Benefits of homemade baby food

Once your baby is ready to graduate from the bottle to solid foods, your first instinct might be to purchase ready-made baby food from the supermarket. This is perhaps the most convenient option, but is it really what’s best for your child? Making your own baby food comes with its share of benefits for little tummies. Plus, the money you’ll save by switching from store-bought to homemade is well worth the extra effort.

Tasty and frugal

There’s no denying that homemade baby food has a higher nutritional value than its store-bought counterpart, which often contains ingredients that are non-essential to your child’s development. Without additives like dyes and starches to get in the way, your jars of pureed meats, fruits and veggies are perfect to introduce your baby to the flavours and consistencies of solid food. What’s more, because baby food keeps well, you can save time, money and hassle by whipping up large batches at a time.

UNLIMITED OPTIONS

Grocery stores carry a limited selection of baby foods, and the flavours that are available

Trouble sleeping is a common complaint among pregnant women.

First trimester ultrasound: delightful and informative

The first ultrasound, which is usually performed eleven to thirteen weeks after your period stops, will establish the date of conception and determine your expected delivery date. You’ll also get to see your future bundle of joy and hear its tiny heart beat for the first time. In addition to its emotional value, the first ultrasound assesses fetal development and detects any anomalies that could hinder proper growth. Skipping this appointment is a bad idea for any expecting mother, regardless of age and number of previous pregnancies.

Vital statistics

Your first ultrasound will confirm that you’re on the right track to bringing a healthy bundle of joy (or several!) into the world. The technician will start by making sure the embryo is successfully implanted in the womb before carefully recording its pulse. Then, he or she will measure each limb — and any formed organs — and compare the results to general growth charts.

Important information about your child’s health can be gleaned from the first ultrasound.

All of the data collected during this appointment will be of great use later on when it comes time to plan your delivery.

Early detection

Many problems can be detected or ruled out by studying the fetus and its environment. An embryo that’s observed in the right place negates the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy, just as a regular heartbeat excludes any potential heart problems. Illnesses like Down’s syndrome and pre-eclampsia can also be caught right away. Should your examination yield any abnormal results, your doctor will reassure you and recommend the best course of action for your health and that of your child.

aren’t always the most appetizing. Why limit yourself when you can prepare an endless array of different purees in the comfort of your own kitchen? Plus, you’ll know that every bite your baby gobbles up will be made from fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients — and a healthy helping of love.

FOOLPROOF METHOD

Boil food. Add water. You’re done! That’s really all there is to it. Feel free to experiment, but make sure you taste test your creations — if you don’t like it, chances are your little one won’t either.

Understanding your child’s motor skill development

Developing motor skills is a critical stage in your baby’s life. When it comes to fostering your growing child’s social and physical abilities, nothing beats hands-on parenting.

The beginning

Your child wasn’t entirely helpless at birth, having acquired certain reflexes while still in the womb. Baby’s fragile, delicate appearance can be attributed to his under-developed muscles, which are constantly evolving to adapt to his new environment. After a few months, he’s able to hold his head up for a few seconds and bend his limbs on his own.

Around seven months, your child will try to sit down on his own. You can lend a hand by showing him how it’s done. A bit later, you’ll notice him lying on his stomach and moving his limbs: that’s an early (and somewhat unsuccessful) attempt at moving around on all fours!

Your unrelenting encouragement is vital to help your child’s motor skills progress.

Spend lots of time showing him the way forward, and he’ll get the hang of crawling in no time. Finally, around eleven months, your child will start trying to stand up — an unmistakable sign that baby’s first steps are just around the corner.

Baby steps

Your child should be able to stand up on his own and start attempting to take a few steps between 12 and 18 months. Always encourage him to learn at his own pace, and don’t worry if you don’t see much progress — he’s probably focusing his efforts on something else, like language or cleanliness. Your pediatrician will identify any true delays in the development of your child’s motor skills and suggest the best course of action.

With Performing Arts Brampton

HYPE

CURATED BY JEMANE KENT

MARCH 3, 2023 - 8PM

HYPE is a talent showcase featuring local artists and dancers alike. Featuring Allydice, Haf n’ haf, Mayne Ishu, CHLZ, HnDFII, Samcherr, Teekee Karlo.

RISING VIBES

CURATED BY TCSPADES

MARCH 11, 2023 - 8PM

Don’t miss this hip hop cabaret featuring the best in emerging local talent. Featuring Alexie, RYE., and TCspades

THE JAY MARTIN COMEDY SERIES

FEATURING SWEET BABY KITA

FEBRUARY 18, 2023 - 8:00PM

The Jay Martin Comedy series returns to LBP Brampton for Black History Month featuring headliner, Sweet Baby Kita! Hosted by The Renaissance Man himself, you never know who’s going to be the next surprise hilarious guest!

Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”. This is because it is synthesized in our skin in response to sunlight. The beauty of Vitamin D is that it’s free – a great model for “all things in moderation” too.

There are two main forms of vitamin D: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is the form that is synthesized in the skin, while vitamin D2 is found in some plant-based foods and supplements.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health by promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet. It also helps to regulate the immune system and may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer.

Despite the importance of vitamin D, many people are deficient in this essential nutrient. In fact, studies suggest that up to 50% of the global population may have insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D!

Symptoms of deficiency can vary, including fatigue, depression, cognitive decline and dementia. Bone density loss increases the risk of fractures and falls in older people. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Why does a deficiency develop? It can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight, especially during the winter months. Additionally, vitamin D is found in relatively few foods, so it can be challenging to get enough vitamin D from the diet.

Scientific studies have found income, gender and ethnicity differences in vitamin D status globally. One study looked at the vitamin D status of over 1,000 healthy Japanese adults and found that 40% of women and 26% of men had vitamin D deficiency, and that individuals of non-Japanese ethnicity were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency than those of Japanese ethnicity. A study in the US found that people with higher incomes were more likely to be using supplements, and therefore less likely to suffer deficiencies. Consumer choices and food prices may also be important. Studies have found that consumption of fortified milk and milk products has a major effect on likelihood of deficiency.

If you need to know your vitamin D level, a blood test will determine it, but as the philosopher Voltaire once said, “The best is the enemy of the good.” Getting regular intake of vitamin D should be the goal, not trying to measure daily levels. Make it a habit to get some vitamin D every day. The most effective way is to get sunlight directly on your skin. Spend- ing 10-15 minutes outside in the sun each day with your arms and legs exposed will help your vitamin D levels, plus sunshine is a “feel good” prescription in general. Be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen if enjoying longer exposure.

But getting outside without layers of clothes can be difficult during the winter months, especially in northern latitudes, so don’t forget you also get vitamin D from certain foods. Include: fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel), egg yolks, and fortified foods (such as milk, orange juice, and cereal).

If you are concerned that the vitamin D in your diet is insufficient, a daily supplement can help. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D varies depending on: age, sex, and other factors, but in general, adults need between 600 and 800 international units (IU) per day.

The upper limit for vitamin D intake is 4,000 IU per day for adults, and it’s important not to exceed this amount unless under medical supervision.