Question: I am trying to maintain a healthy weight when pregnant, can I take sugar substitutes like aspartame and saccharin?
Answer
You will find sweeteners in many diet ready meals, snacks, drinks and also in chewable vitamin supplements. Although research indicates that sweeteners are safe, some research on sugar substitutes is inconclusive and many Mindful Mum’s avoid the use of artificial sweeteners completely during pregnancy. In the UK the use of sweeteners is controlled by the Food Standards Agency which allow five licensed artifiical sweeteners:
Continue reading “Can I take artificial sweeteners when pregnant?” →
Iron is an important nutrient for you during pregnancy because it is essential for the developing blood supply of your baby and for your own expanding blood supply. It’s easy for pregnant women to become deficient in iron during pregnancy so its important to eat plenty of iron rich food. Mindful Mum lists sources of iron for a healthy diet during pregnancy in the cut out list below.
Continue reading “Best Sources of Iron for Pregnancy” →
Question: When and how do I apply for child benefit? My baby is 4 weeks old.
Answer
Child Benefit is for all UK parents that qualify and is not based on you or your partners income or savings. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can only backdate your Child Benefit for up to three months from the date they get your claim, so apply for Child Benefit as soon as possible after having your baby.
Continue reading “When Should I Claim Child Benefit?” →
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” →
Question: When is the best time to paint the nursery? My sister says the fumes could harm the baby if I strip paint in my first trimester?
Answer
Pregnant women should be banned from the decorating. Many parents want to make their baby’s room safe and beautiful, they rush around in the last weeks stripping wall paper, sanding and painting. However, mums-to-be should stay away during decorating because pregnant women and their fetuses are vulnerable to toxins from plaster, old paint (which may contain lead) as well as VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) fumes from new paint.
Continue reading “When is it safe to decorate the nursery?” →
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” →
Fish is an excellent source of protein for your baby when they reach stage 2 (7+ months old.) The omega-3 acids in many fatty fish help to spur on brain growth. However, you may already be aware that some fish contain mercury or that there is a risk of an allergic reaction.
This is what Mindful Mum’s need to know about fish:
Continue reading “Weaning Baby: Safe Fish Guidelines” →
MOST POPULAR