Although it is a mother’s responsibility to feed a child, nature has still equipped us with an internal feeding resource with amazing properties which cater to nutrition for life time and we all know what that resource is. We have proven facts that breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants not only in humans but in all mammals.  Despite the experts suggestions to feed the babies breastmilk for 6 months, few enthusiastic mothers prefer to add external semi-solid diet from the fourth month onwards. Instead of getting into the debate of when to start the baby food, let us understand what a baby food should comprise of. It is also important to know the correct source between homemade baby food and store bought food.

As long as the infant has meager activities, the breastmilk or formula was sufficient. However, with a progression in the child’s activities, additional nutrition is also required especially in the first year for necessary growth and bone development. Eating capabilities also increase in a baby with the months passing by and parents should start accommodating the necessary solids in a child’s diet.

Why Is It Necessary To Make Homemade Baby Food?

Though a lot of effort is involved in making baby food at home, it has deserving benefits.

Affordable and Economic

If the food is made in various batches by preserving additional units for later, the homemade stuff undoubtedly saves money as there is a huge price difference between these two foods.

Nutritious

You are the one who decide what to include in your baby food and what not thereby having complete control on what the baby consumes. This result in feeding the infant with nutritious food free of preservatives, sodium fillers, food grade dyes etc. which are not necessary for them and are not nutritious as well. Children who are vulnerable for allergies are safe.

Too Many Options

As pediatricians suggest acquainting all the foods to a baby that adults eat by the ninth month, we get a lot of options to try habituating to the child. You don’t have to settle down with the limited options in the baby food available in the market. Instead, you can mix up multiple ingredients to make the meal wholesome and tasty.

Which Is The Better Choice Between Homemade and Store Bought Food?

Many numbers of children from ages have been dwelling on the store bought infant food and you are still a mother undoubtedly if you have decided to avoid making food from scratch. There are merits and demerits to both the foods and you are the one to decide which a better choice is for your baby. In fact, you can opt for both by preparing some fruit purees at home and getting store bought food for the days when you are really low. Either which ways, you are emphasizing on the importance of nutrition before you get some food.

Many working mothers find it extremely convincing to balance the child’s nutrition and the work pressures by opting both the foods. Potato purees, fresh fruits smoothies, vegetable juices etc. are the best ideas to make at home. Use whole ingredients while making homemade food as it can help nourish the child. The store bought cereals are ready made and are instant for mixing and consuming on busy days. However, be wary of the ingredients of the store bought food and opt for a whole meal instead of foods using fillers. These fillers make the baby put on necessary weight but contain meager nutrition.

The post Homemade Baby Food: Is It Right For You? appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.

Acupuncture has been therapeutically used in China for thousands of years and is slowly gaining prominence in other countries, including those in America, Europe and Asia. Not just for adults, it is widely believed that acupuncture for children is a healthy practice that results in a better night’s sleep for your child and improved overall health. This practice is effective in preventing postoperative induced nausea in children, according to a report published by the National Institute of Health[1]. Here are several other advantages of using acupuncture on your child’s feet.

• This Chinese practice is a source of good sleep and healthy digestion among young kids.
• A daily routine can contribute to the overall wellness of your child.
• The procedure can improve the quality of sleep by restoring any energy imbalances.
• It can be used to eliminate problems of gas, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating.
• It stimulates the flow of blood not just in the feet but in the entire body.

The Practice of Reflexology

Along with acupuncture for the feet, practising reflexology is also a practice that can be administered regularly. This practice involves rubbing your child’s feet and hands when he/she gets uncomfortable or cranky. This effective and safe method is based on the principle that reflex points found on the hands and   feet correspond to specific organs, bones, body systems and muscles, says in Natural Transition. This practice can be administered right from birth all the way into puberty. As your child gets older and starts walking, this practice, along with periodic acupuncture, can help check the development of your child’s feet. Problems that are commonly caused by ill-fitting shoes, such as toe deformities, warts, athlete’s foot, infections, corns, flat feet, in-grown toe nails, etc, can be avoided by simply practising reflexology and acupuncture.

Tips for Relaxed Acupuncture and Reflexology

Keep these tips in mind while practising either technique:

• Do not apply too much pressure. Use the same amount of force you would when giving someone a massage. In case of acupuncture, ensure that the needles do not harm your child.
• If your child is sick, the reflex points in the feet will feel quite sensitive to the touch.
• Generally, this practice is enjoyable for kids and they willingly get it done. However, if your child withdraws his foot obsessively, it is a clear indication that either he/she is unwell or you aren’t doing it right.

Either session must not be more than 5 to 10 minutes long, depending on what your child is comfortable with.

The post Acupuncture On The Feet For New-borns – It Works! appeared first on Stem Cell Banking Guide and Pregnancy Tips For New Parents.