Family

Power Breakfasts
August 12, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Food truly is fuel for the body, and there’s no better way to jumpstart your little ones engine than a well-balanced breakfast. As they get older, this will be ever-important during the school years when they they’re expected to be alert and ready to learn for six to eight hours straight. Here are a few easy, no-cook ideas for getting going on busy weekdays.

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Baby Steps: Introducing Water
August 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Summertime reminds us all that drinking water is important for proper hydration. After all, it’s easy to monitor just how much our body is losing as we wipe the sweat from our forehead. But what about baby? Is she getting all the water she needs to stay well-hydrated?

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Just Peachy
July 27, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Imagine if we could remember our first taste of a juicy, ripe peach? Right now they’re bountiful at farmers’ markets, so if your baby is turning six months or older, it’s like hitting the edible jackpot. Besides being a good source of Vitamin C, peaches have a natural sweetness baby can enjoy by making a simple puree in the food processor.

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Reading Labels
July 22, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Reading labels is perhaps the most important task when supermarket shopping these days. While manufacturers have responded to consumer concerns about the use of high fructose corn syrup and trans fats, such as partially hydrogenated oils, there’s a new ingredient in the hot seat: palm oil. So, what is it all about and is this yet another ingredient we should add to our “do not buy” list?

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Peanut Butter with a Twist
July 20, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Provided there are no allergy issues, peanut butter can be a mom’s best friend. When all else fails, and you find your life filled with finicky eaters, peanut butter is usually the universal food most every kid will eat.

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Veggie Spotlight: Broccoli
July 13, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

When it comes to broccoli, it’s tough to put together a short list of this vegetable’s powerhouse properties. Not many foods can boast record numbers in Vitamins C, K and A, not to mention a healthy dose of dietary fiber and folate—linked to healthy brain development. A simple puree made from steamed or roasted broccoli is perfect for babies 8 to 10 months old.

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Play It Safe
July 6, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

An ounce of prevention is all it takes to stay ahead of dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. Before you head out for a day of fun in sun, use these tips to keep your little ones refreshed all day long.

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How to Freeze and Thaw Homemade Baby Food
June 22, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Making your own baby food is a great way to help your family stay healthy - fiscally and physically. But to do it safely, you've got to master the ins-and-outs of freezing and thawing baby food in ways that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

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Sweet Relief
June 7, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

We've come up with a cool and nutritious way, in keeping with the spirit of the summer season, to safely soothe babies' painful, swollen gums - a homemade smoothie pop!

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The Ice(cream) Man Cometh
June 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

As your little one gets older, the ice cream truck becomes something of a toddler temptress. In the evenings, as the truck trolls by, my 2-year old goes running to the window, like a nosy neighbor to see the commotion. Once he flips the switch for the music, she makes her way to the center of the living room and breaks out in her Mr. Softee dance. An adorable sight, yes, and harmless since she hasn’t started begging for a buck to run outside and get her fix.

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Better Butter
June 1, 2010 • Posted by Rebecca Marber

Peanut butter and jelly is truly a child favorite meal. Parents prepare this sandwich for their kids all the time; however, it is not exactly the healthiest meal on the planet. A subtle switch from peanut butter to almond butter can do wonders for your better health.

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Granola on the Go
May 28, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

A few weeks ago I tasted the most delicious breakfast bar at a bake sale. I went home and started researching this new mysterious treat. Turns out they are a very popular tea-time staple in England. The only problem is every recipe calls for golden syrup, and I needed more of these flapjacks now. There was no time to wait for shipping. It was time this recipe assimilated, and so here you have it. English Flapjacks—Brooklyn style.

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Snack Attack
May 25, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

As the weather gets warmer and your toddler gets more active, food is the last thing on her mind. When hunger does hit, it's usually too late, making it a prime moment for meltdowns. Luckily, this is one tantrum you can tackle before it happens by simply packing some healthy snacks as you head out for a day of play.

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Juice Fixation
May 21, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

Many parents complain about their children rapidly becoming addicted to the sugary sweetness of a juice drink, often at the expense of all other beverages. Sure, fruit juice is a great source of vitamin C. But it's important to set limits.

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A Berry Good Treat
May 17, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

My little one never tires of eating strawberries one-by-one, but I like to mix things up a bit. A favorite way is making strawberry jam. Here’s my quick and easy recipe for a homemade version, perfect for PB&J sandwiches or stirring into yogurt. It’s sure to put a smile on your little one’s face too.

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Teething Troubles
May 7, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Teething is a fact of life and a big part of your little one’s journey from baby to toddler. While there is no magic cure-all, take heart in knowing that this too is a just a phase. In the meantime, make a batch of these all-natural fruit smoothie pops for a cool treat that’s sure to add a smile for baby to showcase her new-found chompers.

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Gluten-Free Eating
May 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Gluten. A protein found in wheat, barley and rye, it lurks in everything, yet we never give it a thought. That is until your child is diagnosed with celiac disease, an auto-immune disorder that affects the small intestine. Suddenly, you’re faced with a new way of life. Reading labels are important more than ever. you can still embrace your love of cooking and raise a healthy eater, as Shauna James Ahern, mom to a very active toddler, proves in her popular food blog.

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Baby Fat
April 26, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

Babies need fat. A baby's brain consists of 60% fat, much of it consisting of essential fatty acids. Because their little brains are growing so fast, babies need the essential fatty acids that come from food to help them grow and enhance visual development.

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Playing it Safe
April 19, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Toddlers lead busy lives, and stopping for a sip isn’t always high on their list of priorities. Staying well-hydrated is especially important as warmer weather approaches. Knowing the signs and stages of dehydration, and what to do if they occur, is important.

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Pizza Night
April 13, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

We all know kids love pizza. Made from scratch, it can be both healthy and a great way to get your little ones to try new foods. It’s also a fun family project, so get ready for a little mess in the kitchen.

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Family

You Are My Sunshine
April 10, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

With baby in tow, sun exposure can be treacherous business. It takes no time at all for the sun to singe delicate baby skin. And all it takes is one sunburn to risk dehydration, or even skin cancer.

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Strong to the Finish
April 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Spinach—it’s high in vitamin D, calcium, folic acid and is quick cooking. Serve it as a side with grilled chicken or fish and you’ve got a well-balanced meal. Sauté it with garlic, chopped tomatoes and olive oil, toss with pasta and it’s the perfect one dish meal for spring and summer. So, how do you get your kids to eat it?

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Surviving April Showers
April 1, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

Volatile April weather can put a damper on outdoor baby fun. If you are one of those folks stuck inside for what feels like the umpteenth time, here are some indoor play suggestions that will stimulate your baby's mind and keep you entertained.

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The Best Defense
March 17, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

I knew germs existed before having children but somehow I didn’t feel as vulnerable. We can’t keep our kids in a bubble, but we can teach them at least one very basic, yet important, skill: proper hand washing.

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Shape Shifting
March 10, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

Unless you are an actress, model or gym rat, physical fitness is rarely a priority in the first few months after having a baby. But exercise - even in small doses - releases feel-good bursts of energy called endorphins throughout your body. And those endorphins beat that third cup of caffeine hands down as a way to help a new mom keep her energy up.

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Mealtime Milestones
March 8, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Homemade purees are the best start for your baby, but once she grows a few teeth and becomes curious about chunkier foods, don’t be surprised if she starts singing a different tune. Here are a few easy solutions to get your experienced eater back on track.

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A Delicious Way to Beat the Blues
March 1, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Here’s a tasty cure for the whole family to beat the winter blues: homemade blueberry frozen yogurt. Frozen blueberries are available year-round. When mixed with yogurt, they make for a refreshing treat!

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Smart Snacking
February 26, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Sweet snacks have become the real danger strolling up and down the aisles. That’s where my recipe for oven-dried apple chips comes in handy.

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Deciphering Today's Meaty Options
February 19, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

If you are a meat-eater, here is some background information about what these different labels mean, so you can decide which to buy for your child.

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A Savory Start
February 16, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

We all know that saying about breakfast being the most important meal of the day, right? Well, it’s especially true for your little one.

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Lentils: The Little Bean that Could
February 3, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Lentils are a busy mom’s best friend. They don’t require an overnight soak and are ready in less than 30 minutes.

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Cutting Corners
January 25, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

All parents could benefit from cutting corners here and there. Check out these inexpensive ways to score great baby goods for less.

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Hooray For Hummus!
January 19, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

My mom's hummus recipe makes for a healthy, protein-packed snack for kids over the age of one. Kids love to dip things, so serve up your hummus with small pieces of pita, on a mini-bagel as a sandwich, or with crisp medium size chips.

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Mealtime Magic
December 15, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

There’s no reason to cook separate meals for the whole family. All you need is a good strategy. Begin with the base of your meal, which is usually where you start adding seasonings. You can control the flavors at this point, and it’s easy to reserve some more mild tasting portions that are perfect for baby.

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Food of the Month: Quinoa
December 3, 2009 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

I'll admit it: I was afraid of quinoa. The name alone connotes a far away land where palm tree dotted mountain ranges are drenched in blinding sunlight. But its mystique beckoned me from the supermarket shelf, and I gave into its exotic allure. Boy, am I glad I did. It's delicious!

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Going Ape for Apricot
November 26, 2009 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

Apricot is an amazing, healthful fruit to serve to babies. Apricots contain good quantities of Vitamins A (including betacarotene), C and Folate, as well as Potassium and Calcium.

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Bacteria: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
November 19, 2009 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

Making your own baby food is tons of fun. And the best place to start is a sparkling clean kitchen.

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Food to Play With
November 5, 2009 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

When babies reach a certain age (usually after we've spent a few years trying to lift fruit and vegetable stains off of clothes, furniture, and carpeting), parents begin the long and arduous process of instilling the idea that playing with food is a no-no. But we can create some foods for them that are okay - and downright fun -- to stick their little fingers into.

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