Many countries are banning the use of the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) in the production of baby bottles due to health concerns. Canada banned BPA in 2009. Whilst this month:
So far, UK movement to ban BPA in baby bottles and materials that come into contact with toddlers food is slow. Any change in policy towards BPA awaits the opinion of the EFSA (European Food Standards Authority) who are currently assessing the relevance of a further study commissioned by the American Chemistry Council. The EFSA opinion is expected in May 2010
Whilst we await the opinion of the EFSA, Mindful Mum provides a comparison of BPA free baby bottles and a guide to BPA free weaning for UK parents wishing to err on the side of caution regarding their children’s health. If you are concerned your child has already been exposed to BPA, see our article on blocking the effects of BPA.
For more information on the ban to remove BPA from UK baby bottles see the No More BPA Campaign.
Continue reading “Steps towards banning BPA from baby bottles” →
Question: I’m weaning my baby onto solids. Is it safe to defrost, heat and cook foods for baby in the microwave?
Answer: If you cook and freeze large batches of food, the microwave is a convenient tool for de-frosting and heating food quickly during weaning. It is also useful for cooking food such as fish, as it only takes a couple of minutes. However, many parents are wary of using a microwave because of perceived health risks.
Although health risks are mitigated by using a microwave oven correctly, e.g. following guidelines and using microwave-safe containers, its probably best to use a microwave in moderation — for occasional cooking, defrosting or fast re-heat.
To safely cook, defrost and reheat baby food read the following tips on baby weaning and using a microwave.
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Question: I’ve heard that I should throw out my teflon baking tray due to health risks? I’ve been using non-stick pans for years, is it safe?
Answer: If you have caught yourself using a metal knife to release your muffins from a non stick tray, a metal spatula to ease out your omelette or accidentally left your grill on the hob, re-read the manufacturer instructions on your non stick cooking equipment.
Despite the ease, convenience and ubiquity of non-stick substances such as Teflon, many health concious parents are gradually phasing out non-stick pots and pans in favour of traditional materials such as stainless steel and cast iron. This is because non-stick materials are made from perfluorochemicals which have been associated with health concerns including; smaller birth weight in new babies, cancer, liver damage and fertility problems.
For safe cooking, use non-stick pans according to the exact instructions laid down by the manufacturer. Mindful Mum gives the ‘low down on non-stick cooking safety’ and provides a list of alternatives to non stick cooking.
Here is the low down on non-stick pan safety and alternatives.
Continue reading “Is Teflon Safe for Cooking?” →
Question: Help, I’ve been using polycarbonate bottles for my baby and have just found out about BPA. What can I do?
Answer
Many mums are concerned that their child may have been exposed to the chemical BPA in plastic baby bottles. Fortunately scientists are researching how to block the potential damage done by BPA.
Preliminary research from Duke University in the US indicates that folate (found in most green leafy vegetables (such as spinach) and genistein (found in legumes like soy) can block BPA damage.
Continue reading “My child has been exposed to BPA in baby bottles. What can I do?” →
Question: Should I buy organic milk? My little boy is just about to turn one and move from breast milk to cow’s milk. My partner thinks it is much healthier than conventional milk, but my Mum thinks its just a marketing gimmick!
Answer
Organic milk comes from cows which are only fed organic cereals and graze on land free from artificial fertilisers and pesticides. There is scientific evidence that organic milk contains higher levels of types of fats called short-chain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants as well as more vitamin A and E than conventionally produced milk.
However, your Mum’s view is understandable. Last year the Food Standards Agency funded a controversial report in 2009 stating that organic food is no healthier and provides no significant nutritional benefit compared with conventionally produced food. Although the FSA have concluded that organic milk contians higher levels of omega 3 than non organic milk, they advise the public to get their allowance from two portions of oily fish each week.
However, the FSA conclusions on organic food have been called into question by scientific experts and organic food campaigners.
Before making your decision, consider the following research on organic milk:
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Easy three bean stew is a tasty, winter warm which is great for weaning vegetarian babies at nine months. It can be made ‘all in one’ pot and feeds the whole family.
At nine months your baby will enjoy experimenting with lumpier foods and well cooked beans mashed up are a great source of iron, protein and calcium.
- 9 months + (great for all the family)
- Makes 6 portions
- Cooks all in one pot
- Can be frozen
- Cooking Time: 30 mins
Continue reading “Baby Weaning Recipes: Winter Warmer Three Bean Stew” →
The Low Down on Oily Fish for Babies
Fish, especially oily fish, should form part of your baby’s diet from eight months. The Food Standards Agency recommends children eat at least two portions of fish each week, one of which should be oily. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are found in oily fish. They are called essential because they are the only fats that our bodies actually need from food, as other fats can be manufactured in the body. They are important for the development of your baby’s brain and eyes.
Mindful Mum’s favourite salmon recipes for a baby of 8 months plus are found below; Salmon Stovies, Fish Cakes, Salmon Pasta Bake and Salmon and Lemon Couscous.
Continue reading “Baby Weaning Recipes: Salmon” →
Question: My baby is refusing solids. It’s so frustrating. How can I move her beyond milk and bland rice. She is nearly 8 months now.
Answer
All babies are different and take to food in different ways. Sometimes its a case of try, try and try again. Here are Mindful Mum’s top tips for encouraging baby to start solids.
Continue reading “How to Help Baby Who Refuses Solids” →
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