What to Pack?: Healthy "Food-tainment"

When mommy or daddy need a little break, or to get something done, there are lots of little tricks to keep junior occupied. Some are great, but not always possible, like getting the baby to nap. Some are always possible, but maybe not ideal, like putting on a kids' show. Then there's that middle ground. It's sneaky, practical, and also very effective - a snack. Knowing what we know about childhood obesity and emotional eating, this crutch can be a worrisome tool as well. Since I can't always remember to have fresh cut bananas with me, I decided to look in to some of the most common baby snacks on the market for children under 2. I'll rate them in terms of virtues (like nutritional value and portability), vices (like added sugar or salt) and cost effectiveness.

Puffs (ie Gerber) 

A modern classic for any snacking age baby is the "puff"; a whole grain puffed rice treat with added flavours ranging from savoury (like veggie or cheesy) to sweet variations (like banana or vanilla blueberry). Kids love them, and seem to be able to detect another baby partaking from miles away. While a fairly healthy treat, being mostly air and all, these are flavoured. They contain sugar, and are certainly meant only for occasional consumption. Ranging anywhere from $1.99 to over $5.00 for a can containing 42g, that's probably for the best. Remember, they are great for practising the fine art of the pincer grasp, but half will end up on your floor.

Cheerios

Before there were puffs, there were Cheerios. A whole grain breakfast cereal for toddlers and adults alike. While not marketed directly as a first food, the ingredient list is a lot more lengthy that your average baby food item, but no worse. They are slightly higher in sodium and lower in sugar than puffs, and much cheaper! A 595g family size box is only $3.98! If that's not enough of a selling feature, think about this - Cheerios can be strung like a necklace! It's a great afternoon activity for older kids and a perfect distraction accessory for grocery shopping!

Yogurt Drops

For a snack with less (or even no) grains, yogurt drops might be right for your baby. Packed with pro-biotics, these fruit filled treats are more chewy than their cereal counterparts. I feel that this presents the same choking hazard as raisins, for a much higher price. While careful supervision has made these little guys a hit with some mommies, raisins were a better value for my son. He just didn't dig the texture. Another thing to consider is the higher sodium and the presence of dairy, which might not be right until a little later on.

Rice Rusks (ie Mum-Mums)

These crunchy, melt-able treats are always a winner with my son. Low in salt, sugar, and calories, you don't have to worry about keeping these individually packed wonders as a snack on the go. While recommended for 6+ months, a well-supervised beginner could manage these, and they continue to be a hit well past a year. Although they're still edible, they do seem to get pulverized when stored in the wrong pocket of your diaper bag, so be aware of that when you're packing! With a huge assortment of flavours and an inexpensive price tag, they are my go to portable treat.

What's your little one's favourite snack? Got tips for entertainment on the go? We want to hear about it! Comment here or on Facebook!

Mommy Musing: Breastfeeding

When I was pregnant, I did nothing to prepare for breastfeeding. My OB offhandedly suggested I sign up for a breastfeeding class when I was 37 weeks along, but the upcoming course was already full. Since he didn't seem worried about it, and had never mentioned it before, I didn't pursue it beyond the initial inquiry to the receptionist. I, like many new moms, thought that since breastfeeding was a natural function, it would be easy. It's not. It is not easy and it is especially hard to go it alone when you've had very little exposure to it. While I was still in the hospital, the lactation consultant I was promised never came to visit me, so other than the first few times the nurses shoved my baby's face into my boob, I had no help in figuring out the logistics of latching, timing, or positioning. From that very first day, we struggled. I remember walking (shuffling, really, because of my c-section) to the nurses station that first night to request some formula, at my husband and mother's prodding. I was crying while everyone reassured me, but I couldn't understand why I couldn't feed my baby. I felt somehow broken. (Having to sign a form absolving the hospital of any responsibility for my decision didn't help.) 

Almost four months on, and we have never reached our goal of exclusively breastfeeding. I searched for lactation consultants after the fact but we could not afford an expert and I couldn't find any free resources in my area. I have never felt so helpless, inadequate, isolated, confused, or conflicted in my life. I have nothing against formula - it offers balanced nutrients to my baby that I may not even be able to offer by breast alone (I am notoriously low on iron) - but the media and my experience of watching other mothers always led me to believe that it should be easy. As long as you can produce milk, and your baby can latch, you can breastfeed as long as you want. I never heard anyone else discuss things like low milk production, formula supplementation, herbal boosters, poor latching, cracked nipples, or prescription medicine. I was completely blind sided when I had to take antibiotics for a horrible case of mastitis. I would be feeding my baby in tears because of how much it hurt. Why are we hiding our true experiences from others so that everyone feels like they are struggling alone?

I've recently started taking Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle (12 capsules a day!) to try to increase my production as a hail Mary, so to speak. Every day I feel as though I am producing less and less while my baby wants more. These are things I am only discovering now. While it is too late in my breastfeeding journey to go the prescription route, Domperidone is another option for mothers who are struggling to satisfy their babies with breast alone.

When I was pregnant, I set a goal to breastfeed for the first six months, and I feel very lucky that I have been able to give my baby the breast milk I have up to this point. Not everyone can even get started, for myriad different reasons, so I appreciate every feed we successfully complete. Especially since I still don't think my baby latches totally correctly. I will seek out resources sooner, with my next child, because I now know that my situation is not unique. This is the most valuable lesson I have learned as I have struggled and succeeded through feedings: Breastfeeding is not easy and you are not alone.

I just wish I had learned it sooner.

DIY - Easy Guilt Free Desserts

Trust me, this won't be a post to show off my awesome food staging skills, or to brag about my prowess in the kitchen, because I have neither of these things. What I do have is a constantly waging war between my huge sweet tooth and my lingering mommy tummy that I wish to be rid of. I actually hate to bake, because it always involves several tedious steps and so many things to clean up afterwards, but I also want to avoid store bought treats as they are full of fat and sugar and other undesirables. What is a girl to do?

Research! That's what! I have taken to the Internet to find easy, healthier recipes that will give me the hit of sweet I crave every night without adding an extra roll of fat to my figure. Allow me to share with you what I have discovered. Come along on this journey with me...

Flourless Brownies

I was immediately intrigued by this recipe on Delighted Momma because of how simple it looked. I've decided to research the Paleo diet to see if I can incorporate any of it into my own eating habits, but that was not what led me to this recipe. My mother is gluten intolerant, so I like the added bonus of it being gluten free, but mostly it just seemed like a really healthy way to enjoy brownies.

My husband was not so sure. He all but begged on hand and knee that I make regular brownies instead, and he made a scrunched up face of disgust when I handed him the first bite to sample, but then he promptly ate 3 brownies and sang their praises. These brownies are good. Very good. Light and cake-y with a serious punch of chocolate. Plus, they take no time to make (which is important with an impatient infant). I threw all the ingredients into one bowl, stirred it, and poured it into a pan. Forty minutes later, brownies were cooling on the counter. I can deal with cleaning one bowl! I really don't feel guilty eating this tasty combination of zucchini, almond butter, and honey (which is kind of dangerous because I have to stop at some point). They aren't as good as regular brownies, but they're darn good!

If I had to come up with a downside of this recipe, it would be the cost to make it. Almond butter is pretty expensive and raw honey can be, too. (Though, I used regular honey.) I always have almond butter in the house already, but it takes 3/4 of a $10 jar to make. Still, it's a small price to pay for such a tasty, guilt free treat.

Chocolate Chia Pudding

There are quite a few recipe iterations of this dessert to be found online, but I can only speak for the one I made (found on Oh She Glows). Other than the forethought of making almond milk ice cubes, this recipe could not be easier or faster. If you need a hit of chocolate right away, this pudding has got you covered.

Some people might not love the texture of this treat. It is definitely thick and creamy like a pudding, but the chia seeds give it a bit of a grainy texture (which I didn't mind). My blender was not really up to the task, though, so I had big chunks of dates in some bites. Not horrible, but not ideal. While I definitely thought this tasted good right away, the flavour started to annoy me after a few bites. It is actually *too chocolatey* maybe? It's hard to describe what exactly bothered me about it. I won't give up on this treat, however. I am going to try a few different recipes to see if there is a combination of ingredients that will please my pallette more, because I love chia seeds, I love pudding, and I hate feeling gross after indulging in a sweet treat.

Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas

Note: These are not MY frozen bananas.
I didn't get an acceptable picture of mins so I borrowed this one...

Yum. You can't actually go wrong with bananas and chocolate, right? This recipe (which I pretty much just made up as I went along) is truly simple but requires advance thought. You need to allow time for the chocolate to cool in the freezer. I made them simultaneously while I made dinner and we enjoyed them at around 8 pm. They were pretty good, but they don't feel decadent or special. I used dark chocolate chips and Smores flavoured sprinkles as a topper. I think it's an easy go to treat on a week night.

All in all, this week I learned that there are options for me to satisfy my sweet tooth without sacrificing my healthy eating plans, but I will have to allow for a more traditional, (ie. bad for you) dessert once or twice a week because these alternatives aren't quite as good. I'm interested in expanding beyond chocolate based "healthy" desserts, so if you have any suggestions for me to try, please tell me about it in the comments below!

Trend Watch: Baby Bullet and Homemade Baby Food

When it comes to eating healthy, the very best way to start is to know what you're eating. Seems easy enough, but with all the additives, preservatives, chemicals, not to mention the mess that is nutrition labels... why it's just easier to do it yourself! That said, we all have days where we order in pizza or make some other ill advised choice for our bodies. We would never want to do that to our children. Well, I'm here to tell you, that you will. They will go to birthday parties, they will spend a weekend at grandma's, they will trade snacks at school. They will survive.

While they're still infants and largely under your control, at least when it comes to nutrition, you might decide to do it all from scratch. An impressive undertaking. When you think about it, what could be more natural? It's simple, cost effective, and you always know exactly what is in them. It does require commitment, however. You need to be prepared with enough time and groceries. You have to be able to store and readily portion for an ever changing appetite. You also need to know what foods are appropriate in terms of nutrient variety, potential choking hazards, and current allergen recommendations! Makes those brightly coloured squish packs just a little more tempting, doesn't it?

On one hand, mothers have been making their own baby food since the beginning of time. On the other, cave women didn't have to think about epi pens and online banking. If there was only a way to make it easier...

Bam! Along comes the cutest darn food processor you've ever seen, along with all the bits and bobs you need to feed junior the ultimate homemade feast easily. Freezable storage containers, recipe book, tiny coordinated spatula?!?! Adorable, and amazing, or so they claim. The official Baby Bullet website features mom's making bold statements like "She finally sleeps through the night!" and "You'll feel like an amazing mom!" I don't know what science backs up these claims, but I doubt they would hold up in court. Don't get me wrong, I think there are pros and cons to homemade baby food, so let's look at them more in detail.

Pros

• This product is meant to take some of the "where do I start?" out of the process. If you're unsure about what is appropriate for the baby's age, how thin to mill, how to effectively store, and the like, this kit contains a lot of helpful hints and tricks that may give moms the confidence to give it a go. I support that immensely. A little practice (trial and lots of error) and you won't need recipes. 
• Rather than buying piecemeal all the elements you need to get started, they do come all in one box, which eliminates some of the procrastination, at least at first. Once you try it, you might realize it's not as hard as you assumed.
• With multiple blades and the recipe book handy, you might be more inclined to try something new, or be more likely to mix an alternative if you don't have your go-to grocery on hand. Nothing ruins that small window of time faster than feeling overwhelmed and under prepared.

Cons

• This is yet another gadget to add to our already overburdened kitchen counters. You more than likely already have a food processor, hand mixer, or blender that will serve this purpose. Heck, a potato masher would do the job for most foods.
• The after-prep is the same. The storage of baby food is easy, and doesn't require anything that you don't have at home. You can use freezer grade bags, which are great for labeling content and date. You can also use ice cube trays, which are great for popping out servings that defrost in seconds.
• We live in the digital age - you can find recipes on Pinterest, watch how-tos on Youtube, swap combos with mommy friends on Facebook. The likelihood of these is also slightly higher than keeping a book on your counter.

The moral of this story? If you get it for a gift, awesome. Enjoy it. If not, don't think that a happy green food mill is the secret to your success or failure. This is another one of those "if it ain't broke" situations. It's not fancy, but it's from the heart, and that's the best part. 

Oh, and as for those squish packs? I buy them! They're strictly regulated, usually organic, and definitely satisfy. Heck, with combos like vanilla berry risotto and leafy greens with brown rice, I'm tempted to eat them! Don't feel bad!

Drink More Water - What and When?

New Year's Resolution: Hydration, Hydration, Hydration.

They say that the key to a healthy diet, glowing skin, and so much more is in those 8 glasses a day. Aside from the additional, ahem, ladies room visits, who has the time to physically drink 64 oz of H2O before bed? Well, we all do, we just don't make it a priority. And is it any wonder? It's not exactly the most exciting beverage in the world. It's heavy to carry a full bottle, in addition to everything you lug around. There are plenty of reasons you can come up with, if you're looking for them. But there are also ways to squeeze it in. 

It's something of a personal challenge of mine to down the requisite amount, and I rarely ever succeed. I've done everything from buying a fancy travel bottle, to squirtable flavouring and still it seems I'm always behind schedule, and not keen on drinking 4 cups after dinner. For your benefit and mine, I've hunted down some unique ways to get your hydration on without the dread. Here are some common complaints about the process and our solutions. No more excuses, drink up!

What: How do I remember to drink more? How do I fit it in to my schedule?

When: Start your day off right, and pair your water with your routine.

Every day is a new start for this resolution, and you have the power to make it easier on yourself the earlier you get started. If you think 8 cups is completely overwhelming at 7 am, imagine how much harder it will be to catch up at 3! Drink a full glass before breakfast to quench that overnight dry mouth. Then what do I mean by pair? Well, you already have intervals to your day, even if you're a stay at home mom, or a shift working dad. You have baby feedings, for example. It's highly recommended that you drink water while breastfeeding anyways, and bottle feeding mamas like myself get thirsty, too! Drink when your baby drinks... Hey, it's way more obtainable advice than "sleep when the baby sleeps!"

What: I don't know how to track exactly what I'm consuming. What a hassle... 

When: Plan to track all day, and make it visual.

Some women swear by drinking from a straw rather than a glass. Others advise to sip every time you pass the water cooler or fridge. However you grab it, give yourself a little gold star, and use it as momentum to keep up the good work! From apps for your smart phone, to pre-marked water bottles, to little check marks on your page-a-day calendar, there are so many innovative ways to keep water in your eye line, and therefore mind, all day long. Believe it or not, the more you drink, the more you will actually sense your need for water. When I'm on track, I often feel the need to drink more presently. If you're not in the habit of water at all, start with a week of 5 a day, then gradually add a cup until you're closer to, or at the ultimate goal.

What: I can't drink ice cold water. Water is so bland, I'd rather drink X.

When: Take the chill off before bed with a warm water drink instead

At 35 weeks pregnant, I got a terrible cold. It was awful, and I didn't want to take anything that could potentially harm the baby. Several times a day, I made myself a hot water drink with honey and lemon. We're deep in sniffle season now, so if you're feeling under the weather, I highly recommend saving money on expensive products like Neocitron with this gem. It's not just for the ill though, this is a great way to replace coffee in a pinch, or to have something warm before bed that's not full of caffeine and calories. Cater it exactly to your taste; swap lemon for lime, use agave syrup instead of honey, or add a splash of orange. You can change it up frequently so you don't get bored.

Of all the expensive gadgets, and high commitment routines you put yourself through this year, water is going to seem like nothing. And yet, you might notice the biggest change. Few cravings, smaller portions, and that healthy complexion. What's water done for you lately? 

DIY: Easy, Healthy, Fun Snacks

New Year's Resolution: Cleaner, healthier eating.

Feeding your family can be an added stress in your life. From coming up with what to make for dinner every night to dealing with food allergies, eating can sometimes feel like a burden rather than a pleasure. Snack time is often overlooked when it comes to eating; a throw away cheese and crackers addition to a busy day. It doesn't have to be so! (At least, not every day.) Just follow these three tips when putting together snacks for your kids, and you can't go wrong.

1. Keep it simple. (Easy)
2. Make it colourful. (Healthy)
3. Give it a little flair. (Fun)

Keep it simple:

It is so tempting to reach for that box of fish shaped crackers and a glass of juice when your little one wants a snack in the afternoon. When you're tired from running around all morning (and possibly not sleeping through the night) anything bite sized and/or ready to serve is an understandable go-to. If at all possible, however, you should make it your goal to avoid filling up on sugar, salt, and bleached flours. Healthy snacks don't have to be hard, and a balanced snack will result in a more satisfied toddler or preschooler. As a bonus, you'll be more inclined to snack healthy if you're already putting it together for your son or daughter. To keep it simple, all you need to do is pick two (or all three) of the following - Vegetable/Fruit, Protein, Whole Grain and voila! a healthy snack that will leave you and your child feeling full longer.

Try:

*Apple slices (fruit) and almond butter (protein)
*Yogurt (protein) and mixed berries (fruit) and low fat granola (whole grain)
*Whole wheat pita (whole grain) and hummus (protein)
*Cottage cheese (protein) and peaches (fruit)
*Celery (vegetable) and peanut butter (protein) and raisins (fruit)
*Tortilla (whole grain) with cream cheese (protein) and cucumbers (vegetable)

You get the point, so moving on...

Make it colourful:

The easiest way to ensure that your child is getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need is not one of those gummy supplements, it's eating a rainbow of produce every week. When you're at the grocery store, try to buy at least three different colours of fruits and veggies at a time and switch the colours up each week. The one consistent colour should be dark green (spinach, kale, broccoli, etc); try to include it every time as it packs the most nutritional punch. You might feel that it's next to impossible to introduce bright, colourful vegetables into the diet of a toddler who lives on mainly chicken fingers and plain noodles, but don't give up. Set a one taste rule and continue to serve the same vegetables and fruits often (prepared in different ways), and you will succeed in broadening LO's palette. Meals and snack times aren't war epics, they're action adventure films!

Try:

* Switch to white plates to highlight the bright, beautiful colours of the produce you're serving.
*Try preparing food in different ways (raw, steamed, puréed, in a stew, with a sauce, etc.). Just because your daughter doesn't like the crunch of baby carrots, doesn't mean she wouldn't like a puréed carrot soup.

Give it a little flair:

Food isn't just about taste. Why else do you think Food Network shows give equal credence to presentation as to taste? Presenting food to your child in a thoughtful way helps to make them take notice of different textures of foods. Children love novelty! This doesn't mean painstakingly cutting out every piece of toast in the shape of an elephant and/or making every dinner serving into the shape of a funny face (spaghetti noodle hair, anyone?). What it does mean is taking a little time to make healthy snacks a highlight of your child's day in whatever way works for you. If children think of food as essential AND fun, they're more likely to be adventurous. It might be as simple as eating your snack at the kitchen table instead of in front of the TV to give the food more distinction.

Try:
*Name Game - Read a book before snack time and present the snack according to the theme.
     ie. Read "Armadillo Rodeo" by Jan Brett and serve "Buckin' Bronco Bites."
          Read "On the Moon" by Anna Milbourne and serve "Rocket Fuel."
*Show and Tell - Make an effort to present the snack in a novel way.
     ie. Pour pancake batter in the shape of the first letter of your child's name.
          Serve a yogurt parfait in a tea cup and let your child sprinkle the granola on top using the sugar bowl and spoon and stir.
*Let's Play - Make snack time a game rather than an after thought.
     ie. Pretend to be a waiter at a restaurant serving the snack to your child as customer.
          Put out a blanket on the living room floor and eat the snack at an indoor picnic.

Borrowed from Little Food Junction

Borrowed from creativekidsnacks.com

What's your favourite healthy snack? Let's help each other eat cleaner in 2015!

Stocking Up at the Grocery Store - What and When?

Buying in bulk is a wonderful thing.  It's nice to know that you have a certain number of staples on hand and capitalizing on a sale is a great way to keep your pantry well stocked. I come from a very savvy saving family.  My grandfather had buying tuna down to a science. My dad is prepared in case they ever discontinue deodorant. Me? Well, lets just say there will never be an empty toilet roll on my watch. Whether you're a card carrying Costco fanatic, a clever couponer, or price match master, not every bargain is one you actually need. With that in mind I decided to take a closer look at when to spend and when to pass.

What:  Non-perishable Food Items

When: It's a product that figures in to your regular food rotation. 

I strongly believe you should never have to buy pasta or pasta sauce at full price.  It's always on sale somewhere.  When I find a good buy on the brands I prefer, I always buy several. Spaghetti is a quick mid-week meal that you can customize to your taste with little effort. Perfect to have on hand. Items like canned or dried beans, frozen vegetables and items like rice are perfect for these types of one pot wonders. Casseroles, soups, and stews that you can make with whatever else you have on hand. Even though most of these products have a long shelf life, you should be aware of products you've had on hand a while. I once had a can of mandarin oranges in syrup for over a year. I have no idea for what purpose I had bought them. What a waste. Create a dinner, or consider donating to your local food bank so that your spending makes sense.

What:  Household and Personal Care.

When: It's products you know and trust. 

Two for one on toilet cleaner? Awesome. Huge discount on paper towel?  Load up! $20 off diapers? Buy 3, of various sizes of course! That is, if it's actually a good deal. I remember buying a large bottle of shampoo that didn't do a great job, and the awkward size made it difficult to dispense. I'm sure I wasted a great deal and I couldn't wait to buy a new type.  Another mom shared with me the story of buying a great deal on Kirkland brand wipes. The only problem is, she hated the smell. If you're buying a product you've never before used or of a lesser quality, you might end up with just a large quantity of something you hate.

What:  Fresh Dairy and Produce

When: Almost never. 

Unless you're planning to batch cook, host a party, or otherwise know with certainty that you need a large number of anything with an expiry date, just don't do it.  You will either start to hate that food because you're eating so often, or it will just end up going bad.  You know what they say: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Unless you can come up with a meal plan to capitalize on that box of tomatoes, or know with confidence that your kids will eat all those yogurt tubes before the 15th, don't bother. Oh, and take a tip from me - planning to bake eventually does not merit an entire freezer of black bananas. Free yourself from the guilt and the lack of space!

A good deal is only a good deal under the right conditions, so think about your purchase twice before breaking out the plastic. Think about the size of a serving, the way your family actually uses products and what else you might need to use that item. Your family will not switch from nuggets to salad just because you bought too much lettuce!

What was your best bargain?  Let us know on Facebook!  Check us out at www.Facebook.com/WIYDB

DIY - Baking for Autumn, A Two Ingredient Fix?

Stylish boots, cozy sweaters and all matter of new treats are arriving at the mall - a common hang out for a mommy needing a fall weather walk. I love to grab a coffee and people watch, taking in more atmosphere than calories wherever possible. I've noticed my fellow caffeine consumers tend to fall in to one of two camps; pumpkin fanatics and pumpkin haters. If you're on the first side of the equation like I am, you are likely thrilled to see the return of Starbucks PSL (pumpkin spice latte, of course) and that tasty Tim Horton's muffin with the nugget of cream cheese and sugar-shock in the middle. If you're trying to fend off some pounds or save some dough (see what I did there?) then home baking might be the ticket.

The problem is: baking is science.  There are important ingredients to be managed and measured exactly.  My mom once made the most delectable pumpkin cinnamon rolls with a gorgeous frosting.  I begged her for the recipe, but when I got it, I was shocked.  Over 3 hours of mixing, kneading, resting, rolling, slicing, baking, cooling, frosting... It's messy, it's time consuming, and honestly, they didn't turn out!  They were more like sticky hockey pucks than the fluffy cinnamon clouds my mom had created!

You need only enter "pumpkin" on Google or Pinterest to be bombarded with thousands of easier recipes, but one stuck out to me.  Two ingredient pumpkin spice muffins.  Now you have my attention.  All I need is a box of spice cake mix and a can of pure pumpkin for a delicious rainy day treat?  Sign me up.  I had seen variations of this before; angel food cake mix plus diet Sprite or classic yellow with a tin of pineapple.  If this worked, I had a whole world of quick treats unfolding ...

I will first mention, my son was in a "mood" while I tried to bake, so I made this entire recipe (other than the steps involving the oven,) while baby-wearing.  Points to the straightforwardness of the recipe for that reason. My kitchen was a little disheveled, but I tried to capture some photos in the interest of science.  You're welcome.

I decided in the interest of simplicity and thorough mixing, to use my amazing food processor to combine the ingredients rather than the good 'ol wooden spoon.  This was laziness and not a necessity.  It did combine quickly and well, however.  The batter was the consistency of warm peanut butter and it transferred to the muffin tin excellently one handed.  Big plus there.  I made sure to use muffin liners for presentation value and to avoid possible difficulties in removing the end product from my pan, but I'm sure greasing the tin would have done the same job.

For muffins, the instructions suggested 18-21 minutes at 350 C.  I baked them 18 and the fork came out clean and dry, so I assumed they were done and left them to rest on my cooling rack.  A closer inspection afterwards made me wonder if they could have used a little longer.  I live in fear of burning things, especially cakes, which are harder to judge than cookies or savory dishes. They looked beautiful, smelled great and we were eager to try them.

                                        

The taste is hard to explain.  They were "good", but not "great".  Possibly in part due to under baking, the consistency had a slight moist, pudding quality.  It was definitely cooked through, light and cakey, but the texture was odd.  Full marks for flavour, however.  A yum factor of 8 out of 10.  A light spice with a mild pumpkin in the vein of a coffee cake.  Really nice.

Would I make them again?  The best I could say is a solid maybe.  I don't buy cake mix often, but if it was on sale or I had an event in mind, I might give it a go.  I may have had an allergic reaction to this brand, due to a dye or preservative, so I would look for another kind. I would bake the muffins slightly longer, or perhaps add one egg for some stability.  I would absolutely add another textural element, like walnuts on top to give it more personality.

Best of Brands: Bottles

When I was pregnant, I gave bottles no thought at all.  I was convinced I would be breastfeeding and wouldn't need very many.  Due to my son's latch, stress, and a host of other reasons, we decided as a family that he would be better served with a full belly and a sane mommy.  I don't regret it, but I can tell you that it was an amazingly difficult decision.

Now thriving on formula, I had to invest some time in to finding, sanitizing, and stocking all the bottles I had been gifted at my shower and given as samples.  As time progressed, I realized that having a few extra on hand wouldn't be a bad thing either.  By 2 months in, I owned eight different brands of bottles with different advantages, disadvantages, and price points attached.  Yes, eight.

I can tell you, not all brands are created equal.  One brand, despite a hefty price tag, was so unusable it was thrown out within weeks.  Another inexpensive bottle was fine, but seemed to take forever for my little one to drain.  His frustration made it not worth using. Here are some of my thoughts on the five brands that ended up in our rotation. I have taken the prices from Walmart.ca and I have used a scale of 5 diapers to consider the value, ease of use, and overall experience, with 5 being the highest ranking.  As ordered above:

AVENT 4oz BPA Free Natural Polypropylene (2-Pack $19.97):
This bottle was given to me as a sample, and honestly, I think it is over priced.  In my experience, it was the most difficult to latch, to clean, and to heat.  The lid attachment is almost as big as the storage, making it awkward to hold, but very balanced so it does not tip over easily.  It is a solid product, so it would survive a lot of reuse, but it is not my cup of tea.

Playtex Drop-Ins Premium Nurser (2-Pack $9.97 not including replacement liners):
This system is classic, and boasts a major advantage that no other bottle on this list can - contractible bag liners that minimize gas and spit up.  Feeding-wise, they are great and I did notice a difference.  However, the liners are an additional expense and are not available as readily as I thought.  They also cannot be heated in my bottle warmer at home, but heat more quickly when out and using a mug and hot water.

NUK Nature Silicone Wide-Neck Bottle 5oz ($5.94 each):
This bottle provided the best latch for my little one when he was first starting on bottles. This was not as much of a factor later on, but it was an advantage.  The size is good, it heated well, and was an overall decent product.  The only problem here is; there is nothing particularly special about this brand to merit the slightly higher price.  If you get it as a gift, wonderful, but I wouldn't spend my pennies.

Gerber First Essentials Bottle 5oz (3-Pack $3.99):
For many, Gerber means "baby" and there's a reason why.  These bottles are inexpensive, easy to clean, and heat evenly.  They even have replacement nipples if you don't want to replace your whole set.  This plus, however, results in the only negative I can say for the product; since the nipple snaps out, it can come slightly askew and leak.  That means lost formula and an even messier baby.

Parent's Choice 8oz (3-Pack $3.97):
I was surprised to learn that this is Walmart's own house brand as I was extremely impressed with this bottle and it is the product of which we have subsequently bought the most.  It is the nicest to look at, with great colours and designs, it comes apart easily for washing, and it heats well whether you have 2oz left or a completely full serving.  Best of all: it is the only brand discussed here that has never leaked. It is a high value for the price.

Baby Food - What and When?

Parenting advice is very subjective.  What works for one baby might not work for another for a large number of reasons; temperament, season, heck even the year on the calendar seems to have an impact.  Mothers that raised my generation tell me constantly that babies were put to bed on their stomachs to avoid aspiration of any spit up - a recommendation that has now been changed to a back sleeping philosophy to avoid suffocation.  Another trend that seems to have changed is feeding milestones. When should you start solids?  What should you start with?  With a 4 month old son and a mixed bag of answers, I went on a full fledged investigation.

My first stop is always my Mom.  She not only raised me, my two sisters, and guided an additional host of cousins, but she did home daycare for over a decade.  Her recommendation is not only logical, but what I assumed was correct before asking.

When: Approximately 3 to 4 months.  Generally speaking the liquid only diet is not cutting it anymore at this point and the solids lengthen time between feedings and aid in sleeping a full night.  An exciting prospect.

What: Rice cereal.  It can be slowly added to a bottle to thicken what the baby is already drinking and accustom them to the texture.  Afterwards you can introduce other cereals (alone, then mixed) followed by pureed produce and on down the line.

The only problem, I felt, is that my baby didn't seem ready.  No offense meant to Mom, of course, but he didn't seem to be eating overly often, or much, and sleeping 6 hours at a stretch meant I wasn't too hard done by in the sleep department either. With boxed cereal stating 6+ month disclaimers, I decided to continue by asking my family doctor and her advice surprised me a little.  Not just a GP, but a young mother of 2, she knows her stuff.  I took it seriously, but I admit I scratched my head for a little while afterward.

When: 4-6 months, when baby can sit up on their own and seems more interested in what you are eating than their meal (reaching, crying, not seeming satiated, etc).

What: Anything!  She told me current practices state that you don't need to start with a cereal, or even a vegetable.  You could go straight to meat, so long as you don't start with dairy!  On that front, she said homogenized milk can be introduced at 9 months now, 3 months earlier than previously recommended.

While I am certainly not a medical professional and am still new in this whole motherhood game, the thought of my little one's first meal being pulverized chicken seems more than a little bizarre. Plus milk under a year? That goes against everything I thought I knew about baby dos and don'ts.  I decided to take it to the streets and ask my fellow moms through a web poll and two separate mommy groups.  With the advice of these additional thirty or so women, this is what I have learned.

When: 3-6 months, when the baby is feeding too frequently or is never satisfied.

What:  The vast majority of ladies told me that vegetables came first.  They occasionally offer cereal, but mentioned it was more filling than nutritional.  While some made their own and others bought food, they overwhelmingly told me that starting with fruit caused problems with veggies later. Puff treats that can be either chewed or gummed to a paste were also praised as both food and entertainment. Everyone loves a two-for-one deal

So, what did I establish for my own hungry little bundle of joy?  I guess, as with anything, it just depends on the baby.  Talk to your trusted resources and go with your gut.  You'll know when what you have been doing doesn't seem to work anymore.  Look for some tell tale signs such as; baby constantly eating or upset, not gaining enough or even losing weight, and frustration by or grabbing at table food.  Whether that means weaning from breast milk, switching to soy, or getting out your baby spoons, discuss your options when you think it's time. Mother knows best.

Battle of the...Bottle Warmers

Infants have very little food selection - they get their breast milk or formula at a lukewarm temperature presented at regular intervals. Seems easy enough. Keeping up with the demand, however, often means preparing ahead and storing the excess in the fridge or freezer. Even if you're breastfeeding your little one, from time to time a bottle will be a convenient way to give Dad a turn at 3am or to fit in a date night while the grandparents take charge. This means warming a bottle; the delicate dance that can go: still cold, still cold, still cold, molten lava.

At first, I didn't think a warming appliance was necessary.  It seemed expensive and just another annoyance to be ever-present on the already cluttered sight-line of my kitchen counter. After over a month of running the bottle under the faucet and all the manner of mugs filled with hot water, hubby decided to just bite the bullet and try a warmer.  I insisted on keeping the receipt in case it didn't work, broke, or otherwise bugged me.  I'm a practical girl like that.

Well, I'm glad I took the plunge.  The model we have is a small, white, Munchkin brand with a water measuring attachment.  It heats safely in approximately 90 seconds and really doesn't take up very much space.  If you are considering your own warmer, here are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

• Speed - you can put the bottle on to heat, change your little one's diaper, and by the time you get back, the bottle is ready for service.
• Predictability - once you figure out the level of water required for a given level of baby's meal, the heat is reliably the same each time.
• Convenience - no dirtying extra dishes or worrying about over heating, melting plastic, etc. Hey, one less thing. 

Cons:

• Expense - a warmer does cost you money that, say, heating a bottle in a mug of water doesn't.  As a mom though, a free moment and a free hand outweighs the small added price to me.  Penny pinching mom's may not agree, and that's reasonable.
• Initial Effort - it does taking a little experimentation to understand what amount of water is required to heat your bottle to the right temperature.  You can't trust that you've got it right immediately and still always have to check before feeding. As the feeding amounts increase with baby's age, the experimentation takes place again.
• Portability - you are not going to put this appliance in your diaper bag!  That means continuing the mug approach at Grandma's house, restaurants, and anywhere else you may be bottle feeding.

Of course, there are hundreds of costlier products and relatively-free methods not discussed here.  Other bottle warming devices (such a sleeves, car warmers, and brands of speciality warming cylinders) are available for purchase. Some moms will use the microwave and have no trouble with that. There will also be moms that manage to exclusively breastfeed and never have to worry about this issue! When it comes down to it - find what works best for you and go with that!