small child..."

This works for me! Ideas from moms to moms.

Adapted from the Encouragement newsletter, here's a few tips from moms who've checked them out and found they work! 

Distract small children when they are arguing or when they are "into" something they shouldn't be.  eg. Child is crying because big sister is playing with a friend.  Say, "Honey, I need your help in the kitchen to stir the cake I'm baking."  When a small child is touching the television, try, "Honey, I haven't seen the new book you got at the library. Can you bring it to me?"

Try Again! When children speak rudely or impolitely, say, "Let's try that again."  It gives them a chance to practice speaking politely and doesn't shame them.

Give a choice:   When there are chores to be done, ask the child, "Which would you rather do, sweep the floor or water the plants?"  To the next child, "Would you rather water the plants or vacuum the rug?" 

Focus:  When children are having a difficult time following your directions or listening to you, tell them, "Look at my face" or use "Focus" as a buzz word. 

Replace "Don't run" with "Walk.  Tell children what you want them to do rather than what you DON'T want them to do.  One is an action that children can follow.  How do you "not do" something?  "Sit quietly" replaces "Don't talk."  "Keep your hands at your sides." replaces "Don't touch that!"

Angela Di Cicco

Take care of yourself!

Have you ever heard a little voice inside your head saying, "What are you doing???? You know you're overreacting!"  Parents, we all get overwhelmed with the millions of things that need to be done. Here's the antidote:

Take time for yourself.  It will recharge you and make you a better parent.  Children need to see their parents taking care of themselves in a healthy way.  It sets a good example and gives them permission to take care of their own needs rather than push them down, ignore them or having them come out sideways!

Here's a few ideas to get you started on your path to a healthy, sane self:

When fatigue & stress have the best of you: 

- Turn off the phone, the TV, the stereo and listen to the quiet.  Enjoy it.  Embrace it.  Revel in it.  For just a    few moments....all is right with the world.
- Sit quietly for 10 minutes and breathe - deeply - from your belly.  It is so relaxing!
-  Take a bath with flowers or aromatic oils in it.  Or use the shower massage to relax tense muscles.
-  Put your feet up and take a quick nap.  20 minutes is ideal.
- Listen to your favorite music - and dance!
 
- Take a walk through a park.  Notice the butterflies, the new buds blooming.  Smell the fresh air, feel the breeze, listen to the sound of the birds, the squirrels. 

For comfort:

 - Eat a food you enjoyed as a child like soup the way your mom made it. 
 - Put clean fresh sheets on the bed!  I love going to sleep on a fresh pillowcase!
 - Enjoy a cup of peppermint tea and cozy up with a good book.  Use a cup that makes you feel special.
 - Cuddle with your pet, husband or children.  We all need touch and without it we shrivel.  So give yourself a hug and your family a hug and make sure you get one back! 
 - Fill your living space with a favorite aroma - vanilla or cinnamon.  I light candles and enjoy the scent wafting when I walk into a room. 
 - Dig in the dirt, knead dough or play with playdough.  It's soothing and the repetition quiets our mind.

Pamper yourself:

 - Buy yourself flowers and put them around the house! 
 - Arrange for a free day without children or obligations. Okay - can you arrange for one hour?
 - Treat yourself to a professional mani-pedi, facial or massage.  Mmmmmm the ultimate pampering! 
 - Buy your favorite ice cream and keep it all to yourself!  Decadent indulging!

We NEVER outgrow the need for comfort.  Taking care of yourself in small ways helps you be an energized and more effective parent and person! 

Angela Di Cicco


Adapted from ENCOURAGEMENT, a publication of Angela (Shorter) Di Cicco and Gail Signor.