Potty Training
31 Jul
Resources

Potty Training

Potty training is the process of training a toddler or infant, to use the toilet for urination and defecation. Potty training for most children begins when they’re eighteen to twenty-four (18-24) months old, and may go on for some children until they’re about five to six (5-6) years old.

Potty training is different for boys as they have to learn how to urinate differently. It’s sometimes best to let them master urination while sitting down, before moving to standing up, after bowel training is complete.

How to begin potty training

There are different ways to begin potty training, but most importantly, a routine needs to be established. You can have your child sit on the potty after waking with a dry diaper, or 45 minutes to an hour (45 mins- 1 hr)after drinking lots of liquid.

Another way to potty train is to have your child sit on the toilet or potty chair without a diaper for a few minutes at two hours interval, also as first thing in the morning and immediately after naps.

How to get your toddler to tell you they have to use the potty

  • Make a connection between the urge to urinate or defecate and using the toilet. Consistently use words that remind them about using the potty. You can use babyish terms like pee or poo, until your baby is older… but what’s more important is to stay consistent in the usage of bathroom talk.
  • Commend your baby when they get it right. Apparently, adults are not the only one who love praises. Praising your children when they use the potty right makes them want to do it again. Let them know that you’re proud of them. you can introduce incentives- i.e, by putting a stickers on the calendar or singing a happy song whenever they use the potty. The idea is to encourage your child to understand the need for them to use the potty.
  • It is important to be patient while potty training. Children learn to use the potty differently; it takes longer for some children. Do not nag in the process, you could diminish your child’s confidence. Don’t scold or punish him/her, try to stay calm. Take deep breaths, do not overreact, to avoid resistance. You can give it a break when it gets overwhelming, and then try it again after a few days or weeks.
  • In your bid to cut down your toddlers chances of having an accident, do not deny them liquid; it is an unhealthy and ineffective approach. The better tactic is actually to give your child more liquid, to increase potty training opportunities.
  • Do not compare your child to other children who are doing better at potty training, it affects their self esteem. It’s okay to get support from family and friends when you get overwhelmed, but do not make your child uncomfortable with hanging around their children, because he/she doesn’t feel like they’re doing as good as the other children.

With babies, nothing is really that simple, but with consistency and patience, you can get your baby fully potty trained.

What is baby acne?
17 Jul
4-6 months (Stage 1), Resources, Weaning Zone

IS Baby Acne Normal?

What is baby acne?

Baby acne is a common, usually temporary skin condition that develops on a baby’s face or body two to four (2-4) weeks after birth . It results in tiny red or white bumps or pimples, on the baby’s face (nose, forehead, cheeks) and upper back or neck. In almost all cases, the acne resolves on its own without treatment. Like acne in adults, baby acne usually appears as red or white bumps or pimples. White pustules or whiteheads may also develop, and reddish skin may surround the bumps.

Baby acne- also known as neonatal acne, occurs in about 20 percent of newborns. Baby acne is different from infantile acne in that open comedones, or blackheads, don’t usually appear in baby acne. In rare cases, it can leave scars without treatment.

What causes baby acne?

It’s not clear why baby acne Occurs, although, some researchers believe it’s caused by maternal or infant hormones.

What are the symptoms of baby acne?

  • Babies can develop acne anywhere on their face, but it’s most common on their cheeks. Some babies may also have acne on their upper back or neck.
  • Acne may become more pronounced if your baby is fussy or crying. Rough fabrics can irritate the acne, as can vomit or saliva that stays on the face.
  • Baby acne may occasionally be present at birth. But, in most cases it develops within two to four weeks after birth. And it may last for a few days or weeks, though some cases may last for several months.

How is baby acne treated?

Baby acne usually disappears without treatment.

Some babies have acne that lingers for months instead of weeks. To treat this stubborn form of baby acne, your baby’s pediatrician may prescribe a medicated cream or ointment that helps clear up the acne.

Don’t use OTC acne treatments, face washes, or lotions. Your baby’s skin is very sensitive at this young age. You might make the acne worse or cause additional skin irritation by using something that’s too strong.

Home treatments that help baby acne

While you wait for your baby’s acne to clear, there are things you can do to help keep the skin as healthy as possible.

1. Keep your baby’s face clean

Wash your baby’s face daily with warm water. Bath time is a great time to do this. You don’t even need to use anything but water, but if you want to, look for a mild soap or soap-free cleanser. Don’t hesitate to ask the pediatrician for recommendations. Don’t scrub hard or pinch the irritated areas.

2. Avoid harsh products

Products with retinoids, which are related to vitamin A, or erythromycin, are commonly used for adult acne. However, they aren’t usually recommended for babies.

Don’t use any scented soaps, bubble bath, or other types of soaps that contain excessive chemicals. Fragrance-free products are least likely to irritate your baby’s skin.

3. Skip the lotions

Lotions and creams may aggravate your baby’s skin and make the acne worse. Avoid lotions or oily face products.

4. Don’t scrub

Scrubbing the skin with a towel can further aggravate the skin. Instead, gently sweep a washcloth over the face in circular motions.

Once the cleanser is washed off, use a towel to pat your baby’s face dry.

5. Don’t squeeze

Avoid pinching or squeezing the acne. This will irritate your baby’s skin and may worsen the problem.

6. Be patient

Baby acne is typically harmless. It is not itchy or painful for your baby. It should quickly resolve on its own.

When should you see a doctor about baby acne?

  • There’s no treatment for baby acne, but you should still consult the pediatrician if you’re worried about it.
  • See a doctor right away if your baby’s acne results in blackheads, pus-filled bumps, or inflammation. Pain or discomfort should also prompt a visit to the doctor.
  • If your baby’s acne doesn’t clear up after several months of home treatment, see your baby’s doctor.

Please Note;

Baby acne itself does not recur, but it would be good to note that if your child gets acne again before puberty, they should see their doctor as this could be a sign of an underlying problem.

Underlying conditions
  • Certain rare conditions may be causing the acne not to respond to home treatment. These conditions include tumors, the adrenal disorder congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and other conditions related to the endocrine system.
  • If you have a baby girl who starts to show signs of hyperandrogenism, ask the doctor to check for underlying issues. Symptoms may include an overgrowth of facial hair or unusually oily skin.
Sweet Potato Puree Recipe.
12 Jun
Resources

Baby Health and Safety.

The more babies grow, the more curious they get; therefore, the more prone they get to health and safety hazards, so don’t panic. Here are a a few hazards your baby can encounter and easy tips on how to control the.

POISONING AND CHOKING:

Your child will explore the world by putting anything and everything into his or her mouth. Many ordinary things in your house can be poisonous to your child, so be sure to keep household products like cleaners, chemicals and even medicine completely out of sight and reach. Never leave small objects in your child’s reach, do not feed your child hard pieces of food like grapes, peanuts, popcorn… etc

When weaning, it’s important to never leave your baby unsupervised as they could choke on their food. Also ensure that your baby’s food is soft enough for him to mash with his gum. Make sure to remove bones from fish or meat before serving.

Do not panic when your child is choking, back blows and chest thrusts are good ways you can stop your baby from choking.

DROWNING

Children love to play in water, therefore, it is important to ensure that you empty all the water from a bathtub or any container of water after use. Stay within an arms length of your child around water. Never leave your child alone around water, If you have a pool in the house, a wise suggestion would be to install a fence around it.

BURNS

Children, especially at six to twelve (6-12) months, grab everything within their reach and can easily get burnt. Ensure that you don’t leave hot things like hot liquids, or food near your child. Ensure that they don’t walk around stoves, wall or floor heaters or other hot appliances to avoid getting burns. When you have to do other things, ensure that your child stays in a safe room like the playpen, or that they’re strapped to a high chair; if they have to be around you.

In cases of burns, put the burned surface area in cold water for a few minutes to cool it off. Then cover the burn loosely with a dry bandage or clean cloth.

FALLS

Because your child is growing and learning to walk, they will fall often. Use gate on stairways and doors to avoid injuries. Remove sharp-edged or hard furniture from your children’s rooms. Baby walkers are not necessary in the house, as your child could fall out of it or even fall down the stairs in it. Baby walkers also allow your children to get to places where they can pull hot substances or heavy objects down on themselves.

In case of serious fall or your child not acting normally after a fall, call your doctor.

Collaboration with Baby Chef
10 Oct
Collaboration, Feeding Journey, Plate it series, Recipes, Resources, Weaning Zone

Collaboration with Baby Chef

We are so delighted to announce our official collaboration with @babychefng . Gear up for meal prep tips, baby/toddler recipes, techniques for making yummy African food and so much more

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BabyChef ng has become part of the moobi tribe. Join @moobibaby newsletter for loads of free material @babychefng will be giving our moobi mums and dads

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They will also give 5% off all moobi products and the BabyChef meal planning system template with your purchase.

Amazing first weaning food
10 Oct
Collaboration, Feeding Journey, Plate it series, Recipes, Resources, Weaning Zone

Amazing first weaning food – Avocado

Avocado is known for its creamy texture. It’s great for your baby’s first food

🥑 BENEFITS OF AVOCADO

  • build intelligence
  • Flushes out toxins
  • Nutrient packed
  • Promotes baby’s health
  • Contains Anti inflammatory properties

🥑 WHEN CAN I INTRODUCE AVOCADOS TO MY BABY’S DIET?

  • 4-6 months

🥑 What are some of the ways to introduce avocados to my baby’s diet?

Some easy avocado recipes are:

1) Mashed avocado:

  • Peel and de-pit an avocado.
  • Cut out the fleshy part and mash using a fork.

2) Banana-cado baby food:

  • Peel and de-pit an avocado.
  • Cut out the fleshy part in a bowl.
  • Add in a ripe banana.
  • Mash the two together with a fork and serve.

3) Creamy fruit mash:

  • Peel and de-pit an avocado.
  • Cut out the fleshy part in a bowl.
  • Add steamed pears or steamed apples.
  • Mix in a little amount of yogurt to give a smooth creamy texture.
  • Your creamy fruit mash is ready to serve.

Did you know

Avocados promote baby’s health and wellness. They heal wounds, scratches and rashes faster than any antibiotic.

Baby food and Eczema
10 Oct
Collaboration, Feeding Journey, Plate it series, Recipes, Resources, Weaning Zone

Baby food and Eczema. Is there a link?

Could diet be to blame for your child’s eczema?

It’s possible.

Up to 1 in 3 kids with eczema has a food allergy that could make symptoms worse. If you remove some choices, it could make a big difference.

But since finding food triggers is tricky — and eczema can have lots of other causes — don’t jump to conclusions. Work closely with an allergist.

Which Foods May Trigger Eczema?

When you have a food allergy, your body reacts to a harmless treat as if it’s a dangerous germ and attacks. Symptoms — like swelling — are side effects of your body’s defenses..

Eczema doesn’t seem to be an allergic condition, but reactions from food can make it worse in some kids. It’s more likely in babies and young children.

Some foods are more likely to bring symptoms. The common offenders are:

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Wheat
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Soy

While trigger foods can make eczema worse, experts don’t think they’re really the original cause. Instead, it seems to result from “leakiness” in the outer layer of skin that lets in irritants, germs, and allergens.

How to Find a Food Trigger

Some are obvious. If your child eats lobster for the first time and breaks out in hives 15 minutes later, it’s probably not hard to figure out.

But with eczema, it’s often tougher. Symptoms may not show up for days after you eat something. If you do find a trigger food and get rid of it, that may help. Still, it may not make the eczema go away. Remember, 2 out of 3 kids with eczema don’t have a food allergy at all.

That’s why working with a doctor is so important. He can guide you toward the real cause through tests like:

Elimination diets. If your doctor thinks a food may be harmful, he may ask you not to give it to your kid for 10 to 14 days. Watch to see if it makes a difference.

Food challenges. After you’ve taken a food out of your child’s diet, your pediatrician might want you to add a small amount back in to see if it causes symptoms. He may want to do this in the office, just in case your child has a reaction.

Skin testing. A doctor can take an extract of the food and use it to scratch the skin lightly. If the area swells up, that could be an allergic reaction. However, it’s not always accurate.

Blood tests. RAST — a radioallergosorbent test — can check for special cells in the blood that signal specific food allergies. Again, it’s not always accurate. Other lab tests can check for cells that trigger swelling.

Tracking down a food trigger can take patience and detective work.

Be methodical. Only eliminate one food at a time. If you ban dairy and gluten at the same time and symptoms get better, you won’t know which one made the difference. Use a food diary to keep track of what you get rid of, and the changes that brings.

Move slowly. A positive skin test isn’t reason enough to cut out a food. Lots of kids test positive for foods that don’t really cause symptoms. Plus, if you get rid of too many foods, you could cut out nutrients your child needs to grow and develop. So for his sake and yours, be sure before you take a food from your child’s diet permanently. Work with your doctor.

Keep using other treatments. Even if you find a trigger food, getting rid of it may not make the rash disappear. Stick with the other things your doctor recommends — like skin ointments, lotions, and medicines. Continue to steer clear other allergens like dust mites, pollen, or pet dander, too.

Baby food Myths
10 Oct
Collaboration, Feeding Journey, Plate it series, Recipes, Resources, Weaning Zone

Baby food Myths

Avoid These Popular Baby Food Misconceptions

Whether you are at the ready to start making your own homemade baby food, or you have a feeling that your baby is almost at the stage where solids can be introduced, the following myths will help you separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: Rice cereal should be the first solid food introduced

Many parents (and doctors) believe that rice cereal is the ideal choice for first foods. It has just the right texture and taste to be easy for tiny mouths to swallow, and it is high in nutrients and fortified minerals too. While this cereal is definitely worth adding to the solid food list, there are a number of other foods that are equally good for first solids. Choose soft, hypoallergenic food that is not too strong in flavor, such as apple, sweet potato, pear or cereal. Remember to do the four day allergy test when introducing any new food.

Myth #2: Babies are a big risk for food allergies

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), only 8% of children under the age of six have shown signs to allergies, with only 2-5% listed with confirmed allergies. Still, to be safe, it is a good idea to only introduce allergenic foods at the age of three. The top allergens in foods include peanuts (whole or butter), egg whites, shellfish, fish and tree nuts (including cashews and walnuts). The best way to check for allergies or intolerances in infants is to use the 4 day wait rule with all food being introduced.

Myth #3: Babies only refuse foods they do not like

It’s no secret that babies can be fussy about foods, but rather than this being a taste thing, it is often simply a case of getting used to new foods. A study done by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State showed that parents should offer a food six to eight times before it is accepted by a baby. Ultimately, you know which foods are important for growth and development, and it is your job to help your baby learn to love those veggies from as early an age as possible.

Myth #4: Babies know what they should be eating

Some moms believe that babies and very small toddlers have a natural instinct for which foods they should be eating. Sadly, this is not true. A baby offered a variety of foods will not grab the healthy food – they will grab the most interesting looking food. Once babies are able to start feeding on its own, a good way to encourage healthy selection is to offer finger foods such as avocado, sweet potato wedges, mashed beans and fruit that they can choose from when feeding themselves.

Myth #5: Commercial food is better than homemade baby food

There is something about commercial food that makes you think it has to be better than regular food that the bigger members of the family put on the table each dinnertime. But in reality, with no clear idea of what goes into factory made food, regular fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and grains that are already found in your kitchen offer a far healthier option. Better still, making baby food is cheaper as well as convenient. A good guide to keeping textures safe and avoiding choking hazards is to start with a stewed, strained, creamy texture and slowly progress to pureed, chunky and then bite-size bits as your baby gets older and more adjusted to solid foods.

At the end of the day, feeding time may not ever be the easy, happy moments that baby food commercials make it out to be. But if you have a better idea of which foods to try, which to leave for another day and how to get through it all with minimal stress, you (and your little one) will be just fine.

AVOCADO AND CARROT PURÉE RECIPE
10 Oct
Collaboration, Feeding Journey, Plate it series, Recipes, Resources, Weaning Zone

Best weaning 4 or 6 months purées

When introducing solid foods to your baby, single-ingredient fruit and veggie purees are the best place to start. Also called Stage 1 baby foods, these purees are served in addition to breast milk or formula and play several important roles for your baby:

• Helping them adjust to something other than breast milk or formula

• Developing tongue control, gumming and swallowing capabilities

• Identifying any food sensitivities or allergies

• Encouraging an early acceptance of varied flavors, colors and textures

To help you and your baby get started on this important phase of discovery, here are 10 of the best first baby foods⁠—listed roughly in the order we’d recommend: first the sweeter orange veggies, then the more bitter green veggies and finally everyone’s favorite fruit. Bon appétit!

1. Carrot Puree

With a sweet taste and smooth consistency, pureed carrots are typically one of the most well-accepted first baby foods from 4–6 months of age. High in beta-carotene (which turns into vitamin A in the body), carrots help keep little eyes healthy.

Parent tip: If your baby doesn’t seem on board with the carrot puree, it may be the concept of solid food itself that’s confusing. Help your baby learn how to eat solids by giving them a chance to examine it themselves; dab some on the high chair and let them play around before offering it on a spoon.

2. Yam or Sweet Potato Puree

Sweet potatoes and yams are not the same, but when it comes to starting solids, they may as well be! Both are good sources of vitamin A, B6, C and E. These nutrients contribute to healthy eyesight and immune system function.

Parent tip: Yams and sweet potatoes are great to prepare in bulk. Simply set your oven to 450°F, pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork and place in the oven on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for approximately 50 minutes. When you take them out, the skin will peel right off, and the insides will be perfectly mashable! To extend the life of your mash or puree, batch some out and put it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, simply place in the fridge overnight, and you’ll have perfect puree by morning.

3. Acorn or Butternut Squash Puree

Butternut squash and acorn squash are packed with folate, calcium and vitamin A, an antioxidant that aids with vision and fights free radicals. Plus, their sweet taste and smooth texture make them an instant favorite for many babies!

Parent tip: You can make raw squash easier to cut by microwaving the entire squash on high for about 2 minutes. The skin and flesh will be much smoother, allowing you to smoothly slice through. Then scoop out the seeds and roast or boil before pureeing.

4. Green Pea Puree

In terms of green veggies, peas are one of the best first baby purees to start with, as they provide interesting texture and taste but aren’t bitter. Peas are also high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K and protein, making them a great source of many important nutrients for your baby’s early development.

Parent tip: Because they’re such a starchy vegetable, even pureed peas may be too densely textured for very young babies. If your baby is having trouble with the thickness of the puree, use breast milk, formula or water to thin it out.

5. Green Bean Puree

Another hit with babies, green beans are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C and manganese, which play an important role in a healthy immune system, eyesight, blood clotting and bone development.

Parent tip: If you’re pureeing your own green beans, we recommend straining the puree after blending to extract any fibrous parts. The best first baby purees should be soupy enough to drip off a spoon, but thicker than liquid.

6. Avocado Puree

Avocados are rich in a variety of nutrients including fiber, vitamin K, folate and vitamin B6. This creamy green fruit is also packed with heart-healthy fats, which are helpful to your baby’s brain and nervous system development.

Parent tip: Look for ripe avocados that are soft to the touch and easy to mash. To see whether an avocado is ripe, check the nubby stem; if it wiggles, the fruit is probably ready to eat! Keep ripe avocados in the refrigerator so they last longer. Once the puree is made, we recommend feeding it to your baby right away to avoid browning and to offer the freshest experience.

7. Apple Puree

Apples’ sweet flavor makes them another well-accepted option for first baby foods from 4–6 months of age. Along with dietary fiber for digestive health, apples serve up vitamin C, which is known to help fight free radicals.

Parent tip: For an apple puree that your baby will love, try sweeter, smoother varieties such as Pink Lady, Gala or Golden Delicious. Any apple that bakes well, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, is also a good choice.

8. Pear Puree

Like apples, pears also contain dietary fiber and antioxidant vitamin C, helping to support a healthy immune system for your growing baby. Although our favorite is Anjou, babies love the sweet flavor of all kinds of pears!

Parent tip: To introduce a little variety without any added salt, sugar or seasoning, try mixing up how you cook the pears before pureeing. Start with a simple steam or boil and then move onto the richer, more caramelized flavor of baking or roasting.

9. Plantain or Banana Puree

The mild flavor of bananas and plantains is appealing to most babies, and the texture is easy to manipulate. Both of these fruits offer a variety of nutrients, including fiber for healthy digestion, potassium for blood function and antioxidant vitamin C.

Parent tip: Make your own easy banana puree by peeling, slicing and then mashing the fruit with a fork. For a thinner consistency, toss the banana in a food processor and add water, formula or breast milk as necessary.

10. Peach Puree

Boasting plenty of vitamins C and A, peaches are delightfully sweet and another one of the best first baby foods. Their bright yellow-orange color is complemented by powerful antioxidants along with a healthy serving of fiber to aid in your baby’s digestion.

Parent tip: Boil peaches for about 45 seconds to soften before blending. If the peaches are ripe enough, you can skip the boiling and the blender altogether and use a fork or potato masher instead.

It may take some time for your little one to first accept and then enjoy the new flavors of these Stage 1 purees, but don’t fret! Enjoy the process and be sure to give your baby multiple opportunities to explore the same puree.

Another reason that we love these fruits and veggies? In addition to being some of the best first baby purees, they’re also perfect for layering with new flavors, textures and spices/seasonings as your baby transitions from Stage 1 to Stage 2 baby foods. By laying a foundation of well-accepted flavors, you’ll have fun moving onto more exciting combinations of fruits, veggies, grains and proteins.