Category: Family Life
Benodet Brittany
Whilst we were staying in the idyllic Frenchberry Kistinic Gatehouse near Quimper we took the opportunity to visit the coastal town of Benodet.
Benodet is located in Finistere in southwest Brittany and is less than a 30 minute drive from Quimper. This truly beautiful seaside resort is perfect for families and I thoroughly recommend a visit if you are in this region of Brittany.
The beach is pristine with crystal clear water and the sea is dotted with boats.
The shallow and calm water is great for children who want to swim in the sea.
Imogen loved the sunshine and playing in the sand and water.
Mummy and Daddy helped to build sandcastles.
Breton architecture adorns the coast with houses benefiting from the sea view.
Family Life
The last few weeks have been extremely busy in our household. Aside from the usual business of general family life we’ve had some big decisions to make which affect us all.
A couple of weeks ago I made the decision to return to work part-time which is something I’m really looking forward to. It will be great to be back in the office working on projects again. Hubby and I have been researching and visiting nurseries to find one we’re happy with. We’ve settled on a nursery close to home which has great facilities for children and a wonderful environment.
Imogen is almost back to full health after more than a week of gastroenteritis which saw her with a very high fever for several days, vomiting, diarrhoea and mild dehydration.
The gastroenteritis struck the day we arrived in Brittany for our holiday, which was horribly too similar to our journey to New Zealand in January. Hubby had a couple of days of feeling under the weather and I was lucky to escape any ill effects. Thankfully we’re now getting out and exploring the beautiful countryside and coastline in Brittany.
A much happier little girl now she is better and out enjoying the great outdoors.
There is something about Brittany which continually draws us back. The beautiful view from our garden at Lostmarc’h near Crozon in Finistere.
Only Best For Baby
It’s exciting to experiment with new foods when weaning your baby. Whilst most foods are safe there are some foods that should only be introduced when your baby is of a certain age to allow for the development of your baby’s digestive system and immune system.
When weaning my baby I found it helpful to follow these simple guidelines for the safe introduction of different foods to ensure my baby was getting the right nutrition at the right time and to minimise the risk of food poisoning.
When can my baby eat …?
Gluten
Gluten is found in grains such as rye, wheat, barley and oats. It can be hard for young babies to digest and should not be introduced before your baby is six months old.
Cow’s Milk
From the age of six months full-fat cow’s milk can be used in cooking and with baby’s breakfast cereals. Cow’s milk can be introduced as a main drink from the age of 12 months.
Cheese
From the age of six months you can offer cheese to your baby but avoid giving blue cheese or soft unpasteurised cheese, such as Camembert and Brie, until your baby is at least one year old. Blue cheese and unpasteurised cheese contain live bacteria which carries the risk of food poisoning.
Eggs
Your baby can eat well cooked eggs with the white and yolk of the egg being solid from the age of six months. Do not give raw or undercooked eggs to babies under the age of 12 months old.
Fish
From six months you can give your baby white fish and oily fish, such as tuna and salmon. No more than two portions of oily fish should be eaten per week. Shark, swordfish and marlin should not be eaten by babies as these may contain traces of mercury.
Shellfish should not be given to babies under the age of nine months and must always be well cooked to minimise the risk of food poisoning.
Nuts
If there is no peanut allergy in your immediate family you can give your baby peanut products from the age of six months. Due to the risk of choking whole peanuts and other nuts must not be given before your child is five years old.
Honey
The bacteria in honey can cause infant botulism and although rare, to be on the safe side honey should not be given to babies under 12 months as their digestive system is too immature to cope.
I always advise parents to stay clear of food additives such as salt and sugar which hold no nutritional value for babies. Salt can cause dehydration and strain a baby’s immature kidneys and sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Enjoy introducing foods and create a happy and healthy weaning experience for your baby.
Lydia Oliver – Nutritional Advisor Only Best For Baby
This article was published in the May 2013 edition of Mummy and Me Magazine.
I offer one to one nutrition programmes for breastfeeding, post pregnancy weight loss, weaning, weight management and health. Contact me.
