How to Organize Breast Milk

Nursing mothers who choose to continue breastfeeding after returning to work or mothers who prefer to pump for controversy-free on-the-go feeding often find themselves faced with the daunting task of storing and organizing their expressed breast milk in a way that ensures both freshness and convenience. Organization systems must also be simple enough for a childcare provider to make sense of while you’re out of the home so that they can be sure to feed your baby the earliest milk first. Because the World Health Organization recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives, and fed solid foods to supplement breast milk until the age of one year, it’s of vital importance to your baby’s health that breastfeeding not be abandoned simply because an organization and storage system isn’t achieved. To keep providing your baby with the best possible nourishment for her growing body, take some of these organization and storage tips under consideration.

• Label Everything – Whether you choose to freeze large amounts of expressed breast milk or store bottles in the refrigerator, make sure that every container is labeled with the date and time that it was pumped. For children that attend daycare outside of your home in an environment with other breastfed babies, be sure that her first and last names are also on the bag for ease of identification. Clearly indicating that a particular container belongs to your child is one of the best ways of ensuring that the breast milk isn’t discarded due to confusion and your baby fed formula in your absence.
• Use Proper Storage Containers – Freezing your breast milk is a perfectly acceptable method of storage, but it’s important to use the right containers and methods for the job. Traditional freezer bags may be more likely to leak than those designed specifically for breast milk storage, so springing for the more expensive but more reliable bags may be of more value in the long run. Letting the bags lie flat in your freezer until they’re solid also makes defrosting quicker and easier, as well as creating a flat labeling surface that’s more easily read. Freezing your breast milk in bottles also works, but be sure to leave enough space at the top to accommodate expansion as the liquid freezes. Milk intended for refrigeration should be stored in two to four ounce containers, as they shouldn’t be mixed or saved for later feedings, and larger containers may lead to more waste.
• First In, First Out – Allowing bags of breast milk to freeze on a flat surface not only makes the labels easier to read, it also creates a shape that’s simple to organize in the freezer. Using a small plastic bin, put bags in order by date and sort them upright, similar to books on a shelf. Turn the container so that the oldest milk is facing the front, making sure that the first bag grabbed is the oldest to facilitate a “first in, first out” system. Sort bottles in freezers and refrigerators similar to the method grocery stores use for cow’s milk, with the newest containers in the back and the oldest pushed to the front. This rotation makes it easy for you or a childcare provider to know which container should be used first, eliminating waste and confusion.
• Know Storage Guidelines – Part of keeping your breast milk system organized and functional is knowing exactly how long milk can be frozen or refrigerated before it should be discarded. Ideally, refrigerated milk should be kept no longer than 72 hours, but can be stored for up to eight days if collected carefully, according to La Leche League International. Frozen milk has an ideal shelf life of six months, but is acceptable for use up to one year after being pumped. The first tenet of organization is to cut clutter, so make sure that you periodically check your stash for any milk that should be thrown away, both to free space and to prevent the inadvertent feeding of less-than-fresh milk to your baby.
• Ice Cube Trays – Pouring expressed breast milk into ice cube trays, then emptying trays into freezer-safe bags is a great way to store large amounts of breast milk in small enough increments that you can take only what you need, minimizing waste while consolidating large batches. Be sure to keep the cubes from each day in their own individual bags to prevent date mix-ups.

Part of making sure that your organization system is effective is to maintain it every day; no system works if it’s abandoned. With a bit of discipline and dedication you can keep your baby’s most valuable source of nutrition sorted and well-stocked.
 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Kaitlyn Johnson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:


 http://www.newborncare.com/blog/how-to-organize-breast-milk/

What Nannies Need to Know About Bottle Prep

Nannies that are just beginning their careers, or even experienced childcare providers that haven’t worked with newborns and infants before, are faced with a staggering amount of information they must absorb and retain. Some aspects of baby care, such as diapering or soothing a colicky infant, can be learned through trial and error; others, like safely and properly preparing a bottle, must be done accurately from the beginning in order to keep tiny charges healthy and happy.

Methods for preparing a baby’s bottle vary depending on whether the infant is formula-fed or adhering to the World Health Organization’s recommended diet of breast milk. Mothers that opt to continue breastfeeding after returning to work often choose to pump and store their milk for Baby’s use while they’re out of the home, and breast milk requires different storage and preparation than formula. Some aspects of the process, however, are universal.

Choosing the Right Bottle

Your employers will provide the infant feeding bottles that they have selected, which were likely chosen based on the advice they received from a pediatrician or lactation consultant. Some may choose not to use plastic bottles due to concerns about chemical content and the possible leaching of such substances into formula or breast milk as the bottles are heated. Shape may also be a consideration, especially for the parents of infants that suffer from colic or reflux problems. Nipples come in different shapes and sizes and can have varying flow rates. As a nanny charged with caring for an infant, you should make sure that you only feed her with the bottles that your employer has chosen and that you regularly inspect both bottles and nipples for any signs of cracking, discoloration, or disrepair.

Preparing Formula

Before preparing formula you should wash your hands carefully and thoroughly to avoid any contamination that can lead to illness. Powdered, concentrated, and ready-to-feed formulas should all be checked for a past expiration date, which should be stamped conspicuously on the packaging. Follow your employers’ instructions regarding the type of water that you use for powdered or concentrated formulas, as some may object to the use of tap water or unsterilized bottled water. Following the preparation instructions on the container to the letter is of the utmost importance, regardless of which type of formula the infant that you’re caring for is fed. Diluting formula more than you’re instructed by the manufacturer to make it go farther or last longer can lead to malnutrition and a host of related health woes, as the formulas are specifically designed to provide the best possible alternative to breast milk. Diluted formula contains significantly lower levels of nutrients, so it’s imperative that all formulas are mixed to the manufacturer’s specifications. Make sure that the lids of cans are clean and free of dust or other debris, and that you also use a clean can opener.

Preparing Expressed Breast Milk

Your employer should chill any breast milk pumped for later use; surplus stores of milk should be frozen to prevent spoilage. Breast milk is best used within 24 hours of pumping and chilling, but any milk that’s been in the refrigerator for more than 72 hours should be discarded.

Frozen breast milk should be thawed in the refrigerator, or by placing the frozen container into warm water; thawed milk should never be refrozen, and bottles of breast milk shouldn’t be saved for future feedings. To warm chilled breast milk, La Leche League suggests that bottles be immersed in a pan or bowl of heated water rather than heated directly on the stove. Breast milk shouldn’t be boiled, and may also separate into layers during storage. These defined layers of milk and cream are normal, and are not a sign of spoilage; simply swirl or shake gently to mix the bottle’s contents before a feeding.

To Microwave or Not to Microwave?

There’s no denying the convenience and time-saving potential of a microwave oven for heating foods and beverages; however, nannies and parents aren’t typically advised to use them for warming either formula or breast milk before a feeding. In addition to creating “hot spots” that can burn the delicate tissues of an infant’s mouth, microwaving can also negatively impact the nutrient content. If you must use a microwave, be sure to shake the bottle to redistribute the fluid and eliminate any possible hot spots; testing the temperature of the formula or breast milk to ensure that it’s safe for Baby’s mouth is also important.

Check with your employers to determine whether or not their pediatrician has suggested that bottles, nipples, and other equipment be sterilized before each feeding, and to ask any questions that you may have in relation to their child’s feeding schedule or regarding any special dietary needs.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by  Martina Keyhell. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.becomeananny.com/blog/what-nannies-need-to-know-about-bottle-prep/

About Different Types of Infant Formula

While breastmilk is the most nutritious and healthy choice that parents can make for their new baby’s diet, there are times when breastfeeding simply isn’t feasible. When medical conditions, personal choice or other circumstances require that your infant be fed formula, the vast array of options on the market can be staggering. Commercially available infant formula comes in several forms, and contents vary based on the specific requirements of an infant with special dietary needs.

Preparations

There are three common infant formula preparations commercially available today: powder, liquid concentrate and ready-to-use. Powder formula is often chosen due to its relatively low price and is favored by earth-conscious new parents due to the fact that powdered formula cans take up less room in transit, and in the garbage. It does, however, require a bit more time and concentration to prepare, which might be less than ideal for 2 A.M. feedings. Powdered infant formulas are designed for parents and caregivers to mix only the amount needed for a specific feeding, which help sin reducing waste. Cans generally have a one-month shelf life after they’ve been opened.

Liquid concentrate infant formula is more expensive than the powdered variety, but almost always cheaper than its ready-to-use counterparts. Preparation typically requires parents or caregivers only to mix equal parts of the concentrate and water, which makes the process a bit less labor-intensive than preparing a powdered formula variety. Like ready-to-use products, liquid concentrate formula is commercially sterile when it arrives in your home.

Ready-to-use or ready-to-feed formulas are generally the most expensive commercial option, but they require no mixing or measuring. Parents or caregivers that are concerned about access to safe, clean water to mix a powdered or concentrated formula can opt for ready-to-use because it eliminates such worries. Containers of ready-to-use formula require more space for storage, as well as more room in landfills if consumers don’t have access to recycling programs. Furthermore, the formula only has a shelf-life of 48 hours after opening, and may be more likely to stain than other feeding options.

Types of Available Formula

In addition to the three main forms that infant formula is available in, there are a variety of options regarding nutritional content and allergens. Parents should speak with their pediatrician before switching an infant’s formula, but should also have a basic idea of the different options on the market.

The most common type of commercially available infant formula is cow’s milk based, though the proteins are altered in order to make it easier for babies to digest. As a general rule, babies tend to thrive on a diet of cow’s milk based formula; carbohydrates, protein and fat levels are balanced almost perfectly for the majority of tiny tummies.

Some infants may have difficulty digesting cow’s milk formulas, or parents that are hesitant to place their new baby on a diet that contains animal proteins. In such cases, soy-based formula may be the best option. Lactose intolerant babies also do better with soy-based formula, which is also often suggested to the parents of colicky babies. Evidence supporting claims that soy-based formula improves symptoms of colic is largely anecdotal, however. Roughly half of babies that have milk allergies are also allergic to soy, so be prepared for the chance that a switch to soy-based formula makes no discernible difference.

Babies that have a number of allergies or aren’t able to absorb the nutrients in formula well may benefit from being switched to an extensively hydrolyzed formula, in which the proteins have been broken down into smaller parts. These formulas may also be suggested by your pediatrician if your child is suffering from eczema or other irritating skin conditions.

Low-birth weight and premature babies require specialized formulas that are higher in protein and calories than other varieties, containing medium-chain triglycerides that are more easily absorbed than other fats. Formulas thickened with rice starch are generally suggested for babies with reflux problems, which often aid in the prevention of reflux symptoms.

While the advertising budgets of nationally recognized infant formula brands may help to boost their visibility, they do not contribute to improving the quality or nutritive value of the formulas themselves. Because infant formula is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, generic brands are held to the same standards as their designer counterparts; more often than not, parents shelling out extra money for name-brand formula are only paying for that name. Comparing the ingredients and nutrition information on the labels, parents can make an informed and frugal decision about the formula to feed their brand new bundle of joy.

 P.S. This post was created and proposed to me for publication by Kaitlyn Johnson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.newborncare.com/blog/about-different-types-of-infant-formula/

5 High Protein Snack Ideas for Kids

 According to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, the protein needs in children change and increase as they get older.  For instance, a child 2 to 3 years old requires 13 to 50g of protein per day and a child 4 to 8 years of age requires 30 to 90g per day.  Once kids get to be 9 to 13 years of age, boys need more protein than girls, with boys needing 40 to 120g and girls needing 35 to 105g.  Protein makes up about 45% of the human body and is essential for good health, so it’s important to make sure that kids fulfill their recommended daily intake.  To help your child reach their daily requirement of protein here are some tasty high protein snacks.

1. Hummus with pita chips is a high protein snack.  You can buy premade hummus or you can make your own at home.  To make your own, combine 1 can of chick peas, ¼ cup of olive oil, 1 T. of lemon juice, and 1 t. of cumin in a food processor.  Blend all of the ingredients together until they have a smooth and creamy texture.  To make your own pita chips, take 4 pitas and split them open so you have a single layer of bread. Cut each piece into wedges (6 to 8 per pita).  Brush the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and dried oregano if you like.  Spread the chips into a single layer on two baking sheets and bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned.
2. Banana with chocolate hazelnut spread makes a tasty, protein-rich snack.  Cut a banana in half and dip one end into the hazelnut spread to coat it, and then dip it into some chopped nuts to cover the spread. When you add the 2 T of chocolate hazelnut spread and 1 oz. of chopped peanuts to the banana, the snack clocks in with a whopping 10g of protein. This snack is very versatile and you can change it up according to your child’s tastes.  If your child doesn’t care for nuts, or has a nut allergy, coconut makes a good substitute. If you want to have a sweet treat you can dip the banana in mini chocolate chips.
3. Smoothies make a quick protein laden snack, and are perfect for breakfasts on the go.  Blend your choice of frozen and fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, protein powder (optional), and some juice or milk in the blender.  If you use all fresh fruit add about a cup of ice to the blender. Be sure to use Greek yogurt in place of regular yogurt because it has twice the protein.  If you make the smoothie with a cup of Greek yogurt, fruit, juice, and a full scoop of protein powder it will contain 45g of protein.  (Protein powder is best consumed first thing in the morning or after exercise.)
4. Protein filled yogurt parfaits feel like you’re eating a decadent dessert.  In a clear bowl layer sliced strawberries, vanilla Greek yogurt, and some sliced almonds or granola.  Repeat for additional layers.  Feel free to change up the fruit to take advantage of what is available seasonally or to what your child prefers.  Bananas are available year round and add a healthy dose of potassium to the parfait.  If you use 1 cup of Greek yogurt and ¼ cup of almonds your parfait will have 30g of protein. 
5. Sliced apples, peanut butter, and a cup of milk pack a high protein punch.  Pairing peanut butter with an apple will create a satisfying snack, and having a glass of milk to wash it all down makes it the perfect nutritional powerhouse for kids. With an apple, 2 T of peanut butter, and 1 cup of milk your snack would have 16g of protein.
   

P.S. This post was created and proposed to me for publication by Sophie Leake. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more:

 http://www.aupaircare.net/blog/5-high-protein-snack-ideas-for-kids/