Nature Baby Organic Clothing:Review

Nature Baby is an organic clothing line from New Zealand and I had the privilege to review a few of their items and you may get something for yourself at the end of this post if Lady Luck is on your side!

Why do I try to buy organic?

Organic cotton is grown and processes without the use of harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides and has no finishing chemicals on it such as bleaches and flame retardants which contain dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde.  Natural fibres are naturally fire resistant.

At Nature Baby their cotton is hand picked of insects,dyed without heavy metal dyes and hand produced in organic farming communities for the benefit of all people taking part in the production process....unlike conventional grown cotton which is environmentally destructive to crops because they require huge amounts of pesticides.

Nature Baby is a family business and was established in 1998 and the inspiration came from the birth of their child.  Their mantra one could say is that they produce beautiful, natural, chemical free products for a beautiful world for our children to grow up in.

Here are some of my much loved clothing that I got to review, they fit perfectly, quality and stitching is great and most important the cotton, I love cotton and it is soft, perfect for my boy, after all I want to give him the best,  but don't we all and here's your chance.
‘Sweet William’ in Brooklyn, New York carries the Nature Baby line.

Nature Baby not only carries beautiful clothing made from Organic cotton but also Organic Merino wool they have Organic bedding, nappies, products for mom, and organic wool mattress protector,  organic baby food, toys and beautiful wooden furniture.  But for a New Zealand line it wouldn't be complete without sheepskin products like my ultimate must have for all babies, a sheepskin rug.

Visit Nature Baby's website, here

{Giveaway is now closed}

Recipe of the Day for Toddlers - Super Toddler Smoothie

Ingredients: (12months and beyond)
1/2 cup milk of choice
1/4/ frozen wild berries
1/2 banana
1/4 pear, cored
1 tbsp hemp/and or rice protein
2 tsp flax oil
2 tsp molasses (optional)
Small handful  sunflower sprouts or raw spinach leaves

1.  Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.  Serve immediately.
Makes 3/4 cup
Nutritional Information
This smoothie is a good source of fibre, antioxidants and omega 3 fats as well as protein that will keep your baby going longer.

Learn more about this recipe's an other  nutrition notes for baby and you in Sprout Right

Recipe of the Day for Baby-Beet and Apple Puree

Ingredients: (for 6-9months)

1 Large beet
4 Apples (Gala, Fuji or Pink Lady)

1. Peel and chop beets into very small cubes.  Steam for about 40 minutes
2. Peel, core chop apples and add to steamer.  Steam until tender, about 10 minutes longer
3. Puree, adding enough water to reach a texture of a smooth, thick soup.
Makes about 3 cups

You can substitute parsnip for apples to make a lovely smooth, pink puree
Nutritional Information:
A good source of vitamin C, folic acid, manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper and phosphorus.

Another great tidbit...Love Creamed Spinach?  Use the Beet leaves and finely chop them instead of spinach and add dill....it is to die for!

Like this recipe?  I love the sweet, earthy taste of beets! So healthy and delicious.

This is from Lianne Philipson Webb's new Book " Sprout Right:  Nutrition from Tummy to Toddler"

We have a Winner for Sprout Right! Mandy from Bits and Pieces

Congratulations on winning this fabulous book! I wish I could give everyone a copy but you can click on my Amazon.ca widget to the right side panel where you will see the Sprout Right Book and get it for a really good price, this is a valuable book and a must have for all moms. Thank you to all who entered.

Plum Organics- Review and Giveaway

 GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED: SEE WINNERS CIRCLE TAB AT THE TOP IF YOU WON!

 Okay!
My first review on an organic pre-made baby food company.
I am a big promoter of making fresh, organic baby food yourself but after listening to my readers response I understand not all moms cook or have the time to make baby puree and snacks so after much thought, consideration and research I did on this company I feel good in sharing this with you.
I was given the opportunity to review a new line called Plum Organics found on EcoMom's website.

EcoMom as well will generously give one lucky reader $20 worth of Plum and/or Revolution Foods and you can shop now and save 15% on your order with our special code.

 But please continue reading......

Since I have a toddler I asked for a couple of snack packs such as Fiddlesticks and their Revolution Foods yogurt filled sandwich bar, the Grammy Sammy.

I also got some MishMash as a snack that my son could easily eat by himself as a snack on the go.   He "ate" right out of it thanks to it's unique packaging.
Speaking of packaging, everything is BPA free.  Boon has even contributed and has made their own spoon to go with Plums packaging. Check it out, here.  Add this to your order, it's a must have, if you love Boon Squirt you'll love this.

Plum Organics was created by a mom and the ingredients are simple.  Fresh organic fruit and veg are used in the purees, there is no high fructose corn syrup, no trans fats and no artificial ingredients it is nutrient rich and that is their promise.  Peek into their pantry here
The baby food pouches can be served at room temperature, slightly chilled, or warmed in a bowl of hot water. DO NOT microwave pouch. To serve, simply twist of the cap, squeeze into a bowl or directly onto a spoon for your little one to enjoy.  Great pouches for older kids and such a nice, yummy and healthy snack as you can see in the pic below how easy it is for them to feed themselves.

Plum and Revolution offer so much, you have to look through EcoMoms site, check out LunchBox Simplicity.
I am impressed, I like the quality and tastes of everything we got, as does my son.
So if you're a busy mom or dad on the go and are looking for quality, organic baby/toddler food I highly recommend this line.  Purees are a life saver with a teething baby/tot, at least with my tot when he won't he eat anything but applesauce. Check them out, we have a discount for you that's valid until June.30/10 and a giveaway that ends June.20/10.
All Plum products can be found on EcoMom.

To make shopping easier EcoMom has a great pass called the EcoPass. An annual membership fee is $99(USD) which provides you with a 15% discount on every order, as well as free shipping with no minimum $75 requirement.  EcoMom does ship to Canada. Click here for more info.
Also, you can save 15% now on your Plum/Revolution food!  Go to EcoMom and use this code when checking out:  SBBL324, this discount code is good through June.30, 2010.  Thank you EcoMom!!!

Now for our Plum giveaway, courtesy of EcoMom.  

$20 worth of Plum Baby Food!

Please follow and read these RULES

~  Follow EcoMomCEO on twitter, click here
~ Become a fan EcoMom on their Facebook page, click here
~ Follow Mama Ash's blog, Everything Mom and Baby via Google Friend Connect, just click on the Follow button on this blog page
~ Become a fan on Everything Mom and Baby's Facebook page, click here
~ Please leave me your email address under the comment section of this blog post stating that you've done one, two or all of the above
( I am new to this whole world of blogging and have figured out a way to contact you via Google Connect, yes I know...D'uh! You don't have to leave your email address if you don't want to)
~ Contest is open to Canadians and Americans
~ Giveaway ends June. 20, 2010 

Disclaimer:  While Everything Mom and Baby did receive this product courtesy of EcoMom, Everything Mom and Baby was not compensated for reviewing this product and the opinions expressed in this review are clearly that of the blog owner and are not influenced in any way.  This is an honest review of Plum Organic.

WANTED! Toronto Mom Bloggers

Do you know any Toronto Mom Bloggers? Are you a mom blogger and live in the GTA?  We need mom bloggers for an upcoming event at Pistachio. If you want to attend this fun, upcoming event and are a mom blogger please contact Kena for more details at: kparanjape@epistachio.com
If you know a mom blogger, please forward them this link.  Thank you so much!

 

Mother -ease Sandys Diaper Giveaway

 GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED: SEE WINNERS CIRCLE TAB AT THE TOP IF YOU WON!


Everything Mom and Baby is giving away a Mother-ease Sandy Cloth Diaper and Airflow Cover to one lucky parent thanks to the generous people behind Mother-ease.

 Try cloth and enjoy the benefits of cloth diapering.  These are great for overnight or your own heavy wetter, to learn more read my review on Mother-ease Sandy Diaper here

Contest is open to Canadian and American Residents

To enter this giveaway please follow these RULES:

• Answer this question:  Why do you cloth diaper or want to start?
• Follow/Like Mother-ease on Twitter or Facebook and register on their Forum on their website.
• Tweet this giveaway by copying and pasting this:
• @Motherease Enter @MamaAsh77 Sandy's Cloth Diaper giveaway, enter on Everything Mom and Baby! Ends 05/31/10  #clothdiaper #giveaway #eco
• (optional entry)  Follow @MamaAsh on Twitter too or Join me on Facebook
• Not on twitter or facebook?  No worries, follow me via Google Friend Connect on my blog and be one of my many fans! Not sure how? Email me at mamaash77@gmail.com
• Leave me your email address so we can contact you if you win.
• Giveaway ends May.31, 2010

Have you heard about the controversy with the new Pampers Dry Max? Read here to learn more
Since you're already hear, check out this awesome cookbook giveaway! Read here

New Favorite Store- ecoexistence

After a lovely morning meet up with a friend of mine, on my way home I came across a hidden gem on Vaughan Road.
A wonderful store called ecoexistence.  It had Mama Ash written all over it and I couldn't just walk by and not go in?
Kym Klopp owner of the boutique gave me a warm welcome as Charlie and I explored the many eco products her store has to offer.  From Organic bedding, to eco cookware to kids clothing and lunch gear where was I to begin and what was I to buy? 

I love blankets and when I came across lulujo's organic muslin childhood blanket I knew this would be Charlies favorite "blankie" for the stroller and for home.  I want to wrap myself in it, it is so soft and baby wonderful.  It's made of 3 layers organic muslin and the other side is a super comfy organic cotton jersey.  Measures 37"x 37".  Seriously moms, with first touch I was in love( I appreciate quality fabrics, the "designer" in me, I moved to Toronto with hopes of a career in fashion but never furthered it).  It is so comfy and beautiful a treat worth buying to last for many comforting years to come.
Then I wondered around some more and came to the section of food storage and found a great selection for kids lunch bags and boxes.
I think my fave out of the many brands was Kids Konserve. 

It comes with a reusable, waste-free lunch kit.   Included is recycled cotton sack, cloth napkin, 304 food-grade stainless steel beverage bottle, food kozy and two 304 food-grade stainless steel food containers. Lunch Sack is 7" W x 10.5" T x 4.5"
Other great brands at ecoexistence are Laptop Lunches, Lunch Bots and Takeout Without and Untangled Living
Now on the other side of the store I have come across the clothing area and what beatiful styles and quality.  The cutest softest cottons by Sprout from the States and GreenBaby, a fantastic organic line from Jolly 'Ol England.
Organic onesies, handmade toys, bottles and teethers, she sells my fave from Life Factory!!!!  Here shop is awesome and I'm glad I came across it.
It has everything you could possibly want for greener, eco, organic living.

Stop by ecoexistence and say hello to Kym, you're bound to find something you need!
21 Vaughan Road, Unit 103, Toronto,ON
Just South of St.Clair West and West of Bathurst Street.
(Tel)416.652.0808

The Little Paper- Great resource for events in the city to do with your kidlets

For Toronto Familes, I got this great resource newletter at the Children Trunk Show and it has lists of events for familes.
It truly is the best Toronto resource of things to do for all families, not just the young ones!  They are proudly urban and independent.
Bored of the same routine and want something different to do? Check out their weekend cheat sheets.
Read more here on The Little Paper

Recipe of the Day for Toddler- Lovely Soaked Muesli

Soaking the grains and seeds release enzymes that make them easier to digest.  A quick, delicious and nutritious breakfast! (from Sprout Right: Nutrition from Tummy to Toddler)
From the section, Toddler Times-12months and Beyond

Ingredients:

1 cup of oats
1 cup of quinoa flakes
1/2 mixed seeds (flax, sunflower and pumpkin)
1/4 cup dried apricots ( FYI:  I used organic, sulfate free ones)
1/4 cup chopped raisins
Handful chopped dried fruit, nuts or seeds that you like

1. Combine all ingredients and store in an air tight container in the fridge or freezer.
2. To prepare, put a handful of dry mixture into a bowl.  Grate in some apple and cover with your milk of choice.  Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
3. Add extra fresh fruit and milk before serving.  Makes about 3 cups of dry muesli mix.

Nutrional Information:

A good source of magnesium, selenium, iron, vitamin B1, fibre, magnesium, protein, phosophorus, vitamin C and zinc

*Want a copy of this book for yourself?  Enter my current giveaway for this book where I got this recipe. Click here 
Or buy online from this site to go to Amazon.ca, see book on the top right  corner

Recipe of the Day for Baby-Immune Boosting Puree

With Vitamin C in the apples and turnips or rutabaga helps the absorption of iron from the raisins and garlic is an incredible immune booster (from Sprout Right: Nutrition from Tummy to Toddler)
This recipe is from the section 9-12months, Chunkier Meals

Ingredients:

2 apples, peeled cored and chopped into cubes
1 large turnip or medium rutabaga peeled and chopped into cubes
1 parsnip, peeled and chopped into small cubes
1 carrot, peeled and chopped into small cubes
1 clove of garlic
2tbsp of raisins
1 1/2 cups of water

1.Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan
2. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until tender, adding extra water if necessary. Puree to desired consistency, makes about 2 1/2 cups.
Nutritional Information:  A good source of Vitamin C, fibre, calcium, potassium and iron.

* This recipe is from my current book giveaway, Sprout Right: Nutrition from Tummy to Toddler

Want to win a copy of this book?  Click here

 Or buy online from this site to go to Amazon.ca, see book on the top right  corner

Everything Mom and Baby is a Canadian Family Favorite

 I truly hope I don't come off as gloating or bragging but I am super happy to be on Canadian Family's list of their favorite Mom bloggers.
When you get a chance take a look at the link and visit the other blogs on their list too as there are some great ones!  If you're not already following Everything Mom and Baby via Google Friend Connect, what's stopping you?  Say hello and be kept in the loop with everything that has to do with mom and baby!  I don't know why in blogosphere they chose the term "Follow" but it just means you like my blog.
Have a wonderful week everyone, I will be a little MIA as my mom is flying in from Winnipeg tomorrow so it'll be a week of grandma and shopping.....big surprise right? Maybe I'll have some new must haves & shout outs for the great stuff we find at The Children's Trunk Show!
To view the link from Canadian Family, click here

Sprout Right Book Launch- Nutrition from Tummy to Toddler & Book Giveaway!

 I was invited to the Sprout Right book launch last night and since we don't have any family here to babysit (all in Winnipeg) nor do I want to bother our friends with "Can you babysit?" I came with my over rambunctious, cheery, happy, tot.  I let him run loose as Lianne gave me the okay and my night did not stop, thankfully there were other children, okay three, two of them being Lianne's.  I was chasing after him all night... Yes people, that was me. I am Mama Ash and that was Charlie.  As you can see above when Charlie finally got tired out he had to look through our copy of Sprout Right: Nutrition from Tummy to Toddler.  It was a packed event and only managed to get a couple of snippets of pictures as the guests were arriving.

Now enough about me.  I must tell you about about the guest of honour from last nights event, Lianne Phillipson-Webb.  She is the amazing, smart, beautiful mom, nutritionist and owner of her company Sprout Right and now she can add author to her title.

Sprout Right was started with her passion for good food and good health for mom and baby.  She offers personalized one-on-one consultations to address mom’s concerns for you or baby's individual nutritional needs.  If you prefer being in a group Sprout Right does workshops that  cover topics like introducing your baby to solids, making homemade baby food and what to do after puree.

This book is a must have for all new moms as it takes you into prenatal diet with what foods to eat to establish giving baby the best quality of  milk.  She also covers post partum foods and nutrients for you to eat and take to help restore your body.

What else is in her book?  Not all prenatal vitamins being equal, essential foods to avoid while pregnant and nursing, how to shore up baby's immune system and help avoid allergies, breast feeding info and formula feeding info, why we should avoid the baby isle(Baby Mum Mum? No thank you!), DHA and the importance of essential fatty acids for baby's growth and development plus amazing 75 recipes there is so much!   It truly includes great tips for parents from pregnancy to introducing first foods through to toddlerhood.

It is my new favorite and trusted must have resource for all moms.
Husbands, friends, family if you know a mom do get this for her.  Did I tell you she has DVD's on how to make baby food? She doesn't miss a beat. Recipe cards are included she is your expert Nutritionist.
Here are a sneak peak at just a couple of her recipes:
Amazing Sweet Amaranth, Immune Boosting Puree,  Delicious Lentil Dahl,  Pea & Mint Puree

FYI-Pampers Dry Max is under some hot water

 May.5, 2010: OTTAWA - Health Canada has recently received two complaints of rashes that may have resulted from the use of Pampers Dry Max Diapers. Health Canada officials immediately contacted Procter and Gamble to follow up, and the investigation is now ongoing. Health Canada is also aware of the ongoing investigation in the United States, and is working cooperatively with US officials. Health Canada will post additional information as soon as it is available.

      *

On Facebook learn more what parents have experienced:

Pampers Bring Back the old Cruisers/Swaddlers  

Recall Pampers Dry Max Diapers

Boycott P&G and Pampers for chemical burns on little baby's

Moms, there are way better disposable diapers out there other than Pampers.  Prices are comparable to the other brands I am mentioning too. Wholefoods, your natural health/food market probably has them as well.
Check out Delora, they are excellent,  Earths Best is very good too and Presidents Choice Green Diapers are good(Canadian grocer brand).  Chlorine free, latex free, they use a wood pulp that absorbs baby's messes this just to name a couple of things that these brands have to offer.
At least Huggies has an organic range but I think they still use chemical gels for absorbing baby's messes, so they can't really be labeled organic?  Can they?
I found Seventh Generation to leak a lot and fit smaller, so they aren't my favortite.
Think of those chemicals next to your baby's bits and your poor baby suffers in the end with rashes.
Cloth diapers are gentle on baby and the environment, to learn more about disposables/cloths read here
To read more on just some the chemicals used in disposables, read here,  for the CBC news on this topic, read here

TO HELP HEAL THE SKIN:
* Weleda Calendula Oil- Read more here
* To treat baby's diaper rash and as claimed burns and blisters please read this, here to help treat and protect baby's tush.
BRANDS OF DIAPERS, THAT I RECOMMEND:
* More brands on diapers and brands I love( I am not endorsed by any, these were all bought/used by me) read here 

*As of May.7, there has been an update from Health Canada, read here and file your claim
*For Americans you can file your report here

Nourishing Breast Milk by Cheryl Millet

I am happy to have my first guest writer on Everything Mom and Baby.

Cheryl is going to share with you the importance of the right essential fatty acids to give you and baby the best milk because we know.... breast is best.

Enjoy the article and please feel free to contact her and if you like this article please leave me a comment at the bottom.  Happy Reading and thanks for visiting Everything Mom & Baby!

Nourishing Breast Milk!

 

Powerful stuff breast milk…and more nourishing for the baby than a green smoothie!!

Many moons ago and in various cultures, babies/children were breastfed until 5 years old.  Then there was a time when moms were encouraged to take up formulas for convenience…then back to breastfeeding and only several years ago the recommendation was to breastfeed for 4 months, but now it is 6 months according to the Public Health Agency of Canada:

Today, most women are breastfeeding their babies. Breast milk is the best food you can offer your baby. Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend that it should be the only food or drink for the first 6 months of life and after that breastfeeding should continue - with the gradual introduction of solid foods - for 2 years and more.

I totally agree…breast milk is the best food AND even better if the quality is there.  Several years ago, I heard about a thesis on breast milk versus formula, and the outcome was that formula was just as healthy as breast milk…not sure of the details. Let me explain.

 

If I were to build a house, and the raw materials delivered were inferior, then I would expect a house to be sub standard.  What goes into our bodies builds our bodies and builds our breast milk.  Our body is truly a miracle but it cannot produce essential nutrients out of thin air.

 

Preparation and more preparation…

Creating a healthy baby starts with planning…yes you could consider eating healthy before conceiving but let’s focus on the vital nutrition needed to produce nourishing breast milk.

 

The first milk from the breast is the colostrum.  It is rich in amino acids (protein) approx 50% and fatty acids (omegas, specifically DHA and DPA) approx 50%.  The amino acids are vital for the intestinal and immune system development (because 70-80% of the immune system lies in the gut).  The fatty acids are vital for further brain development (including the nervous and hormonal systems.)

 

Certain amino acids and fatty acids are essential which means we must consume them regularly to meet our needs.  To prepare for a healthy baby, one should know that generational we are depleted of omegas and our balance of omega 6 to 3 is out (according to Japanese Researchers, an omega 6 and 3 imbalance is the key reason for all Westernized diseases including the increase in learning disabilities…ask me to email you this info.) 

A healthy omega balance is 1:1 omega 6 to omega 3.  Corn oil is 80:1 and fish oil is on average 10:1. Simply meaning, excess omega 6 in the body causes inflammation which is part of every pain, ache, symptom and disease.  Time to consider a healthy balance of 1:1 healthy omega 6 to healthy omega 3.

 

I have been studying omegas for the past 2 years and it appears that we, woman, are suppose to convert the plant sources of omegas (short chain) from birth (that is if we received healthy fatty acids ourselves) until puberty and store them in our adipose tissues (which is why we have more fat cells) at which time we have babies, and express the long chain fatty acids into the baby during the third trimester and in the colostrum.  The state of the nation is that the majority of women do not have their babies at puberty often, plus we do not convert the short chain fatty acids very well.  In Iridology (the study of the eyes), it wasn’t uncommon to see digestive issues in children.  The digestive issues are the root causes for allergies which are popping up more often and earlier.

 

For starters, I encourage all to consume foods that are raw, whole, organic/natural or fresh/local, and supplements from the same…this is my 5 finger philosophy.

 

For protein, I recommend consuming organic only and search for grass/plant fed animals.  If animals are eating grains, there omega 6 and 3s will not be balanced.  According to Paul Nison, many cultures (and long living people) consume a small amount of animal protein.  Quality is key here!

 

For omegas, I recommend a mammalian source from Auum Inc. as these omegas fit into my philosophy on foods.  Bio available omegas will be easily digested by the body and Auum omegas contain the essential vitamin D3.  www.AuumOmegas.com for information

 

Please check out my blog for more information on omegas and more (enjoy the Barefoot and Healthy! Article…so important for all of us) or check out my Events for upcoming presentations which will provide more details on all of the above.  www.HealthyBalance4You.blogspot.com

 

Look forward to connecting with you, and I enjoy questions and feedback. 

Make it a healthy day for you and baby!

Cheryl Millett BSc NNCP CCIr

HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST . NUTRITION HEALTH COACH . SPEAKER . WRITER

AUUM WELLNESS PRACTITIONER . PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COUNCIL for AUUM INC.

416-413-0345  or 1-866-724-4747

cherylmillett@rogers.com

www.healthybalance4you.com * www.AuumOmegas.com * www.healthybalance4you.blogspot.com

NEW EVENTS: May 17, May 18 ... click here for more info.

Organize Nutrition Education for your workplace or friends.

 

Akumu Ink's Little Monsters: Calling all Goth and Punk Parents!

Akumu Ink is an online t-shirt company based in Montreal, Canada. They are a small two-person company, Joey being the designer and illustrator behind the brand; and Aldora takes care of the business and marketing side of things.  She had contacted me and asked if Everything Mom and Baby would be willing to have Akumu Ink on the blog. 

They print the shirts, ship them out and attend over 10 conventions a year themselves. They so far have a fan base of 1,120 people on Facebook alone and a couple hundred following us on Twitter.
As they are in their 3rd year, Akumu Ink realized that their current customers need something just as cool for their toddlers and babies. So they've expanded their line to add cuter designs fit for children and infants, perfect for parents and cool relatives looking for alternative clothing companies offering quality products for their kids.
Akumu Ink really hopes their online Canadian and International buyers will love these designs just as much as we do. At Akumu Ink they are open to any suggestions from the blog readers on how to improve their designs or the clothes themselves.
I received my shirt yesterday and the cotton t-shirt is from American Apparel and the design is cute for a Dracula hugging teddy bear. I love it and so does my boy as you can see below.
I definitely feel a great giveaway come Halloween!
Check 'em out, Akumu Ink's Little Monsters

Recipe of the Day for Baby-Quinoa Banana Mush

When I saw this on weelicious.com I knew I had to share this with you.  I've seen a lot searches for quinoa recipes on my blog and here's one from one of my favorite yummy mummy's Catherine McCord.
We eat a lot of quinoa in our home so this is a full protein, healthy meal for your little one. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: (Makes 2 Servings)
1/2 Banana
Pinch Cinnamon
3 Tbsp Cooked Quinoa (follow cooking instructions on the packaging)
1 Tbsp Whole Milk Yogurt
1. Place all the banana in a bowl and mash.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Serve.
 * Instead of banana try apple sauce or pureed peaches, blueberries, strawberries etc.  You  have the base of the recipe here so you can explore.  Even try mashed banana with ground chicken in this.

Mother-Ease Diaper Review

 Finally a cloth diaper where I didn't have to clean the bed sheets or his jammies after a nights sleep from my peeing little race horse. 

The Sandy diaper is my new favorite for cloth diapering.  I also have the One Size Cloth diaper( that I bought) and was impressed with Mother Ease, that is how I came about to discover this brand and lead to me to contact them for more info. 

He will cry once in a while at night when he's in a cloth diaper so we switched for night time use to disposables and for the first time I put him in Mother Ease he slept through the night and that was with the One Size Cloth, I also added a hemp prefold from another company.  I was a happy cloth diapering mama as I prefer he sleep in cloth.  If you've read my other posts on diapering you know I am not a fan of what's in disposable diapers.  Read here.

I have a heavy wetter and I mean heavy.  When I was given a chance to review the Sandy Diaper from Mother Ease I was over the moon because I was already impressed with their One Size Cloth.  The  Airflow fitted diaper cover was sent to use with The Sandy, my boy didn't leak through his diaper nor leave the room smelling like pee. The Sandy holds 15oz of liquid, add a liner and your set.  The large Sandy cloth diaper which is what we got is one of the most absorbent cloth diapers ever by Mother Ease. 

From Mother-Ease: "diapers provides your baby with quality, functionality, comfort and most important health benefits.  Mother-ease we go above and beyond.  We control the entire production process from purchasing cotton yarns and having them knit and finished to making cloth diapers and offer organic diapers too"

With the Air Flow fitted diaper covers fitted diapers covers the come with adjustable snaps at the waist and leg openings has an air ventilation system between the snaps, very important so skin can 'breathe'. This allows for maximum air circulation as baby moves and it reduces the risk of bacteria by keeping the temperature inside the diaper down.  Little hands cannot whip these off unlike some velcro brands out there.

I am extremely happy with my Mother Ease diapers as I look forward to trying more like the All in One Cloth diaper, their trainer pants and swim diapers(a must for the summer).  Mother Ease has been around for over 20 years and it is most definitely Everything Mom and Baby recommended. 

For more info on cloth diapers read here 

Recall on Childrens Tylenol and Motrin

Just goes to show you can't really trust anything when it comes to baby and Tylenol has been recalled because of an "excessive" amount of the main medicinal ingredient in the medications formula.
Thankfully I don't use this as I am favorible to homeopathic remedies when it comes to my ailing baby and it works for him.
Here are some links to read about on the latest recall.
Tyelnol, Tylenol Infant, ABC News , Now Public(the links on this site works now)

Jessica & Cohen win the Born Free Eco-Bottle Set!

Congrats to #10 for winning Born Free Eco-Recyclable Bottle Set!
Jessica and Cohen:  said... These contests are so awesome! Thanks for putting them together! :)

I have followed all the rules and would love to be added to the list!

Dice Roller

You rolled 3 dice:

Traditions and a New Baby

Traditions.
Did you have a baby shower before baby or after?  Do you believe in superstitions?
Did you plant a tree?  Name your baby after a family member?
My son was born under a new moon, Libra and year of the Rat(Earth).  Sounds good to me but what does it all mean?
Baby is here, family has come to visit and questions are coming. Personal questions start flowing but I think the two big ones were "Is he circumsized"(yes, I've had people ask me that) and "are you going to baptize? Who are the god parents?" and of course are you breastfeeding, are you going to vaccinate and everything in between.  To me all of the above is no ones business except the decisions between the new parents.
Then traditions come.  Do mom and baby stay home for 40 days(if you're of Eastern Orthodox religion, you know what I mean), does mom fill up on soups and stay home only to be taken care of my her mother or mother in law, does one par take in naming ceremonies?  From all over the world regardless, food, money and folklore is involved.
When my son was born, I stayed home for 40 days, I did the Ukrainian Orthodox thing. Visitors were welcome to come see us.  We had loads of yummy food and of course the Scotch baptism, if you're English/Scottish you may know of this.  You say some sweet words/prayers for the baby and with your finger you put a spot of scotch on the forehead(the 3RD eye) to ward off the evil eye.  My husbands buddies came over and did this.  I think they just wanted to crack open the Glenfarclas 15 year old.
I was not about to bring my new baby out, nor could I really walk but I am so old school when it comes to traditions like this I followed the rules. The only time in my life.
I had soup and varenyky and drank nursing teas filled with milk flowing herbs.  My mom was taking care of me and I was taking care of new, fresh little angel.  Mom was nourishing my body with healing foods to restore my body so I could provide good breast milk and energy to take care of my angel.
After giving birth I was beyond displeased when I was told that I would have to go the doctors office within 2 days of giving birth for a check up.  I'm sorry but doctor house calls need to come back, especially when new moms and baby's are involved
The thought of taking my son out and to a sick office was out of the question. I didn't take him until he was 2 weeks and that was the only time we were out, I stayed indoors for another 2 weeks.  We're happy and healthy and my G.P was fine with it was well.  With no sleep,having just given birth I'm to go out about with a new baby? I don't think so.  I shared my annoyance with her on this and she just smiled and nodded her head.  If anyone by chance is in Parliament and reading this, please bring back house calls for new mothers!!!!!
Here are some links from around the world and I'd love to hear from you.  What are some of your heritage traditions?  Did you eat a special diet after the birth like I did? Seaweed soups? Pork broths to restore your yang?
If you're Dutch, click here , Japanese traditions click here ,  Chinese traditions click here , Welsh traditions click here, Bosnian Muslim click here , Irish traditions click here, Indian click here, Scottish click here , Navajo traditions click here,  Past rituals from Parent.com click here