This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Contact forms generated by 123ContactForm
Breadwinner and Breadmaker
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Where's Sophie 8? Find her & win a Sophie Saver!
Week 8 - Where is Sophie hiding? Can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning a handy Sophie Saver?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Looking forward to swimming later!
It's nice to have things to look forward to and I truly do love going for a swim with my son at a local (ish) pool!
Swimming is great excercise and it is such an important life skill and my little guy just loves it so much I always enjoy our Friday swim.
I am looking forward to the summer and taking my neighbours up on their offer of using their pool. How great will it be not having to plan the trip down to the last detail, packing everything in the bag we need, snacks and drinks just in case, working it around nap time and the very tight timeline that I can bring a baby to swim, as most places cater to a morning baby routine (all the places with the nice warm pools!)
The idea of heading next door, with a few supplies and maybe some back up stuff our side of the hedge in case, have a swim then it's home for nap time 5 minutes later!
This feels a long way away with the recent snow that is covering the ground, but the warm sun is still giving me hope!
Swimming is great excercise and it is such an important life skill and my little guy just loves it so much I always enjoy our Friday swim.
I am looking forward to the summer and taking my neighbours up on their offer of using their pool. How great will it be not having to plan the trip down to the last detail, packing everything in the bag we need, snacks and drinks just in case, working it around nap time and the very tight timeline that I can bring a baby to swim, as most places cater to a morning baby routine (all the places with the nice warm pools!)
The idea of heading next door, with a few supplies and maybe some back up stuff our side of the hedge in case, have a swim then it's home for nap time 5 minutes later!
This feels a long way away with the recent snow that is covering the ground, but the warm sun is still giving me hope!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Where's Sophie 7? Find her & win a Sophie Saver!
Week 7 - Where is Sophie hiding? Can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning a handy Sophie Saver?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Contact forms generated by 123ContactForm
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spring feels like it has sprung!
There have been a few days where we felt the warmth of a spring like sun, only to be rewarded with snow or rain for the next few days, but this feels like it!
A lovely red cardinal was just outside my office window - he perched and looked at me long and hard and I got the feeling he's thinking the same thing!
Yippee I love spring, all the promise of things to grow in the garden, the warm walks with my husband and son, feeling the sun on my face!
Yep you're not going to get much more sense out of me today. Right on with some work and then out to play in the sun! :)
A lovely red cardinal was just outside my office window - he perched and looked at me long and hard and I got the feeling he's thinking the same thing!
Yippee I love spring, all the promise of things to grow in the garden, the warm walks with my husband and son, feeling the sun on my face!
Yep you're not going to get much more sense out of me today. Right on with some work and then out to play in the sun! :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sprout, sprout...let it all out
The wonder of sprouts, winter is still here, the snow banks are receeding, but it is still too soon to eat freshly grown food.... or is it?!
I've always marvelled at the power of sprouts, sometimes in as little as 3-5 days you can be harvesting nutritionally packed sprouted seeds. If you think about these seeds they have all the ability to grow into a fully grown 'plant' and you can reap the rewards and eat them as nutritionally dense sprouts.
These have been staples on our table for a number of years, either added into sandwiches, soups, stirfries, stews - or just a handful as a snack, or side salad! There is something rewarding in eating freshly grown food before even the snow drops have emerged and when your larder contents of preserved goodies is dwindling!
Start off by rinsing and soaking the seeds, I often just rinse then soak overnight in a bowl - it works for me, but there is more than one way to sprout a seed!
You can buy or make a number of different sprouters for your home, using mason jars with a muslin or other lid that allows you to drain off excess water.
Depending on your family's appetite will depend on whether you want to increase these quantities:
Using one or two tablespoons of sprout seeds in a jar or bowl, cover it with muslin or netting and rubber band. Wash, rinse and drain the seed, then add a cup of water and soak for 2 to 4 hours (I often soak overnight), then in the morning drain off the water. Rinse and drain morning and night for 2 or 3 days, sometimes after one day I spread them onto the sprouter container picture above, however you can just sprout them in the jar if you wish..
At a time when we are advised to eat less meat and dairy, this is an excellent source of protein. Beans and grains are excellent for sprouting as they are high in protein, low in fat, high in fiber and with no cholesterol. Don't worry - when the seeds sprout some of the starches are converted into simple sugars and therefore make it easier to digest.
Some of my favourite sprouts are mung beans, radish sprouts, buckwheat, red adzuki, broccoli, chia, quinoa, cress (I always think back to the fascinating cress growing experiment we did in school when I sprout cress!) Gosh I could keep going.. however this company supplies an excellent range of sprouts.
Oh yeah and and soybeans, the sprouted soybean has wonderful nitritional properties - it offers very high levels of the B-complex Vitamins, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Often termed as 'baby vegetables' they grow incredibly quickly and year round. The actual yield is great approximately one pound of alfalfa seed will result in about ten to fourteen pounds of fresh edible greens.
You can also sprout nuts and this is something I have longed to try and will report back when I have (that plus fermented food - you may say yuk - but this is how Sauerkraut is traditonally made.)
I could easily go on for ages about sprouts, but will just provide the below references. I also nearly went off on one with a secondary piece on growing food in small places... but that's for another day!
Sprout nutrition
The value of sprouts article.
Enjoy!
I've always marvelled at the power of sprouts, sometimes in as little as 3-5 days you can be harvesting nutritionally packed sprouted seeds. If you think about these seeds they have all the ability to grow into a fully grown 'plant' and you can reap the rewards and eat them as nutritionally dense sprouts.
These have been staples on our table for a number of years, either added into sandwiches, soups, stirfries, stews - or just a handful as a snack, or side salad! There is something rewarding in eating freshly grown food before even the snow drops have emerged and when your larder contents of preserved goodies is dwindling!
Start off by rinsing and soaking the seeds, I often just rinse then soak overnight in a bowl - it works for me, but there is more than one way to sprout a seed!
You can buy or make a number of different sprouters for your home, using mason jars with a muslin or other lid that allows you to drain off excess water.
Depending on your family's appetite will depend on whether you want to increase these quantities:
Using one or two tablespoons of sprout seeds in a jar or bowl, cover it with muslin or netting and rubber band. Wash, rinse and drain the seed, then add a cup of water and soak for 2 to 4 hours (I often soak overnight), then in the morning drain off the water. Rinse and drain morning and night for 2 or 3 days, sometimes after one day I spread them onto the sprouter container picture above, however you can just sprout them in the jar if you wish..
At a time when we are advised to eat less meat and dairy, this is an excellent source of protein. Beans and grains are excellent for sprouting as they are high in protein, low in fat, high in fiber and with no cholesterol. Don't worry - when the seeds sprout some of the starches are converted into simple sugars and therefore make it easier to digest.
Some of my favourite sprouts are mung beans, radish sprouts, buckwheat, red adzuki, broccoli, chia, quinoa, cress (I always think back to the fascinating cress growing experiment we did in school when I sprout cress!) Gosh I could keep going.. however this company supplies an excellent range of sprouts.
Oh yeah and and soybeans, the sprouted soybean has wonderful nitritional properties - it offers very high levels of the B-complex Vitamins, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Often termed as 'baby vegetables' they grow incredibly quickly and year round. The actual yield is great approximately one pound of alfalfa seed will result in about ten to fourteen pounds of fresh edible greens.
You can also sprout nuts and this is something I have longed to try and will report back when I have (that plus fermented food - you may say yuk - but this is how Sauerkraut is traditonally made.)
I could easily go on for ages about sprouts, but will just provide the below references. I also nearly went off on one with a secondary piece on growing food in small places... but that's for another day!
Sprout nutrition
The value of sprouts article.
Enjoy!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Where's Sophie 6? Find her & win a Sophie Saver!
Week 6 - Where is Sophie hiding? Can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning a handy Sophie Saver?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Contact forms generated by 123ContactForm
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday is swim day!
Friday is swim day in our house!
Ever since my little boy was 8 weeks old I introduced him to swimming, whenever I hear of tragedies where someone's angel was taken too soon as a result of drowning I firm my resolve to ensure that my children grow up to be strong, confident swimmers.
I used to be a good swimmer, but had a sailing accident a number of years ago, that understandably put me off water, but I can swim and I owe my little guy the chance to love the water and to always be able to take care of himself.
My apologies for drifting down that path - I love swim day! I only wish more pools were accessible for mums and babies after 1pm. Working in the morning and most other babies taking long afternoon naps means our local pools are not normally open to babies in the afternoon!
So when Friday rolls around it's a fun day (afternoon) we head to the pool for almost an hour of swim time fun. Each time I am amazed at the extra reserves of energy he shows and if they didn't close when they do - I am sure he'd stay much longer!
Whilst there are classes that can teach you and your baby various techniques and with safe guidance you can 'dunk' your baby - again they seem to be alluding us and in the mornings! However 2 to 3 years old is when proper swim lessons will be more appropriate - for now it is just fun time for us!
There is no right age to start swimming with your baby, depending on how sensitive to noise your little bundle is may depend on how soon you want to go, or whether you just pick the quiet times.
My boy has come a long way from our first dip where he clung to me with all his might, he now sits in a 'floatie' (I'd love to know the real name for this wonderful device) it has a rope line to it and I can swim and tow him at the same time and he doesn't mind the distance from me anymore!
We always make swim time like playing in a giant bath - with floating toys, making whooshing sounds and generally clapping and squealing! The life guards love his love of the water!
I know the life guards are great at the pool and very vigilant but I always make a point of saying hello - just so they see us and know where we are. (The first time I asked one stand by the edge of the pool the whole time we were there - I asked nicely and I got the feeling I wasn't the first 1st time mum she had encountered!)
It is important that you feel confident and so your baby feels your confidence too!
My least favourite time is the getting dry and dressed at the end when energy levels are depleted all round - I take a bottle, snacks & toys as a distraction, but I still find myself rushed by my fractious angel. I long for the summer when heading outside is not a cold blast and so there are less layers for baby and me!
Ever since my little boy was 8 weeks old I introduced him to swimming, whenever I hear of tragedies where someone's angel was taken too soon as a result of drowning I firm my resolve to ensure that my children grow up to be strong, confident swimmers.
I used to be a good swimmer, but had a sailing accident a number of years ago, that understandably put me off water, but I can swim and I owe my little guy the chance to love the water and to always be able to take care of himself.
My apologies for drifting down that path - I love swim day! I only wish more pools were accessible for mums and babies after 1pm. Working in the morning and most other babies taking long afternoon naps means our local pools are not normally open to babies in the afternoon!
So when Friday rolls around it's a fun day (afternoon) we head to the pool for almost an hour of swim time fun. Each time I am amazed at the extra reserves of energy he shows and if they didn't close when they do - I am sure he'd stay much longer!
Whilst there are classes that can teach you and your baby various techniques and with safe guidance you can 'dunk' your baby - again they seem to be alluding us and in the mornings! However 2 to 3 years old is when proper swim lessons will be more appropriate - for now it is just fun time for us!
There is no right age to start swimming with your baby, depending on how sensitive to noise your little bundle is may depend on how soon you want to go, or whether you just pick the quiet times.
My boy has come a long way from our first dip where he clung to me with all his might, he now sits in a 'floatie' (I'd love to know the real name for this wonderful device) it has a rope line to it and I can swim and tow him at the same time and he doesn't mind the distance from me anymore!
We always make swim time like playing in a giant bath - with floating toys, making whooshing sounds and generally clapping and squealing! The life guards love his love of the water!
I know the life guards are great at the pool and very vigilant but I always make a point of saying hello - just so they see us and know where we are. (The first time I asked one stand by the edge of the pool the whole time we were there - I asked nicely and I got the feeling I wasn't the first 1st time mum she had encountered!)
It is important that you feel confident and so your baby feels your confidence too!
My least favourite time is the getting dry and dressed at the end when energy levels are depleted all round - I take a bottle, snacks & toys as a distraction, but I still find myself rushed by my fractious angel. I long for the summer when heading outside is not a cold blast and so there are less layers for baby and me!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Healthy snacks on the go
I do feel lucky that so far my little one hasn't tasted chocolate or ice cream, but as he gets older he will be exposed more and more to 'convenient' and less than healthy food options.
Whilst he is only 9 months I can ensure that his taste buds stay used to healthy foods and therefore healthy snacks too. I have found that his taste buds have been 'educated' to enjoy home made (& sometimes home grown) foods - to the point where when recently travelling he wouldn't eat the pure organic jar food I had purchased! I can mainly put this down to the heat treating etc that is required to preserve these products.
As inconvenient as it was, I made sure at our destination that I already had sweet potatoes, an ice cube tray and ziploc bags - so hunger was dealt with! This does give me some hope that until other kids birthday parties, sleep overs etc take place that I can do as much as I can to continue to encourage my son's taste buds to like home made nutritious foods & snacks.
Getting caught somewhere longer than you expected can cause the best of intentions to be diverted - I know this when the other day my hunger pangs forced me to visit 'the golden arches' for the first time in over 2 years (not sure the exact length of time - but at least 2 years!) I ate salty fries in front of my son and my hunger pangs led way to guilt pangs as I do believe that I should lead by example! This event has led me to write this article, which I had been wanting to cover for some time. So with a little planning: disasters can be averted. (Yes - I need to head my examples for take along healthy snacks for my son - for myself!)
I do carry in all diaper and other bags a few baby mum mums, at my in laws house I have put a few packets at the back of the cupboard (I am not saying unhealthy food is on offer there as that is not the case, it's just good to have a stash in case plans change!) When heading out for the day if it's the kind of day with lots of errands that an unplanned nap during them could throw the day off course I take along extra foods in a small tupperware. For example some chopped up steamed carrots or other healthy veg or fruit snack - I keep a bag of these in the freezer too, which work great on sore teething gums! (I let them thaw, but when they are still nice and cool - I offer them. I never chop or give them in small circles as they could be a choking hazard.) See choking prevention advice.
I am looking forward to when my wee one is a little older to give him dried fruits as a snack, I experimented last year with different apples (& other fruits) and techniques in the dehydrator, it went great and it's a very cost effective way to go, whilst ensuring you always have healthy fruit snacks! As an aside I am quite sure if I gave them to my boy now (& for that matter if I fed him steak now) he would gladly wolf them down! But my issues on moving through stages too soon are for another day, as will there be an article on dehydrating, around Sept time! [My son already has 6 teeth and a love of food and has always been ready for the next stage, before I was.]
There are many manufactured baby snacks and some are better than others - check sodium, sugar, preservatives and colours and make your choice. I know many a child that has snacked on regular cheerios - which is fine, however you can get organic whole wheat O's instead. These are more costly, so I use the dispenser cup with dividers in, so only a small amount are in each section - so that if there is a spill, or they don't get eaten very quickly - the majority are in the original packaging and kept fresh. It does mean most days checking the diaper bag for supplies and maybe topping up, but it reduces any waste.
At home I occasionally make some Jello - which can be good for unsettled tummies and also good to help get fruit into the diet of kids who may not be keen on it. I am not talking packet stuff - organic gelatin sheets, which are easy to make and I will supply a recipe later. This is a fast and easy to serve (fun) food that you can pull out for snack time - you can take this in a small container on the go, but it easier to eat when in a chair and properly equipped - with wipes etc!
For normal meals I usually have made and thawed something ahead of time (which I can take in tupperware out and about), if I am doing a family dinner with broccoli etc, I make some extra then mash or puree it and serve fresh and warm. (Steaming or sautéing is the healthiest way to cook veggies.) If you would like to download my easy baby foods pdf - click here.
Not only will making snacks ahead of time, save worries, time, money and potentially eating unhealthy food, it provides an excellent opportunity for portion control! For other frugal advice I have a previous article you can read.
Think drinks, juice etc and take bottled water - in reusable bottles. Stopping somewhere to purchase sugar loaded drinks is not only a pain - it's a sweet ladden minefield that is best avoided!
I do believe that with the groundwork laid down now, through toddlerhood and early school years it will stand my boy in good stead when it comes to culinary choices. I also do believe that maternal nutrition is very important too. However as I know from my own pregnancy that I spent almost the whole 9 months barely able to keep food down and I still have a robust, healthy boy with a love of food. So it is not essential, but I feel that the more you can do during pregnancy to treat your body and therefore your growing baby to healthy balanced meals and snacks, the better.
If you have questions, comments or tips - do get in touch!
Whilst he is only 9 months I can ensure that his taste buds stay used to healthy foods and therefore healthy snacks too. I have found that his taste buds have been 'educated' to enjoy home made (& sometimes home grown) foods - to the point where when recently travelling he wouldn't eat the pure organic jar food I had purchased! I can mainly put this down to the heat treating etc that is required to preserve these products.
As inconvenient as it was, I made sure at our destination that I already had sweet potatoes, an ice cube tray and ziploc bags - so hunger was dealt with! This does give me some hope that until other kids birthday parties, sleep overs etc take place that I can do as much as I can to continue to encourage my son's taste buds to like home made nutritious foods & snacks.
Getting caught somewhere longer than you expected can cause the best of intentions to be diverted - I know this when the other day my hunger pangs forced me to visit 'the golden arches' for the first time in over 2 years (not sure the exact length of time - but at least 2 years!) I ate salty fries in front of my son and my hunger pangs led way to guilt pangs as I do believe that I should lead by example! This event has led me to write this article, which I had been wanting to cover for some time. So with a little planning: disasters can be averted. (Yes - I need to head my examples for take along healthy snacks for my son - for myself!)
I do carry in all diaper and other bags a few baby mum mums, at my in laws house I have put a few packets at the back of the cupboard (I am not saying unhealthy food is on offer there as that is not the case, it's just good to have a stash in case plans change!) When heading out for the day if it's the kind of day with lots of errands that an unplanned nap during them could throw the day off course I take along extra foods in a small tupperware. For example some chopped up steamed carrots or other healthy veg or fruit snack - I keep a bag of these in the freezer too, which work great on sore teething gums! (I let them thaw, but when they are still nice and cool - I offer them. I never chop or give them in small circles as they could be a choking hazard.) See choking prevention advice.
I am looking forward to when my wee one is a little older to give him dried fruits as a snack, I experimented last year with different apples (& other fruits) and techniques in the dehydrator, it went great and it's a very cost effective way to go, whilst ensuring you always have healthy fruit snacks! As an aside I am quite sure if I gave them to my boy now (& for that matter if I fed him steak now) he would gladly wolf them down! But my issues on moving through stages too soon are for another day, as will there be an article on dehydrating, around Sept time! [My son already has 6 teeth and a love of food and has always been ready for the next stage, before I was.]
There are many manufactured baby snacks and some are better than others - check sodium, sugar, preservatives and colours and make your choice. I know many a child that has snacked on regular cheerios - which is fine, however you can get organic whole wheat O's instead. These are more costly, so I use the dispenser cup with dividers in, so only a small amount are in each section - so that if there is a spill, or they don't get eaten very quickly - the majority are in the original packaging and kept fresh. It does mean most days checking the diaper bag for supplies and maybe topping up, but it reduces any waste.
At home I occasionally make some Jello - which can be good for unsettled tummies and also good to help get fruit into the diet of kids who may not be keen on it. I am not talking packet stuff - organic gelatin sheets, which are easy to make and I will supply a recipe later. This is a fast and easy to serve (fun) food that you can pull out for snack time - you can take this in a small container on the go, but it easier to eat when in a chair and properly equipped - with wipes etc!
For normal meals I usually have made and thawed something ahead of time (which I can take in tupperware out and about), if I am doing a family dinner with broccoli etc, I make some extra then mash or puree it and serve fresh and warm. (Steaming or sautéing is the healthiest way to cook veggies.) If you would like to download my easy baby foods pdf - click here.
Not only will making snacks ahead of time, save worries, time, money and potentially eating unhealthy food, it provides an excellent opportunity for portion control! For other frugal advice I have a previous article you can read.
Think drinks, juice etc and take bottled water - in reusable bottles. Stopping somewhere to purchase sugar loaded drinks is not only a pain - it's a sweet ladden minefield that is best avoided!
I do believe that with the groundwork laid down now, through toddlerhood and early school years it will stand my boy in good stead when it comes to culinary choices. I also do believe that maternal nutrition is very important too. However as I know from my own pregnancy that I spent almost the whole 9 months barely able to keep food down and I still have a robust, healthy boy with a love of food. So it is not essential, but I feel that the more you can do during pregnancy to treat your body and therefore your growing baby to healthy balanced meals and snacks, the better.
If you have questions, comments or tips - do get in touch!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Where's Sophie 5? Find her & win a Sophie Saver!
Week 5 - Where is Sophie hiding? Can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning a handy Sophie Saver?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Contact forms generated by 123ContactForm
Monday, March 7, 2011
Benefits of baby massage
The calming power of touch - from the moment our wee ones arrive into the world, contact with mum and dad can be the most reassuring thing ever! From the second my son was placed on my chest and we had a lovely long cuddle ‘direct contact’ has always been key!
As a baby he was a long and skinny and I would love tracing the outside of him and tickle his beautiful soft skin and make him giggle. I longed to feel more co-ordinated in my approach to this contact, so took a local course in baby massage. Apart from learning these wonderful skills and gaining confidence in my contact with my son - it was a special hour a week with my baby just focussed on relaxed fun!
A fellow classmate was there with her second child and she was taking the time out whilst Gran and Grandpa watched her first child, so that she would have this special time with baby number two. (As a second child myself I can really see the importance of this - but this is just an aside.)
Baby massage has been practised for centuries by many different cultures as babies all understand the shared language of touch! We as adults understand the benefits of a massage for a bad back or aching joints, just as we benefit - so do our infants.
There is a great shared bond that develops as a parent and child enjoy discovering the various likes and dislikes, sensitivities (tickly feet) etc. Here are some basics - you can find more resources on you tube as this is quite a visual subject.
Timing is important - firstly you need to have the time to be able to indulge in this wonderful activity, but also you need to find a time when your baby is not hungry or too tired etc. I found that just before bath time was great and allowed me to wash off the oil, or if we'd been out and not had the time before bath, then after the bath and whilst applying moisturiser.
Olive oil (and in my opinion high quality and organic) is best. Oil makes it easier to gently move your hands over your baby, it's natural and with no over stimulating aroma's. The less extra products or synthetic ingredients the less chance your baby's skin will get irritated. (You don't want to get me started on the ‘nasties’ in skincare products... that's for another article!)
A warm, dimly light room is my recommendation, don't massage too soon after a feed, allow 20mins or more if you baby is happy to continue, if your baby isn't used to it - consider starting with just a 5 to 10 minute massage and build up each day - as it can be too much stimulation for some little ones.
Sit, or kneel comfortably, with baby on a big soft towel and most importantly have baby totally undressed - I haven't met a baby yet who in a warm room doesn't love naked time! Start on baby's tummy, with reassuring eye contact that this is fun and safe.
Start with your fingers at baby's chest height, palm laying softly on baby's tummy, glide your hands to the top of the shoulders, then at the shoulders, stroke down and along the both the arms at the same time. There is an arm 'wringing' maneuver - but I don't quite feel comfortable describing that one in case of misunderstanding. Then work on the hands slowly and gently, stroking the palms, massaging them open, then stroke along each finger from the hand towards the tip.
There are a number of strokes that you can do across the abdomen, but I will let you either gently play and make them up yourself, or look them up on google and you tube as I am wordy at the best of times and don't wish to over describe them!
Then once you move from the abdomen, work on each leg separately: with one hand lightly hold your baby at the ankle (by now mine is usually wriggling a lot so sometimes I would have to hold him tighter than others!) Place your free hand across the top of baby's leg with your finger tips pointing inward and fan down the leg with your fingertips apart as you move down. There is a similar wringing movement here for the leg... my guy loved it so it is worth investigating!
Then onto the feet - some babies do not like their feet being massaged. With your thumb firmly (but gently) placed on the sole, make small circular motions outward and downward, stopping if your baby is not enjoying it. You can circle the edges of the feet next and then like with the hands, give each toe a gentle stroke.
You can add in a lot more and make up what feels right to you and your baby as long - as it is relaxing for them. It is always good to have a finishing set of movements, to wind things up and to let baby know that the massage is coming to an end. Using your whole hand, palm flat on baby's belly, stroke diagonally downwards towards the left hip, then down the left leg, then from the left shoulder to the right ankle, repeat these twice and firmly but gently!
Most of all you and your baby should be enjoying this. Any questions, comments or advice - let us know!
As a baby he was a long and skinny and I would love tracing the outside of him and tickle his beautiful soft skin and make him giggle. I longed to feel more co-ordinated in my approach to this contact, so took a local course in baby massage. Apart from learning these wonderful skills and gaining confidence in my contact with my son - it was a special hour a week with my baby just focussed on relaxed fun!
A fellow classmate was there with her second child and she was taking the time out whilst Gran and Grandpa watched her first child, so that she would have this special time with baby number two. (As a second child myself I can really see the importance of this - but this is just an aside.)
Baby massage has been practised for centuries by many different cultures as babies all understand the shared language of touch! We as adults understand the benefits of a massage for a bad back or aching joints, just as we benefit - so do our infants.
There is a great shared bond that develops as a parent and child enjoy discovering the various likes and dislikes, sensitivities (tickly feet) etc. Here are some basics - you can find more resources on you tube as this is quite a visual subject.
Timing is important - firstly you need to have the time to be able to indulge in this wonderful activity, but also you need to find a time when your baby is not hungry or too tired etc. I found that just before bath time was great and allowed me to wash off the oil, or if we'd been out and not had the time before bath, then after the bath and whilst applying moisturiser.
Olive oil (and in my opinion high quality and organic) is best. Oil makes it easier to gently move your hands over your baby, it's natural and with no over stimulating aroma's. The less extra products or synthetic ingredients the less chance your baby's skin will get irritated. (You don't want to get me started on the ‘nasties’ in skincare products... that's for another article!)
A warm, dimly light room is my recommendation, don't massage too soon after a feed, allow 20mins or more if you baby is happy to continue, if your baby isn't used to it - consider starting with just a 5 to 10 minute massage and build up each day - as it can be too much stimulation for some little ones.
Sit, or kneel comfortably, with baby on a big soft towel and most importantly have baby totally undressed - I haven't met a baby yet who in a warm room doesn't love naked time! Start on baby's tummy, with reassuring eye contact that this is fun and safe.
Start with your fingers at baby's chest height, palm laying softly on baby's tummy, glide your hands to the top of the shoulders, then at the shoulders, stroke down and along the both the arms at the same time. There is an arm 'wringing' maneuver - but I don't quite feel comfortable describing that one in case of misunderstanding. Then work on the hands slowly and gently, stroking the palms, massaging them open, then stroke along each finger from the hand towards the tip.
There are a number of strokes that you can do across the abdomen, but I will let you either gently play and make them up yourself, or look them up on google and you tube as I am wordy at the best of times and don't wish to over describe them!
Then once you move from the abdomen, work on each leg separately: with one hand lightly hold your baby at the ankle (by now mine is usually wriggling a lot so sometimes I would have to hold him tighter than others!) Place your free hand across the top of baby's leg with your finger tips pointing inward and fan down the leg with your fingertips apart as you move down. There is a similar wringing movement here for the leg... my guy loved it so it is worth investigating!
Then onto the feet - some babies do not like their feet being massaged. With your thumb firmly (but gently) placed on the sole, make small circular motions outward and downward, stopping if your baby is not enjoying it. You can circle the edges of the feet next and then like with the hands, give each toe a gentle stroke.
You can add in a lot more and make up what feels right to you and your baby as long - as it is relaxing for them. It is always good to have a finishing set of movements, to wind things up and to let baby know that the massage is coming to an end. Using your whole hand, palm flat on baby's belly, stroke diagonally downwards towards the left hip, then down the left leg, then from the left shoulder to the right ankle, repeat these twice and firmly but gently!
Most of all you and your baby should be enjoying this. Any questions, comments or advice - let us know!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Transitioning from two naps to one.
What a difference a week makes!
This time last week I was at my wit's end, my little boy was fighting sleep at every turn. He was needing his morning nap, but struggling against it, it would take two hours in the afternoon before he would give in to 'much needed' sleep and then at night he was no longer a happy chappy on a routine, but a soldier fighting the good fight!
Then I thought - even though he's only 9 months old, maybe I should try changing his routine?
So day one (I picked a Saturday - so work schedules wouldn't get in the way) I kept him going all morning at 11.30 he was beginning to struggle, but I brought lunch forward a little and that powered him up! Then it was to the nursery at 11.50, stories and then a blissful 50 minute nap.
50 minutes may not sound much, but until late January he only ever took ten minutes in the morning and ten or so in the afternoon! He did then move this up to maybe 30 minutes each time, until last week........a very long week!
Continuing on from his one nap we made it through to 4pm and then a lot of eye rubbing took place, so we had an additional mini snack time, new games and fun and made it through to start the normal 5pm winding down for a 6.15 bedtime! Hey presto no fighting and back to his good as gold self!
Keeping this routine on the Sunday, I was able to drop the extra afternoon snack and again he went to sleep well. Bingo - life was looking good again! Having previously seen my little one tired, cross and frustrated, it was wonderful to have him back to his happy, laughing normal self.
Then on Monday he was at his Gran's for the morning to fit around mine and my husband's work schedules... he slept for 1.5 hours! Wonderful - we haven't been able to re-create quite that long a nap since, but I am going to get some additional blackout material for his room as I think that may help, his blinds do cut out a lot of the sun, but not as much as at Gran's - so fingers crossed! What could I manage to accomplish in this additional time?!
So my thoughts to you are if you are in a similar boat - trust your instincts, by all means read up on the recommended advice, techniques etc, but above all else go with your 'mummy gut' - if you think that this is what your little one needs, then try it and try it for a few days, it is normal for them to fight it a little (I think my son had got all his fight out of him the previous week!)
Good luck, be strong and above all be flexible to finding what timing work's best in your household!
This time last week I was at my wit's end, my little boy was fighting sleep at every turn. He was needing his morning nap, but struggling against it, it would take two hours in the afternoon before he would give in to 'much needed' sleep and then at night he was no longer a happy chappy on a routine, but a soldier fighting the good fight!
Then I thought - even though he's only 9 months old, maybe I should try changing his routine?
So day one (I picked a Saturday - so work schedules wouldn't get in the way) I kept him going all morning at 11.30 he was beginning to struggle, but I brought lunch forward a little and that powered him up! Then it was to the nursery at 11.50, stories and then a blissful 50 minute nap.
50 minutes may not sound much, but until late January he only ever took ten minutes in the morning and ten or so in the afternoon! He did then move this up to maybe 30 minutes each time, until last week........a very long week!
Continuing on from his one nap we made it through to 4pm and then a lot of eye rubbing took place, so we had an additional mini snack time, new games and fun and made it through to start the normal 5pm winding down for a 6.15 bedtime! Hey presto no fighting and back to his good as gold self!
Keeping this routine on the Sunday, I was able to drop the extra afternoon snack and again he went to sleep well. Bingo - life was looking good again! Having previously seen my little one tired, cross and frustrated, it was wonderful to have him back to his happy, laughing normal self.
Then on Monday he was at his Gran's for the morning to fit around mine and my husband's work schedules... he slept for 1.5 hours! Wonderful - we haven't been able to re-create quite that long a nap since, but I am going to get some additional blackout material for his room as I think that may help, his blinds do cut out a lot of the sun, but not as much as at Gran's - so fingers crossed! What could I manage to accomplish in this additional time?!
So my thoughts to you are if you are in a similar boat - trust your instincts, by all means read up on the recommended advice, techniques etc, but above all else go with your 'mummy gut' - if you think that this is what your little one needs, then try it and try it for a few days, it is normal for them to fight it a little (I think my son had got all his fight out of him the previous week!)
Good luck, be strong and above all be flexible to finding what timing work's best in your household!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Sophie Saver
Those of you who have been following Sophie's antics may already know the wonder of the Sophie Saver - this and other mompreneur innovations really do captivate me.
Something as simple as this can reduce so much hassle, my son (like soooo many babies) loves to explore gravity and has an unending interest in dropping... well anything he can get his hands on.
Whilst some think that maybe after three or so pickups the item should be left on the floor (as a lesson.) I'll be honest here, I do not see the lesson - that mommy is inconsistent, mommy gets bored easy?
Sorry to all those who I have annoyed with this. Whilst I do not have infinite time to spend picking up everything every second - I can with the Sophie saver and also with the sippy saver - attach Sophie to my son and a toy to his high chair and he will always have something he can drop and then help himself to again!
Genius. Everyone's a winner.
You can go to Going Loopy's site to buy these or you can enter our weekly competition (with one draw of all correct entries taking place at the end of the month) on behalf of your wee one, of course!
Something as simple as this can reduce so much hassle, my son (like soooo many babies) loves to explore gravity and has an unending interest in dropping... well anything he can get his hands on.
Whilst some think that maybe after three or so pickups the item should be left on the floor (as a lesson.) I'll be honest here, I do not see the lesson - that mommy is inconsistent, mommy gets bored easy?
Sorry to all those who I have annoyed with this. Whilst I do not have infinite time to spend picking up everything every second - I can with the Sophie saver and also with the sippy saver - attach Sophie to my son and a toy to his high chair and he will always have something he can drop and then help himself to again!
Genius. Everyone's a winner.
You can go to Going Loopy's site to buy these or you can enter our weekly competition (with one draw of all correct entries taking place at the end of the month) on behalf of your wee one, of course!
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