The Best Glass Baby Bottles

If you want to avoid plastic for health and environmental reasons, glass is an obvious answer. Here are the best glass baby bottles based on how well they work for real families.

The Mason Bottle

The Mason Bottle – Best Glass Baby Bottles

A favorite among crunchy mamas for their versatility. They are freezer-safe, stackable, and re-useable, making them perfect for breast milk storage or even purees and smoothies down the road . They’re also compatible with the beloved Comotomo nipples—another huge bonus!

Bottom line: These bottles work great now, plus grow with you, making them a very smart choice.

Dr. Brown’s

Dr Brown’s Glass Baby Bottles Best Glass Baby Bottles baby post by Mama Natural

Dr. Brown’s wide-mouth glass bottles are easy to use with divots on the sides for easy grip. The nipple helps regulate the flow (so baby knows what to expect) and also has a low flow that’s ideal for breastfed babies. The wide, breast-like top also helps support natural feeding and babies who go back and forth from breast to bottle. It also uses venting to help reduce colic and digestive issues.

Bottom line: Parents who use Dr. Brown’s glass baby bottles like how solid they feel and how inexpensive they are.

Avent

Avent Glass Baby Bottles – Best Glass Baby Bottles baby post by Mama Natural

These glass bottles have a breast-like nipple and are slow flow to support healthy feeding for baby. The bottle has a slightly curved shape to support easy gripping. They also have venting that helps with colic and digestive issues.

Bottom line: Parents who use these bottles love that they are affordable, as well as the similarity to the breast.

Nuk

Nuk Glass Baby Bottles – Best Glass Baby Bottles baby post by Mama Natural

The Nuk glass baby bottle comes with a low flow venting nipple like many other bottles. The nipples also have three holes for milk to flow (more closely resembling the breast), as well as a breast-like shape and feel. Nuk glass bottles don’t leak like some other bottles and also have an easy to hold shape.

Bottom line: Nuk glass bottles are great for all babies, but especially those who go back and forth between bottle and breast.

Lifefactory

Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottles – Best Glass Baby Bottles baby post by Mama Natural

Lifefactory glass bottles come with a silicone sleeve to reduce breakage and make gripping easier. The bottle is dishwasher-safe (no need to remove the sleeve) and can be used with a variety of tops as baby grows. These bottles are also compatible with most breast pumps for ease of storage and feeding. Lifefactory’s silicone sleeves come in many colors, so you can choose one that fits you or your baby’s mood or personality. While Lifefactory bottles are more expensive than most other brands, the quality can’t be beat. They are made from top notch materials and are extensively tested for safety, durability, and minimal environmental impact.

However, Lifefactory’s nipples are more “standard” shape (narrow and elongated) and don’t resemble the flatter, softer breast nipple. Some breastfed babies actually prefer this different nipple type than other bottles that are modeled after the breast.

Bottom Line: These glass baby bottles are great for babies who are old enough to hold the bottle themselves, since the silicone sleeve helps with grip and prevent breakage.

Evenflo

Evenflo Glass Baby Bottles

Evenflo is the best glass baby bottle for the money. Though they are less expensive than other brands, they have many of the same features, like venting to reduce colic, easy to grip sides and ease of cleaning. The one drawback is that they don’t have a wide, breast-like nipple, but many families still love them.

Bottom Line: If you’re concerned about using plastic for your baby’s food, but don’t have a ton of cash to spend, these glass baby bottles are a perfect option.

Baby Brezza

Baby Brezza Glass Baby Bottles – Best Glass Baby Bottles baby post by Mama Natural

These glass bottles are one of the easiest to clean, since they have a wide mouth and are only two parts. The nipple is breast-like, so these are also great for babies that are transitioning or go back and forth between breast and bottle. Additionally, the nipples feature the TruFlo® Anti-Colic System, making them great for all babies, but especially those who are prone to colic or digestive issues.

Bottom Line: These glass baby bottles are great for families who don’t want to fuss a lot over cleaning bottles.

Chico Naturalfit

Chico Naturalfit Glass Baby Bottles – Best Glass Baby Bottles baby post by Mama Natural

These baby bottles include a slow-flow, breast-like nipple, an easy to clean wide mouth and a silicone sleeve for easy gripping. But these bottles also come with two nipples—one that is angled and one that is straight, so you can decide which works best for you.

Bottom Line: Parents who use these bottles love that the nipple is so soft, so baby can get a great latch.

Why Go With Glass? Pros of Glass Baby Bottles

If you’re wondering what the benefits of glass versus plastic are, here are some of the the biggest pros in choosing glass alternatives:

1. BPA-free

Many moms prefer glass, because it’s BPA-free. BPA is a chemical that was used in plastics, including baby bottles and sippy cups, up until research revealed just how harmful it is. BPA can cause hormone disruption and metabolic disruption, according to a 2011 review. The researchers discuss that BPA is particularly problematic for fetuses, infants, and children due to their smaller size and greater susceptibility to harm.

While BPA is no longer used in baby bottles, there is still some concern that other plastic chemicals can be harmful as well. A 2009 review says additives in plastic, like phthalates, may be harmful to human endocrine systems and reproductive health. For this reason: Many parents prefer to avoid plastic altogether.

2. Easier to sanitize and clean

These kinds of bottles can go into the dishwasher for easier sanitation, while plastic is best to hand wash. Any new parent will agree that hand-washing adds a layer of frustration to an already busy time.

Additionally, plastic bottles can get scratched from bottle bushes and can harbor bacteria in those scratches. Glass bottles don’t become scratched in the same way. Plastic also hangs on to smells and colors that glass does not.

3. Durable

Glass baby bottles today are often made from tempered glass, making them very strong and durable. What’s more? Glass bottles last longer than plastic bottles, because plastic can degrade with use. Plastic bottles have even been known to change shape after many uses or being heated repeatedly.

4. Can handle extreme temperatures

Because of the high-quality glass used, glass baby bottles can survive high heat (as well as switching from hot to cold). Glass bottles can be used in the microwave and dishwasher. Plastic, on the other hand, can degrade with high heat.

5. Environmentally-friendly

When you’re done using bottles, these types can be recycled and quickly turned back into sand. Plastic, on the other hand, can only be recycled a finite number of times (two to three times, according to National Geographic).

Cons of glass baby bottles

As wonderful as they are, we’d be remiss if we didn’t address a few of the cons, including:

1. Breakable

Obviously, glass can break, while plastic generally won’t. The bottles made today are made with tempered glass so they are less likely to break. And there are also silicone sleeves that help. But at the end of the day, glass is still breakable.

2. Expensive

These bottles are more expensive than plastic ones. If you are exclusively bottle-feeding, it can be expensive to stock up on enough bottles to feed baby without doing dishes constantly.

3. Heavy and Awkward

Glass baby bottles are going to be much heavier than plastic ones and can feel awkward to hold. If you’re traveling, the added weight of glass bottles in the diaper bag can be frustrating, too.

So Are Glass Baby Bottles Really Better?

Overall, glass is the better choice. There are many BPA-free plastic options, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (APA) recommends avoiding microwaving beverages in plastic and avoiding placing plastics in the dishwasher. (Note: No matter what type of bottle you use, NEVER microwave breast milk or formula. This can create dangerous hot areas in the milk that can burn baby.) Heating plastic can cause chemicals to leach into the food inside the container, so it’s best to avoid heating plastic if possible.

Glass is best if you don’t think you’ll have time to handwash and are concerned about chemical leaching and overuse of plastics. Glass baby bottles are also best if you like to heat the milk before giving it to baby.

If you’re generally concerned with plastic use and want to reduce the amount you use, glass baby bottles may be a good choice for you as well.

But Will Glass Bottles Break? Are They Dangerous?

Many parents like the idea of glass for all reasons except one—glass breaks! But while these bottles are more likely to break than plastic ones, they aren’t as likely to break as you’d think. Here’s why:

• Glass bottles are made from tempered glass, a much stronger glass. I have dropped tempered glass on a hardwood floor without it breaking.
• They’re thermal-shock resistant. These types of bottles can go from cold to hot (or hot to cold) without breaking. This is not true for most other glass. This is really helpful when you overheat the milk and need to cool it down or when you need to heat milk that was in the refrigerator.

Many glass options come with silicone covers that can help prevent the glass from breaking, which adds another layer of safety. These silicone covers are also helpful for gripping the bottle without slipping.

How About You?

Do you use glass baby bottles? Which ones are your favorite—and why? Share with us in the comments below.

The post The Best Glass Baby Bottles (Plus, 5 Reasons to Say Yes to Glass) appeared first on Mama Natural.

This sweat-inducing scenario is—unfortunately—all too common, because babies are creatures of habit that rely on their familiar daily routines.

So how can you prevent this from happening to you?

If you want—or need—your baby to take a bottle, it’s so important to get the timing right. Of course, you don’t want nipple confusion. But you also don’t want baby to get so comfortable with the breast that they refuse the bottle altogether.

Lactation consultants say it’s best to introduce a bottle to your breastfed baby at about 4-5 weeks old.

This is the sweet spot, because your milk supply is established and baby is a good nurser, but it is early enough that baby gets used to taking a bottle occasionally.

It’s not one and done either…

According to lactation consultants, once baby is comfortable with the bottle, it’s best to incorporate bottle feeding into your regular routine at least once per week.

What to Do When Baby Won’t Take a Bottle

If you’ve already missed this window, don’t panic! Though it can be stress-inducing when you realize your breastfed baby won’t take a bottle and you’re scheduled to return to work soon, there are some clever strategies to get any baby to take the plunge. Here are some tried-and-true methods:

Do skin-to-skin

If baby is used to having skin-to-skin contact while feeding (she likely does if she’s breastfed!), that might be enough to get her to take a bottle. Have the person offering the bottle do some skin-to skin care with baby to mimic that soothing feeling of breastfeeding.

Leave the room (or not!)

Often, baby won’t take a bottle because she can see, hear, or even smell mom. Many families have success with bottles only when mom is out of the room (or the house entirely).

However, the opposite can be true, too. I kept having dad, babysitter, grandma, etc. try to bottle feed my nursling, but she just wouldn’t take it. Finally, I tried, and she took it from me—go figure!

Try a different bottle or nipple

Sometimes baby simply doesn’t like the shape, color, or feel of the bottle/nipple. Of all the moms I’ve talked to, this is the biggest culprit and will make a world of difference if you find the “right” bottle. But how do you find the right bottle for your baby? Start by taking a look at bottles that are best for breastfed babies. Then, buy one or two and try them out. Once you know which bottle or nipple your baby prefers, you can stock up.

Make sure baby is sleepy

If baby is just waking up or just about to fall asleep, she may take the bottle more easily, since she’s not fully aware. If baby usually eats after a nap, try offering the bottle as she wakes. Or, if she typically nurses to sleep, try giving the bottle as she’s drifting off.

Find the perfect window of hunger

If baby is very hungry, she may not take the bottle just because she’s upset (and who likes changing routines when they’re already hangry?). But if baby isn’t hungry at all, she probably won’t want to take the bottle either.

Try to find the perfect balance—a time when she’s still a bit hungry, but not overly so. One way to do this is by feeding on one breast and then offering a bottle for the rest of the feeding. (Just don’t forget to pump the other breast!)

Limit distractions

If there is a lot of activity and noise in the house, baby may be too distracted to take a bottle (this can be true for breastfeeding as well). Have whoever is feeding baby find a quiet place and calm baby down before trying to offer the bottle.

Wait for a good mood

Likewise, if baby is upset (overtired, over-hungry, missing mama, etc), it’s not a great time to get baby to take a bottle. Try to introduce the bottle at times when baby is somewhat content and settled. If you’re in an emergency situation where you need to get baby fed immediately, consider finger feeding or using a spoon, then try the bottle once baby is settled down.

Change the temperature of the milk

Try bringing milk to another temperature. Most babies prefer very warm milk, since that’s the temperature that breastmilk is, but if baby is used to something different, she may prefer that. Experiment with temperatures that are slightly warmer and slightly cooler to see what works best for your baby.

Warm the nipple and dip it in breast milk

Breastfed babies are familiar with mom’s nipples, which are warm and often already taste like breastmilk (even before the letdown). Warming the nipple in a cup of warm water and then dipping it in breastmilk can help mimic this.

Place baby facing out

Some babies will take a bottle if they face away from the person giving the bottle. For babies who don’t sit up on their own yet, the best way to do this is to place baby on your lap and use your (non-dominant) arm to steady her. Then you can use your other hand to hold the bottle.

Place baby facing inwards

On the contrary, some babies do better when facing toward the person who is feeding them. Babies who can sit up on their own can sit on your lap looking at your face. Babies who can’t sit up yet can be assisted with a nursing pillow or something similar.

This is a great position for offering smiles and words of affirmation to baby. Many babies find this reassuring and are more likely to try the bottle.

Try the elevated side-laying position

This position helps to recreate the same position that a breastfeeding baby is normally in while nursing. The thought is to have your baby in a position that mimics his or her normal breastfeeding position with your baby’s cheek to a pillow. Watch this video to see this position in action.

Try a completely different position

Additionally, feeding baby in a different position from the one she nurses in can help, too. This may take some trial and error, but you may find that you can’t give baby a bottle when holding her close to the chest (even for Dad or Grandma!). Baby may need a whole new feeding position for taking a bottle.

Try a change of scenery

It’s possible that baby associates her surroundings with breastfeeding, so trying a different location may solve the problem. Go into a different room than you normally breastfeed in or even a different home/place altogether. Going outside can work, too.

Don’t worry: You won’t have to go outside every time baby needs a bottle. Once she’s used to taking a bottle, it won’t be difficult for her to take one in your normal feeding space.

Try a different formula

If you’re using formula, it’s a good idea to try a different brand (or try homemade) to see if that helps. Sometimes babies prefer one kind of formula over another. It’s also possible that baby has an allergy or sensitivity to something in the formula (often dairy), so trying a dairy-free formula may help.

Most of All… Don’t Give Up!

So your baby still won’t take a bottle? The good news is most babies get the hang of bottle feeding eventually.

Baby looks to you for cues about what is okay and safe and what is not. If you keep offering the bottle, she will eventually get that it’s ok. It may take you some time and experimentation, but you’ll get there!

The post 15 Things to Try When Your Breastfed Baby Won’t Take a Bottle appeared first on Mama Natural.

In a new report, 95% of baby food tested contained heavy metals…

That’s right—our community was shocked when a bombshell new report from the organization Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) came out stating the vast majority of baby food tested—even organic baby food—was toxic.

Of course any amount of metal in baby food of any kind is a problem, but when the problem is this prevalent that tells us that we have a real systemic issue on our hands—that this isn’t just one or two irresponsible companies; we’re facing contaminated soil, poor irrigation problems, and other major dilemmas.

Unfortunately, that means this isn’t an easy fix. To see a difference, we need environmental remediation and policy change at minimum, and organizations—like Serenity Kids—are working on this.

Here’s what we know about heavy metals in baby food…

The following heavy metals were all discovered in baby food:

Lead

A whopping 94 percent (!) of the baby food tested contained lead.

This is highly alarming, because any amount of lead is toxic to humans, and especially babies. Lead exposure is linked with ADD, behavioral issues, and problems in school. In fact, studies show that even children with low levels of lead in their blood perform worse on standardized tests.

Lead was most prevalent in the following foods:

• Infant rice cereals
• Rice puffs
• Sweet potato
• Non-rice snacks and teethers
• Infant cereals (wheat, oat, etc.)
• Carrots
• Teething biscuits
• Fruit juice

Cadmium

A total of 75 percent of the baby foods tested contained cadmium.

This toxin is linked with brain damage, learning disabilities, cancer, and kidney, bone, and heart damage. What’s more, scientists now know that this damage happens even at levels previously deemed safe by the medical community.

Cadmium was most prevalent in the following foods:

• Rice puffs
• Other baby cereals
• Infant rice cereal
• Non-rice snacks and teethers
• Carrots
• Teething biscuits
• Sweet potato

Arsenic

Tests showed that 73 percent of baby foods contained arsenic.

This heavy metal can cause various cancers and harms the developing brain and nervous system. In fact, one study found drinking water with arsenic at half the allowable limit still caused IQ loss.

Arsenic was most prevalent in the following foods:

• Rice puffs
• Infant rice cereal
• Teething biscuits
• Other infant cereals
• Non-rice snacks and teethers
• Sweet potato
• Fruit juice (primarily apple juice)

Mercury

Of the baby foods tested, 32 percent contained mercury.

Mercury lowers IQ and is known to cause brain damage, disrupt development and learning, and may contribute to cancer. Mercury also damages the nervous system, kidneys, and digestive system. (source)

Mercury was most prevalent in the following foods:

• Infant rice cereal
• Rice husks and teething biscuits
• Rice puffs
• Non-rice teethers
• Other cereals
• Carrots

The Most Toxic Baby Foods to Avoid

Experts estimate children ages newborn to two years old lose more than 11 million IQ points from exposure to lead and arsenic in food.

Yikes—that’s a lot to digest. Heavy metals in baby food can do a lot of harm, and the list of food affected is alarmingly long. So what are parents who just wants the best, healthiest option for their children to do? For starters, you can avoid the biggest offenders, which include:

#1 Rice

Farmers grow rice in flooded fields, which makes the crop more likely to absorb inorganic arsenic from pesticides used during farming.

Worst rice options

Tests show that nearly all baby food with rice contains unsafe levels of arsenic, but here are the top offenders in order:

• HappyBABY Organic rice cakes puffed rice snack
• BioKinetics Brown Rice Organic Sprouted Whole Grain Baby Cereal
• O Organics Apple Strawberry rice puffs
• Simple Truth Organic  Whole Grain Puffs
• Happy BABY Superfood puffs – Organic Grain Snack
• Healthy Times Organic Brown Rice Cereal
• Earth’s Best whole grain rice cereal
• Beech- Nut Rice baby cereal
• Nosh! Baby Munchables Organic Teething Wafers
• Parent’s Choice Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks
• Sprout Organic quinoa puffs baby cereal snack
• Gerber rice cereal
• Baby Mum-Mum Banana Rice Rusks
• Comforts (Kroger brand) Blueberry little puffs cereal snack
• Kitchdee organic baby cereal rice and lentil
• Earth’s Best chicken and brown rice organic baby food meal

Safest Option: Unprocessed White Rice

White rice is safer than brown (even organic brown rice), since the outside hull absorbs most of the pesticides and heavy metals.

White Basmati rice from California, India, and Pakistan has the lowest levels of toxic heavy metals. Cooking rice in extra water then draining it can also reduce arsenic by up to 60 percent. The best option, though, may be to skip the rice altogether—it’s low in nutrients and contributes to tooth decay. (source)

#2 Sweet Potatoes and Carrots

Root vegetables absorb more toxins from the soil, especially carrots and sweet potatoes. In tests, these foods contained high levels of lead and cadmium, but some also contained mercury and arsenic.

Worst Sweet Potato and Carrot Options

Even some of the organic brands had just as much (or more!) toxic heavy metals as the conventional brands did. Here are the worst offenders:

• Beech-Nut Classics (not organic)
• Gerber
• Earth’s Best (organic)

Best Options for Sweet Potato and Carrot Baby Food

Some of the organic veggie options tested were relatively low in toxic metals, but all still had some. Researchers recommended eating these foods in moderation along with other nutritious foods. Tests show that these are the safest choices overall:

• Meijer True Goodness Organic Carrots
• O Organics Organic carrot baby food
• HappyBABY Organics Sweet Potatoes stage 1
• Meijer True Goodness Organic sweet potato baby food

Pumpkin and winter squash are also great options. They have similar nutrients, but contain much lower levels of heavy metals than carrots and sweet potatoes, since they’re grown above ground.

#4 Fruit Juice

Apple and grape juice are some of the worst offenders—they contain arsenic and lead.

Worst Juice Options

According to tests, these varieties contained the largest amounts of heavy metals:

• Gerber
• Juicy Juice

Healthiest Juice Options

The AAP doesn’t recommend fruit juice—even diluted juice—but if you want to serve it, choose organic, minimally processed juice and reserve it only for special occasions.

• Fresh pressed juice is the healthiest option.
• Pomegranate, cranberry (not cranberry cocktail), and orange juice offer the most nutritional benefits.
• You can also try coconut water or something like these kid-friendly gummies.

So What Are Some Safer Alternatives?

These foods tested relatively low in heavy metals and are better options than even the “best” options on the lists above. They’re safer since they aren’t grown in the soil (like sweet potatoes and carrots) or drowned in contaminated water (like rice).

Just note that some of the foods on this list are still exposed to high levels of pesticides, so it’s important to choose organic whenever possible.

• Bananas
• Cucumbers
• Apples
• White beans
• Cheese
• Grapes
• Eggs
• Peaches
• Yogurt
• Pumpkin
• Butternut squash
• Green beans
• Pears
• Prunes

What Else Can You Do About Heavy Metals in Baby Food?

Choosing safer food options is a good start, but there’s more parents can do about heavy metals in baby food. Here are some things you can do right now to help block heavy metal absorption.

Increase Glutathione

Our bodies make the antioxidant glutathione to help detox our systems. Glutathione binds to heavy metals, including mercury, so they can then be excreted. Foods rich in sulfur support glutathione production and include onions, garlic, and cruciferous veggies, like broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, and cauliflower. Onions and garlic aren’t on the menu for most babies, but many will eat the others on this list.

These veggies can cause gas and tummy troubles for baby, but cooking them with a little grated ginger aids digestion. A little ginger goes a long way though!

Take vitamin C

Vitamin C helps boost glutathione production, but it’s also a potent antioxidant of its own. In this animal study vitamin C reversed blood damage caused by mercury and cadmium. The vitamin also protected against other heavy metals and radiation. Researchers also found it protects against lead toxicity and oxidative stress caused by heavy metals. Foods highest in vitamin C include:

• Colored bell peppers
• Guavas
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Oranges
• broccoli

Get plenty of selenium

In this animal study, damage caused by heavy metals significantly improved when fish were given selenium. And this 2019 study in the journal Life Sciences found selenium helped protect the brain from mercury toxicity . Foods highest in selenium include:

• Brazil nuts
• Tuna (high in mercury though)
• Oysters
• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork

Focus on Gut Health

Hippocrates once said “all disease begins in the gut.” Recent research is revealing more and more just how right Hippocrates was! In this study the probiotic lactobacillus rhamnosus helped the gut block absorption of lead and cadmium.

This probiotic is found in certain types of yogurt, milk kefir, and other fermented dairy products. You can also get a supplement with L. rhamanosus and empty some of the capsule into baby’s food.

The Bottom Line on Heavy Metals in Baby Food

This problem isn’t going to go away overnight, but thankfully, there are organizations working to make our food safer. And as a result, we’ve already seen a decrease in arsenic in our rice products. There is hope.

And in the meantime, although we can’t avoid any toxin 100%, there are ways to reduce little one’s exposure. Make smart food choices, avoid highly contaminated foods, and focus on nutrients that help the body deal with toxins and heavy metals in baby food.

What About You?

What steps will you take to help your baby avoid heavy metals in baby food?

The post The Scary Truth About Heavy Metals in Baby Food appeared first on Mama Natural.

In this post, we’ll cover:

How Often Should a Newborn Eat?

How often your newborn should eat depends on whether you are breastfeeding or formula-feeding and how old your newborn is. And though there are general guidelines for both, it’s important to remember that these figures are just estimates—you should consult your pediatrician about what’s right for your baby, especially if baby is having trouble gaining weight.

How often should a newborn eat if you’re breastfeeding?

• First 24 hours: Feed on demand or at least every 2-3 hours. Remember: Your baby may only drink ½ ounce of colostrum in total in the first 24 hours. But even though your baby drinks only a little, it can take up to 45 minutes per nursing session, especially if your baby is sleepy.
• First month: Feed on demand or at least every 2-3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours during the night. This works out to be about 8-12 times per day. Keep in mind that babies go through cluster feeding sessions and growth spurts where they might be nursing every 10-45 minutes!

These guidelines just discuss how often a newborn should eat. To learn more about how much a newborn should eat, check out this post.

How often should a newborn eat if you’re formula-feeding?

Is your baby formula-fed? Formula is digested more slowly than breast milk, so formula-fed babies don’t have to eat as often in the beginning. (source)

• For the first month: Expect a formula-fed baby to want to eat about every 3-4 hours.
• By six months: By the time your baby is halfway through the first year, expect to feed them about four to five times per 24 hours.

Not sure how much formula your baby needs to eat at each feeding session? Head over to this post to learn more about the specifics of how much a newborn should eat.

Newborn Feeding Schedule for Breastfed Babies

If you’re expecting your first baby, it’s natural to wonder: how often should a newborn eat.? You might even seek out a newborn feeding schedule to help simplify things. But do you really need a feeding schedule? Should you use a feeding schedule?

Feeding schedules for breastfed babies are more like guidelines for mamas who like to see the specifics. The bottom line is: Each baby will be different, and some babies eat more—or less—often than the average newborn. The most important thing is to follow baby’s lead by feeding on demand. 

Feeding on demand also helps regulate your milk supply. Because your body only makes what your baby needs when your baby needs it, it’s important to let your baby tell your body what it needs.

That said, if you’re schedule-oriented and would like to see a sample of what a feeding schedule could look like, this chart can help:

Sample feeding schedule for breastfed babies

Newborn Feeding Schedule for Formula-fed Babies

It is a little easier to create a feeding schedule for formula-fed babies, because you can easily track exactly how much formula your baby drinks. That being said, follow your baby’s cues. If your baby is turning away from the bottle, he might not be hungry.

Check out this chart to see what a feeding schedule could look like for a formula-fed baby:

Sample feeding schedule for formula-fed babies

Even if you breastfeed your baby every 2-3 hours, baby may still display hunger cues, like:

Why Does My Baby Want to Eat More Often Than That?

• Fussiness
• Rooting
• Sucking on fingers
• Sticking out tongue

What gives?! 

Growth spurt

When babies nurse like this, some mamas worry that their milk supply is compromised. However, more often than not, this type of behavior is related to cluster feeding—a common sign of a growth spurt.

Comfort

The constant demand to nurse can also be your baby’s way of seeking out comfort from mama. While it seems like a pacifier could serve the same purpose, studies show that comfort nursing calms and soothes your baby by reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) in your baby’s body. (source) These sessions can also boost mama’s endorphins and help with emotional bonding.

Witching hour

Like it or not, sometimes babies are just… fussy. There’s a very real thing called the witching hour—it’s a time of day, usually towards the evening hours, when baby cries a lot and generally wants to eat a lot.

Remember…

Schedules—while helpful—are just rough guidelines. Having guidelines helps demystify baby’s feeding needs, but following baby’s cues is the best way to keep baby fed and hydrated.

If you suspect baby hasn’t had enough to eat, look out for signs of dehydration, including unusual lethargy, a lack of wet diapers (baby should have at least 5-6 wet diapers per day after the first few days), or a sunken soft spot. Contact your pediatrician or local emergency room immediately for help.

How About You?

How often did you feed your newborn? Did you follow a schedule or feed on demand? Share your comments below!

The post How Often Should a Newborn Eat? (Including Printable Schedules!) appeared first on Mama Natural.

We’ll break it all down, including:

• When breast milk comes in
• How breast milk comes in
• Signs your milk is coming in
• Plus, what to do if your milk isn’t flowing

When Does Breast Milk Come In?

The short answer: Most moms experience a surge in breast milk about 2 to 5 days after giving birth.

But… it’s a little more complicated than that. To get technical, you’ve actually been producing breast milk for your baby since the middle of your pregnancy—even if your breasts don’t feel very full or heavy and you didn’t leak any milk. Let’s unpack this fascinating process:

It All Starts With Colostrum…

According to La Leche League, your breasts start to produce colostrum—a yellow-gold colored milk full of wholesome, dense nutrition, antibodies, and other disease-fighting agents—during pregnancy. This type of breast milk starts to come in about 12-18 weeks into pregnancy. Some women even begin leaking colostrum during pregnancy. If you noticed yellow-crusty remnants on your nipples during pregnancy or some wetness on your bra, shirt, or sheets, chances are that was a bit of leaking colostrum.

Women begin producing colostrum during pregnancy, because this is food that it needs to be available to your baby as soon as they are born. Though colostrum is often referred to as baby’s “first milk,” you’ll only produce a few teaspoons at a time. This is sufficient for baby in those first few days, because their stomach capacity is very small in the first few days following birth.

Then Colostrum Gives Way to Mature Milk…

Over the course of the first few days after birth, your colostrum begins to change as more mature breast milk starts to come in. Colostrum gradually increases in amount, and changes from a thicker, yellow fluid to a thinner, whiter mature milk.

The process of your milk “coming in,” or turning into mature milk, is controlled by your hormones. Once you deliver the placenta and your progesterone and estrogen levels decline, your body increases production of a hormone called prolactin, which gets the milk production process started.

• Most women notice this change from colostrum to mature milk around two to three days following birth.
• But some women don’t notice this change until day four, five, or even later.

Although you technically don’t have to do anything to ensure that your milk comes in quickly and plentifully, breastfeeding frequently and practicing skin-to-skin can help stimulate prolactin production to ensure a smooth transition to mature milk.

What Does It Feel Like When Your Milk Comes In?

Every mom has a slightly different experience when their breast milk comes in. It’s totally normal if you don’t end up feeling very engorged—extra fullness doesn’t necessarily mean you are making more milk.

In general, here are some of the ways that moms describe the way it feels when your milk comes in:

• Your breasts will start to feel full and heavy
• You may feel some tingling sensations, especially during let-down
• The veins in your breasts may stand out more
• Your breasts may feel warm to the touch
• You may begin to leak more
• You may notice your baby gulping and swallowing more

How Much Bigger Will My Breasts Get When My Milk Comes In?

Every woman is different in terms of how much bigger her breasts get once her milk comes in.

• Some women—especially if they have larger breasts to begin with—don’t notice much of a change in breast size.
• Other mothers notice a significant difference once their milk comes in.

Generally, a woman’s breast size increases about two to four breast sizes once her milk comes in. But as your breast milk supply levels out, that initial dramatic increase generally becomes less pronounced. You may notice your breasts slightly decrease in size about two to three days after your milk comes in and again in about four to five weeks, when your supply stabilizes at bit more.

Still, your breasts will probably be slightly larger than usual for the first few months of breastfeeding, and will likely not decrease significantly until your baby is breastfeeding less—likely after your baby starts eating solids, sometime around six to eight months.

Why Hasn’t My Milk Come in Yet?

Although the timeline varies slightly, most women notice their breast milk starts to come in within a week of giving birth. If your milk hasn’t come in by day five or so, you’ll want to reach out to your child’s pediatrician and consult with a lactation consultant. 

And always be on the lookout for signs of dehydration and hunger in child, including:

• unusual lethargy,
• a lack of wet diapers (baby should have at least 5-6 wet diapers per day after the first few days),
• or a sunken soft spot.

Contact your pediatrician or local emergency room immediately for help.

At the end of the day, a fed baby is what’s most important and you may need to supplement with formula. Again, your child’s doctor and a lactation consultant will be able to counsel you on this issue.

Keep in mind that if you have a delay in your milk coming in, there is almost always something that can be done to increase your milk supply. (More on that below.)

Risk Factors For Delayed Milk Production

There are several reasons why your breast milk might not be coming in. Once you are able to identify the reason, you can figure out how to remedy it. Your lactation consultant can help you come up with a plan to increase your milk production (and possibly supplement your baby) while you wait for your supply to increase. Remember: A fed baby is always most important!

Here are some reasons why your milk production may be delayed:

1. First-time Moms: Studies show that first-time moms often experience a slight delay in milk production. On average, their milk comes in a day or two later than moms of more than one.
2. C-section: According to research, having a c-section can delay the onset of milk production. You can optimize breastfeeding success by practicing early skin-to-skin and breastfeeding frequently.
3. Prolonged or traumatic labor: Studies suggest stress or trauma associated with labor and very lengthy labors may slow down the onset of milk coming in.
4. Pain medication: Research suggests that mothers who received pain medications during labor were more likely to report delayed lactation, regardless of delivery method.
5. Maternal health factors: Although you can’t always pinpoint exactly what may be causing a delay in milk production, there are certain maternal health factors that can contribute to this, including maternal obesity, diabetes, thyroid imbalances, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and postpartum hemorrhaging.
6. Breast issues: A history of breast surgeries (like implants or reductions) can slow the process of when your breast milk starts to come in. Or, if you have flat or inverted nipples, your baby may have trouble latching or suckling, which can also slow down milk production in the early days.
7. Medication: Most medications are safe for breastfeeding and will not impact your milk supply. However, some medications (birth control and cold medicine, for example) tend to decrease milk supply. For information about a particular medication you are taking, check LactMed. It’s a government-run website that describes the safety and side effects of different medications on your baby and your milk supply.
8. Latch issues: If your baby is having trouble latching, you may notice low milk supply. Getting a stronger, deeper latch should help speed things along, but in some cases this may signal an anatomical issue, like tongue tie or lip tie.

What to Do if Your Milk Isn’t Coming In

If your breast milk isn’t coming in, just breathe. There are so many things you can do to remedy the situation, and even if you end up dealing with a low milk supply issue, you have options.

The first thing you should do is reach out to a lactation consultant as soon as you have any concerns about your milk coming in. Here are some strategies your lactation consultant might suggest to get that milk flowing:

1. Feed, Feed, Feed: Milk production is a “supply and demand” system, so the more milk you take out, the more milk you will make.
2. Skin-to-skin: Holding your baby skin to skin increases prolactin levels, which jumpstart the milk production process.
3. Pumping: If you can’t directly breastfeed, or if direct breastfeeding has not been effective, pumping can help jump-start your milk supply. Power pumping may be particularly helpful.
4. Don’t wait until baby is hungry: Feeding on demand means not waiting until your baby is wailing with hunger to feed them. Feed your baby as soon as they begin to show signs of hunger (licking lips, rooting, sucking on fists). This will ensure you are feeding frequently.
5. Eat nutrient dense meals and HYDRATE: You don’t have to eat a perfect diet to produce enough milk for your baby, but neglecting your need for healthy, wholesome food will deplete you, stress out your bodily systems, and can make it difficult to produce a strong milk supply. You need to increase your regular caloric intake by 500 calories a day to support early and exclusive breastfeeding.
6. Try not to stress: Easier said than done? Yes, but stress negatively impacts production. Try to think positively. And get enough sleep (sleep when baby sleeps). With a little help, most women can get their milk flowing in no time. Find out how to reduce stress.

The Bottom Line

Those early days as you wait for your milk to come in can be stressful. There is so much uncertainty, and you might be confused about what is happening with your body and your baby. Have faith in your body’s ability to make the milk your baby needs. And always reach out for help when needed.

Remember: If you do end up having an issue with your milk coming in, there are so many ways to remedy the situation. And even if there is a delay or you end up with low milk supply, you have not failed. Breastfeeding isn’t all or nothing. The most important thing is a happy, well-nourished baby and mama.

The post When Does Breast Milk Come In? Plus, What to Do If It Doesn’t appeared first on Mama Natural.

Don’t worry, I’ll explain it all, including:

What is a Haakaa?

The haakaa is a hands-free silicone breast pump that uses suction to draw milk out. Unlike other pumps, the haakaa is made from one single piece of 100 percent food-grade silicone. It doesn’t require any batteries, plugs, or tubing—it’s completely hands-free!

Another huge benefit of the haakaa is that it’s a great way to save excess milk. Many mamas find that, when their supply is still regulating, they tend to leak. Instead of use nursing pads or a cloth to sop up that milk, the haakaa catches it, so you can freeze it and give it to baby once they’re taking a bottle down the road.

The haakaa isn’t just for new mamas though. It can be used as a manual pump throughout your breastfeeding journey. Since it’s so small, it’s a great option to toss in your purse or overnight bag if you think you might need to express a bit of milk in a pinch.

How to Use a Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump

Using the haakaa couldn’t be easier. Here’s what the instructions recommend:

1. Before the first use, wash and sanitize the pump. To do so, product literature recommends boiling the pump for 2-3 minutes, then drying thoroughly with a cloth.
2. Before each use, situate yourself wherever you’ll be nursing your baby.
3. Place the flange over your breast. Your nipple should be directly in the center of the tunnel.
4. Squeeze the base and release to create suction.
5. Nurse your baby as usual on the other side to trigger letdown.
6. Allow milk to collect while you nurse. If suction begins to decrease, you may need to readjust. It is also helpful to have an additional collection vessel handy (like a breast milk storage bag or silicone freezer tray) in the initial days when milk supply is plentiful, just in case the haakaa fills up.
7. Once done, remove the pump by squeezing lightly (careful not to spill that milk!) and transfer milk to storage containers or attach the companion bottle nipple (sold with some models) and feed baby.
8. Wash the pump with warm, soapy water and store until next use.

But many mamas find there is an easier way to create better suction:

1. Flip out the flange on the pump.
2. Center the pump over the nipple.
3. Squeeze the base of the pump.
4. Release the pump and unfold the flange so that it covers your breast.

Types of Haakaa

Like most breast pumps, there is more than one model of the haakaa available. Let’s take a look:

Haakaa Manual Breast Pump

Haakaa Manual Breast Pump – Haakaa Review Find Out How This Pump Can Help You Collect More Milk post by Mama Natural

The Haakaa Manual Breast Pump (to buy) is the model that started it all. This model is budget-friendly, coming in under $13 for the 4-ounce pump. Because it is constructed of one solid piece of 100 percent food-grade silicone, it is incredibly easy to store, tote, and clean. Like all haakaa models, this one is free from BPA, PVC, lead, and phthalates.

Haakaa Orignal With Flower Stopper

Haakaa Orignal With Flower Stopper – Haakaa Review Find Out How This Pump Can Help You Collect More Milk post by Mama Natural

The Haakaa Orignal With Flower Stopper (to buy) comes with a cute flower, which acts as a cap to prevent spilled milk. This is the most popular model, because it is still affordable but comes with the flower stopper, which many mamas consider invaluable. Note: This can be a choking hazard as baby gets older and likes to put things in her/his mouth.

Haakaa Convertible

Haakaa Convertible – Haakaa Review Find Out How This Pump Can Help You Collect More Milk post by Mama Natural

For a slight upcharge, mamas can get the Haakaa Convertible (to buy), which allows you to add a nipple and turn the collected milk into a bottle for baby. This model is particularly nice when you’re using the haakaa on-the-go or traveling. If you don’t have access to a fridge to store the collected milk, turning it into a bottle means that you don’t have to waste the milk and your baby can enjoy it right away.

Haakaa With Suction Base

Haakaa With Suction Base – Haakaa Review Find Out How This Pump Can Help You Collect More Milk post by Mama Natural

The Haakaa With Suction Base (to buy) is another variation on the original model. It’s very similar, but is available in three different sizes: 3 ounce, 4 ounce, or 5.4 ounce. The bigger pump may be better for moms with overactive letdown or moms who plan on traveling a lot. This model also features a leak-proof lid and suction cup base to prevent spills.

Other options

The concept behind haakaa is starting to spread like wildfire and there are tons of copycat options, the most common of which are Bumblebee and Naturebond. Though both Bumblebee and Naturebond are less expensive than the haakaa, customers seem to have some reservations about straying from the original brand.

• Several reviewers on Amazon note that Bumblebee measurements on the pump appear to be slightly off.
• And a few reviewers say the suction on the Naturebond decreases after several washes.

Overall, though, Haakaa, Bumblee, and Naturebond all have about 75-77 percent 5-star ratings on Amazon. If you’re looking for a basic model, you can’t really go wrong. But, if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, the haakaa reigns supreme when you factor in options like suction bases, leak-proof lids, and the ability to convert into a bottle.

Haakaa Reviews From Other Moms

“[I] can’t imagine breastfeeding without it! After going through multiple nursing pads on the daily and trying those in-bra milk catchers, the haakaa has been the only thing that keeps me dry and saves those precious ounces! Baby on one side, haakaa on the other!!” — Randi W.

“I didn’t touch my electric pump until the final week of my 12-week maternity leave, but still had a freezer stocked. I’d just hook it up to whatever side I wasn’t nursing. A few things that were key for me: I wish I had known this earlier on, but if you have a nursing/pumping hybrid bra—use it with the haakaa! It gives you a little extra security from baby’s wandering hands, or a droopy pump when it starts filling up. Also, take a coffee mug and designate it your haakaa mug. Some haakaas have a suction base, but overall they’re pretty unstable. A coffee mug ensures you won’t be crying over split milk.” — Megan C.

“Most people use it for collecting milk to build their stash, which I did a bit, but I also found it incredibly useful and helpful when I was having oversupply issues. Despite having a lot of milk, my daughter was still eating very frequently. The issue was that she was getting a lot of foremilk, which is very watery, and getting full on that before she could get to the good fatty hindmilk. I was able to use the haakaa to “pump” off an ounce or two on each side before feeding to help her get to the good stuff faster. My daughter started gaining weight better and then I was able to resolve my oversupply issues with block feeding.” — Rachel C.

“In the first 3 weeks since my daughter was born I’ve caught 100 ounces! When she wasn’t gaining fast enough, instead of supplementing with formula, I was able to use that caught milk.” — Jennifer W.

Though praise is overwhelming, some mamas say there’s a little bit of a learning curve:

“It was a little awkward with my son at first and I did accidentally knock it off my breast a few times, but otherwise a lifesaver!!” — Amanda K.

“Unless you need a large flange size, do not get the 5 ounce one. Even when I had a new small baby that didn’t move much during nursing, it was so cumbersome and in the way!” — Rachel D.

There were also a few mamas—particularly those with limited milk supply—who said the haakaa just didn’t work out for them.

“I was very disappointed in the haakaa, since there’s so many mamas that rave about the product. My supply was never great, though; barely produced enough to keep my daughter fed.” — Brandee M.

“I don’t leak at all. Even with all the tricks and hacks, I get drops!” — Anne L.

Common Questions About the Haakaa

Does the haakaa pump increase supply?

Your body produces milk on a supply and demand basis. This means that you can train your body to expect a certain number of nursing sessions. Using the haakaa can—in this way—help your body increase supply by stimulating letdown and milk flow. If you use this pump as directed—to catch milk that would otherwise leak on your breast pad—you probably won’t overstimulate your milk production. That being said, if you use the haakaa when you aren’t nursing your baby, you could affect supply.

Does the haakaa only collect foremilk?

No. Foremilk is thinner and less fatty than hindmilk, so it flows quickly and easily during any pumping session (manual or electric). The same is true when you use this pump—the foremilk will flow easily and quickly, while the hindmilk is slower. Keep your pump attached and eventually, foremilk will give way to hindmilk.

Can you use the haakaa as your main breast pump?

Due to the gentle constant pressure created by the suction, the haakaa breast pump does stimulate milk flow. In this sense, it does more than just collect the milk that leaks. However, if you rely on pumping (e.g. pumping at work), you will need an electric pump, because they allow you to pump both breasts at the same time, thus collecting a larger amount of milk in a shorter amount of time. Check out the best breast pumps here. 

Do you have to sterilize the haakaa after every use?

It’s important to wash this pump (and any bottle or pump) after every use. The haakaa product literature strongly encourages sterilization after each use. If you need to sterilize it, boil it for 2-3 minutes or use a steam sterilization method.

Is the haakaa dishwasher safe?

Yes! Although the haakaa manufacturer encourages sterilization, it’s important to note that this pump is dishwasher safe. Simply pop the pump in the top rack with the open hole facing down. Allow the pump to dry thoroughly before storing.

How About You?

Have you ever used the haakaa or another milk saver?

The post Haakaa Review: Find Out How This Pump Can Help You Collect More Milk appeared first on Mama Natural.

It can be scary to think of feeding a young baby the top allergenic foods like dairy, peanuts, and eggs. And that’s where food allergy prevention programs come in. These systems eliminate the fear and confusion, while taking the guesswork out of introducing new foods to baby.

But which food allergy prevention program is best? I’ve got the scoop. In this post, you’ll find:

• A quick recap on what food allergy prevention programs are
• A review of the top food allergy prevention programs
• Plus, some bonus tips for preventing food allergies

What is a Food Allergy Prevention Program?

In the past, experts said parents should hold off on introducing the most common allergens (e.g. eggs, dairy, and peanut butter) until baby’s first birthday.

But the latest research shows something totally different: that early and consistent introduction is the key to informing your child’s immune system and preventing food allergies.

A food allergy prevention program is a simple, convenient way to introduce potential food allergens to your baby.

Why not just give your baby eggs or mix some peanut butter into a puree?

Experts recommend beginning these programs as early as four to six months of age—an age that’s way too early to give baby a scrambled egg or a big spoon of peanut butter.

So instead, these programs help you introduce the allergens gradually and safely. 

The Best Food Allergy Prevention Program Overall: Ready, Set, Food!

Let’s get right to the winner. My favorite food allergy prevention program is Ready, Set, Food!

You can check out my comprehensive Ready, Set, Food! review, but the premise of this program is very simple: You mix the pre-measured packets into a bottle (or even a puree) and feed it to your baby. It’s that simple.

The program exposes your baby gradually so not to overwhelm his or her system, with the amount of allergens contained in each packet increasing at a slow and steady rate over the course of six months.

Why Ready, Set, Food! is the Mama Natural favorite:

• The science behind the program is solid
• It’s founded by parents and healthcare professionals—the best of both worlds!
• The pre-measured packet system is convenient and clearly marks how much allergen is being introduced
• The dosing system is based on substantial clinical trials
• It’s the only multi-allergen system with a slow-and-steady ramp up introduction period, which allows for a gentle and safe introduction
• Because the “food” is presented in a powdered form, there is no choking risk, making it ideal even for babies who have no teeth or cannot chew solids
• It includes only organic, non-GMO ingredients, with no fillers or sugars
• Packages are affordable—as low as $33 per month

The only real downside to Ready, Set, Food! is that it does not introduce all eight of the most common allergens including things like soy and tree nuts. Rather, this program focuses on the three most common:

1. egg
2. peanut
3. cow’s milk

The good news? Together, these three allergens account for 80% of all food allergies.

Check out Ready, Set, Food! here.

The Best Food Allergy Prevention Program for Peanuts: Hello Peanut

The Best Food Allergy Prevention Program for Peanuts Hello Peanut – Food Allergy Prevention Which Program Is Best post by Mama Natural

If peanut allergies run in your family, you might be most concerned with introducing this food. The Hello Peanut program focuses just on early peanut introduction.

Though Hello Peanut ramps up full exposure to peanut faster than other programs, the packaging is very clear about exactly how many milligrams of peanut is in each serving.

Unfortunately, even though Hello Peanut also uses a powder system, it cannot be mixed into a bottle—the powder is thicker and may clog the nipple. This means Hello Peanut must be delayed until baby is old enough to eat purees or smoothies, typically around six months.

A monthly package runs about $40-50 with eight packets per package.

The Most Convenient Food Allergy Prevention Program: Inspired Start

The Most Convenient Food Allergy Prevention Program Inspired Start – Food Allergy Prevention Which Program Is Best post by Mama Natural

Inspired Start is perhaps the most convenient food allergy prevention program, because it delivers eight potential allergens (peanut, egg, tree nut, soy, wheat, sesame, shrimp, cod) through purees served in pre-packaged food pouches suitable for babies six months and older.

Combinations include things like apple and peanut, pear and egg, and mango and cod.

Unfortunately, they do not specify how much of each allergen is included per packet.

A month’s worth of pouches cost anywhere from $60-$120.

The Most Comprehensive Allergy Prevention Program: SpoonfulOne

The Most Comprehensive Allergy Prevention Program Spoonful One – Food Allergy Prevention Which Program Is Best post by Mama Natural

Developed by a Stanford pediatrician, SpoonfulOne has a blend of sixteen potential allergens: peanuts, milk, shellfish, tree nuts, egg, fish, grains, soy, and sesame. The included tree nuts are almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts.

I love that the amount of allergens covered is so comprehensive, especially since tree nut allergies are one of the fastest growing food allergies in kids. (source)

That said, this goes against guidelines by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, which recommend only introducing one allergen at a time, 3 to 5 days apart. (source)

At $70+ per month (depending on whether you order puffs or powder), it’s a relatively expensive system. Still, the cost is a bit more justifiable given the amount of allergies covered.

The Most Cost-Effective Allergen System: Lil Mixins

Lil Mixins – Food Allergy Prevention Program Reviews Which Program is Your Best Bet post by Mama Natural

Think of Lil Mixins as the bulk option. You purchase a jar (either peanut or egg) and measure out your own servings each day and combine the powder with solid food or milk. Each jar contains about 40 servings and costs $20 for the peanut variety and $35 for the egg. Because each container lasts for about three months, this program only costs about $7-12 per month.

Another Interesting Option… Bamba

Bamba – Food Allergy Prevention Which Program Is Best post by Mama Natural_2

Interestingly, Israel has one of the lowest rates of peanut allergies in the world. Why? Experts say this could be attributed to a very popular childhood snack in Israel called Bamba.

The Osem Bamba Peanut Snack is like a cheese puff, but made with peanuts instead of other flours. This theory really supports the latest findings that early and sustained introduction of allergenic foods can help prevent food allergies. (source)

But let’s be real here. Bamba is an ultra processed food, and not something we recommend making a regular part of your kids’ diet (let alone your baby’s!). It’s expensive, too: A 12-pack costs about $20.

At a Glance

Choosing the Right Allergy Prevention Program for You

Although Ready, Set, Food! gets the Mama Natural seal of approval, it’s important to choose what works best for you. Each program has its own set of pros and cons, and you ultimately have to choose based on your needs.

The post Food Allergy Prevention Program Reviews: Which Program is Your Best Bet? appeared first on Mama Natural.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• When can babies have yogurt
• The health benefits of yogurt
• The best yogurt for babies
• Plus, how to introduce and serve yogurt

Can Babies Have Yogurt?

Yogurt is an excellent food for babies, and they can start to have yogurt as soon as they start eating solids, typically around six months of age.

Six months?! So many baby books instruct parents to delay yogurt until eight or even nine months, so what gives? While conventional wisdom used to stick with the 8-9 month rule for introducing dairy products like yogurt, the latest research shows that shows that earlier introduction of common allergen foods, like dairy, may help prevent food allergies. Of course, if you have a family history of dairy allergies or your child is immune compromised, talk to your doctor first.

If you do opt to start yogurt around six months, know that yogurt is an easier food to feed and most babies enjoy the flavor and texture of yogurt. It’s also got plenty of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt is a well-balanced food complete with healthy fats, a good serving of protein, and milk sugar. Plus, organic whole yogurt is also high in:

• Calcium: This mineral promotes strong bones.
• Vitamin D: This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium. It also helps boost the immune system.
• Phosphorus: Like calcium and vitamin D, this too helps promote strong bones and teeth.
  
• Naturally-occuring live cultures: These live cultures are probiotics, which are gut-healthy flora that help colonize baby’s gut with beneficial bacteria.

What is the Best Yogurt for Babies?

There are a lot of types of yogurt available these days: Greek yogurt, French-style, Swiss-style, Icelandic style… not to mention ones mixed with fruit and maple syrup. There are even dairy-free options made with almond or coconut milk. But which one is right for your baby?

As a general rule: Plain organic whole yogurt is best.

This type of yogurt is pre-digested and easier on baby’s still-developing digestive system. Although “pre-digested” may sound gross, it simply means that the food has been partially digested by beneficial bacteria. These foods are then loaded with probiotic power, thanks to these good microorganisms. Interestingly, this is why some babies cannot tolerate cow’s milk, but have zero problems with cow yogurt.

Why use plain yogurt?

It’s tempting to get the fruit-based or sweetened yogurts, but there are a few reasons why it’s important to get plain.

• Helps your baby get used to sour tastes, which is an important step in preventing picky eating.
• Typically has lower sugar content.
  
• Doesn’t contain any dyes.
• Works as a good base for savory recipes.

If your baby isn’t going for it, or you’d like to spice it up, plain yogurt is a perfect palette for adding in fruits and spices. Scroll down for some great ideas.

What Brand of Yogurt is Best for Babies?

So you’ve narrowed it down to organic whole yogurt, but which brand is best? Here are the top four yogurts you can buy for your baby.

Best organic baby yogurt

1. Organic Valley Whole Milk Yogurt 

My favorite yogurt for babies is Organic Valley Whole Milk Yogurt. It has naturally occurring omega-3s and active probiotic cultures L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, and L. Casei—all of which are very important for promoting healthy gut flora and supporting the digestive system, the immune system, and overall health. Because it’s made from milk that comes from 100% grass-fed cows, it’s also incredibly rich and and creamy. It’s also very easy for baby to digest.

Organic Valley Whole Milk Yogurt  – When Can Babies Have Yogurt Plus the Healthiest Options baby post by Mama Natural

2. 365 Everyday Value Organic Yogurt

Though the 365 Everyday Value Organic yogurt is a bit thinner than the Organic Valley, it has many of the same great benefits. It contains six live and active probiotic cultures, plus contains added vitamin D. This yogurt is certified organic and Kosher, too.

Best Greek yogurt for babies

1. Wallaby Organic Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

You may wonder: Can babies have Greek yogurt? Babies can have Greek yogurt, but because it’s “concentrated,” it tends to be harder to digest. I like to include occasionally for a boost in my baby’s protein intake. This store-bought Greek yogurt is best. It is a 4.5% milk fat yogurt, so it has lots of brain healthy fats. And because Wallaby is Australian-inspired and each batch is slow-crafted in small batches, it’s not too tart.

2. siggi’s 4% Whole Milk Icelandic Yogurt

Siggi’s, an Icelandic-style yogurt, is a good option for older babies. It’s an Icelandic yogurt (sometimes listed as skyr) that’s made just like Greek yogurt and strained to remove liquid whey but is thicker and less tangy. Removing the whey results in a thick, protein-rich yogurt—up to 25 grams of protein per serving!

Alternatives to Yogurt for Babies

If your baby already has a dairy sensitivity, there are other yogurt options available, including cashew yogurt, coconut milk yogurt, but I prefer kefir made from goat or even camel milk.

Goat kefir

Goat kefir is available at some health food stores. It generally has a very clean list of ingredients and is easier to digest than cow’s dairy, because the fat molecules are smaller. The consistency is a bit thinner—more like a thin smoothie—and it is tart and creamy. (source)

Goat kefir – When Can Babies Have Yogurt Plus the Healthiest Options baby post by Mama Natural

Camel kefir

It sounds weird, but camel kefir is gaining popularity as a hugely healing food that’s great for kids with gut issues and food intolerances. In fact, studies suggest it can balance blood sugar levels, help kids overcome food allergies, boost immune function, and more. (source, source, source) Like regular milk, camel milk is a good source of healthy fats, but it has additional benefits, including more vitamin C and B, plus calcium, iron, and potassium.

Camel kefir – When Can Babies Have Yogurt Plus the Healthiest Options baby post by Mama Natural

Not seeing these brands in your local store? Keep these tips in mind while shopping:

• Look for yogurt that is labeled “100% organic whole plain yogurt”
• If your toddlers prefers a sweetened yogurt, choose yogurt that lists “organic cane sugar” or maple syrup as the sweetener. Avoid any yogurt with honey (as this can be dangerous for babies under 1), high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.

How to Introduce Yogurt

Because yogurt is dairy, one of the top common allergens, it’s important to introduce yogurt mindfully: Go slow and watch for reactions.

1. Start with 1 teaspoon of yogurt. It may not seem like much (especially if your baby enjoyed that first bite), but resist the temptation to give more than this.
2. Wait a day or two and slowly increase the quantity until you can serve 1/4 cup a day.

If you spot signs of an allergic reaction, check in with your pediatrician before serving any more dairy products. Common signs of allergies include rashes, running nose or congestion, gas, cramping, and GI upset.

Once you’ve introduced yogurt, you can start to get more creative:

• Add a little bit of breast milk to the yogurt
• Mix yogurt into baby food purees
• Add a drop of peanut butter to the yogurt (learn more about early introduction of peanut butter (and why it’s important)

How to Serve Yogurt to Older Babies and Toddlers

So your baby loves yogurt? What about your toddler? Try these 10 ideas for making yogurt even more delightful during mealtimes.

1. Banana yogurt: Mash 1/4 of a banana with 1/4 cup of 100% organic plain yogurt.
2. Cherry yogurt smoothie: Blend 1/2 cup of plain yogurt with 5 frozen dark sweet cherries or tart cherries. (This may help baby sleep better, too!)
3. Sweet potato and yogurt: Mash 1/2 of a roasted sweet potato and top with a dollop of plain yogurt. This is a great way to sneak savory yogurt ideas into dinnertime.
4. Peanut butter yogurt dip: (Find out why you’d want to give baby a little peanut butter.) Mix 1 tsp. of peanut butter in a 1 TB of plain yogurt. Use this as a dip for sliced apples.
5. Blueberry yogurt mash: Combine 1 jar of organic blueberry baby food (or fresh blueberry puree) with 1/4 cup of plain yogurt. Mix well.
6. Baby version of tzatziki: Wash and peel a cucumber, and then place it in the food processor. Add 1/4 cup of pureed cucumber into 1 cup of plain yogurt. Add the juice of half of a fresh lemon. (For more adventurous eaters, you can even add a small piece of garlic or a few cherry tomatoes to the food processor.)
7. The Bowel Blend :): This combo is great for a constipated baby. Mix 2 oz. of pureed prunes (Earth’s Best makes a jarred version) into 4 oz. of yogurt. Blend well and serve. (You can even add 1/8 tsp of your favorite infant probiotic for an added bathroom boost!)
8. Maple yogurt parfait: Stir one teaspoon of 100% real maple syrup into 1/2 cup of plain yogurt. Top with mashed strawberries.
9. Oatmeal yogurt breakfast bowl: Make your baby’s favorite oatmeal (steel cut oats, rolled oats, etc.). Mix oatmeal and yogurt in a 2:1 ratio. Top with fresh fruit or a homemade blueberry puree.
10. Tortilla-free tacos for baby: Mix 100% grass-fed beef with black beans. Add a little dollop of plain yogurt and let your baby explore new flavors.

How About You?

When did you introduce yogurt to your baby? How do you like to serve yogurt?

The post When Can Babies Have Yogurt? Plus, the Healthiest Options appeared first on Mama Natural.

In this post, we’ll cover:

Video: The Best IRON-RICH Foods for Babies (and How to Increase Absorption)

Why Do Babies Need Iron?

Babies need iron for the same reasons that we do. Iron plays a vital role in the production of blood, including the formation of hemoglobin—the protein that carries oxygen throughout your body.

Babies are born with special reserves of iron (especially if you did delayed cord clamping!), but after a few months, the iron stores need to be replenished. (source)

How Much Iron Do Babies Need?

According to research published in the journal Pediatrics & Child Health, a seven-month-old baby needs about 11 mg of iron each day.

The Best Iron-rich Foods for Babies

Thankfully, iron is found in many different types of food, many of which are suitable for babies to eat. The following are the best iron-rich foods for baby, because they are easy for the body to absorb:

1. Meat & poultry

Beef liver is one of the most iron-rich meat sources. Just one three-ounce serving of liver contains 14.2 mg of iron. (source) Other good meat options include grass-fed lamb, beef, and all-natural chicken.

To prepare, get organic, pasture-raised beef or lamb (ground beef, a tender roast, or lamb chops are all great options). Cook in a frying pan and then put the meat in a blender with some broth or water and blend into a creamy puree to spoon feed.

Alternatively, purchase high-quality, grass-fed chicken, beef, bison, or lamb liver. Cook over medium heat in a frying pan in ghee or coconut oil. Once one side is brown, flip the liver, then brown the other side. Once cool, freeze the liver. Grate a tablespoon of frozen liver onto foods like scrambled eggs. Serve with sweet potato or mango to increase iron absorption (more on that below!).

2. Egg yolks

What’s an easier breakfast than an egg? One large egg yolk contains .5 mg of iron. (source) To make this easier for younger babies, medium-boil the egg, then mash the yolk with breastmilk, a pinch of salt, and a dab of ghee. (Don’t be afraid of introducing egg to babies—studies show that it’s best to expose baby to potential food allergens early.)

Other Iron-Rich Foods for Baby

Though not as easily absorbed by the body, these are some other quality iron-rich foods for baby:

1. Winter squash

About 1/2 cup of squash contains 5.8 mg of iron. Squash is easy to prepare, too. Simply steam and puree with a little breastmilk or broth.

2. Sweet potatoes

Like winter squash, sweet potatoes are easy for little babies to eat. Steam them, then mash with breastmilk or broth.

3. Sea vegetables

Sea vegetables include seaweed, nori, and dulse. Even if you’re not familiar with sea vegetables, it’s relatively easy to incorporate them into your diet. For instance, you can sprinkle dried dulse flakes over scrambled eggs. Or you can use this seaweed shaker as a seasoning on your baby’s savory food.

4. Greens

“Greens” refers to a wide variety of dark, leafy vegetables including kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. One cup of cooked greens contains anywhere from two to six grams of mg per cup. It’s very easy to sneak more cooked greens into a baby’s diet. For instance, cooked spinach pairs very well with pureed pears. Be sure baby is over 8 months before serving fibrous greens like these, as baby’s digestive system isn’t mature enough to properly digest them before that.

5. Legumes

This category includes lentils, black beans, chickpeas, and even dried peas. One-half cup of lentils contains about 9 mg of iron. (source) Lentils are a perfect finger food for babies just learning to master their pincer grasp. You can also make easy pea or bean soups for babies, too!

6. Fortified products

Some cereals are fortified with iron and considered iron-rich foods, but not all cereals are created equally. (Learn more below!) Try to find cereals that do not have a lot of added sugar. If you’re looking for a hot cereal, skip the packets and choose rolled oats instead. John McCann Steel Cut Oats, for instance, contain 5.76 mg of iron per cup of oatmeal. (source)

What About Rice Cereal?

For years, rice cereal been touted as the perfect first food for baby—easy to eat, easy to make, and fortified with iron. Unfortunately, rice cereal is not a good first food for baby. In fact, it’s not recommended at all!

Why? Rice cereal is high in arsenic, and eating too much rice can lead to elevated arsenic levels in your baby. (source) What’s more, baby’s immature digestive tracts have trouble digesting grains so best to start them on fruits, veggies and pastured meats.

How to Increase Absorption of Iron-Rich Foods

You probably noticed that there were a lot of plant-based iron-rich foods on the lists above. Although plants do contain iron, plant-based iron-rich foods (also called non-heme iron sources) are harder to convert to a usable form, especially in a baby’s immature digestive tract. Animal-based proteins (also called heme iron) are easier to assimilate. (source)

It’s particularly important to note the difference between these types of iron, because non-heme iron is easily affected by other foods you eat. For instance, foods rich in calcium can inhibit your baby’s ability to extract that iron. (source)

The good news? There are two easy ways to increase your body’s absorption of iron-rich foods.

1. Eat more vitamin C

Vitamin C increases absorption of iron-rich foods (non-heme iron in particular), so it’s a good idea to serve iron-rich foods (especially plant-based iron-rich foods) with food that is also rich in vitamin C. (source)

Vitamin C-rich foods include:

• Strawberries
• Oranges
• Mango
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes

If you’re struggling to get enough vitamin-C rich foods into your baby’s diet, sprinkle a bit of camu camu powder over their fruit purees. If your child’s pediatrician wants you to supplement, look for a high-quality food-based vitamin such as this one.

2. Cook food in cast iron pans

Cooking in cast iron pans transfers some iron into food during the cooking process. In fact, a study published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics found that cooking food in cast iron can raise the iron content in your food by as much as 16 percent. Even more incredible is that children with low hemoglobin saw nearly an 8 percent increase in their hemoglobin stats after regularly eating food cooked in cast iron pans. (source, source)

Need a new cast iron pan? Try this Lodge set. And don’t forget to check out this post on safe cookware.

Are Iron Supplements for Babies Necessary?

If iron is essential for people of all ages, iron stores begin to decrease around six months, rice cereal is out of the question, and many plant-based iron-rich foods are hard to digest, you may be wondering if your baby needs an iron supplement.

Healthy, full-term babies should have enough iron to last for about six months, and delayed cord clamping can help this even more. In most cases, iron supplementation is not necessary for these babies since you will be incorporating iron-rich foods into his/her diet around the same time iron stores dip. Keep in mind that the iron in breast milk, while considered “low” is easier to assimilate than synthetic iron sources that are found in baby formulas. (source)

On the other hand, iron supplementation may be necessary for babies at risk for low iron, including babies:

• Born prematurely
• With a birthweight less than 6.5 pounds
• Whose mothers were anemic during pregnancy
• Who drank cow’s milk before turning one

Note: Formula-fed babies should not take iron supplements, since formula is already fortified with iron.  

Never start any supplements, including iron supplements, unless directed to do so by a physician. If you are concerned about your baby’s iron levels, talk to your child’s pediatrician. A simple blood test can provide information about your baby’s hemoglobin levels.

The Bottom Line

Iron is an essential nutrient that all babies need, but thankfully it is a nutrient that can be found in nutrient-dense, whole foods. What is your favorite way to serve iron-rich foods to babies?

The post The Best Iron-Rich Foods for Babies (and How to Increase Absorption) appeared first on Mama Natural.

• What bottle rot is
• What causes bottle rot
• Plus, how to prevent bottle rot in the first place

What is Bottle Rot?

Bottle rot is tooth decay or cavities in infants, babies, and toddlers. It most commonly occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth can be affected.

What Causes Bottle Rot?

Bottle rot is associated with prolonged exposure to drinks that contain sugar—even milk. 

Don’t let that scare you though. Most babies won’t get bottle rot simply from breastfeeding or formula. Babies are more likely to get bottle rot, because of three scenarios:

Falling asleep with a bottle

When baby falls asleep with a bottle, the liquid is more likely to pool in their mouths. When this happens, baby’s teeth are directly exposed to the natural sugar (called lactose) in milk for hours at a time. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay.

Lip tie

An uncorrected lip tie can also cause significant bottle rot—particularly in a baby’s upper front teeth—because residual milk gets trapped between the upper lip and the gum. Over time, this can also lead to tooth decay.

Tongue tie

An uncorrected tongue tie is less likely to cause bottle rot, but it is possible. If baby doesn’t have enough tongue mobility to sweep their mouth clean, milk can puddle underneath the tongue. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay—particularly in molars.

Signs of Bottle Rot

You may suspect your baby or toddler has tooth decay if you notice the following signs:

• White, yellow, or brown spots on the teeth
• Visible biofilm (a thin, slimy substance) around the gums
• Tooth pain that doesn’t appear to be due to eruption or teething
• Gum pain that doesn’t appear to be due to eruption or teething

Uh Oh! I Think My Baby Has Bottle Rot…

A holistic dentist can formulate a treatment plan to manage any existing bottle rot and develop a plan of action for better oral hygiene to prevent further tooth decay. (Find a holistic pediatric dentist in your area.)

In mild cases…

Your child’s dentist may suggest a change in diet to prevent further decay. (More on this below!)

If decay is significant…

Your child’s dentist may suggest treatment. Treatment for bottle rot is very similar to treatment for tooth decay in adults—the dentist will use a drill to remove the decay, then cap the tooth with a porcelain filling or crown. Depending on your child’s age and maturity, this may require a numbing agent or anesthesia.

If decay is severe…

In very severe cases, extraction may be necessary—but don’t worry, mama, this is not common.

How to Prevent Bottle Rot

Luckily, bottle rot is a condition that’s almost entirely preventable. Here are some best practices to prevent bottle rot:

• Wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth after feedings before teeth come in—particularly if your child has an unresolved lip tie.
• Brush teeth gently with a child-size toothbrush as soon as teeth come in. Brush all sides of the teeth (or tooth) and gently massage the gums. Check out this post for a step-by-step guide to brushing teeth.
• Don’t put baby to bed with a bottle.
• Only put milk in bottles, and avoid filling bottles with liquids such as juice.
• Don’t share feeding spoons. Not just between kids, but between you and your baby. Sounds cold and sterile, right? Maybe, but sharing utensils can transfer bacteria that causes tooth decay from your mouth to your baby’s mouth.
• Wash bottles well between uses to limit the spread of bacteria. Learn how to sterilize bottles here in this post.
• Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first birthday.
• Promote healthy eating habits by limiting refined sugars, juices (especially citrus), acidic foods, and snacking. The less contact their teeth have with sugar, the less opportunity for cavities. (Don’t forget: Sugar lurks in foods like crackers—not just sweets!)
• Consider an oral probiotic….
• Boost fat soluble vitamins like A, D, and K, which strengthen teeth and reduce decay. Cod liver oil is a wonderful food that contains all three vitamins.
• Add calcium-rich foods, like salmon, leafy greens, yogurt, kefir, and beans—to baby’s diet (if they’re eating solids)
• Get plenty of vitamin D, whether in the form of sunshine, vitamin D supplements, or vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish (salmon and mackerel), eggs, grass-fed beef, and egg yolks.
• Give your child a daily dose of food-based vitamin C from camu camu powder or other foods, as vitamin C supports healthy gums.
• Ask dentist about xylitol mints or lollipops. Xylitol bathes the mouth in an alkaline solution, helping to fight tooth decay.
• Look into dental decay protocols, like Cure Tooth Decay or Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye.
• Visit a holistic dentist. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should see a dentist shortly after their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday.

But Baby’s Teeth Are Only Temporary…

You may be asking yourself why you should be so concerned about bottle rot if baby teeth are only temporary? Turns out, baby teeth are actually a lot more important than you think. Think of baby teeth as the groundwork for the permanent teeth.

• Baby teeth play a vital role in the development of proper eating, speaking, and breathing.
• Tooth decay can cause pain that interferes with eating or normal function of the mouth.
• Healthy baby teeth ensure adult teeth are healthy and come in properly.
• The mouth microbiome affects the health of the entire body, from the gastrointestinal system, to the nervous system, to the immune system. (source)

Remember…

If you spot signs of bottle rot or tooth decay, try not to freak out. Babies are very resilient and your child’s holistic dentist can work with you to come up with a safe, gentle plan of action that doesn’t have to include 10-minute long brushing sessions—just a little TLC.

How About You?

Has your child had any tooth decay? Share your stories below—you could help other natural mamas!

The post Bottle Rot: What Is It? And How Can I Prevent It?? appeared first on Mama Natural.