Tag: mummy
Happy 2nd Birthday
Yesterday we celebrated Imogen’s very special 2nd Birthday.
It was a wonderful day filled with presents, surprises, balloons, fun, music, games and birthday cake!
I can’t believe it was two years ago that our beautiful daughter came into the world. Every second since Imogen’s birth has been precious.
We’ve watched her grow from a newborn baby into the most delightful, fun, clever, talkative, happy, thoughtful, cheeky and caring little girl who has a wonderful sense of humour. We love you so much Imogen.
Discovering the ladybirds…
Daddy, Imogen and Charley Bear attempt to blow out the candles.
Mummy and Imogen attempt to blow out the candles.
Imogen blows out both candles! Happy Birthday!
Food for Thought
Weaning your baby from the breast or bottle is an exciting time for you and your baby. You’re about to introduce new tastes, textures and foods that will help provide the nutrients your baby needs to develop and grow into a healthy child.
Waiting until your baby is ready to process solid food lessens the chance of developing food allergies. Health experts recommend full term babies begin weaning at six months to give baby’s digestive system time to mature. At six months babies start to need a higher level of nutrients, especially iron, which they can’t get from breastmilk or infant formula alone.
Nutritionally, babies still need breastmilk or infant formula until they’re one year old and emotionally your baby receives a great source of comfort and security from nursing.
In the beginning weaning is all about taste and exploration. For the first couple of weeks offer a teaspoon or two of solids once a day when baby is slightly peckish. Pureed pear, apple, sweet potato, parsnip and carrot are sweet tasting and gentle on baby’s tummy. Ripe banana and avocado can be mashed to achieve a smooth consistency. Baby rice and baby cereals are a good introduction to grains and can be mixed with your baby’s usual milk.
It’s beneficial to introduce foods one at a time over a few days to check for any allergic reactions. Foods that most commonly cause allergies are wheat, eggs, shellfish, milk, nuts and seeds. You should seek urgent medical help if you think your baby is having an allergic reaction.
Foods to avoid when weaning are salt, sugar and low fat foods which are nutritionally unsuitable. Honey is a source of sugar and should not be given to babies under one year as it can contain bacteria. Cow’s milk should only be used in cooking until baby is at least one year. Nuts should not be given to children under the age of five due to the risk of choking.
Let your baby lead the way. At six months I started to wean my baby with pureed fruit and vegetables and by seven months she was showing an interest in using her fingers to eat so we moved to more of a baby-led weaning approach.
Take things slowly to give you and your baby time to adjust to weaning and allow baby to enjoy a variety of foods. Weaning is an incredible developmental stage for your baby. Eat together as a family, have fun and accept things will get messy!
Lydia Oliver – Nutritional Advisor Only Best For Baby
This article was published in the March 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.
Reflecting on the Year Gone By
Tomorrow I’ll be turning 30 something! I always find myself reflecting on the eve of my Birthday, looking back over the year and reviewing all that has been.
The past year has certainly had it’s fair share of ups and downs as life has thrown work, health and various other challenges at us which have been hard to deal with at times.
Some of these challenges are still with us and are completely out of our control. It’s these that I find the hardest to manage as we don’t have the ability to change things. But despite everything, we always strive to make the most of every day and to love and appreciate what we have in life.
Some of the memorable events since my last Birthday:
- My beautiful baby stopped breastfeeding
- I went back to work… and later decided it was too soon to be away from my baby
- Imogen started walking
- We visited our renovation project in France and continued to dream of our future
- Imogen and I travelled to New Zealand to spend time with family and friends
- I’ve learnt more about parenting than I ever imagined was possible!
- Imogen started talking
- I treasure how much I love being a Mummy
My wonderful friends and family are always so supportive and I’m forever thankful for them. Here’s to a brilliant year ahead, living life to the full and enjoying every day.
Enjoying a pre-Birthday drink in Wellington
