Sign Language for Children

I came across a wonderful program called Signing Time which is being shown on public television stations across the country. They also offer products, dvds and vhs tapes, books, and many other resources. This fun and clever television series teaches kids with fun videos and interactive songs and play, how to sign. It reminds me a little of the Sesame Street format of teaching children through songs and repetition, and kids themselves mimicking what they see. Check it out - it has won much acclaim and news coverage, plus numerous awards, including the Parents' Choice Award. Designed to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions about which products are recommended for children, the Parents' Choice Awards is the nation's oldest nonprofit guide to quality children's media and materials for children, including: books, toys, music, magazines, software, videogames, television and websites.

You can watch an introduction video on their website. This is an interesting and fun way for children to learn another way to "speak', and may be very helpful to interact with other children who may not be able to "speak' the words. Click on the box below to go to the website for Signing Time.

Growing Up Healthy and Strong with Organic Food

Growing up healthy and strong with organic food
Contributed by Dr. Joey Shulman for Sweetpea Baby Food

All parents want the best for their growing babies. Decisions about the quality and quantity of the food your baby is eating are, therefore, of the utmost importance.

Selecting high quality foods and "going organic" have been shown to have immense benefits, which include:

• Lowering your baby's risk of developing allergies or asthma
• Decreasing the chances of having a "picky eater"
• Optimizing your baby's digestion and immune system function
• Decreasing exposure to toxic chemicals found in conventional fruits and vegetables

Step 1 - Starting with cereal (approx. 4-6 months)

A hypoallergenic infant cereal such as organic brown rice, barley or mixed grain is the best "starter" food for your baby. Mix cereal with added breast milk, formula or water to ensure it has a soft and smooth texture.

Step 2 - Moving on to 100% organic fruits and veggies (approximately 4-6 months)

Fruits and vegetables are the next solid food category you should introduce on a one by one basis. As a general rule, the more colorful the fruit or vegetable, the more nutrient value it holds. The top organic fruits and vegetables to introduce include avocados, bananas, blueberries, pears, broccoli, peas, carrots, squash and sweet potatoes.

Step 3 - Introducing organic proteins for strong muscles (approximately 6- 8 months)

As your baby's energy and growing demands change, s/he is ready to eat a greater amount of protein and iron. Introduce new protein foods one at time with a 3-5 day lag between each new protein introduced.

Becoming informed about your baby's nutritional and growing needs gives parents peace of mind. Having the right information will help with your baby's continuing growth and development.

To contact Dr. Joey, visit drjoey@sweetpeababyfood.com

Introducing Healthy Foods and Good Eating Habits

Healthy Eating for Babies

Healthy eating starts with good choices.

As a new parent, you want to provide your baby with the best possible start in life. Studies show healthy eating habits begin to develop with your baby's first foods. Starting early by educating yourself and to introduce your child to fresh, all-natural foods, you are creating the foundation for your child to make healthy food choices.

10 Healthy Eating Habits

-- Teach your baby about different fruits and vegetables.
-- Talk about what your baby is eating. Make it fun!
-- Be a good role model. your baby learns by imitating you.
-- Encourage your baby to drink water. Offer it at every meal.
-- Your baby's tastes will change often. Don't get discouraged.
-- Your baby needs a balanced diet, with plenty of variety.
-- Don't be in a rush at mealtimes. Enjoy time with your baby.
-- Set times for meals and snacks.
-- Never force your baby to eat. Be patient.
-- Make mealtimes a relaxing, family event. Avoid distractions.

Dads' Parenting Style Influences Childhood Obesity

Date updated: May 06, 2007
Content provided by Health Day

SATURDAY, May 5 (HealthDay News) -- Fathers' parenting styles have a major influence on children's weight, says an Australian study that looked at almost 5,000 children, ages 4-5, and their parents.

The researchers found that fathers with permissive (no limits on their children) or disengaged parenting styles were more likely to have overweight or obese children, while fathers with a consistent (clear limits, following through with instructions, etc.) style were less likely to have children with a higher body mass index (BMI).

There was no association between the mothers' parenting styles and children's weight, said the study authors from the Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

The findings were to be presented this weekend at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies, in Toronto.

"This study of a large cross section of Australian preschoolers has, for the first time, suggested that fathers could be at the frontline in preventing early childhood obesity. Mothers are often blamed for their children's obesity, but this study suggests that for more effective prevention, perhaps we should focus on the whole family," Melissa Wake, an associate professor at CCCH, said in a prepared statement.

"Given the importance of the family unit in a child's preschool years, and its influence on their nutrition and physical activity levels, it is timely to look at the parenting roles of both parents and the impact they have on a child's tendency to be overweight or obese," Wake said.

She noted that more than 60 percent of the fathers and more than 40 percent of the mothers in the study were overweight or obese.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers advice for parents on healthy eating and physical activity for children.

Article provided by ScoutNews, LLC.

Are We Harming Our Children?

You Can Protect Your Baby from Harmful Carcinogens

Like most new mothers, I'm sure you want the best for your new baby. Using products that are full of chemicals, even though they may have a popular image, may be harming your baby's tender, sensitive skin. Research has shown that some of these skin and bath products may include harmful carcinogens,

I have found a wonderful website that offers only the finest natural products for baby, moms-to-be, and new moms. They offer support and advice on the many aspects of having a baby, before, during and after, as well as offer pure, natural gifts for mama and baby.

If you are concerned about your precious baby's well-being, please read what Earth Mama Angel Baby has to say about its products:

"What do women do when they need advice about breastfeeding, diaper rash, morning sickness, heartburn, and hemorrhoids? They call mama."

That’s why Mama created Earth Mama Angel Baby®, the only line of 100% natural skin and body care products to support the entire birth process: pregnancy, labor, post-partum and c-section recovery, breastfeeding, baby care, and even the loss of a baby.

Pure, natural products and gifts for pure, natural mamas and babies!

We use the highest quality oils and QAI certified organic herbs. Our products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and have no artificial preservatives, fragrances or dyes."


For more information about Earth Mama Angel Baby, click their link below.

The Pure Facts and Benefits About organic

What Does It Mean?

The pure facts:
•	Organic ingredients are produced without the use of growth hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals.
•	To ensure manufacturers’ compliance, the USDA rigorously monitors Organic standards and regulations.
•	To be certified USDA Organic and display the USDA Organic seal, a product must contain at least 95% organic ingredients by weight.
•	USDA Organic certification ensures that the farm where the food is grown and the companies that handle or process the food meet USDA Organic standards.
•	More and more families today are choosing organic options as a part of a healthy lifestyle.

To learn more about organic food products, please visit www.usda.gov.

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Good Advice

The Four R's

• Reduce~the amount of trash discarded
• Reuse~ containers and products
• Recycle~use recycled materials, and compost
• Respond~ to the solid waste dilemma by reconsidering waste-producing activities and by expressing preference for less waste