STRAWBERRIES TOP THE LIST OF WORST FRUITS AND VEGGIES FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUES

One of your kid’s favorite fruits is hiding a dirty secret.

Of all the fresh fruits and vegetables available for sale in the United States, sweet, sun-kissed strawberries are the most likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues, according to EWG’s 2016 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

This year, for the first time strawberries top EWG’s Dirty Dozen list of produce with the highest amount of pesticide, even after you’ve washed them. Other dirty produce includes peaches, nectarines and apples – previously No. 1 for five years running. Click here to see the full list.

EWG analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose tests found nearly 150 different pesticides on thousands of produce samples from 2014, the most recent year available. Nearly three in four fruit and vegetable samples contained residue from at least one pesticide.

But the results aren’t all bad. EWG’s Clean Fifteen list names the produce with the lowest amount of pesticide residues. Avocados lead the pack, with less than one percent showing any traces. Sweet corn, pineapples, cabbage, frozen sweet peas and onions rank among the clean fruits and veggies as well. Click here to see the full list.

EWG’s 2016 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce aims to help parents make healthy shopping choices. Here are our top tips for putting this information into action:

Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, regardless of where they fall on these lists. The nutritional payoff is worth it.
To limit pesticide exposure, buy organic produce whenever you can. But if your options or budget are limited, focus on choosing organic versions of the Dirty Dozen to get the biggest benefit for your family.
Always wash fruits and veggies before eating, whether they’re “clean” or “dirty,” organic or conventional. Rubbing produce under running water removes not only pesticide residue, but also dirt and germs from handling.

Q&A: ARE CHILDREN SAFE PLAYING ON ARTIFICIAL TURF?

Is artificial turf safe? The debate is heating up:

The Connecticut legislature is reviewing a new bill to ban crumb rubber playgrounds across the state.

California state scientists are evaluating the “potential human health effects associated with use of recycled waste tires in playground and synthetic turf products.”

Last month three federal agencies launched a joint investigation into the safety of popular crumb rubber surfaces on playgrounds and playing fields.

Dr. Robert Wright, chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City, answers our questions about how artificial turf may pose concerns for children’s health.

HCHW: The Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center has called for a moratorium on the use of artificial turf made from recycled rubber tires. Why?

Robert Wright: We are advising against the use of crumb rubber fields until safety is proven. This is because the product is made from recycled automobile tires, which are well known to contain metals and other toxic chemicals. Some components of tire rubber are linked to cancer and others are toxic to the nervous and other systems.

The risks of exposure have not been fully studied, especially in the context of the wide range of potentially harmful chemicals, which are found in rubber tires. Ironically, if a field was filled with discarded tires it would be considered a hazardous waste site. The primary difference is that the tires were ground up in the crumb rubber field.

What makes children uniquely vulnerable to harmful exposures from crumb rubber surfaces?

RW: There are many reasons to think children will be more vulnerable:

Children on average are lower to the ground and therefore closer to the source of off-gassing.

Children have higher ventilation rates relative to adults and if significant off-gassing occurs, they will inhale a larger amount relative to their body size.

If ingested, a crumb rubber pellet would represent a larger per kilogram dose in a child versus an adult, because of their smaller size.

Many of these fields are in schools and therefore used almost exclusively by children.

Young children are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults, making them more vulnerable to injury from the extreme heat exposures that are possible on crumb rubber fields.

Children are commonly more susceptible to environmental chemicals, biologically, because their bodies are developing and the chemicals or toxic insults can offset the normal developmental trajectory.

What responsibilities do schools, communities and sports organizations have in making play surfaces safe for kids?

RW: The decision to purchase a particular type of field is not in the hands of parents, which we believe means that these organizations must take these issues into consideration.

At a minimum, these institutions need to address the concerns of parents and whether there are alternatives that can be mutually agreed upon as safe. There are such alternatives for fields – cork, for example. In addition, while grass fields can have pesticide applications, such applications are not mandatory and can be controlled or minimized with proper planning.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Consumer Product Safety Commission have teamed up to investigate the safety of crumb rubber surfaces on playgrounds and playing fields. What do you hope their investigation achieves?

RW: The research on off-gassing and exposure is very incomplete, and does not consider the full spectrum of chemicals that are found in crumb rubber, either individually or as a mixture.

We hope to see comprehensive studies that consider, at a minimum, exposure assessment under realistic playing conditions, all possible routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion and absorption through skin) and potential health effects not only of individual chemicals, but also of mixtures of chemicals. Mixtures are the real life scenario.

What can concerned parents do to safeguard children who play on crumb rubber surfaces?

RW: Concerned parents should spring into action even before a crumb rubber field is installed. The most effective strategy is for parents to join with each other and also to form alliances with medical societies, nursing organizations, elected officials and anyone else in the community who is in position to raise vociferous opposition to the installation of these untested products.

Once a field has been installed, parents can minimize their children’s risk by always making their children shower as soon as they return home from playing on the fields in order to remove any crumb rubber.

A second step is to avoid playing on the field on very hot, sunny days when temperatures can reach dangerous levels.

A third step is to meticulously clean any cuts or abrasions caused by the field, because there have been outbreaks of [staph bacteria] skin infections associated with such cuts and scrapes.

Encouraging Longer Naps

Is your child a cat-napper? Does your baby fall asleep being fed, while in a car seat, sling, rocker, or someone’s arms? When transferred to bed, does your baby then sleep 30 to 50 minutes? That’s the exact length of one sleep cycle. These factors combined define the main cause of mini-naps: an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep without aid – your baby wakes fully at the end of the first sleep cycle, resulting in a too-short nap. I refer to this problem as One-Cycle Sleep Syndrome (OCSS). This leads us to understand the reason that many babies are cat-nappers and also directs us to potential solutions.


Cycle-Blender Naps

One way to help your baby sleep longer is to put him for a nap in a setting that will lull him back to sleep when he wakes between sleep cycles. Cycle-Blender naps occur in slings, cradle-swings, rocking cradles, or baby hammocks. Any of these can help cat-nappers extend their sleep time because when Baby begins to awaken the rhythmic motion can lull him back to sleep.

You can also create a Cycle-Blender nap in a stroller. Take a daily walk outside (it’s good for both of you!) or bring your stroller in the house. Walk your baby until she falls asleep, and then park the stroller near you. If she starts to move about, resume walking or give her a bit of a bounce and jiggle.

Once your baby gets used to taking a longer nap in the stroller, you can make a transition to bed naps. Start by reducing the movement, rolling slower and for less time. After your baby is asleep, park the stroller, using the jiggle if she wakes mid-nap. Over time, let your baby fall asleep in the stationary stroller parked next to his crib, and when the nap habit is in place, change to naps in the crib.

Create a Sleep-Inducing Bedroom

To encourage longer naps, keep the sleeping room dark so bright light doesn’t keep him alert between sleep cycles. To soothe your child through sleep cycle changes, use white noise (a recording of nature sounds), or relaxing music. Keep this on all through naptime. This creates a sleep cue and will mask noises that can wake a child who is shifting through sleep cycles.

Build a Better Bed

To entice your baby to have a longer nap, recreate the crib into a cozier nest. Use softer sheets, such as flannel, plus a thicker, softer crib mattress pad. You can also warm the bed surface before naptime with a towel fresh from the dryer (remove this and test the surface before laying your baby down.)

Make the Bed a Familiar Place

Let your baby have several play sessions in his crib during waking hours. Stay with him, engage his interest and introduce a few new toys. Let him see you as a part of the crib experience so that he gets a happy feeling being there. This way, when he is put in his crib for naptime and wakes up mid-nap it won’t be a lonely, foreign place, but one that carries familiar memories of fun times with you. This can help him accept it as a safe place for sleep and allow him to fall back into slumber after that first sleep cycle.

Interpret Signs of Tiredness

If you put your child for a nap before he is tired, or when he is overtired he won’t sleep as well as when you hit that ideal just-tired moment. Observe your child for signs of tiredness, such as losing interest in toys, looking glazed, becoming cranky, or slumping in his seat. Put your child for a nap the moment you see any sign of fatigue. If you take note of the time that this occurs over a week you should see a pattern emerge. This can help you set up a daily nap schedule that suits your child’s tired times perfectly.

Gauge time spans between naps

In addition to signs of tiredness also watch to see how long your child has been awake. Children can only stay happily awake for a certain period of time until they receive a biological pull towards a nap. Once that “pull” begins your child becomes fatigued and his cheerful mood begins to deteriorate. Each child has unique sleep needs, but this chart shows the typical span of time a child can stay happily awake:

Age                  Awake Time Span

Newborn           1 – 2 hours

6 month old       2 – 3 hours

12 month old     3 – 4 hours

18 month old     4 – 6 hours

2 year old          5 – 7 hours

3 year old          6 – 8 hours

4 year old          6 – 12 hours

Keep in mind that children grow and change and their nap schedule should change with them. What’s perfect today may be different than what is perfect next month. Keep your eye on your baby and on the clock.

Author,

Elizabeth Pantley

Toddlers and Toilets: Are They Ready?

With kids, it seems there is always a new adventure on the horizon. If you have a toddler, you may be starting to think about when and how your child will learn to use the toilet (bye, bye diapers!).

In the “old days” (meaning, when you were a child!), this was often referred to as “toilet training.” This meant that an adult “trained” the child to use the toilet.

Today, the new buzz word is “toilet learning.”

Learning, meaning the child takes an active role in the process.

In parenthood, there are “windows of opportunity.” Parents know their children best and can most easily recognize when their child is interested and ready for a new discovery. There is no magic age for children to begin using the toilet, although most children begin to show an interest between the ages of 24 and 36 months.

A few signs that your child is ready to begin “toilet learning” include:

• You may notice that your child is interested in the potty. They may want to put paper into it or flush it.
• Your child may ask to sit on the toilet, with a diaper on or off.
• Your child may bring you a diaper and tell you they are wet or have had a bowel movement.

If you believe your child may be ready to explore the use of the toilet, consider the following:

• Purchase some toddler underwear (in addition to the cartoon underwear, look for thicker, cotton underwear that are more absorbent) and provide them time to wear them. Times may include a morning at home or quiet evening versus when you are traveling or running errands. Today’s diapers are so absorbent that a child may not even feel that they are wet.
• Use a child-friendly/child-sized potty. Imagine that the toilet you used was more than half as tall as you. You may be overwhelmed or frightened by the thought of sitting on such a thing. Provide the choice for your child. Don’t be surprised if your child decides to try out both.
• Make toileting positive. This may be a great time for reading books and singing songs. Toileting should not become a power struggle. If it does, chances are you will lose and may experience a setback.
• Successful toileting is great feedback for a child. There is no additional need for a reward (i.e. M&M’s). On the flip side, when a child has an accident, there is no value in punishment.
• Be patient. Sometimes, it is difficult to not get caught in the conversation of what a friend or family member’s child is doing (or not doing). Children develop individually. Toilet learning will occur when your child is ready. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

What to Do About a Kid Who Gets Angry A LOT

I once worked with a five-year-old by who could switch from pure excitement to intense anger or frustration in a matter of seconds. One small (or large) trigger and this little boy turned red in the face and erupted into a huge tantrum. The tantrums weren't long, but they were intense. This left his mom feeling overwhelmed and concerned.

When his mom first sat down on my couch, she appeared completely exhausted. She had tried everything. She had clear limits and rules. She was consistent. Bedtime never changed. She tried adjusting his diet to include high protein snacks. She didn't overschedule. And yet, nothing seemed to work.

High-intensity children can be difficult to decode. They tend to experience all of their emotions with more intensity than other kids. During moments of high-pitched laughter, emotional intensity doesn't cause much worry. But when kids shift to intense anger, frustration or sadness, parents worry.

Anger and frustration are very powerful emotions, and many children tend to struggle with processing and coping with these big feelings. The result? Giant outbursts just about everywhere.

I always tell parents that more often than not, anger is simply another emotion wearing a mask. When you dig beneath the surface (after the stomping turns to tears), you tend to find sadness, fear, guilt, shame, hurt or disappointment just waiting to emerge.

Kids aren't known for their well-honed problem solving and anger management skills. That takes time and practice. It makes sense that young children struggle to work through these feelings, and it's up to us to help them out.

Talk about temperament and personality.

Some kids experience intense emotions out loud, others internalize their feelings until they fall apart. Some kids stuff their feelings in an attempt to put on a happy face every day while others express their emotions constantly. Some have tantrums and meltdowns while others hide in their rooms until the feelings pass. All kids are different.

We have a tendency to focus on behavior when kids are falling apart, but the truth is that the feelings hiding beneath the behavior are what we really need to address. We can begin to help our kids understand their emotions by talking about their temperaments and personalities.

When kids begin to figure out what makes them tick, they can predict how they might respond to certain situations (ex: I feel angry when I am left out at school) and choose to implement adaptive coping skills before they lose control.

Color your world.

We all have our own little internal worlds. We live in a culture of busy so we don't always tap into those worlds when we need to, but we all have them. When we slow down for long enough to consider our internal worlds and how our worlds respond to certain triggers and events, we learn a lot about ourselves.

Give your child a piece of white paper with a large circle drawn in the middle. Tell your child that everyone has an internal world of feelings. Stop here and talk about the range of emotions people feel on any given day. Next, ask your child to color his internal world with as many feelings as he experiences. If, for example, he gets excited a lot, he might choose a bright color and fill a large portion of his world with that color. If it's anger that takes up a lot of space, he might color a lot of red. Once the internal world is complete, talk about what kinds of things trigger each of those feelings and help your child label his world.

This is a great activity to do together because it helps parents and children talk about emotions and how we respond to different events and triggers.

Release the negative emotions.

Kids need to get their feelings out. The key to helping that little boy who was prone to tantrums and intense expression of anger was to work through his angry feelings daily. I always encourage parents to work through the hard stuff when they're calm so that kids can actually process their emotions and find strategies that work.

One of my favorite strategies from The Happy Kid Handbook is “trashcan basketball”. Ask your child to think about all of the things that made him mad or frustrated during the day. Write each of those triggers on separate pieces of paper and have your child crumple them into small balls. Now set up a free throw line not far from a trashcan. Ask your child to verbalize each trigger as he throws it into the can to let go of that feeling for the day.

Author,

Katie Hurley

Cherishing Your Child

"Everybody's got a hungry heart."
-Bruce Springsteen

"…the precondition for giving is receiving… It is natural to say 'That is a well-cherished child' or 'There is a child who wants cherishing.' We think of cherishment as the emotional equivalent of nourishment. Soul Food."
-Elisabeth Young-Bruehl and Faith Bethelard

Humans are born ready to love, and to be loved. All parents recognize the adoration reserved especially for parents, the small arms reaching up, the joy of infant and parent in their cocoon of mutual delight. Babies expect to be cherished.

This cherishing, this affirmation of the infant from head to toe, teaches the baby who he is. In interaction with the parents, the baby learns "Yes, these are my toes, how good they feel when Dad kisses them!" and "Mom makes that happy noise when I smile at her!" The baby also learns "Mom and Dad love to bathe me, to nurse me, to care for me: I am worth taking care of. I am lovable."

Cherishing our babies is natural, if we listen to our instincts. It is our secret weapon, the nourishment that helps them grow inside, the source of self esteem, the foundation on which their ability to love and be loved rests.

This expectation of being loved is what allows our children to learn so quickly, to risk bumps and scrapes and hurt feelings: the security of knowing that someone who adores them is watching out for them, supporting their growth. Cherishment is the security of unconditional love.

For the parent, cherishing is reveling in being this baby’s parent, being grateful even in the middle of diapers and sleeplessness and colic that this baby was sent to these arms.

But if we have not been cherished ourselves, cherishing can be challenging. When we have been frustrated in our attempts to love and be loved, we may find it difficult to revel in our new baby. We may find ourselves annoyed rather than delighted by her need for our attention, angry rather than sympathetic when he howls. We may avert our eyes from her adoring gaze. We may become uncomfortable when engaged in reciprocal play with our baby and interrupt it without really noticing what we are doing, or even our discomfort.

Often, parents who have not been cherished themselves are envious of the attention the baby receives from others. These parents may insist that the baby adapt to their needs, by, for instance, refusing to adequately babyproof and then becoming angry when the baby persistently attempts to explore the VCR or the stack of magazines.

And for the baby, what happens when this need to cherish and be cherished is frustrated? Frustration, of course, is anger. Lack of being cherished creates an angry child.

Some parents are conditionally accepting. They might adore the baby, for instance, but find it difficult to deal with her when she's angry. What happens? The baby simply rejects the parts of herself that haven't been accepted. The ability to love herself is compromised, shadowed with self hatred; she is not, after all, good enough to evoke what she needs and wants most: cherishing. As she rejects parts of herself, her emotional growth is compromised. (See the Attachment Research for more about the Resistant-ambivalent response.)

The need for cherishing, like all survival needs, doesn’t vanish when thwarted. It goes deep underground. We defend ourselves against this dangerous need that would make us vulnerable; we ward it off with anger, which eventually turns into bitterness.

In extreme cases, the hope of being loved becomes too painful, and the child defends against it by consciously expecting rejection. We all know these children, who become experts at soliciting dislike. In very extreme cases, these can become the kids who are capable, one day, of taking a gun to school and opening fire. The famous researcher Rene Spitz said it most succinctly:

"Infants without love…will end as adults full of hate."

Luckily, virtually all of us get enough cherishment that we don't end up as killers. Few of us, though, get enough of this "soul food" that we don't end up with a heart that is, at times, more hungry than we would like. That hunger, those unmet needs, are what drive all "bad behavior" on the part of our children. Kids whose needs for cherishment are met become cooperative kids. Sure, they'll have times when they're overwhelmed by emotion, or have a hard time regulating their behavior. But these kids WANT to cooperate to please their parent.

Want to raise a happy, cooperative, responsible child? Cherish your baby.

Moving from Crib to Bed

When your child moves from crib to bed it’s a milestone in his life as well as yours. There is no precise time for making this move, though typically it’s between the first and third birthday. The key to success is to be patient and allow your child time to adjust to the change.

Why move a child from crib to bed?

If a child sleeps well in his crib, don’t rush the change. Switching to a bed gives a child freedom and brings new issues for parents, such as the yo-yo syndrome or early morning wanderings. The most common reasons to switch:

• Your child learns how to climb. –  Move your child out of the crib when the rail is up to the level of his nipples, since climbing out is more possible.
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• Your child outgrows the crib. –  Don’t assume it’s time! You may think that he’s uncomfortable, but he may be content in his little nest.
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• Your child asks for a bed. – If she’s old enough, then go ahead and take the leap.
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• Your child is learning how to use the toilet.— Even if your child uses the toilet during the day, it’s often a long while before bedtime dryness happens.
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• A new sibling is on the way. – If your little one loves his crib, then ousting him to make room for the newcomer may add stress. If you feel that the time is right then make the change two months or more before your newborn arrives.
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What kind of bed should my child move to?

There are a number of options for a child’s first bed:

• Toddler bed – These are small, low and child-sized. They have guard rails on all sides, and come in playful designs.
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• Regular bed – A common choice is a mattress, box springs and bed frame (with all sides protected from fall-outs). Consider a double or bigger size to accommodate the night-reading ritual.
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• Mattress on the floor – A popular choice is a mattress or futon on the floor. This provides your little one with a big-kid bed, but one that prevents any painful falls.
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• Bunk bed – ?Hold off on a bunk bed until your child is 6 years old, when it is considered safe.
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How do we make the change?

Which approach is best for you will depend on your reasons for making the change, your child’s personality, and the size of his room. Here are a few options:

• Big-kid bed hoopla:  Some children enjoy having an official Big Kid Day party. Set up the bed, decorate the room and add a few sleep-related gifts like books and stuffed animals.
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• One-step-at-a-time:  Take the mattress out of the crib and place it on the floor in the place as the crib was. This gives your child the same sleeping surface and view of the room as he’s accustomed to. Place guard rails around the sides to create a crib-like enclosure. Keep the same bedding and crib toys. This is a mid-step between the crib and a real bed.
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• The gradual introduction:  Set up the new bed in the same room with the crib. Allow your child to play on the bed and nap there. Do your bedtime reading in the new bed. This will help your child get used to the bed gradually.
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Patience and encouragement

No matter which path you choose – be patient. Big steps toward growth often happen in spurts, and your child may be excited to welcome the change one day, but wary of it the next. Maintain your nightly bedtime routine and help your child develop a positive association with his new bed, since he’ll be sleeping there for many years to come.

By Elizabeth Pantley

Does My Toddler Have a Language Delay?

My 2½-year-old daughter seems to talk less than her sister did at this age. I know that kids develop language skills at different times, but I'm still concerned. What's "normal" for her age?
- Nina

As you mention, all children (yes, even siblings!) develop and refine their language skills at different times throughout their development, so the range of what's "normal" is broad. However, some guidelines can help parents decide if their child might be at the latter end of the spectrum.

A typical 2-year-old should:

• speak in two-word phrases, like "more juice" and "go bye-bye"
• follow two-step commands
• name simple objects
• have a vocabulary of 50 or more words
• be understood at least 50% of the time by a parent

Between 2 and 3 years, vocabulary continues to build and comprehension also increases. By 3 years of age, a child should:

• speak in three-word sentences
• have a vocabulary of 200 words or more (basically, more than you can count)
• be understood 75% of the time
• understand prepositions (such as, "put it on the table" or "put itunder the bed")
• use pronouns ("me," "you," "it")

If you feel that your child is not on track, talk to your doctor about your concerns.

 by: Amy Nelson, MA, CCC-SLP

WHAT CAUSED YOUR CHILD’S ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION?

Uh-oh. Your child has developed a red, itchy, or sore rash.

Your little one may have a case of contact dermatitis, an eczema-like skin condition caused by touching something that triggers an allergic reaction or irritates the skin.

If the reaction is serious, talk to your doctor about a referral for allergy testing to determine the source. But for minor reactions, some easy sleuthing at home can help you figure out if a common allergen is to blame. Here are the worst – and most likely – offenders:

Metals

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 11 million children in North America are allergic to nickel, so this or another metal might have set off your child’s skin allergy. Clothing fixtures such as zippers and hooks or jewelry, including watch straps, are all easy ways we come into contact with metals. Face paints may also contain traces of heavy metals, and for older children, cosmetics could be the problem.

Preservatives

Carefully read the labels of body care product your child uses. An ingredient could be responsible. Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and formaldehyde releasers such as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (bronopol), diazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin are potent skin allergens.

Manufacturers add MI to body washes, moisturizers, sunscreens, baby wipes and even products labeled “hypoallergenic.” Bronopol turns up in some CVS diaper wipes and cosmetics products such as facial cleansers, nail polish and moisturizers. Watch out for diazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin in hair styling products, shampoos, conditioners and body washes.

Not sure if your family’s favorite products contain these or other allergenic ingredients? Search EWG’s Skin Deep database to find out.

Botanical Allergens

Plant-based essential oils such as lavender, tea tree or citrus are popular in “natural” personal care products in place of chemical fragrances. Because the concentration of these oils can vary, they can easily trigger allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.

Parents often notice these reactions after using botanical bug repellents, which commonly contain citronella, clove, geranium, lemongrass, peppermint or rosemary oils, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Click here to learn about safer ways to beat bug bites.

Tips for parents:

Need help sleuthing? Allergic reactions typically break out where an allergen touches the skin, so the location of your child’s rash may indicate which allergen is responsible. Is the rash on your child’s face or hands? A personal care product, like lotion, may be to blame. Around your child’s wrist? Watch strap. At a certain spot on the chest? Zipper. Baby’s behind? Diaper wipe.

Reactions may occur immediately after contact – making it easier to isolate the cause – or after a long period of exposure. Keep both in mind when investigating possible sources.

Always contact a medical professional if your child shows symptoms of a serious skin reaction, particularly if she shows any sign of infection, such as a fever.

Take heart: Allergic reactions often clear quickly and are generally avoidable once you determine the culprit.

By Megan Boyle

My Child Won't Eat - Healthy Eating Habits for Life

One of the most common concerns voiced by new parents is how to get their kids to eat healthy foods. Children need more than just calories. The rapidly developing brain needs protein; fatty acids; iron; zinc; copper; iodine; selenium; vitamin A; vitamin B6; choline and folate just to name a few essential ingredients that come from proper nutrition. In the long-term, proper eating habits from infancy will carry on to adulthood and protect us from disease and disability.

Taste Preferences

Babies are born with highly developed senses of taste and smell. A few drops of sugar water placed on the tongue will elicit lip licking and a happy expression in babies. At the same time, it is obvious if they are exposed to a bitter flavor and a clear dislike for it will be demonstrated by their reaction to it. This preference for certain tastes is influenced by what you eat and drink during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Studies have shown that mothers who eat healthy foods during pregnancy or breast-feeding on a consistent basis have babies with healthier eating tendencies. Parents should eat more healthy foods themselves. When children see you eating and enjoying healthy food, they will tend to mimic you and do the same.

Finicky Eaters

Around 2 years of age it is quite common for children to abruptly stop eating foods that they used to enjoy. The best way to overcome this natural instinct is quite simple: exposure. Children will ultimately eat like their parents and if you expose them to vegetables and the proper mix of good foods, they will acquire this same tendency over time. All of us are born with a natural craving for sweet things. Exposure to a nutritious food will increase your child's future desire for it. It is best that you ignore your child's facial expressions and general negative reactions to certain foods that you know are good for them. Over time, the brain will recognize the nutritional value of good foods and the natural craving for things that are good for us will eventually take over.

Introducing New Foods

If you want your child to start eating new food, don't present it alone. Serve it to your child along with some other things that he or she likes. Also, make sure your child is really hungry when you are introducing a new food. That way, they are more likely to taste it, eat it, and enjoy it. Their acceptance of the new food will be enhanced if he or she has a good appetite when it is introduced. First impressions are lasting impressions and this particularly applies to new foods.

Strategies to Avoid

Make sure that you don't introduce new or novel foods when a child is feeling ill. They may associate the new food with a bad experience going forward by doing so. Also, never pressure children to eat large quantities of things they don't want to eat. There are tremendous benefits from encouraging children to taste new and different foods in small quantities. This approach of sampling good foods and letting nature - and your child's brain - do the rest will serve you well.

Tips for Parents

1. Pair new foods with familiar foods. 

2. Encourage children to try new foods, but don't be harsh or forceful. 

3. Eat a variety of foods yourself in front of your children. 

4. Avoid filling children up with familiar food when you are trying to get them to taste something new. 

5. Be patient and have faith in your child's own taste and nutrition-seeking system. 

6. Don't introduce new foods when your child is ill or becoming ill.

Baby Health - Understanding SIDS

Perhaps the most frightening time for a new parent is the first few months as you discover about general baby health and understanding SIDS. Mainstream health professionals do tend to paint a bleak picture if you don't follow their advice. But how good is their advice?

SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome, is a comparatively new problem and it's worth doing some investigation yourself to discover the possible causes. It only started to become common after mass vaccination was fully established.

In Japan, when the minimum age to vaccinate a child was raised from two months to two years, SIDS disappeared. So let's examine this.

Babies are born without an immune system. They get passive immunity from their mother's milk. When babies are weaned, their immune system starts to develop. But this only happens when they are exposed to pathogens - virus', bacteria and the like.

This means that they are likely to succumb to the pathogen, to a lesser or greater extent. This is how their immune system learns. So, on the surface, it looks as if your baby is unhealthy. But, in fact, they are creating a potentially healthy immune system that will stand them in good stead all their life. An analogy would be learning to ride a bicycle - you fall off a few times before you get the hang of it.

The idea behind vaccination is to stimulate the immune system. If there is no immune system as yet, at two months, then the vaccine can't act.

Statistically many, perhaps most, cases of SIDS occur soon after a vaccine, as Japan discovered. Vaccines don't come without their side effects. The ingredients would be considered highly toxic in any other, less emotionally charged, area of health - aluminium, mercury, other species tissue, adjuvants to mention just a few.

The medical profession consider this 'wastage' acceptable because they feel that the benefits far outweigh the downside. As a parent, you may beg to differ.

So what can you do to support the healthy development of your baby's immune system without risk?

1. As a pregnant and breast feeding mother, make sure your diet is healthy, natural, balanced, without processed food and limit animal protein. This will increase your level of immunity, which is then passed to your baby.


2. Only consume plant based supplements, rather than the common isolated and synthetic ones that currently flood the marketplace.


3. Make quality time for your baby, showing patience and devotion. Let other aspects of your life that prevent this go, at least for the time being.


4. Mentally stimulate your baby with trips in nature - the park, the beach, woodlands, etc.


5. Limit exposure to synthetic stimulation, such as TV.


6. Use homeopathy as the main treatment for your baby. Homeopathy is natural, risk free, without side effects and above all, gentle. Homeopathic treatment is energetic, elegant, effective and economical.

Madeleine Innocent is a full time consultant homeopath based in Perth, Western Australia. She also coaches people, both on- and off-line, on how to use some of the common home prescribing remedies. For more information, visit: Homeopathy

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