Baby-Friendly Nail Polish

Fashion has gone a bit by the wayside since my daughter was born. My former beauty routine is becoming a distant memory. Put on a full face of makeup? I’m lucky if my face is washed before going out of the house. Curl my hair? It’s a rare morning that it’s even blow-dried. Whiten my teeth? Let’s be realistic; my daily goal is to brush my teeth before lunchtime. And yet, some days I miraculously find the time to look almost normal. I look in the mirror and realize I somewhat resemble my pre-baby self. It’s on these days that … Continue reading

Breastfeeding and Reflux

There are a few things you can count on with a newborn. They will definitely sleep. . .and wake. . .around the clock. They will soil through their diapers and their clothing at least once before they are 6 months old. And they spit up. I tend to think that reflux is often over diagnosed. That’s not to minimize the experience of those parents whose infants have reflux. It’s a difficult experience because reflux babies are in so much pain that they are frequently crying, very clingy and generally smell sort of like. . .well. . .puke. It’s a rough … Continue reading

You Should Be Giving Your Baby Soda!

This is so bizarre and unbelievable I just had to write about it. I try diligently to make sure that my kids get their five servings of fruits and veggies a day. I do allow sugar, but generally it’s with stuff that has been homemade, and as you probably already know, I’m good at sneaking fruits and vegetables into places where you would never think fruits and vegetables could go. (Whole wheat brownies with spinach anyone?) Never, never do I allow soda. In our family, it’s actually a rite of passage that on one’s 8th birthday, they are allowed to … Continue reading

Too Many Babies Take Reflux Drugs

A recent study was done where doctors and researchers looked at 44 infants who were thought of by their parents as having reflux issues. Interestingly, only 8 of those babies actually fit the diagnostic criteria for having GERD. However, all but two were on anti-reflux medication. The study was prompted by a pediatric gastroenterologist who was receiving increasingly more referrals for spitting up issues. It is known that approximately 70% of babies spit up, up to four times per day. The doctor also points out that second hand ciagarette smoke, gas, constipation, and colic are much more common causes of … Continue reading