WHY DO WE NEED STERILIZE BABY BOTTLE?

Do you need to sterilize baby bottle? Some believe that sterilization is not required with the current supply of water being treated and sanitized. But many parents still play it safe and sterilize their baby’s feeding bottles. Why?

During the first year of your baby’s life, he’s at his most vulnerable to illnesses. If bottles aren't sterilised, viruses, bacteria, and parasites can gather and make your baby ill. Your baby could develop anything from mild thrush to a more serious bout of vomiting and diarrhoea. 

1) In some countries, the water may have been treated but still contain some form of bacteria.

2) Some places, the water source is unknown. For example it may come from a contaminated well.

3) Most tap and well water are not safe for drinking due to heavy industrial and environmental pollution. Toxic bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals routinely penetrate and pollute our natural water sources making people sick while exposing them to long term health consequences such as liver damage, cancer and other serious conditions. We have reached the point where all sources of our drinking water, including municipal water systems, wells, lakes, rivers, and even glaciers, contain some level of contamination. Imagine washing your baby's feeding bottles with this water.

Tommee Tippee Sterilizer Package

It's not possible or practical to create a totally germ-free environment for your baby. But by sterilising your baby’s feeding equipment, you can help to keep him healthy.

If you are sterilizing your baby’s feeding bottles, having access to a good baby sterilizer is important. The baby's immune system is still developing making them very vulnerable to infection. As a result it is important to take significant precautions to ensure, as far as possible, that they are not exposed to harmful bacteria which could cause illness. One of the most effective ways of protecting your baby is to ensure that all feeding equipments are fully sterile prior to use. By heating water within the sterilization chamber, steam is generated which makes contact with the surfaces of the baby feeding equipment to kill off any harmful bacteria. Traditional methods such as boiling in water do of course still work. However, using a baby sterilizer is much more convenient and easy.

We have been using Tommee Tippee Sterilizer for close to 2 years now. No problems so far and we are very satisfied with it.

For more variety of Baby Sterilizer, please visit Little Kids.

MOTHERHOOD EXPERIENCE - UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Motherhood is a new chapter in any woman’s life… And being a mother in the last 1+ year, I can definitely say that it is a totally different experience – one for which there is no parallel substitute, one which you can never be fully prepared for and one which makes you learn every day – about yourself, about your baby and about the world (including your husband, family, friends and everyone else).

We don’t know what the future will unfold in our journey as a mother. But here’s what we do know – The first year of motherhood is a mixed bag – of celebrations, of joys, of sorrows, of sacrifices, of compromises, of laughs, of tears, of challenges, of changes, of everyday trials, of mental strength, of self-will, of determination, and of multiple assessments on the pinnacles of your energy, patience, love, priorities, values and selflessness.

And while every mother has her own set of moments which she will cherish for a lifetime, we have articulated our most wonderful moments in the first year of motherhood. And hopefully, this will resonate with many other mothers around the world.

1. The first sight of your baby

After a 9 month bond with your baby who had an imaginary face and with whom you shared a variety of your thoughts, emotions, experiences, expressions and the long ordeal of labor – You finally see your baby for the very first time – All pink, live and kicking! What a moment!! For many mothers, the moment in itself can be overwhelming. Simply because at that one moment, you realize that while you comprehend the physics, chemistry and biology of making a baby, you will never fully appreciate the divine element in human creation.

2. The first cry of your baby

The first cry of your baby is one of the sweetest music to any mother’s ears. It’s just the start of the many cries which will continue to be a constant music in your everyday life. But then, the first cry – however it is – is a moment to cherish for any mother.

3. Hearty laughs from your baby

The first REAL hearty laugh from your baby transports you to a different world. Simply because the laugh is pure, honest, heart-felt and is from your baby and for you, at you and with you! Ooooh! What a moment of pure unadulterated joy to just get your baby to laugh and laugh along with your baby! And then every time your baby laughs is a magical moment – one which just makes you fully present in the moment, in the NOW!!!

4. The first time your baby recognizes you

The first time your baby actually recognizes you is a wonderful feeling. Your baby reacts, responds and expresses in his / her own way. And no matter how many other recognitions you get in the journey of life, nothing beats this one!

5. Kisses from your baby

Nothing compares to the first kiss from you baby. It could be just a lick or a smack or just oodles of drool on your face. But there is something magical about a baby’s kiss – It just makes you keep longing for more of these baby kisses.

6. The first time you cry for your baby

This can be in joy, worry, pain, hurt, wonder, pride or just a whirlwind of emotions. But the first time you cry for your baby is a memorable moment simply because it marks the beginning of many more tears in the journey of your life as a mother.

7. The first time your baby says Mama / Amma / Ma

Among all the other titles, names and identities that you amass in your personal and professional life, the first time your baby says Mama / Amma / Ma touches your heart, your soul. And no matter who chooses to address you in whatever fashion they believe appropriate, a sweet Mama / Amma / Ma from your baby for the first time is a wonderful moment! One which most mothers remember with amazing detail for a lifetime!

8. The first time your baby crawls / walks

The first time your baby gets mobile – either by crawling or walking is a touching moment. It’s just fascinating to watch your baby move around actively and also to watch your baby’s every attempt to get close to you! While again it marks the beginning of many changes that you need to make in your house, in your activities and in your life – It is definitely a milestone in the first year of motherhood!

9. Moments when your baby relishes the food you cook

Every woman has different culinary skills and every baby has his / her own preference for food and taste. And while it takes time for the mother and baby to figure out different food palates and reach a state of understanding and equilibrium, there is nothing more satisfying than a self-cooked meal which your baby enjoys and gulps down with complete relish. This certificate from your baby in appreciation of your efforts and culinary skills equates to you being a Michelin Star Chef.

10. Realization that it is your sheer presence which makes a difference

There are moments in the first year of motherhood when you realize that your sheer physical presence makes your baby happy. Just You! In whatever way, form, size, attire and shape that you are in! And with no expectations, no judgment, no demands in return. Of course, this will change with time (or so I have been told!)… But in the first year, it is just the mother’s sheer physical presence which makes all the difference.. And in those moments, every mother experiences an amazing feeling.

11. The first real baby achievement

Every mother has her own assessment of what she believes is a key baby achievement. To some it may be the first time your baby eats independently, the first time your baby dances, the first time your baby kicks a ball, the first time your baby climbs up / down the bed freely, etc. etc.

And the first time you witness your baby’s achievement, is a moment of pride, joy, wonder and amazement – One which any mother will cherish for a lifetime. In my case, my baby achieves something worthwhile almost every day (Of course! I may be biased here.. but then! I am her mother).

12. The moment you really understand the meaning of true love

Somewhere along the way, every mother understands and experiences TRUE LOVE. While we all love our parents, friends, spouses, siblings, family, etc etc. – There is something exquisite about the love any mother feels for her baby..

And if you are a mother, you will agree with me..

And if you have experienced this love, you are lucky…

And if you want to experience it, it is definitely worth it…

This post is dedicated to my daughter, Naisha

This post is dedicated to my mother, Sriranjani

This post is dedicated to all mothers.

"FORBIDDEN" BABY FOODS

As your baby grows, he'll be eager to sample food from your plate – and you'll be eager to introduce some variety to his diet. But not all foods are safe for your child. Some pose a choking hazard, and a few aren't good for your baby's still-developing digestive system.

Foods to avoid: Birth to 4 to 6 months

All food and beverages except breast milk or formula: The AAP recommends feeding your baby only breast milk or formula for the first four to six months.

Foods to avoid: 4 to 12 months

Making your own baby food is quick and easy. Watch a professional chef demonstrate how to do it.

Honey

Honey: Honey can harbor spores of Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. An adult's intestinal tract can prevent the growth of these spores, but in a baby the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins.

Soy Milk & Cow's Milk

Cow's milk and soy milk: Stick with breast milk or formula until your child's first birthday. Why? Your baby can't digest the protein in cow's milk and soy milk for the first year, they don't have all the nutrients he needs, and they contain minerals in amounts that can damage his kidneys.

Choking hazards to watch for

Large Chunks

Large chunks: A chunk of food larger than a pea can get stuck in your child's throat. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and green beans should be shredded or cooked and cut up. Cut fruits like grapes, cherry tomatoes, and melon balls into pea-sized pieces before serving. Cut meats and cheeses into very small pieces or shred them.

Small, hard foods

Small, hard foods: Hard candies, cough drops, nuts, and popcorn are potential choking hazards. Seeds may be too small to choke on but can get stuck in a child’s airway and cause an infection.

Soft, sticky foods

Soft, sticky foods: Soft foods like marshmallows and jelly or gummy candies can get lodged in your child's throat.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter: The sticky consistency of peanut butter and other nut butters can make it tough for a young child to swallow safely.

More choking prevention

Avoid letting your child eat in the car. It's too hard to supervise while driving.

If you're using a rub-on teething medication, keep a close eye on your baby as it can numb his throat and interfere with swallowing.

See a printable checklist on how to reduce your child’s risk of choking.

Foods to avoid: 12 to 36 months

Get age-by-age advice about food safety for older babies and toddlers.

The latest on children and allergies

Doctors used to recommend waiting until age 1 or even much later to introduce solid foods that are common allergens, especially with children at risk for allergies. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has changed its tune because studies show that these delays probably don't help keep allergies from developing.

It's still a wise idea, though, to introduce new foods gradually, waiting several days after each new menu item to make sure your baby doesn't react badly to it. And if you believe that your baby is likely to have food allergies – for example, if allergies run in your family or your baby has moderate to severe eczema – check with his doctor to determine the best strategy for introducing allergenic foods like eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

MAXI-COSI CABRIOFIX BABY CAR SEAT

The popular Maxi Cosi Cabriofix is a group 0+ baby car seat which is suitable for babies from birth until they reach a maximum weight of 13kg/29lbs (approx 12-15 months). It features Side Impact technology for optimal protection to ensure your baby's safety in the event of a side on collision.

Picture picked: LITTLE KIDS.com.my Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix Baby Car Seat

The Maxi Cosi Cabriofix should always be installed in your car in a rear-ward facing position using either the vehicle's own seat belt, or to make it more convenient it can also be used in conjunction with one of the Maxi-Cosi bases including the Maxi-Cosi FamilyFix ISOFIX Base, the Maxi-Cosi EasyFix ISOFIX base, or the Maxi-Cosi Easybase 2 (all sold separately). The bases allow the Cabriofix to be simply installed and removed from the car. It also minimises the chance of incorrect installation giving you extra peace of mind. When using the Maxi-Cosi FamilyFix ISOFIX Base the Cabriofix car seat can be positioned in a more upward seated position for older babies.

The Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix features an innovative stay-open harness which allows you to easily place baby in the seat; and using the one pull adjustment you can ensure it has the correct tension. As baby grows the harness and headrest can be altered to ensure that they are always positioned correctly.

bebe-confort-maxi-cosi-cabriofix-car-seat-in-black-reflection

As well as your baby's safety, the Cabriofix baby car seat has also been designed with your little one's comfort in mind and comes complete with a headhugger, newborn support pillow, chest and buckle pad plus an integrated sun canopy. The car seat also features an extra comfortable ergonomic carrying handle to make it easier for you to lift and move, as well as a handy storage compartment and washable cover.

The Cabriofix car seat is also designed to be compatible with a wide range of Mothercare and other well known pushchair brands to form a travel system either by clicking it directly to the pushchair chassis or by purchasing separate adaptors.

FISHER-PRICE RAINFOREST MELODIES & LIGHTS GYM

The Fisher-Price - Rainforest Melodies & Lights Gym is packed with activities that can provide your baby with plenty of playtime fun throughout the day. The large quilted play mat is decorated with a rainforest scene and is surrounded by a satin border. The play mat has colorful rainbow arches over a large giraffe. It has 20 minutes of continuous music with four songs and three different modes to keep your baby engaged. The Fisher-Price - Rainforest Melodies & Lights Gym has two satin butterflies, which fly above the baby and colored lights pulse while music plays. You can fasten your baby's favorite toys with two linking points, which are attached to the baby activity mat's rainbow arch. Mom or baby can activate Rainforest lights and music for this baby play mat.

Picture from Little Kids.com.my-Rainforest Melodies & Lights Gym

Fisher-Price - Rainforest Melodies & Lights Gym:

• Interactive gym helps encourage healthy development
• The Fisher-Price Rainforest play mat features music, lights, nature sounds, games, and textures
• 20 minutes of mom-activated continuous music; four songs
• Ultra-comfortable floor quilt is a soft place for baby play or rest
• Three different modes of play keep baby alert and interested
• Large play mat has quilted rainforest-theme surrounded by satin border
• The baby play mat includes five repositionable toys
• Two satin butterflies fly above baby as colored lights pulse
• Large giraffe sits at the bottom of the rainbow arch
• Rainbow arch has two linking points for link toys
• Fisher-Price Rainforest play mat requires three C batteries (not included)

For online purchase, please click our ONLINE BABY STORE

FISHER-PRICE LAUGH & LEARN SMILING SMART PHONE

The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smilin' Smart Phone is a fresh look on familiar play with a sleek design and great learning content! With 9 light-up buttons baby can activate sung songs, music, fun phrases and phone sound effects with each press. A realistic role play button encourages baby to say hello and bye-bye while each light-up button offers a variety of content including ABC's, numbers, shapes, colors, weather, opposites and more!

Little Kids - Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smiling Smart Phone

Helps Develop Sensory Capabilities and Fine Motor Skills

This toy smart phone lights up your baby's world of learning with fun sounds, phrases, and sing-along songs that stimulate developing sensory skills. And, as your baby presses the nine different buttons to access a world of new responses, fine-motor skills are improved, too. Listening and language skills are also engaged, as well as your baby's sense of curiosity and discovery.

Little Kids -  Help Develop Sensory Capabilities and Fine Motor Skills

This phone is packed with realistic sounds, phrases, and tunes. Say "hello" to more than 10 sing-along songs, greetings, and more, and "bye-bye" to playtime frowns. By pressing the nine brightly-colored light-up buttons on this sleek design, your baby will activate words, sounds, and greetings. The phone number pad also teaches baby to count and learn the alphabet, while distinguishing between numbers of luminescent colors.

For online purchase, please click our ONLINE BABY STORE

3 HEALTHIER FOODS FOR YOUR KIDS

It won’t be long before your baby is ready to make the switch from pureed baby food to whole foods.  It is important to introduce healthy, whole foods into your babies diet. Here are three of the healthiest whole foods for baby to eat on their own with his or her own little fingers.

Blueberries

Blueberries are just one of the fruity finger foods babies love. Not only are they rich in antioxidants but they are the perfect bite-size fruit for babies. 

Peas

Whether they are fresh, frozen, or steamed the taste and texture is baby and finger food friendly.

Raisen

Raisins are small and sweet just like your precious little one. Raisins are perfect finger foods for on-the-go snacking with baby. 

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