It ranks alongside that first mouthful of solid food or the first tentative step. The move out of nappies is something most parents eagerly await. But advice from the experts is that it's better not to rush the process.
Professor Frank Oberklaid, from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, and co-author of Your Child's Health says for toilet training to occur, there has to be willingness and readiness from both parent and child. And he says no matter how long the process, parents have to remain positive and full of praise while being patient when accidents do occur. He says that the less pressure toddlers feel about toilet training the better.
So just what are the signs and steps to take when moving your youngster from nappies to underwear?
The 'ready' signs may range from your child insisting on being changed as soon as his nappy is dirty, to taking more interest in the toilet habits of the family. Remember, there is no hurry and most children will be nor be ready to try until they are at least 18 months to two years of age.
To start, let your child sit on a potty or a toilet with a child seat when he is clothed to get used to how it feels. Later you can suggest he sits on it without a nappy.
Keep your expectations low and let him lead the way. The more a child is pressured the more likely he is to refuse.
Always be encouraging. Any time he does manage to use a potty or toilet he must be praised and told how well he is doing.
After one or two successful trips to the toilet do not assume your toddler is fully toilet trained. He may do well initially, then refuse to use it. The process is likely to take three to six months with many backward steps.
However, do remember that most children will be toilet trained throughout the day by the time they are aged by three to four years and through the night by the time they start school. If your child is older than this, or you feel he is not coping with toilet training seek advice from your local GP or paediatrician.
Tips:
Keep a sense of humour, not only when it comes to toilet training but parenting in general.
Toilet training is very individual for each child so let him set his own pace.
Praise and encouragement are the best strategy to get results.
Toilet training is your child's accomplishment not yours, so share in his pride but recognise it is his own achievement.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
30 September 2009
Stone Fruit Swirl
Serves : 1
Ready : 10 mins
Ingredients :
1 ripe mango
2 ripe apricots
1 ripe peach
2 tbsp yoghurt
Method:
Using a small serrated knife, peel the skinoff each piece of fruit, then cut around the stone.
Place the flesh of the fruits into a blender on high speed until combined. Pour the mix into a bowl and add the yoghurt.
Other seasonal fruits great with yoghurt: nectarine, lychee, passionfruit, tamarillo, guava, papaya, plums, and cherries.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 10 mins
Ingredients :
1 ripe mango
2 ripe apricots
1 ripe peach
2 tbsp yoghurt
Method:
Using a small serrated knife, peel the skinoff each piece of fruit, then cut around the stone.
Place the flesh of the fruits into a blender on high speed until combined. Pour the mix into a bowl and add the yoghurt.
Other seasonal fruits great with yoghurt: nectarine, lychee, passionfruit, tamarillo, guava, papaya, plums, and cherries.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Breakfast Puddings
Serves : 4
Prep : 5 mins
Ingredients :
2 cups thick Greek yoghurt
3 tbsp honey
finely grated zest of one orange
1/2 rockmelon, peeled, deseeded, cut into 1cm cubes
1 punnet strawberries, quartered
1 orange, juiced
1/4 cup almond, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted
Method:
In a small bowl combine the yoghurt, honey and orange zest.
In another bowl combine the melon, strawberries and orange juice.
Spoon half the fruit into four glasses. Sprinkle half the almonds and coconut over the fruit, top with half the yoghurt. Layer each glass with the fruit and yoghurt. Finish with coconut and almonds.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Prep : 5 mins
Ingredients :
2 cups thick Greek yoghurt
3 tbsp honey
finely grated zest of one orange
1/2 rockmelon, peeled, deseeded, cut into 1cm cubes
1 punnet strawberries, quartered
1 orange, juiced
1/4 cup almond, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted
Method:
In a small bowl combine the yoghurt, honey and orange zest.
In another bowl combine the melon, strawberries and orange juice.
Spoon half the fruit into four glasses. Sprinkle half the almonds and coconut over the fruit, top with half the yoghurt. Layer each glass with the fruit and yoghurt. Finish with coconut and almonds.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Poached Pears On Oven-Roasted Muesli
Serves : 4
Prep : 10 mins
Cook : 15-20 mins
Ingredients:
2 pears, peeled, halved and cored
1 stick cinnamon
12 x 4cm piece lemon peel
120g ricotta
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup oven roasted muesli
2 tbsp honey
1 punnet blueberries
Method:
Put the pears into a medium saucepan, add the cinnamon stick and lemon peel, cover with water simmer for 15-20 minutes until just soft.
In a small bowl mix together the ricotta, lemon zest and cinnamon.
Remove the pears from their cooking liquid, placing each half in a bowl. Top with the muesli, a dollop of ricotta and a drizzle of honey. Scatter over the blueberries and serve.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Prep : 10 mins
Cook : 15-20 mins
Ingredients:
2 pears, peeled, halved and cored
1 stick cinnamon
12 x 4cm piece lemon peel
120g ricotta
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup oven roasted muesli
2 tbsp honey
1 punnet blueberries
Method:
Put the pears into a medium saucepan, add the cinnamon stick and lemon peel, cover with water simmer for 15-20 minutes until just soft.
In a small bowl mix together the ricotta, lemon zest and cinnamon.
Remove the pears from their cooking liquid, placing each half in a bowl. Top with the muesli, a dollop of ricotta and a drizzle of honey. Scatter over the blueberries and serve.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Brekkie Rolls
Serves : 4
Prep : 5 mins / Cook : 5 mins
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 bacon rashers, halved
4 large eggs
4 wholemeal English muffins
4 slices cheddar cheese
1 tomato, thinly sliced
1 handful baby spinach
Tomato sauce or mayonnaise, to serve
Method:
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat, add the oil and the bacon, crack in the eggs. Reduce the heat to medium.
While the eggs are cooking split and toast the muffins.
Turn the bacon and place a slice of cheese over each egg (the heat of the egg will begin to melt the cheese). Cook the egg to your liking (slightly runny is delicious)
TO make the rolls, spread the muffin with a little tomato sauce or mayonnaise, put in slices of tomato, baby spinach, top with a slice of bacon and then the cheesy egg, finish with a muffin half.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Prep : 5 mins / Cook : 5 mins
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 bacon rashers, halved
4 large eggs
4 wholemeal English muffins
4 slices cheddar cheese
1 tomato, thinly sliced
1 handful baby spinach
Tomato sauce or mayonnaise, to serve
Method:
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat, add the oil and the bacon, crack in the eggs. Reduce the heat to medium.
While the eggs are cooking split and toast the muffins.
Turn the bacon and place a slice of cheese over each egg (the heat of the egg will begin to melt the cheese). Cook the egg to your liking (slightly runny is delicious)
TO make the rolls, spread the muffin with a little tomato sauce or mayonnaise, put in slices of tomato, baby spinach, top with a slice of bacon and then the cheesy egg, finish with a muffin half.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Speedy Breakfast Smoothie
Serves : 2
Prep : 5 mins
Ingredients :
1 banana
1 cup fresh or frozen berries
125ml soy milk
1 cup thick Greek yoghurt
2 tbsp LSA (linseed, sunflower and almond meal mix)
2 tbsp honey
Method:
In a blender, combine banana, berries, soy milk, yoghurt, LSA and honey. Blend until smooth, about 20-30 seconds.
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Prep : 5 mins
Ingredients :
1 banana
1 cup fresh or frozen berries
125ml soy milk
1 cup thick Greek yoghurt
2 tbsp LSA (linseed, sunflower and almond meal mix)
2 tbsp honey
Method:
In a blender, combine banana, berries, soy milk, yoghurt, LSA and honey. Blend until smooth, about 20-30 seconds.
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Fruity Filler
Serves : 1
Ready : 5 mins
Ingredients :
1 weetbix
1 tbsp cottage cheese
1 ripe pear peeled and mashed
2 strawberries, diced
Method:
In a bowl break up the weet-bix and pour over with a little boiled water to soften.
Add the cottage cheese, and pear and mix together.
Once cool enough for baby serve with strawberries on top.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 5 mins
Ingredients :
1 weetbix
1 tbsp cottage cheese
1 ripe pear peeled and mashed
2 strawberries, diced
Method:
In a bowl break up the weet-bix and pour over with a little boiled water to soften.
Add the cottage cheese, and pear and mix together.
Once cool enough for baby serve with strawberries on top.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Sweet Potato Wedges
Ingredients :
750g sweet potatoes
half a cup of flour
two whisked egg whites
Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley
Method:
Start with around 750g sweet potatoes.
To prepare the sweet potato wedges, dip each wedge into about half a cup of flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into two whisked egg whites.
Finally, sprinkle the cut surface with a mixture of grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. Transfer to a baking tray and bake on 200'C for 20-25 minutes.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
750g sweet potatoes
half a cup of flour
two whisked egg whites
Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley
Method:
Start with around 750g sweet potatoes.
To prepare the sweet potato wedges, dip each wedge into about half a cup of flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into two whisked egg whites.
Finally, sprinkle the cut surface with a mixture of grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. Transfer to a baking tray and bake on 200'C for 20-25 minutes.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Fish Fingers
Ingredients :
75g butter, softened
1-2 tbsp finely chopped herbs (try mint, chives, parsley and basil)
1 egg
1 cup panko
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
500g thick white fish fillet
3/4 cup plain flour, lightly seasoned
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 lemon (to serve)
Method:
In a small bowl mix together the butter and chopped herbs, cover and put in the fridge.
Break the egg into a shallow bowl, add 1 tablespoon of water and lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Beat with a fork until combined. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
Cut the fish into bite sized pieces. One by one dip the fish pieces into the egg wash, then the flour, followed by the breadcrumbs.
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium high heat. Add the fish and cook until golden all over, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towel.
Serve with corn coins or sweet potato wedges.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
75g butter, softened
1-2 tbsp finely chopped herbs (try mint, chives, parsley and basil)
1 egg
1 cup panko
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
500g thick white fish fillet
3/4 cup plain flour, lightly seasoned
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 lemon (to serve)
Method:
In a small bowl mix together the butter and chopped herbs, cover and put in the fridge.
Break the egg into a shallow bowl, add 1 tablespoon of water and lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Beat with a fork until combined. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
Cut the fish into bite sized pieces. One by one dip the fish pieces into the egg wash, then the flour, followed by the breadcrumbs.
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium high heat. Add the fish and cook until golden all over, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towel.
Serve with corn coins or sweet potato wedges.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Chicken Drumsticks
Serves : 4
Prep : 15 mins / cook : 20-25 mins
Ingredients:
3 tbsp low salt soy sauce (optional)
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
4 chicken drumsticks
Ingredients :
Preheat the oven to 200'C. Line two baking sheets with baking paper.
In a bowl large enough to hold the drumsticks, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, olive oil and garlic. Put in the drumsticks and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Remove the drumsticks from their marinade and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
Serve with potato wedges.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Prep : 15 mins / cook : 20-25 mins
Ingredients:
3 tbsp low salt soy sauce (optional)
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
4 chicken drumsticks
Ingredients :
Preheat the oven to 200'C. Line two baking sheets with baking paper.
In a bowl large enough to hold the drumsticks, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, olive oil and garlic. Put in the drumsticks and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Remove the drumsticks from their marinade and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
Serve with potato wedges.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ricotta Fritters
Serves : 4
Prep : 15 mins / cook 15 mins
Ingredients :
2/3 cup plain flour
3 eggs, lightly whisked
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup cold soda water
2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
1 potato, peeled and grated
1 large zucchini, peeled and grated
corn kernels from 1 cob of corn
150g ricotto, roughly broken in chunks
Vegetable oil for frying
Method:
Into a large bowl sift the flour, make a well in the centre and add the eggs, begin beating from the centre, gradually working in the flour until if is all combined. Mix in the olive oil and he soda water, season with salt and pepper.
Add the carrots, potato, zucchini and corn, mix well through the batter. Gently stir through the ricotta.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat and add enough oil to just cover the base of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium then spoon heaped tablespoonfuls of the mixture into the pan, frying until golden, about 2-3 minutes each side. Drain on paper towel and keep warm in the oven. Continue until the mixture is finished.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Prep : 15 mins / cook 15 mins
Ingredients :
2/3 cup plain flour
3 eggs, lightly whisked
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup cold soda water
2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
1 potato, peeled and grated
1 large zucchini, peeled and grated
corn kernels from 1 cob of corn
150g ricotto, roughly broken in chunks
Vegetable oil for frying
Method:
Into a large bowl sift the flour, make a well in the centre and add the eggs, begin beating from the centre, gradually working in the flour until if is all combined. Mix in the olive oil and he soda water, season with salt and pepper.
Add the carrots, potato, zucchini and corn, mix well through the batter. Gently stir through the ricotta.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat and add enough oil to just cover the base of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium then spoon heaped tablespoonfuls of the mixture into the pan, frying until golden, about 2-3 minutes each side. Drain on paper towel and keep warm in the oven. Continue until the mixture is finished.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Nachos Quesadilla
Serves : 2-4
Prep : 10 mins
Cook : 7 mins
Ingredients :
1/2 cup red kidney beans
1/2 avocado, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded chicken meat
1 shallot, finely chopped, optional
1/2 tomato, de-seeded and diced
1/4 small red capsicum, diced
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 wholegrain tortilla wraps
1 lime quartered, optional
Method :
Preheat the oven to 180'C. Line a baking sheet with baking paper and set aside.
Spread the beans over half of each tortilla. Top with a scattering of avocado, chicken, shallot, tomato, capsicum and cheese. Season with salt and pepper and fold tortillas in half over the filling.
Carefully put the tortillas onto the baking tray and bake for about 7-8 minutes until
the cheese has just melted. Using a sharp knife slice each into 4 wedges, serve with a squeeze of lime if desired.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Prep : 10 mins
Cook : 7 mins
Ingredients :
1/2 cup red kidney beans
1/2 avocado, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded chicken meat
1 shallot, finely chopped, optional
1/2 tomato, de-seeded and diced
1/4 small red capsicum, diced
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 wholegrain tortilla wraps
1 lime quartered, optional
Method :
Preheat the oven to 180'C. Line a baking sheet with baking paper and set aside.
Spread the beans over half of each tortilla. Top with a scattering of avocado, chicken, shallot, tomato, capsicum and cheese. Season with salt and pepper and fold tortillas in half over the filling.
Carefully put the tortillas onto the baking tray and bake for about 7-8 minutes until
the cheese has just melted. Using a sharp knife slice each into 4 wedges, serve with a squeeze of lime if desired.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Banana, Apple & Maple Yoghurt
Serves : 1
Ready : 5 mins
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Ingredients :
half a banana (mashed)
half an apple (grated)
half a cup of greek yoghurt
1 teaspoon of maple syrup
Method:
Combine half a banana (mashed), half an apple (grated), half a cup of greek yoghurt and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup in a small bowl and serve.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 5 mins
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Ingredients :
half a banana (mashed)
half an apple (grated)
half a cup of greek yoghurt
1 teaspoon of maple syrup
Method:
Combine half a banana (mashed), half an apple (grated), half a cup of greek yoghurt and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup in a small bowl and serve.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Baked Bananas
Serves : 2
Ready : 12 mins
Ingredients :
2 bananas (split lengthwise)
30g diced butter
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
yoghurt or cream
Method :
Preheat the oven 180'C. Lay a 40cm piece of foil onto a baking tray and a similar size sheet of baking paper over the top. Put two bananas (split lengthwise) into the centre of the paper, next to each other. Scatter 30g diced butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the bananas.
Pull the paper and foil up around the bananas, pinching and folding the top closed, making a parcel. Bake in the oven for 10 mins until the bananas are just soft and a yummy sauce has formed. Serve with yoghurt or cream.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 12 mins
Ingredients :
2 bananas (split lengthwise)
30g diced butter
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
yoghurt or cream
Method :
Preheat the oven 180'C. Lay a 40cm piece of foil onto a baking tray and a similar size sheet of baking paper over the top. Put two bananas (split lengthwise) into the centre of the paper, next to each other. Scatter 30g diced butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the bananas.
Pull the paper and foil up around the bananas, pinching and folding the top closed, making a parcel. Bake in the oven for 10 mins until the bananas are just soft and a yummy sauce has formed. Serve with yoghurt or cream.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Banana Bread
Makes : 1 loaf
Ready : 1 hour and 10 mins
Ingredients :
250g self raising flour
1/2 cup almond meal
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch salt
100g brown sugar
125g butter, cut into cubes
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 granny smith apple, peeled and grated
400g very ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
Method :
Preheat the oven to 180'C. Grease a loaf tin or 6 mini loaf tins.
Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the almond meal, cinnamon, salt and sugar stirring to combine. Add the butter, maple syrup, apple, bananas and eggs and beat together until well combined, using electric beaters.
Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour ( about 40 minutes for mini loaves) until golden on top and a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the middle.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 1 hour and 10 mins
Ingredients :
250g self raising flour
1/2 cup almond meal
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch salt
100g brown sugar
125g butter, cut into cubes
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 granny smith apple, peeled and grated
400g very ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
Method :
Preheat the oven to 180'C. Grease a loaf tin or 6 mini loaf tins.
Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the almond meal, cinnamon, salt and sugar stirring to combine. Add the butter, maple syrup, apple, bananas and eggs and beat together until well combined, using electric beaters.
Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour ( about 40 minutes for mini loaves) until golden on top and a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the middle.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Roast Pumpkin & Chicken Pasta
Serve : 4
Ready : 30 mins
Ingredients :
800g diced pumpkin
400g penne pasta
4 tbsp olive oil
2 shredded chicken breasts
1 clove of garlic
1 punnet of cherry tomatoes (halved)
lemon juice
Method :
Preheat the oven to 200'C. Put 800g of diced pumpkin into a baking dish and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Bake for 20 mins or until golden and soft.
While the pumpkin is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. 10 minutes before the pumpkin is done, put 400g penne pasta into the water.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add meat from 2 shredded chicken breasts (pre-cooked), 1 clove of garlic, 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes (halved) and lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute, tossing the ingredients together. Remove from the heat and season to taste.
Drain the pasta and add to the pan, add to the pan, along with the pumpkin, toss to combine and add a little extra oil and lemon juice if desired. Serve with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 30 mins
Ingredients :
800g diced pumpkin
400g penne pasta
4 tbsp olive oil
2 shredded chicken breasts
1 clove of garlic
1 punnet of cherry tomatoes (halved)
lemon juice
Method :
Preheat the oven to 200'C. Put 800g of diced pumpkin into a baking dish and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Bake for 20 mins or until golden and soft.
While the pumpkin is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. 10 minutes before the pumpkin is done, put 400g penne pasta into the water.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add meat from 2 shredded chicken breasts (pre-cooked), 1 clove of garlic, 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes (halved) and lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute, tossing the ingredients together. Remove from the heat and season to taste.
Drain the pasta and add to the pan, add to the pan, along with the pumpkin, toss to combine and add a little extra oil and lemon juice if desired. Serve with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Chicken, Pear & Sweet Potato Puree
Makes : 3 cups
Ready : 15 mins
Ingredients :
100g chicken breast fillet
1 cut diced sweet potato
1 small pear (quartered)
500ml chicken stock
Method :
Put 100g chicken breast fillet, 1 cut diced sweet potato and 1 small pear (quartered) into a small sauce pan, cover with 500ml chicken stock and cook over a medium heat for 10 mins.
Remove the chicken from the pot and puree in a blender, with some stock, until smooth. Place into a container and repeat the process with the remaining sweet potato, pear and stock. Mix together with the chicken.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 15 mins
Ingredients :
100g chicken breast fillet
1 cut diced sweet potato
1 small pear (quartered)
500ml chicken stock
Method :
Put 100g chicken breast fillet, 1 cut diced sweet potato and 1 small pear (quartered) into a small sauce pan, cover with 500ml chicken stock and cook over a medium heat for 10 mins.
Remove the chicken from the pot and puree in a blender, with some stock, until smooth. Place into a container and repeat the process with the remaining sweet potato, pear and stock. Mix together with the chicken.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Chicken and Pumpkin Salad
Serves : 4-6
Ready : 30 mins
Ingredients :
800g pumpkin, peeled and diced
4 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
400g penne
125ml extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp lemon juice
2-3 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp honey
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
1/2 cup basil leaves
1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved
2-3 cups wild rocket
1/2 cup chopped black olives
Method:
Preheat the oven to 200'C. Put the pumpkin into a baking dish and toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, cayenne pepper and ground cumin. Bake for 20 mins, or until golden and soft.
While the pumpkin is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, 10 mins before the pumpkin is done, put the pasta into the boiling water.
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey and garlic. Season to taste and set aside.
Add the drained pasta to a large bowl, with the pumpkin pour over the dressing and toss to combine. Add the remaining ingredients and toss again. Season to taste.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 30 mins
Ingredients :
800g pumpkin, peeled and diced
4 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
400g penne
125ml extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp lemon juice
2-3 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp honey
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
1/2 cup basil leaves
1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved
2-3 cups wild rocket
1/2 cup chopped black olives
Method:
Preheat the oven to 200'C. Put the pumpkin into a baking dish and toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, cayenne pepper and ground cumin. Bake for 20 mins, or until golden and soft.
While the pumpkin is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, 10 mins before the pumpkin is done, put the pasta into the boiling water.
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey and garlic. Season to taste and set aside.
Add the drained pasta to a large bowl, with the pumpkin pour over the dressing and toss to combine. Add the remaining ingredients and toss again. Season to taste.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Simple Meat Sauce
Serves : 4
Ready : 20 mins
Method :
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then 1 brown onion and cook for 5-7 mins. Add 1 clove of crushed garlic and cook, stiring constantly for a further 2 mins.
Next add 500g lean beef mince and cook for about 10 mins, until browned, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon. Stir through 1/3 cup of flat leaf parsley (finely chopped)
Finally add stock (250ml), a 400g tin of chopped tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 30 mins. Serve stirred thorugh steamed rice or baby pasta with a sprinkle of grated parmesan.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 20 mins
Method :
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then 1 brown onion and cook for 5-7 mins. Add 1 clove of crushed garlic and cook, stiring constantly for a further 2 mins.
Next add 500g lean beef mince and cook for about 10 mins, until browned, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon. Stir through 1/3 cup of flat leaf parsley (finely chopped)
Finally add stock (250ml), a 400g tin of chopped tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 30 mins. Serve stirred thorugh steamed rice or baby pasta with a sprinkle of grated parmesan.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Mini Meatballs Cheesy Surprise
Serves : 4
Ready : 20 mins
Ingredients :
olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1/3 cup parsley
500g lean beef mince
1 egg
salt and pepper for garnishing
100g mozzarella cheese
plain flour for coating
Method:
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium high heat. Add 1 tbp of olive oil, 1 onion and 1 clove of garlic, saute for 4-5 mins. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add 1/3 cup parsley, 500g lean beef mince and 1 egg to the bowl, season with salt and pepper and mix with your hands or a wooden spoon, until well combined.
Cut 100g of mozzarella into 1cm cubes. Roll mixture into walnut sized balls, gently pushing a cube of mozzarella into each. Roll each ball into some seasoned plain flour to lightly coat.
Return the frying pan to the stove and heat over a medium high heat, add 100ml olive oil fry the meatballs, in batches, until golden brown all over.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 20 mins
Ingredients :
olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1/3 cup parsley
500g lean beef mince
1 egg
salt and pepper for garnishing
100g mozzarella cheese
plain flour for coating
Method:
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium high heat. Add 1 tbp of olive oil, 1 onion and 1 clove of garlic, saute for 4-5 mins. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add 1/3 cup parsley, 500g lean beef mince and 1 egg to the bowl, season with salt and pepper and mix with your hands or a wooden spoon, until well combined.
Cut 100g of mozzarella into 1cm cubes. Roll mixture into walnut sized balls, gently pushing a cube of mozzarella into each. Roll each ball into some seasoned plain flour to lightly coat.
Return the frying pan to the stove and heat over a medium high heat, add 100ml olive oil fry the meatballs, in batches, until golden brown all over.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Beef Burgers
Serves : 4
Ready : 16 mins
Ingredients :
500g lean beef mince
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, crushed
pinch Cayenne pepper
1/3 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
4 slices Gruyere cheese
4 crusty burger buns, split and toasted
4 tbsp olive tapenade
2 handfuls baby rocket
1 vine ripened tomato, thinly sliced
4 slices prosciutto, crisped in the oven
Method:
Put the mince, tomato paste, garlic, cayenne pepper and parsley into a large bowl and mix well until combined.
Split the mixture into four and shape into hamburger patties. Extra patties can be put in freezer bags and frozen.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat, add the oil. Cook the patties for about 3 mins per side until golden brown. Top each with a slice of cheese. Remove from the heat.
To make the burgers : spread the base of the bun with a tablespoon of tapenade, then put on some rocket, a couple of slices of tomato and the beef Pattie, top with the crispy prosciutto and finally the lid of the bun. Serve with your favourite sauce, mustard or mayonnaise.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 16 mins
Ingredients :
500g lean beef mince
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, crushed
pinch Cayenne pepper
1/3 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
4 slices Gruyere cheese
4 crusty burger buns, split and toasted
4 tbsp olive tapenade
2 handfuls baby rocket
1 vine ripened tomato, thinly sliced
4 slices prosciutto, crisped in the oven
Method:
Put the mince, tomato paste, garlic, cayenne pepper and parsley into a large bowl and mix well until combined.
Split the mixture into four and shape into hamburger patties. Extra patties can be put in freezer bags and frozen.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat, add the oil. Cook the patties for about 3 mins per side until golden brown. Top each with a slice of cheese. Remove from the heat.
To make the burgers : spread the base of the bun with a tablespoon of tapenade, then put on some rocket, a couple of slices of tomato and the beef Pattie, top with the crispy prosciutto and finally the lid of the bun. Serve with your favourite sauce, mustard or mayonnaise.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Greens with Cheese
Serves : 3
Ready : 10 mins
Ingredients :
steam 1/2 small broccoli, 6 broad beans, 4 asparagus spears, and 1/4 cauliflower until tender.
Place the hot vegetables into a blender with one egg yolk, 1/2 cup cheese and 1 tsp melted butter, whiz until combined. Serve.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 10 mins
Ingredients :
steam 1/2 small broccoli, 6 broad beans, 4 asparagus spears, and 1/4 cauliflower until tender.
Place the hot vegetables into a blender with one egg yolk, 1/2 cup cheese and 1 tsp melted butter, whiz until combined. Serve.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Veggie Blast
Serves : 3
Ready : 10 mins
Ingredients:
1/4 small cabbage
1/4 small broccoli
3 leaves of sliverbeet
1 bunch of bok choy
1 large potato
1 carrot
Method :
Wash and steam 1/4 small cabbage, 1/4 small broccoli, 3 leaves of silverbeet, 1 bunch of bok choy, 1 large potato (peeled) and 1 carrot (peeled).
Once tender, remove vegetables from steamer then place them into a blender along with 1/4 tsp ginger grated and whiz until combined. Serve.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Ready : 10 mins
Ingredients:
1/4 small cabbage
1/4 small broccoli
3 leaves of sliverbeet
1 bunch of bok choy
1 large potato
1 carrot
Method :
Wash and steam 1/4 small cabbage, 1/4 small broccoli, 3 leaves of silverbeet, 1 bunch of bok choy, 1 large potato (peeled) and 1 carrot (peeled).
Once tender, remove vegetables from steamer then place them into a blender along with 1/4 tsp ginger grated and whiz until combined. Serve.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Mini Spinach & Corn Frittatas
Makes : 8
Prep : 5 mins
Cooking : 20-25 mins
Ingredients :
Preheat the oven to 180'C. Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium high heat, add the spinach, and stir for one to two mins, or until the spinach has wilted. Place into a mixing bowl and allow to cool.
Cook corn in boiling water and drain. Add the corn kernels, spring onions, dill and cheese to the spinach and mix to combine.
Spray a muffin tin or baking dish with cooking spray oil and pour in mixture, covering evenly.
Place the eggs and cream in a mixing bowl, whisk to combine and season to taste. Pour the egg mixutre over the vegetables, filling to the top of the tin.
Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 mins, or until golden and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
Prep : 5 mins
Cooking : 20-25 mins
Ingredients :
Preheat the oven to 180'C. Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium high heat, add the spinach, and stir for one to two mins, or until the spinach has wilted. Place into a mixing bowl and allow to cool.
Cook corn in boiling water and drain. Add the corn kernels, spring onions, dill and cheese to the spinach and mix to combine.
Spray a muffin tin or baking dish with cooking spray oil and pour in mixture, covering evenly.
Place the eggs and cream in a mixing bowl, whisk to combine and season to taste. Pour the egg mixutre over the vegetables, filling to the top of the tin.
Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 mins, or until golden and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009
29 July 2009
Please Don't Do That! How to Handle Inappropriate Toddler Behavior
It sometimes seems that toddlers do mortifying stuff at the worst moments just to drive you crazy, but the truth is that kids this age are naturally uninhibited. The good news is that these publicly humiliating moments get a lot easier to deal with once you understand why they happen. And you can encourage better behavior without making your child feel ashamed in the process. Read on for tips on managing the most common offenses.
The Nose-Picker
Your child plunges a finger into his nostril whenever the mood strikes, even when all eyes are on him.
Why he does it: Toddlers are fascinated with their body and its functions, and they won't put off self-exploration simply because other people are around. And since kids this age have limited self-control, they tend to act on every immediate physical urge.
The fast fix: The second you see your toddler's finger near his nose, offer him a tissue and say, "It looks like you need to blow your nose. Here, you can use this." Be nonchalant about it -- if you act disgusted or angry, he may keep picking just to provoke you.
What to say later: Talk about the difference between public and private behavior in simple terms. "Say that private is what you do by yourself at home, and public is what happens at preschool and at the store," says Jay Hoecker, MD, of the Mayo Clinic's Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, in Rochester, Minnesota. Explain that public nose-picking is rude because it makes other people feel uncomfortable. Remind him that if his nose is clogged or itchy, all he has to do is ask you for a tissue.
The Bigmouth
No topic is off-limits to your toddler. If you and your spouse have an argument, your child will make sure everyone from Grandma to the pharmacy cashier knows about it.
Why she does it: Two- and 3-year-olds love to jump into a conversation just to be part of a social situation and to test out their growing verbal skills.
Unfortunately, they have a natural urge to share things that made a big impact on them -- like when Mom and Dad yell and scream at each another.
The fast fix: Squat down to your child's level and calmly say, "That's not something we need to talk about right now. Why not tell Grandma about our trip to the zoo?"
What to say later: Don't just lecture about taboo topics. "Tell your toddler what she can talk about," says William Coleman, MD, professor and specialist in child behavior and development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Explain that she can share happy family news, but info that may not make people feel good, like a fight, should be kept to herself. (Also, you may want to argue in hushed tones next time!)
The Critic
Your child doesn't hesitate to tell people what he really thinks about how they look or what they're wearing.
Why he does it: The world is still new to toddlers, and they're very observant. They use their growing language skills to express what they see -- very honestly!
The fast fix: Apologize to the offended person without going overboard. If you can get your child to apologize too, great, but don't turn it into a power struggle -- you don't want to make a bigger deal about the apology than the insult itself.
What to say later: Toddlers don't yet realize how powerful words can be, so use the incident as a teachable moment. Say, "Sometimes words can hurt people's feelings, so you need to use words to make other people feel good." If his insult was spurred by curiosity ("Mommy, why is that man so fat?"), assure him that he can always come to you with questions in private.
The Pottymouth
Just when a hush falls over a public area, your child yells "%$#@!"
Why she does it: As your toddler's vocabulary expands, she'll naturally repeat words she hears -- bad ones included. But are you encouraging her R-rated chatter? "Toddlers can learn how to push their parents' buttons," says Dr. Coleman. If you freaked out in the past when she blurted a bad word, she may be curious to see what happens when she does it again.
The fast fix: Don't overreact. A simple "excuse us" to everyone in earshot is enough. Calmly tell her, "We don't use those words," then drop the subject.
What to say later: If you've cursed in the past, explain that you shouldn't say those words any more than she should. Then, brainstorm some funny words you can both use in place of the bad ones, like "bananarama" or "monkey toes."
Little Exhibitionists
Of all the embarrassing quirks toddlers have, few are as bizarre as their love of randomly stripping down. Disrobing at home is one thing, but what do you do when your child decides that grocery shopping is a clothing-optional event?
Distraction is key, says Dr. Jay Hoecker. "Toddlers sometimes strip in public when they're frustrated or bored," he explains. If your child starts lifting up his shirt in the middle of the produce aisle, for example, he may be trying to tell you that he's sick of shopping. Give him a task, such as holding your coupons or picking out apples, to occupy him. If he does doff his clothes, try to be matter-of-fact about it. Focus on the behavior you do want instead of lecturing ("I liked it when you were keeping your hands in your pockets before").
Teaching Kids to Say "Excuse Me"
It's never too early for kids to learn the magic words -- just don't stop at "please" and "thank you"! "Excuse me" is a must-know phrase for gaffe-prone toddlers. Here's how to make it stick.
Cover all its uses. Tell her to say "excuse me" if she accidentally does something private in front of others (like burping), as well as when she interrupts or bumps into someone.
Don't forget to excuse yourself. It's much easier for your child to learn manners if you always use yours.
Include the phrase in pretend play. For example, have a stuffed animal excuse himself if he behaves inappropriately at your child's next tea party.
Don't force an "excuse me." It's more effective to praise your child when she says it than to argue when she doesn't.
Source : Parents Magazine
The Nose-Picker
Your child plunges a finger into his nostril whenever the mood strikes, even when all eyes are on him.
Why he does it: Toddlers are fascinated with their body and its functions, and they won't put off self-exploration simply because other people are around. And since kids this age have limited self-control, they tend to act on every immediate physical urge.
The fast fix: The second you see your toddler's finger near his nose, offer him a tissue and say, "It looks like you need to blow your nose. Here, you can use this." Be nonchalant about it -- if you act disgusted or angry, he may keep picking just to provoke you.
What to say later: Talk about the difference between public and private behavior in simple terms. "Say that private is what you do by yourself at home, and public is what happens at preschool and at the store," says Jay Hoecker, MD, of the Mayo Clinic's Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, in Rochester, Minnesota. Explain that public nose-picking is rude because it makes other people feel uncomfortable. Remind him that if his nose is clogged or itchy, all he has to do is ask you for a tissue.
The Bigmouth
No topic is off-limits to your toddler. If you and your spouse have an argument, your child will make sure everyone from Grandma to the pharmacy cashier knows about it.
Why she does it: Two- and 3-year-olds love to jump into a conversation just to be part of a social situation and to test out their growing verbal skills.
Unfortunately, they have a natural urge to share things that made a big impact on them -- like when Mom and Dad yell and scream at each another.
The fast fix: Squat down to your child's level and calmly say, "That's not something we need to talk about right now. Why not tell Grandma about our trip to the zoo?"
What to say later: Don't just lecture about taboo topics. "Tell your toddler what she can talk about," says William Coleman, MD, professor and specialist in child behavior and development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Explain that she can share happy family news, but info that may not make people feel good, like a fight, should be kept to herself. (Also, you may want to argue in hushed tones next time!)
The Critic
Your child doesn't hesitate to tell people what he really thinks about how they look or what they're wearing.
Why he does it: The world is still new to toddlers, and they're very observant. They use their growing language skills to express what they see -- very honestly!
The fast fix: Apologize to the offended person without going overboard. If you can get your child to apologize too, great, but don't turn it into a power struggle -- you don't want to make a bigger deal about the apology than the insult itself.
What to say later: Toddlers don't yet realize how powerful words can be, so use the incident as a teachable moment. Say, "Sometimes words can hurt people's feelings, so you need to use words to make other people feel good." If his insult was spurred by curiosity ("Mommy, why is that man so fat?"), assure him that he can always come to you with questions in private.
The Pottymouth
Just when a hush falls over a public area, your child yells "%$#@!"
Why she does it: As your toddler's vocabulary expands, she'll naturally repeat words she hears -- bad ones included. But are you encouraging her R-rated chatter? "Toddlers can learn how to push their parents' buttons," says Dr. Coleman. If you freaked out in the past when she blurted a bad word, she may be curious to see what happens when she does it again.
The fast fix: Don't overreact. A simple "excuse us" to everyone in earshot is enough. Calmly tell her, "We don't use those words," then drop the subject.
What to say later: If you've cursed in the past, explain that you shouldn't say those words any more than she should. Then, brainstorm some funny words you can both use in place of the bad ones, like "bananarama" or "monkey toes."
Little Exhibitionists
Of all the embarrassing quirks toddlers have, few are as bizarre as their love of randomly stripping down. Disrobing at home is one thing, but what do you do when your child decides that grocery shopping is a clothing-optional event?
Distraction is key, says Dr. Jay Hoecker. "Toddlers sometimes strip in public when they're frustrated or bored," he explains. If your child starts lifting up his shirt in the middle of the produce aisle, for example, he may be trying to tell you that he's sick of shopping. Give him a task, such as holding your coupons or picking out apples, to occupy him. If he does doff his clothes, try to be matter-of-fact about it. Focus on the behavior you do want instead of lecturing ("I liked it when you were keeping your hands in your pockets before").
Teaching Kids to Say "Excuse Me"
It's never too early for kids to learn the magic words -- just don't stop at "please" and "thank you"! "Excuse me" is a must-know phrase for gaffe-prone toddlers. Here's how to make it stick.
Cover all its uses. Tell her to say "excuse me" if she accidentally does something private in front of others (like burping), as well as when she interrupts or bumps into someone.
Don't forget to excuse yourself. It's much easier for your child to learn manners if you always use yours.
Include the phrase in pretend play. For example, have a stuffed animal excuse himself if he behaves inappropriately at your child's next tea party.
Don't force an "excuse me." It's more effective to praise your child when she says it than to argue when she doesn't.
Source : Parents Magazine
Waiting to Walk
Why do some toddlers take their time before taking their first steps?
Worry #1: Every other kid in our playgroup is walking, but my child seems perfectly happy to crawl.
Lots of factors affect the timing of first steps, from heredity to body size. And though half of all kids are toddling by their first birthday, most pediatricians don't consider a child to be a late walker until he's 15 months old. Even then, one in ten children takes his first steps between 15 and 18 months. "Every milestone has a range, and for walking, the healthy range is very wide,"
Worry #2: Late walking means she'll have serious developmental problems.
It's natural to fear the worst. But if your little one has met her other milestones, such as turning over and pushing up into a crawl, don't sweat a walking lag. "Ask yourself, 'Has there been an ongoing pattern of delays?'" If so, or if your child isn't walking by 15 or 16 months, talk to your pediatrician. She'll want to rule out conditions such as poor muscle tone, hip displacement, and cerebral palsy. a not-for-profit treatment facility for children with special needs. Still, if your child is already 15 months old, don't take a wait-and-see attitude.
Worry #3: He'll turn out to be a poor athlete.
Good news for soccer-moms-in-training: "There's no connection between how successful a child will be as an athlete and how early he learned to walk," a pediatric physical therapist. "Motivation, practice, and, to some degree, body type are what count the most in sports." Similarly, research suggests that there's no link between late walking and the eventual IQ of a child with otherwise typical physical, linguistic, and social development.
Worry #4: She's just plain lazy.
Your tot doesn't know the meaning of the word lazy. Some 1-year-olds are simply fascinated by their environment. Others are focused on their fine motor skills, and they're busy putting shapes in the shape sorter.
What's more, your baby could be prepping for her big debut without your noticing. She could be building her strength, learning to rotate her trunk, or planning her next move. "She has to figure out how to keep her balance, how high to lift her feet, and even how to adjust to slippery floors," Girolami says.
Worry #5: Not only is he a late walker, but he's also never crawled.
About 7 percent of all kids take their first steps without ever crawling. Many of these babies scoot forward or backward; some pull themselves across the floor. One theory suggests that noncrawlers tend to walk later than crawlers do because they don't gain upper-body strength as fast. However, the jury is still out on this notion. Contact your pediatrician if your 1-year-old isn't mobile at all, or if you've seen backsliding instead of progress.
Worry #6: We haven't spent enough time teaching our child to take steps.
Don't pressure yourself. When pediatricians say, "Your baby will walk when she's ready," they mean it. Still, a little encouragement goes a long way. Here's how you can help.
Rise and shine. Gently support your child from behind as he places his hands on a low surface and pulls himself up to a standing position. Or put his favorite toy out of his reach on the far end of a couch, so he can support himself as he retrieves it. Cheer his efforts.
Get pushy. Give your child an empty waist-high box or a lightweight child's chair that she can push around and hang on to for balance.
Let her roam. Don't plunk your toddler into a stationary activity center and keep her there for long stretches. Two 15-minute sessions a day are plenty. Avoid walkers altogether.
Make it fun. Turn practice into a game; clap and tell him, "You did it!" Most important, try not to dwell on the milestone date. Instead, appreciate his relative lack of mobility while you can. Remember, when he's finally walking, you'll be chasing right behind.
Choose the Right Shoes:
Your baby doesn't need shoes until he can walk. At that point, here's what you'll want.
A perfect fit. The heel should be snug—not too tight or too loose. The toe should offer 1/2 inch of wiggle room.
A flexible shoe. The sole should give when you bend it, but not so much that you can fold it in half. Your tot may trip in stiff or thick-soled shoes.
A breathable material. Leather or canvas moves with the feet; plastic doesn't.
Source : Parents.com
Worry #1: Every other kid in our playgroup is walking, but my child seems perfectly happy to crawl.
Lots of factors affect the timing of first steps, from heredity to body size. And though half of all kids are toddling by their first birthday, most pediatricians don't consider a child to be a late walker until he's 15 months old. Even then, one in ten children takes his first steps between 15 and 18 months. "Every milestone has a range, and for walking, the healthy range is very wide,"
Worry #2: Late walking means she'll have serious developmental problems.
It's natural to fear the worst. But if your little one has met her other milestones, such as turning over and pushing up into a crawl, don't sweat a walking lag. "Ask yourself, 'Has there been an ongoing pattern of delays?'" If so, or if your child isn't walking by 15 or 16 months, talk to your pediatrician. She'll want to rule out conditions such as poor muscle tone, hip displacement, and cerebral palsy. a not-for-profit treatment facility for children with special needs. Still, if your child is already 15 months old, don't take a wait-and-see attitude.
Worry #3: He'll turn out to be a poor athlete.
Good news for soccer-moms-in-training: "There's no connection between how successful a child will be as an athlete and how early he learned to walk," a pediatric physical therapist. "Motivation, practice, and, to some degree, body type are what count the most in sports." Similarly, research suggests that there's no link between late walking and the eventual IQ of a child with otherwise typical physical, linguistic, and social development.
Worry #4: She's just plain lazy.
Your tot doesn't know the meaning of the word lazy. Some 1-year-olds are simply fascinated by their environment. Others are focused on their fine motor skills, and they're busy putting shapes in the shape sorter.
What's more, your baby could be prepping for her big debut without your noticing. She could be building her strength, learning to rotate her trunk, or planning her next move. "She has to figure out how to keep her balance, how high to lift her feet, and even how to adjust to slippery floors," Girolami says.
Worry #5: Not only is he a late walker, but he's also never crawled.
About 7 percent of all kids take their first steps without ever crawling. Many of these babies scoot forward or backward; some pull themselves across the floor. One theory suggests that noncrawlers tend to walk later than crawlers do because they don't gain upper-body strength as fast. However, the jury is still out on this notion. Contact your pediatrician if your 1-year-old isn't mobile at all, or if you've seen backsliding instead of progress.
Worry #6: We haven't spent enough time teaching our child to take steps.
Don't pressure yourself. When pediatricians say, "Your baby will walk when she's ready," they mean it. Still, a little encouragement goes a long way. Here's how you can help.
Rise and shine. Gently support your child from behind as he places his hands on a low surface and pulls himself up to a standing position. Or put his favorite toy out of his reach on the far end of a couch, so he can support himself as he retrieves it. Cheer his efforts.
Get pushy. Give your child an empty waist-high box or a lightweight child's chair that she can push around and hang on to for balance.
Let her roam. Don't plunk your toddler into a stationary activity center and keep her there for long stretches. Two 15-minute sessions a day are plenty. Avoid walkers altogether.
Make it fun. Turn practice into a game; clap and tell him, "You did it!" Most important, try not to dwell on the milestone date. Instead, appreciate his relative lack of mobility while you can. Remember, when he's finally walking, you'll be chasing right behind.
Choose the Right Shoes:
Your baby doesn't need shoes until he can walk. At that point, here's what you'll want.
A perfect fit. The heel should be snug—not too tight or too loose. The toe should offer 1/2 inch of wiggle room.
A flexible shoe. The sole should give when you bend it, but not so much that you can fold it in half. Your tot may trip in stiff or thick-soled shoes.
A breathable material. Leather or canvas moves with the feet; plastic doesn't.
Source : Parents.com
14 July 2009
Chocolate Muffins
Ingredients
150g dark chocolate
70g butter
2 large eggs
80g caster sugar
80g all purpose flour
1 tsp baking power
50g chocolate chips
Method:
Preheat oven to 170'C
Break chocolate into small pieces and put them in a mixing bowl together with butter.
Melt the chocolate and butter in a pot with low heat, stir well and set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat eggs lightly and add in sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Slowly add eggs mixture into melted chocolate till well.
Fold in sifted flour and baking powder.
Spoon batter into each muffin case and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Bake for 20 mins.
Source : http://mykitch3n.blogspot.com
Treasure Soup
Ingredients400g can chopped tomatoes
1/3 cup pasta
220g can salt-reduced baked bean
1/2 small carrot, sliced
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup corn kernels
Method:
Empty chopped tomatoes into the saucepan. Fill the empty can with water and add to pan. Bring to the boil. Add pasta and cook for 5 minutes.
Add baked beans, carrot, peas and corn and cook for 5 minutes more until pasta is soft.
Spoon into bowls and look for the treasure.
1/3 cup pasta
220g can salt-reduced baked bean
1/2 small carrot, sliced
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup corn kernels
Method:
Empty chopped tomatoes into the saucepan. Fill the empty can with water and add to pan. Bring to the boil. Add pasta and cook for 5 minutes.
Add baked beans, carrot, peas and corn and cook for 5 minutes more until pasta is soft.
Spoon into bowls and look for the treasure.
07 July 2009
The Safe Nursery
Designing your dream nursery isn't just about choosing a cute theme and poring over paint colors. While it's easy to get caught up in all that fun stuff, you need to spend just as much time making sure it's a safe space for your baby. Home accidents send nearly 2 million children under the age of 4 to the emergency room every year, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. So before your new baby moves in, use these tips to inspect the big potential trouble spots in your nursery.
Take Careful Crib Notes
Make sure yours meets current government safety standards. The slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart (about the width of a soda can) so your baby can't get her head stuck in them. (Cribs with cutout designs on the end panels pose a similar threat.) Check out the corner posts too -- they shouldn't have any decorative knobs or other elements on top, which could snag your baby's clothing and lead to strangulation or other serious injuries.
Check (and regularly recheck) the screws, bolts, and mattress supports to make sure they're not loose or broken.
Be Cord-Cautious
Arrange the nursery so that the crib, playpen, and other low-standing pieces of furniture are away from the windows. If they're too close, your baby could reach the window cords -- a major strangulation hazard. He could also climb up to the window and fall through the screen, says Martin Eichelberger, MD, Parents advisor and founder of Safe Kids Worldwide. Install window guards, and buy cordless window coverings if possible (both shown here); otherwise, visit windowcoverings.org to order free repair kits.
Store Toys the Smart Way
The Home Safety Council recommends storing toys in bins or boxes without lids. If your toy chest does have a lid, it should also have a spring-loaded mechanical arm that prevents the lid from falling on your baby's hand or trapping him if he manages to climb inside. Don't have one? Retrofit your toy box with a kit from the hardware store.
Don't Overlook Outlets
Always put plug protectors in unused electrical outlets. Look for the type that covers the entire outlet plate, since a determined toddler can wiggle individual protectors out of the sockets. (Some models require that adults use two hands to get to the socket, so it's especially hard for kids to remove them.) Keep electrical cords out of your little one's reach by tucking them behind furniture or investing in cord shorteners.
Keep Your Eye on the Door
Buy a gate that screws into the wall or doorjamb (pressure-mounted gates may not stand up to a determined toddler). Never use accordion-style gates with V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings -- kids could be strangled by them, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Go for MinimalismThere should only be two things in your baby's crib: a firm, tight-fitting mattress and a crib sheet. "It's tempting to make it look cute and cozy with lots of blankets, stuffed animals, and pillows, but they're all suffocation hazards for kids under 1 year old," says Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. It's wise to avoid crib bumpers as well -- a recent research review in the Journal of Pediatrics found that the suffocation risk of bumper pads outweighed their benefits.
Jim Franco
Avoid Changing-Table Dangers
Store baby powder, lotion, alcohol-based hand gel, and other supplies in a drawer or on a shelf beyond your baby's reach. They're more dangerous than you might think -- ingesting cosmetics and personal-care products is the most common form of poisoning in kids under age 6, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Another surprising hazard? Assuming that the table's safety strap is fail-safe. "Kids can wiggle out of it and fall when you're not looking," says Nychelle Fleming, public-affairs specialist at the CPSC. Keep one hand on your baby at all times.
Get Savvy About Decor
Stick to lightweight artwork -- mirrors or heavy picture frames could seriously injure your baby if they fell. Avoid decorations with long strings, ribbons, or anything else that could pose a strangulation hazard. That includes mobiles: Take yours down before your baby can pull herself up (usually around 5 months) and possibly get tangled up in the strings.
Healthy-Decorating Tips
Do be picky when it comes to these potentially hazardous elements.
Paint: Choose water-based paint, ideally one that contains low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or none at all. Always paint in a well-ventilated room and air it out for two to three days after you're done to allow any harmful vapors to diminish.
Furniture: Avoid pressed wood, particleboard, and plywood. They may contain formaldehyde, which can cause nose and throat irritation, breathing trouble, and other health problems.
Wallpaper: Choose a paper-based or natural-fiber variety; vinyl may give off VOCs and encourage mold growth.
Floors: Any new carpet will emit some VOCs; however, synthetic rugs often contain more of them than those made of natural fibers.
Prevent Furniture Tip-Overs
Use braces or anchors to secure tall or heavy pieces of furniture to the wall, no matter how stable they seem to be -- the results could be deadly if they topple over onto your baby. Putting anything heavy on top of a dresser (such as a TV) just adds to the danger. Install safety latches on low drawers so your child won't be able to open them and use them as "stairs" for climbing.
Did You Forget These Safety Steps?
Installing a smoke and carbon-monoxide detector outside bedrooms and on each level of your home. Consider upgrading to an interconnected system that activates every smoke alarm in the house regardless of the fire's location. And you definitely need a carbon-monoxide detector. "Children are more susceptible to carbon-monoxide poisoning because the gas enters their bloodstream faster than it enters an adult's, cutting off oxygen to the brain and heart," says Meri-K Appy. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, it's difficult to know you have a leak without a detector.
Buying an escape ladder for second-floor or higher nurseries. Look for one you can install underneath the window so you're not searching for it in an emergency. Try to keep an infant carrier in the nursery at all times -- it'll make the climb down the ladder much easier.
Putting up a wall thermometer. Sleeping in an overheated room can put a baby at greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome. Keep the nursery at 68 to 72 degrees F.
Installing finger-pinch guards on doors. In kids ages 4 and younger, the majority of finger amputations happen because the child's fingers are caught in a door. Install the guards high enough so your child can't pop them out of place.
Source : parents magazine, January 2008 edition
Take Careful Crib Notes
Make sure yours meets current government safety standards. The slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart (about the width of a soda can) so your baby can't get her head stuck in them. (Cribs with cutout designs on the end panels pose a similar threat.) Check out the corner posts too -- they shouldn't have any decorative knobs or other elements on top, which could snag your baby's clothing and lead to strangulation or other serious injuries.
Check (and regularly recheck) the screws, bolts, and mattress supports to make sure they're not loose or broken.
Be Cord-Cautious
Arrange the nursery so that the crib, playpen, and other low-standing pieces of furniture are away from the windows. If they're too close, your baby could reach the window cords -- a major strangulation hazard. He could also climb up to the window and fall through the screen, says Martin Eichelberger, MD, Parents advisor and founder of Safe Kids Worldwide. Install window guards, and buy cordless window coverings if possible (both shown here); otherwise, visit windowcoverings.org to order free repair kits.
Store Toys the Smart Way
The Home Safety Council recommends storing toys in bins or boxes without lids. If your toy chest does have a lid, it should also have a spring-loaded mechanical arm that prevents the lid from falling on your baby's hand or trapping him if he manages to climb inside. Don't have one? Retrofit your toy box with a kit from the hardware store.
Don't Overlook Outlets
Always put plug protectors in unused electrical outlets. Look for the type that covers the entire outlet plate, since a determined toddler can wiggle individual protectors out of the sockets. (Some models require that adults use two hands to get to the socket, so it's especially hard for kids to remove them.) Keep electrical cords out of your little one's reach by tucking them behind furniture or investing in cord shorteners.
Keep Your Eye on the Door
Buy a gate that screws into the wall or doorjamb (pressure-mounted gates may not stand up to a determined toddler). Never use accordion-style gates with V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings -- kids could be strangled by them, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Go for MinimalismThere should only be two things in your baby's crib: a firm, tight-fitting mattress and a crib sheet. "It's tempting to make it look cute and cozy with lots of blankets, stuffed animals, and pillows, but they're all suffocation hazards for kids under 1 year old," says Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. It's wise to avoid crib bumpers as well -- a recent research review in the Journal of Pediatrics found that the suffocation risk of bumper pads outweighed their benefits.
Jim Franco
Avoid Changing-Table Dangers
Store baby powder, lotion, alcohol-based hand gel, and other supplies in a drawer or on a shelf beyond your baby's reach. They're more dangerous than you might think -- ingesting cosmetics and personal-care products is the most common form of poisoning in kids under age 6, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Another surprising hazard? Assuming that the table's safety strap is fail-safe. "Kids can wiggle out of it and fall when you're not looking," says Nychelle Fleming, public-affairs specialist at the CPSC. Keep one hand on your baby at all times.
Get Savvy About Decor
Stick to lightweight artwork -- mirrors or heavy picture frames could seriously injure your baby if they fell. Avoid decorations with long strings, ribbons, or anything else that could pose a strangulation hazard. That includes mobiles: Take yours down before your baby can pull herself up (usually around 5 months) and possibly get tangled up in the strings.
Healthy-Decorating Tips
Do be picky when it comes to these potentially hazardous elements.
Paint: Choose water-based paint, ideally one that contains low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or none at all. Always paint in a well-ventilated room and air it out for two to three days after you're done to allow any harmful vapors to diminish.
Furniture: Avoid pressed wood, particleboard, and plywood. They may contain formaldehyde, which can cause nose and throat irritation, breathing trouble, and other health problems.
Wallpaper: Choose a paper-based or natural-fiber variety; vinyl may give off VOCs and encourage mold growth.
Floors: Any new carpet will emit some VOCs; however, synthetic rugs often contain more of them than those made of natural fibers.
Prevent Furniture Tip-Overs
Use braces or anchors to secure tall or heavy pieces of furniture to the wall, no matter how stable they seem to be -- the results could be deadly if they topple over onto your baby. Putting anything heavy on top of a dresser (such as a TV) just adds to the danger. Install safety latches on low drawers so your child won't be able to open them and use them as "stairs" for climbing.
Did You Forget These Safety Steps?
Installing a smoke and carbon-monoxide detector outside bedrooms and on each level of your home. Consider upgrading to an interconnected system that activates every smoke alarm in the house regardless of the fire's location. And you definitely need a carbon-monoxide detector. "Children are more susceptible to carbon-monoxide poisoning because the gas enters their bloodstream faster than it enters an adult's, cutting off oxygen to the brain and heart," says Meri-K Appy. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, it's difficult to know you have a leak without a detector.
Buying an escape ladder for second-floor or higher nurseries. Look for one you can install underneath the window so you're not searching for it in an emergency. Try to keep an infant carrier in the nursery at all times -- it'll make the climb down the ladder much easier.
Putting up a wall thermometer. Sleeping in an overheated room can put a baby at greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome. Keep the nursery at 68 to 72 degrees F.
Installing finger-pinch guards on doors. In kids ages 4 and younger, the majority of finger amputations happen because the child's fingers are caught in a door. Install the guards high enough so your child can't pop them out of place.
Source : parents magazine, January 2008 edition
25 June 2009
Home Childpoofing Tips
The kitchen, for starters, can become a vastly more dangerous place. Suddenly, those little hands can reach higher than you realised -- for the knobs on the stove, the handle of a frying pan, a percolating coffeepot. To prevent burns, cook on the stove's back burners whenever possible, and keep handles of pots and pans turned away from the counter's edge. Don't set hot food on the table anywhere near your toddler, and store matches and cigarette lighters where he can't possibly reach them.
Many kids this age are mesmerized by the cooking process. If your budding chef wants to see what's simmering, hold him up for a quick peek, but only at a safe distance and not if the food has the potential to spatter hot liquid. Use this opportunity -- and every available one -- to explain that anything on the stove is hot and is never to be touched.
To prevent burns in the bathroom, set your water heater at as low a temperature as possible (120'F or lower), and always test the bath water's temperature carefully before plunking your child into the tub. And don't leave him there unattended even for a second. Drowning is a real risk at this age, and so is the chance that your child will try to turn on the hot water, scalding himself in the process.
Falls are another peril for the 2 year old. Keep furniture, especially beds, safely away from upper story windows. Window guards are an added safety measure; in some cities, apartment buildings are required by law to have them. All looped window blind cords are a strangulation hazard and should be cut into two strands and secured out of kids' reach.
Poisons remain a hazard now as well. Your child's manual dexterity has increased, and so have her problem solving abilities, so some heretofore tricky containers are now a snap to open.
To keep medicines (including vitamins) out of reach, put them in a cabinet with a lock on it. Store household cleaners in a high cabinet, safely out of sight and reach. Never transfer a poisonous substance (such as bleach) into a container that looks as though it might hold something to eat or drink (such as empty milk jug). And remember : Alcoholic beverage can be toxic if ingested by small child, so lock up your liquor, too.
Accidents do happen, even when precautions are taken. Keep a bottle of syrup of ipecac (which includes vomiting) in your medicine cabinet, and have the poison control center's phone number handy. Should your child ingest a harmful substance, don't make him vomit unless instructed to do so by doctor or a poison specialist.
Another menace 2 year old face is choking both on food and small objects, including toy parts and other loose ends. Even though your child may have a full set of baby teeth (or nearly so), continue to monitor his food carefully. Don't give your child this age hard candies or any small, round, firm foods, (such as hot dogs, raw carrots, nuts, grapes) unless well chopped or cooked until soft. Eating while running, playing, jumping or laughing is perilous at any age.
If your child has an older sibling or plays at an older child's house, keep a careful eye on the toys at hand. Playthings for children age 3 and above often have small parts that your toddler may want to put in his mouth. Also, check his own toys from time to time to ensure that no piece are coming loose and becoming hazards.
One common toy that can be deadly is the latex balloon. Before it's inflated and after it burst, this kind of balloon can be difficult to dislodge from a child's throat. Never allow toddlers to blow up balloons; once a balloon bursts or deflates, discard it. Somewhat safer than latex balloons are those made by Mylar. Still, always supervise play with any type of balloon.
Source : parents.com
Many kids this age are mesmerized by the cooking process. If your budding chef wants to see what's simmering, hold him up for a quick peek, but only at a safe distance and not if the food has the potential to spatter hot liquid. Use this opportunity -- and every available one -- to explain that anything on the stove is hot and is never to be touched.
To prevent burns in the bathroom, set your water heater at as low a temperature as possible (120'F or lower), and always test the bath water's temperature carefully before plunking your child into the tub. And don't leave him there unattended even for a second. Drowning is a real risk at this age, and so is the chance that your child will try to turn on the hot water, scalding himself in the process.
Falls are another peril for the 2 year old. Keep furniture, especially beds, safely away from upper story windows. Window guards are an added safety measure; in some cities, apartment buildings are required by law to have them. All looped window blind cords are a strangulation hazard and should be cut into two strands and secured out of kids' reach.
Poisons remain a hazard now as well. Your child's manual dexterity has increased, and so have her problem solving abilities, so some heretofore tricky containers are now a snap to open.
To keep medicines (including vitamins) out of reach, put them in a cabinet with a lock on it. Store household cleaners in a high cabinet, safely out of sight and reach. Never transfer a poisonous substance (such as bleach) into a container that looks as though it might hold something to eat or drink (such as empty milk jug). And remember : Alcoholic beverage can be toxic if ingested by small child, so lock up your liquor, too.
Accidents do happen, even when precautions are taken. Keep a bottle of syrup of ipecac (which includes vomiting) in your medicine cabinet, and have the poison control center's phone number handy. Should your child ingest a harmful substance, don't make him vomit unless instructed to do so by doctor or a poison specialist.
Another menace 2 year old face is choking both on food and small objects, including toy parts and other loose ends. Even though your child may have a full set of baby teeth (or nearly so), continue to monitor his food carefully. Don't give your child this age hard candies or any small, round, firm foods, (such as hot dogs, raw carrots, nuts, grapes) unless well chopped or cooked until soft. Eating while running, playing, jumping or laughing is perilous at any age.
If your child has an older sibling or plays at an older child's house, keep a careful eye on the toys at hand. Playthings for children age 3 and above often have small parts that your toddler may want to put in his mouth. Also, check his own toys from time to time to ensure that no piece are coming loose and becoming hazards.
One common toy that can be deadly is the latex balloon. Before it's inflated and after it burst, this kind of balloon can be difficult to dislodge from a child's throat. Never allow toddlers to blow up balloons; once a balloon bursts or deflates, discard it. Somewhat safer than latex balloons are those made by Mylar. Still, always supervise play with any type of balloon.
Source : parents.com
24 June 2009
I Can Do It, TOO!
Skill spotlight
Learning how to put a plush toy in a stroller, how to handle a broom and how to stir with a plastic spoon helps your baby gain a better sense of spatial relations and develops her fine motor skills. Equally important is the opportunity to mimic what the big kids and adults in her world are doing.
At nine months, your baby may already be imitating you by swiping at the floor when you're cleaning or by waving a wooden spoon at a bowl as you cook. Encourage her interest in the adult world by giving her baby-sized versions of adult tools like brooms, mops, toolboxes, toy shopping carts, and strollers. If she's walking, you can show her how to take the stuffed dog for a stroller ride. She may not have great coordinations of what will become pretend-play, a realm that will engage her increasingly in her toddler and preschool years.
Source : Dr Masi, W. S & Dr Leiderman, R. C (2004) Baby Play: 100 Fun-Filled Activities for you & your baby to enjoy, Weldon Owen Publishing Singapore
Learning how to put a plush toy in a stroller, how to handle a broom and how to stir with a plastic spoon helps your baby gain a better sense of spatial relations and develops her fine motor skills. Equally important is the opportunity to mimic what the big kids and adults in her world are doing.
At nine months, your baby may already be imitating you by swiping at the floor when you're cleaning or by waving a wooden spoon at a bowl as you cook. Encourage her interest in the adult world by giving her baby-sized versions of adult tools like brooms, mops, toolboxes, toy shopping carts, and strollers. If she's walking, you can show her how to take the stuffed dog for a stroller ride. She may not have great coordinations of what will become pretend-play, a realm that will engage her increasingly in her toddler and preschool years.
Source : Dr Masi, W. S & Dr Leiderman, R. C (2004) Baby Play: 100 Fun-Filled Activities for you & your baby to enjoy, Weldon Owen Publishing Singapore
Beep-Beep
Skill spotlight
Most babies won't figure out how to use their legs alternatively on a riding toy until their second year. But as they move themselves forward and backward with boot feet at once, they build gross motor skill and improve their balance.
Sometimes it's hard to know when to introduce certain toys, because it's hard to know how skills a baby needs to be to use them. But even a baby who isn't yet walking can use a riding toy, as long as her legs are long enough to reach the ground. At first you may have to push her a bit so she understands what this game is all about. But soon she'll be pushing herself along (although, as with crawling, she may go backward at first) and squealing delightedly as she rolls from room to room.
Source : Dr Masi, W. S & Dr Leiderman, R. C (2004), Baby Play: 100 Fun-Filled Activities for you & your baby to enjoy, Weldon Owen Publishing Singapore
Sound Stage
Skill Spotlight
Focused listening build the foundation for your child's language development. It allows him to locate and recognise sounds, and when combined with other experiences and repetition, he begins to form a repertoire of receptive language.
Not all of your time with your baby needs to be spent talking, playing, reading or otherwise stimulating his little mind. Just sitting and observing the obvious can also build sensory and cognitive awareness. One listening exercise, for instance, is as simple as finding sounds. It may be inside, where he can hear the dog's toenail clicking on the kitchen floor, the refrigerator running, the telephone ringing, or car zooming by. Or it may be outside, where he can hear birds singing, leaves rustling, a wind chime jingling, or an airplane overhead. Call his attention to the sounds, point in the right direction, and tell him what they are. You can let him participate in making the sounds by hitting the wind chimes or encourage him to imitate the sounds - the "tweet-tweet" of a bird, for instance, or the "vrooom" of a car driving by the house.
Source : Dr Masi, W. S & Leiderman, R. C (2004) Baby Play : 100 Fun-Filled Activities for you & tiyr baby to enjoy, Weldon Owen Publishing, Singapore
Focused listening build the foundation for your child's language development. It allows him to locate and recognise sounds, and when combined with other experiences and repetition, he begins to form a repertoire of receptive language.
Not all of your time with your baby needs to be spent talking, playing, reading or otherwise stimulating his little mind. Just sitting and observing the obvious can also build sensory and cognitive awareness. One listening exercise, for instance, is as simple as finding sounds. It may be inside, where he can hear the dog's toenail clicking on the kitchen floor, the refrigerator running, the telephone ringing, or car zooming by. Or it may be outside, where he can hear birds singing, leaves rustling, a wind chime jingling, or an airplane overhead. Call his attention to the sounds, point in the right direction, and tell him what they are. You can let him participate in making the sounds by hitting the wind chimes or encourage him to imitate the sounds - the "tweet-tweet" of a bird, for instance, or the "vrooom" of a car driving by the house.
Source : Dr Masi, W. S & Leiderman, R. C (2004) Baby Play : 100 Fun-Filled Activities for you & tiyr baby to enjoy, Weldon Owen Publishing, Singapore
Baby Soccer
Skill Spotlight
Swinging your baby's legs can help strengthen her abdominal and leg muscles. And feeling the ball on her legs and feet gives her greater body awareness. She's also tracking an object while she's in motion, which stands her in good stead when it comes times for her to kick a ball as a toddler.
Your baby won't learn how to kick a ball on the ground until she's in her second year, but even a nine-month old can play a rousing game of baby soccer if you provide the muscle power. Pick her up under her arms and swing her legs at a lightweight, medium sized ball. The position of her body and legs combined with the momentum you provide will make the ball roll across the floor or yard. No need to keep this game all to yourselves. Older siblings can join the action, or you can play with another adult-baby "team". The more, the merrier!
Source : Dr Masi, W. S & Dr Leiderman, R. C (2004) Baby Play: 100 Fun-Filled Activities for you & your baby to enjoy
Swinging your baby's legs can help strengthen her abdominal and leg muscles. And feeling the ball on her legs and feet gives her greater body awareness. She's also tracking an object while she's in motion, which stands her in good stead when it comes times for her to kick a ball as a toddler.
Your baby won't learn how to kick a ball on the ground until she's in her second year, but even a nine-month old can play a rousing game of baby soccer if you provide the muscle power. Pick her up under her arms and swing her legs at a lightweight, medium sized ball. The position of her body and legs combined with the momentum you provide will make the ball roll across the floor or yard. No need to keep this game all to yourselves. Older siblings can join the action, or you can play with another adult-baby "team". The more, the merrier!
Source : Dr Masi, W. S & Dr Leiderman, R. C (2004) Baby Play: 100 Fun-Filled Activities for you & your baby to enjoy
How Puzzling
Skill Spotlight -
Playing with a puzzle (even getting a piece out) is great exercise for a baby's fine motor and spatial skills. And learning which piece goes where draws on both her visual memory and her elementary understanding of shapes, sizes and colour.
Assembling a jigsaw puzzle is beyond your baby's reach, but she can easily grasp the concept behind the simple wooden puzzles made for older babies and toddlers. Those that features simple shapes and large pieces with knobs are especially easy, as are those that have matching pictures underneath. There's a knack to getting even these big puzzle pieces in their places, however - you will probably need to guide the pieces as she moves them, so she can feel how they slip into places.
Source : Dr Masi, W.S * Dr Leiderman, R. C (2004) Baby Play : 100 Fun-Filled Activities for you & your baby to enjoy, Weldon Owen Publishing Singapore
Picture adapted from funkymoose.co.uk
Playing with a puzzle (even getting a piece out) is great exercise for a baby's fine motor and spatial skills. And learning which piece goes where draws on both her visual memory and her elementary understanding of shapes, sizes and colour.
Assembling a jigsaw puzzle is beyond your baby's reach, but she can easily grasp the concept behind the simple wooden puzzles made for older babies and toddlers. Those that features simple shapes and large pieces with knobs are especially easy, as are those that have matching pictures underneath. There's a knack to getting even these big puzzle pieces in their places, however - you will probably need to guide the pieces as she moves them, so she can feel how they slip into places.
Source : Dr Masi, W.S * Dr Leiderman, R. C (2004) Baby Play : 100 Fun-Filled Activities for you & your baby to enjoy, Weldon Owen Publishing Singapore
Picture adapted from funkymoose.co.uk
15 June 2009
Fever
What is the normal temperature?
36.5'C to 37'C
What is a fever?
A temperature above 37.5'C
What can cause fever?
* Infection (ear, urine, chest)
* reaction to immunisation
* a serious illness, like meningitis
How to take a temperature?
1. Under the arm
Cradle baby in your lap, place thermometer under the fold of their armpit and hold their arm flat against the side of their body for 3 minutes.
2. On the forehead
Take the backing off the fever strip and press strip firmly against baby's forehead, holding for a minute with a finger at each end. The squares change colour to reveal the degree of heat. Each strip can be used several times.
3. In the ear
This is the method many doctors mow use. Simply place the thermometer tip gently in baby's ear, as instructed, and press a button for an instant result. It's recommended you change the plastic cap after each use, to ensure an accurate reading.
What can I do about fever?
Undress baby and cool them by sponging with luke warm water.
(Don't put baby in a cold bath, as shivering triggers the body to raise its temperature)
Dress baby lightly in a singlet and nappy.
Check their temperature when you have done this. If it's still elevated, give some paracetamol.
Offer small amounts of fluids regularly, and make sure baby drinks at least the same amount as usual. (Don't worry if they don't eat)
Give baby extra attention while they are unwell.
When to contact your doctor:
Check baby's temperature an hour after giving the paracetamol. If the temperature has not lowered, contact your doctor or nearest hospital.
If baby looks pale.
If baby has fewer wet nappies than usual, or they are dark yellow in colour.
If baby only takes less than half his normal amount of fluids.
If baby is sleepier than normal, or more difficult to wake up.
If fever continues for more than 24 hours.
When it is an emergency:
(Take your child to hospital or call an ambulance)
If there is severe vomiting, and baby does not keep down paracetamol or any fluids.
If baby's neck seems stiff or rigid.
If baby is having difficulty breathing.
If baby is screaming, very irritable and unable to be consoled.
If baby is unconscious (you can't wake him up), if he is having fits or convulsions (jerky, uncontrollable movements)
Source : Children's Paradol
Image adapted from IB Spot blog
04 June 2009
Describing Things and Grouping Them Develops The Language of Classifying
What we do and why we do it
Mum : Which leaves look the same?
Maria : There are big ones and some with really curly edges.
Jodie : And lots of skinny ones too.
We ask children to describe objects and get them to look for similarities and differences. We help children to develop the language to classify, sort and group things.
They need language for classifying in literacy and numeracy later.
Source : Department of Education, Science and Training, Australia
Image adapted from at: www.saskschools.ca/~pvsdmile/
Playing with Rhymes Helps Children Practise Sounds
We sing rhymes and jingles with children so that they learn to hear and match words that sound the same.
Later, children will begin to match sound to alphabet letters on the page. This will be very important in learning to read, write and spell.
When English is a second language, adults share rhymes in their first language with children.
Source : Department of Education, Science and Training, Australia
Later, children will begin to match sound to alphabet letters on the page. This will be very important in learning to read, write and spell.
When English is a second language, adults share rhymes in their first language with children.
Source : Department of Education, Science and Training, Australia
Watching and Listening Develops Languages
Mum : "Up you come; is that better? You're happy now."
We use our hands, eyes, face and words to communicate with very young babies, because this shows them how people communicate.
Soon, the baby's babbling noises will sound like adult talk. They begin to take turns and wait for a response.
Later, children will choose the right words and body language to communicate their feeling and needs.
Source : The Department of Education, Science and Training, Australia
02 June 2009
When It's Time To Eat
From Birth
Development
* Newborns have a small stomach so they need at least 6 feeds
* Feeding "according to need" means baby feeds when he is hungry
* Frequent sucking at the breast stimulates breast milk production
* Growth spurts occurs at about 6 weeks and 3 months so baby will demand extra feeds
* When breastfeeding is not possible, a suitable infant formula must be used.
Breastfeeding is Best
* At least 6 feeds a day at 3-4 hourly intervals or according to need
* Night feeds are necessary for the first few weeks
* Hold your baby close and make eye contact while you feed
First Foods (around 6 months)
Development
* Newborns have a small stomach so they need at least 6 feeds
* Feeding "according to need" means baby feeds when he is hungry
* Frequent sucking at the breast stimulates breast milk production
* Growth spurts occurs at about 6 weeks and 3 months so baby will demand extra feeds
* When breastfeeding is not possible, a suitable infant formula must be used.
Breastfeeding is Best
* At least 6 feeds a day at 3-4 hourly intervals or according to need
* Night feeds are necessary for the first few weeks
* Hold your baby close and make eye contact while you feed
First Foods (around 6 months)
Fruit - slowly increase to 2-4 teaspoons
Vegetables - Slowly increase to 2-4 teaspoons
Iron enriched cereal - gradually increase to 1-2 teaspoons
Breast Milk - feed according to need
Formula - 800ml approximately
Development
* Able to hold head up
* Good head and neck control
* Reached for food
* Extrusion (tongue thrust) reflex disappears
* Iron stores depleting
* Doubles birth weight by 4-5 months
Food Guide
* breast milk or formula approximately 4-6 feeds per day
* Ready for solids around 6 months (not before 4 months)
* Offer solids after the milk feed
* Start with single food first
Introduce
Vegetables - Slowly increase to 2-4 teaspoons
Iron enriched cereal - gradually increase to 1-2 teaspoons
Breast Milk - feed according to need
Formula - 800ml approximately
Development
* Able to hold head up
* Good head and neck control
* Reached for food
* Extrusion (tongue thrust) reflex disappears
* Iron stores depleting
* Doubles birth weight by 4-5 months
Food Guide
* breast milk or formula approximately 4-6 feeds per day
* Ready for solids around 6 months (not before 4 months)
* Offer solids after the milk feed
* Start with single food first
Introduce
* Iron Enriched Rice Cereal
* Soft vegetables eg. Avocado, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, zucchini
* Soft fruits eg. apple, apricot, bananas, pear, mango
* Introduce meats after vegetables and fruit
Texture and Taste
* Puree or fine fork mash
* Do not add salt or sugar to baby's food
* Your baby does not need teeth to chew. Move on to fine fork mashed foods as soon as he has a chewing action
Meal Guide
Morning feed :
* Breast milk or formula
Breakfast:
* 1-2 tablespoons rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula
Mid Morning:
* Breast milk or formula
Lunch:
* Breast milk or formula
* Fruit or vegetable
Dinner :
* Breast milk or formula
* Fruit or vegetable
Before sleep:
* Breast milk or formula
7-9 Months
Meat, chicken, fish - 1 tablespoon finely minced
Meat alternatives - mashed legumes, egg yolk
Fruit - 2 to 4 tablespoons
Vegetable - 2 to 4 tablespoons
Bread - 1 slice
Cereals - Iron Enriched Cereal 2-4 tablespoons
Rice, pasta, couscous - small amounts for variety
Breast milk - feed according to need
Formula - 800ml approximately
Development
* Sitting yo unsupported
* Ready for soft lumps
* Chews with gums
* Teeth erupting
* Teeth erupting
* Able to pick up objects
* Can drink from a cup if held
Food Guide
* Breast milk / formula 3-4 feeds per day
* Solids offered before milk feed
* Introduce meats for iron
* Continue Iron enriched baby cereals
* Teething rusks help sooth tender gums
Introduce Variety
* Soft vegetables eg. Avocado, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, zucchini
* Soft fruits eg. apple, apricot, bananas, pear, mango
* Introduce meats after vegetables and fruit
Texture and Taste
* Puree or fine fork mash
* Do not add salt or sugar to baby's food
* Your baby does not need teeth to chew. Move on to fine fork mashed foods as soon as he has a chewing action
Meal Guide
Morning feed :
* Breast milk or formula
Breakfast:
* 1-2 tablespoons rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula
Mid Morning:
* Breast milk or formula
Lunch:
* Breast milk or formula
* Fruit or vegetable
Dinner :
* Breast milk or formula
* Fruit or vegetable
Before sleep:
* Breast milk or formula
7-9 Months
Meat, chicken, fish - 1 tablespoon finely minced
Meat alternatives - mashed legumes, egg yolk
Fruit - 2 to 4 tablespoons
Vegetable - 2 to 4 tablespoons
Bread - 1 slice
Cereals - Iron Enriched Cereal 2-4 tablespoons
Rice, pasta, couscous - small amounts for variety
Breast milk - feed according to need
Formula - 800ml approximately
Development
* Sitting yo unsupported
* Ready for soft lumps
* Chews with gums
* Teeth erupting
* Teeth erupting
* Able to pick up objects
* Can drink from a cup if held
Food Guide
* Breast milk / formula 3-4 feeds per day
* Solids offered before milk feed
* Introduce meats for iron
* Continue Iron enriched baby cereals
* Teething rusks help sooth tender gums
Introduce Variety
* Offer meat, chicken, fish, legumes or lentils each day for iron
* Ensure a variety of colours of fruits and vegetables
* Bread, pasta and rice (fine wholemeal bread is OK)
* Egg yolk well cooked if no family allergy. Offer 1/2 teaspoon at first, wait a couple of days, then offer more
* Infant suitable daily foods e.g yogurt, cheese, custards
Taste and Texture
* Introduce coarse texture - soft lumps, mashed rather than puree
* Finely minced meats, chicken and fish
* Mash beans and lentils
* Avoid adding salt, sugar or hot spices
Meal Guide
Morning feed :
* Breast milk or formula
Breakfast
* 2-4 tablespoons baby cereal mixed with breast milk or formula
Mid morning:
* Fruits or soft cooked mashed fruit
Lunch:
* Meat and two vegetables, custard, breast milk or formula
Mid afternoon :
* Fruit gel or yogurt
Dinner:
* Meat and two vegetables, fruit and yogurt dessert
Before sleep:
* Breast milk or formula
10-15 months
* Ensure a variety of colours of fruits and vegetables
* Bread, pasta and rice (fine wholemeal bread is OK)
* Egg yolk well cooked if no family allergy. Offer 1/2 teaspoon at first, wait a couple of days, then offer more
* Infant suitable daily foods e.g yogurt, cheese, custards
Taste and Texture
* Introduce coarse texture - soft lumps, mashed rather than puree
* Finely minced meats, chicken and fish
* Mash beans and lentils
* Avoid adding salt, sugar or hot spices
Meal Guide
Morning feed :
* Breast milk or formula
Breakfast
* 2-4 tablespoons baby cereal mixed with breast milk or formula
Mid morning:
* Fruits or soft cooked mashed fruit
Lunch:
* Meat and two vegetables, custard, breast milk or formula
Mid afternoon :
* Fruit gel or yogurt
Dinner:
* Meat and two vegetables, fruit and yogurt dessert
Before sleep:
* Breast milk or formula
10-15 months
Fat - teaspoon of butter, margarine or oil
Meat, chicken, fish - finely chopped
Meat alternatives - mashed legumes, egg
Fruit - 4 to 6 tablespoons
Vegetables - 4 to 6 tablespoons (select a variety of colours)
Bread - 1 to 2 slices (fine wholemeal)
Cereal - Iron enriched 2 to 4 tablespoons
Rice, pasta, noodles - small amounts for variety
Breast milk - breastfeed according to need
Formula - approx 700ml
Development
* Breast milk / formula reducing in quantity
* Solid foods increasing
* Enjoys self feeding
* Improved co-ordination
* Learns to drink from a cup
Food Guide
* Breast milk / formula 3 feeds per day
* Offer small meals 3 times per day
* Healthy snacks are important
* Encourage self feeding / finger foods
* Introduce food variety
Introduce
Meat, chicken, fish - finely chopped
Meat alternatives - mashed legumes, egg
Fruit - 4 to 6 tablespoons
Vegetables - 4 to 6 tablespoons (select a variety of colours)
Bread - 1 to 2 slices (fine wholemeal)
Cereal - Iron enriched 2 to 4 tablespoons
Rice, pasta, noodles - small amounts for variety
Breast milk - breastfeed according to need
Formula - approx 700ml
Development
* Breast milk / formula reducing in quantity
* Solid foods increasing
* Enjoys self feeding
* Improved co-ordination
* Learns to drink from a cup
Food Guide
* Breast milk / formula 3 feeds per day
* Offer small meals 3 times per day
* Healthy snacks are important
* Encourage self feeding / finger foods
* Introduce food variety
Introduce
* Finger size pieces of cooked vegetables
* Muesli and cereal
* Small sandwiches, toast
* Family dairy foods e.g custard, yogurt, cow's milk on cereal (not yet as a drink)
* Whole egg - gradually introduce well cooked egg white
(delay until after 12 months if there is any family allergy)
Taste and Texture
* Offer chunkier texture to encourage chewing
* Finger foods - cooked or soft foods cut into finger size pieces
* Minced meat, pieces of meat to chew on
* Avoid added salt and sugar
* Rusks still helpful to chew on
Meat Guide
Morning feed :
* Breast milk or formula
Breakfast:
* 2 to 4 tablespoons muesli and cereal with milk and fruit
* 1 slice fine wholemeal toast with butter or margarine
Mid morning :
* Water
Lunch:
* Sandwich 1-2 slices of bread with meat, fish or chicken, breast milk or formula
Mid afternoon:
* Soft cooked veggies and hommus
Dinner:
* Meat and at least 2 vegetables
* Custard and fruit
Before sleep:
* Breast milk or formula
1-3 Years
Fat : 2 teaspoons of butter, margarine or oil
Meat, Chicken, Fish - small pieces finely chopped
Meat alternatives - mashed legumes, lentils, egg
Fruit - 1 to 2 pieces
Vegetables - approx 1 cut total of 4 to 5 veggies (select a variety of colours)
Bread - 1 to 2 slices (fine wholemeal)
Cereals - 1 cup cereal (1 serve of rice, pasta or couscous
Breast milk /cow milk / dairy - 3 serves a day
Development
* Bones lengthen, less baby fat
* Walks alone
* Triples birth weight by 12 months
* Growths rate slows
* Appetite reduces accordingly
* Becomes assertive and likes to say "no"
Food Guide
* Continue breastfeeding if desired
* Cow's milk now suitable as main drink
* Encourage toddler to eat family foods
* 3 small meals and 2 snacks per day
* Offer water for extra fluid
Taste and Texture
* Cut up food into small pieces
* Offer finger foods such as soft cooked vegetables
* Ensure variety - at least 2 fruits and 5 veggies per day
* Avoid high salt / high sugar snack foods
Meal Guide
Breakfast:
* 2 to 4 tablespoons muesli and cereal with milk
* 1 slice fine wholemeal toast with butter or margarine
* milk / water to drink
Lunch:
* 1 to 2 slices of toast with baked beans and grated cheese
* fresh fruit pieces, yogurt and water to drink
Dinner:
* Meat and at least 2 vegetables
* Custard and fruit
Snacks:
* Milk / water to drink
* Bread sticks, muesli fingers
* Cheese, fresh fruit, soft cooked vegetables
Source : Heinz For Baby, Australia & The children hospital of Westmead
28 May 2009
Settling Techniques (For 12 Months to Toddlers)
Children are very different.
The following settling techniques are a guide only.
A consistent routine is important to help your child recognise and establish good sleep patterns. Developing a bedtime ritual will also help signal to your child that it is time for sleep, this may include saying goodnight to family members, cleaning their teeth, reading a bedtime story and saying goodnight to their soft toys.
The following settling techniques are a guide only.
A consistent routine is important to help your child recognise and establish good sleep patterns. Developing a bedtime ritual will also help signal to your child that it is time for sleep, this may include saying goodnight to family members, cleaning their teeth, reading a bedtime story and saying goodnight to their soft toys.
When you observe your child's tired signs, prepare your baby for bed e.g
* Check the nappy
* Put your child in their bed/cot
* In order to help your child fall asleep by him/herself, you may find it helpful to understand normal sleep cycles and be able to identify their tired signs.
Tired signs may include :
* Grimacing
* Clenched fists
* Frowning
* Sucking
* Grizzling
* Rigid Limbs
* Yawning
* Staring
* Crying
* Jerky movements or becoming restless
* Minimal movements or activity
* Increased irritability e.g. whilst playing
A normal sleep cycle is approximately 40-60 minutes and some children will stir and re-settle themselves. However, some children who are dependent on their parent to help them fall asleep may have difficulty re-establishing sleep unless the same conditions for re-settling are met. For example, if your child needs the beast, bottle, dummy, cuddles or a complicated ritual to sleep, you may notice after one sleep cycle that he or she wakes and cries until the same conditions that he or she associates with falling asleep are re-established.
It can be difficult for children to learn to sleep by themselves. A consistent bedtime routine is important to help your child establish satisfactory sleep patterns.
When assisting your child develop a sleep pattern it is better to use levels of distress/cry as your guide to the need to comfort your child than adhering to a time schedule.
Day: quiet time (story), bedtime
Spend some quiet time with your child, either reading a story, singing a nursery rhyme or a quiet cuddle
Just prior to the agreed upon bedtime, tell your child that the story will finish soon
Ensure your child is adequately clothed specially for the night e.g. warm pyjamas, enough blankets or a sleeping bag
Having a favourite toy in the cot and a night light can help small children
Say goodnight and kiss your child. If in a cot ensure that the sides are up and securely in place prior to leaving the room.
Give your child an opportunity to settle. Leave the bed room door ajar. Try to leave your child for a short time.
If your child is not calming return to the room and reassure them, then lay him/her down and tuck in the bedclothes.
In a calm voice tell your child its time for sleep.
If the nappy is soiled or your child vomits, change with minimal fuss, then resume the settling technique.
You may have to repeat this for some time
During the day if your child still remains unsettled for the length of the sleep with frequent reassurance then cease settling. Try to avoid "old habits" when settling , like giving a bottle or dummy. Continue with the usual daily routine and settling at the next sleep. At night time continue with settling.
Settling Technique if your child is in a bed
Ensure your baby has a consistent bedtime routine.
Day: quiet time (story), bed
Night : dinner, bath, quiet time (story), bedtime
Place the child into bed - tuck in and say good night
Special toy may help your child settle
Tell the child what will happen if they get out of bed. Decide on this with your partner and be consistent.
If she/he gets out, put her/him back immediately with minimal fuss. Remain calm, but firm. If you get annoyed or angry they will become anxious, as they will think you are unhappy with them and not want to separate from you.
If the nappy is soiled or your child vomits, change with minimal fuss, then resume the settling technique
If your child wakes again, either the same night or the next night, go in again and resettle
You may have to repeat the above, often, for your child to settle
For all young children
If you wish to safely maintain physical closeness with your child while they are asleep, place their bed or a mattress on the floor beside your bed.
If your child continues to remain unsettled, consider other management techniques. For example, cuddle; rhythmical movement (walk or rock); baby massage; relaxation techniques; musics, or ofter a drink of water. Choose whichever technique suits you and your child best.
With consistency these routines may take up to two weeks to show progress.
Time given are a guide only
Source : Tresillian NSW
* Check the nappy
* Put your child in their bed/cot
* In order to help your child fall asleep by him/herself, you may find it helpful to understand normal sleep cycles and be able to identify their tired signs.
Tired signs may include :
* Grimacing
* Clenched fists
* Frowning
* Sucking
* Grizzling
* Rigid Limbs
* Yawning
* Staring
* Crying
* Jerky movements or becoming restless
* Minimal movements or activity
* Increased irritability e.g. whilst playing
A normal sleep cycle is approximately 40-60 minutes and some children will stir and re-settle themselves. However, some children who are dependent on their parent to help them fall asleep may have difficulty re-establishing sleep unless the same conditions for re-settling are met. For example, if your child needs the beast, bottle, dummy, cuddles or a complicated ritual to sleep, you may notice after one sleep cycle that he or she wakes and cries until the same conditions that he or she associates with falling asleep are re-established.
It can be difficult for children to learn to sleep by themselves. A consistent bedtime routine is important to help your child establish satisfactory sleep patterns.
When assisting your child develop a sleep pattern it is better to use levels of distress/cry as your guide to the need to comfort your child than adhering to a time schedule.
Day: quiet time (story), bedtime
Spend some quiet time with your child, either reading a story, singing a nursery rhyme or a quiet cuddle
Just prior to the agreed upon bedtime, tell your child that the story will finish soon
Ensure your child is adequately clothed specially for the night e.g. warm pyjamas, enough blankets or a sleeping bag
Having a favourite toy in the cot and a night light can help small children
Say goodnight and kiss your child. If in a cot ensure that the sides are up and securely in place prior to leaving the room.
Give your child an opportunity to settle. Leave the bed room door ajar. Try to leave your child for a short time.
If your child is not calming return to the room and reassure them, then lay him/her down and tuck in the bedclothes.
In a calm voice tell your child its time for sleep.
If the nappy is soiled or your child vomits, change with minimal fuss, then resume the settling technique.
You may have to repeat this for some time
During the day if your child still remains unsettled for the length of the sleep with frequent reassurance then cease settling. Try to avoid "old habits" when settling , like giving a bottle or dummy. Continue with the usual daily routine and settling at the next sleep. At night time continue with settling.
Settling Technique if your child is in a bed
Ensure your baby has a consistent bedtime routine.
Day: quiet time (story), bed
Night : dinner, bath, quiet time (story), bedtime
Place the child into bed - tuck in and say good night
Special toy may help your child settle
Tell the child what will happen if they get out of bed. Decide on this with your partner and be consistent.
If she/he gets out, put her/him back immediately with minimal fuss. Remain calm, but firm. If you get annoyed or angry they will become anxious, as they will think you are unhappy with them and not want to separate from you.
If the nappy is soiled or your child vomits, change with minimal fuss, then resume the settling technique
If your child wakes again, either the same night or the next night, go in again and resettle
You may have to repeat the above, often, for your child to settle
For all young children
If you wish to safely maintain physical closeness with your child while they are asleep, place their bed or a mattress on the floor beside your bed.
If your child continues to remain unsettled, consider other management techniques. For example, cuddle; rhythmical movement (walk or rock); baby massage; relaxation techniques; musics, or ofter a drink of water. Choose whichever technique suits you and your child best.
With consistency these routines may take up to two weeks to show progress.
Time given are a guide only
Source : Tresillian NSW
25 May 2009
Power of the Sense
It has often been said that if someone could bottle the smell of a new born baby they would make a fortune. There are few people who can resist that new born scent. But have you ever wondered why? In fact, your child's unique scrummy aroma is probably as much down to human evolution as it is to your choice of baby cream.
As world famous zoologist Desmond Morris put it : "Evolution has armed the infant with an irresistible appeal that ensures his parents care for him, feed him and keep him clean and warm.
From smell to sight, sound and touch, there are a number of ways in which your new arrival is said to be 'hard-wired' to ensure that all important bonding process, which is so vital to his sense of security and development.
Of course, there are many other ways in which you can encourage bonding. Babies welcome the sight and sound of their parents from a very early age, having quickly learnt that they are a source of food, warmth and loving care. Singing, speaking and reading aloud to your baby are all ways in which you can reinforce that familiarity, and you will usually be reward with a beautiful gummy smile.
Moreover, numerous studies have shown that touch is of vital importance to a newborn's well-being. Babies who have a lot of skin-to-skin contact appear to thrive better and cry less.
It is important, though, to remember that bonding is an ongoing process that allow you as a parent to nurture your baby's sense of self and relationships over time.
Did you know ....
Mothers and babies can identify each other by their unique smell soon after birth. In fact, this smell is what enables a newborn baby to locate and attach to his mother's breast so quickly after birth.
Mothers (even those awakened from a deep sleep) can identify the sound of their baby's cry. In those first few sleep-deprived days, many first-time mothers are amazed at their ability to distinguish their baby's cries from those of other babies in the maternity ward.
A baby's umbilical cord (about 50cm) is just the right length to allow a newborn baby to be held by his mother while still attached to the placenta.
In response to a forefinger pressed into the palm of his hand, a baby's natural reflex is to curl his fingers to tightly around that finger that the grasp could support his entire weight.
Scientists have recently discovered that activity within a particular part of the brain soars within one-seventh of a second after seeing the face of an infant. This almost instantaneously positive reaction does not occur in response to the face of an adult.
Source: Dodds, C (2009), Coles Baby : Winter 2009, Coles Supermarket Australia Pty Ltd
As world famous zoologist Desmond Morris put it : "Evolution has armed the infant with an irresistible appeal that ensures his parents care for him, feed him and keep him clean and warm.
From smell to sight, sound and touch, there are a number of ways in which your new arrival is said to be 'hard-wired' to ensure that all important bonding process, which is so vital to his sense of security and development.
Of course, there are many other ways in which you can encourage bonding. Babies welcome the sight and sound of their parents from a very early age, having quickly learnt that they are a source of food, warmth and loving care. Singing, speaking and reading aloud to your baby are all ways in which you can reinforce that familiarity, and you will usually be reward with a beautiful gummy smile.
Moreover, numerous studies have shown that touch is of vital importance to a newborn's well-being. Babies who have a lot of skin-to-skin contact appear to thrive better and cry less.
It is important, though, to remember that bonding is an ongoing process that allow you as a parent to nurture your baby's sense of self and relationships over time.
Did you know ....
Mothers and babies can identify each other by their unique smell soon after birth. In fact, this smell is what enables a newborn baby to locate and attach to his mother's breast so quickly after birth.
Mothers (even those awakened from a deep sleep) can identify the sound of their baby's cry. In those first few sleep-deprived days, many first-time mothers are amazed at their ability to distinguish their baby's cries from those of other babies in the maternity ward.
A baby's umbilical cord (about 50cm) is just the right length to allow a newborn baby to be held by his mother while still attached to the placenta.
In response to a forefinger pressed into the palm of his hand, a baby's natural reflex is to curl his fingers to tightly around that finger that the grasp could support his entire weight.
Scientists have recently discovered that activity within a particular part of the brain soars within one-seventh of a second after seeing the face of an infant. This almost instantaneously positive reaction does not occur in response to the face of an adult.
Source: Dodds, C (2009), Coles Baby : Winter 2009, Coles Supermarket Australia Pty Ltd
Problem Child
Ask an average groups of parents if they have concerns about their toddler's behaviour and 60% are likely to answer yes.
For the overwhelming majority, however, their anxieties would cover a broad range of 'issue' considered typical for the under-twos. Exaggerated, unpredictable and inexplicable behaviour in children in this age group is most often associated with normal developmental stages, explains Associate Professor Jill Sewell, deputy director of the Centre for Community Child Health at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital.
By about 12 months of age, for example, your toddler may become upset - or even hysterical - every time you're out of his sight. Known as 'separation anxiety', this behavioural phenomenon appears when your children begin developing a concept of memory. For most it's a transitory phase generally lasting several weeks or no longer than a few months. But some will experience persistent or particularly strong separation anxiety for which parents may need professional help.
Into your child's second year he'll also begin to exert his own authority and realise he has some autonomy. Couple this perception with the ability to say the word 'no' and understand its meaning, and by the time he's turned two you're likely to have experienced his first temper tantrum.
Parents should neither overreact nor give in to this behaviour, because there's a risk that it can later transform into attention seeking. Or it can escalate into a problem and control between parents and children. So, remain first but fair and be reassured that the tantrum phase is usually short-lived and rarely extends beyond the third birthday.
The time to get worried about any of these routine behavioural 'milestones' is when they occur outside the normal development phase you'd expect to see them.
For example, they start much earlier, or are much stronger, or persist for very much longer than we'd normally expect, explain Prof Sewell.
She stressed, however, that parents with concerns about their children's behaviour should have them checked out. It would be usual to start with a GP so that any health issues could first be ruled out. Pain form ear infection or constipation, for example, can cause unpredictable behaviour.
And while persistent irritability may be a normal part of some children's temperaments, it can also be a sign of food intolerance. This is different from a food allergy, which normally produces very clear symptoms. Food intolerance is more difficult to diagnose and not particularly common, but it can be responsible for a child being relentlessly grumpy.
Occasionally, children have serious behavioural problems that can be ultimately traced to conditions such as autism or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Medical professionals will not attempt to diagnose ADHD in the under-twos, although there can be signs from this age- including consistently higher than average activity levels- that it may be a condition worth watching out for in later childhood.
Prof Sewell says, "You can't expect young children to have a long concentration span, but if they really can't stay focused on anything, you do wonder about how are going to be later on."
Professionals will certainly attempt to diagnose autism - now recognised as a "spectrum" it's much harder and often those children aren't diagnosed until four years later," says Prof Sewell.
In the under-twos, autism might be suggested in children who tend to require a rigid routine and become upset if that is broken. Other warning signs in toddlers can include a lack of affection or the development of rigid, repetitive play patterns.
Professionals also talk about problems with "shared attention', a capability that normally begins to develop during babyhood. From early in their second year, most children will look to where a parent is pointing and understand that they are being shown something. Children on the autism spectrum are particularly slow to develop this capacity for shared attention. Slow development, or inappropriate use, of language are also worth investigating during the second year because these too can be early indicators of autism.
Prof Sewell says that less than 10% of young children have major behavioural anomalies that will need professional attention. "But if parents are concerned about their child at any stage it's much better to talk (to a health profession) about it than to worry, even if it turns out to be part of a normal developmental process," she stresses. "If you're worried all the time, it is harder to parent naturally."
Source :McGhee (2009) Problem Child?, Coles Baby : Winter 2009, Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd
For the overwhelming majority, however, their anxieties would cover a broad range of 'issue' considered typical for the under-twos. Exaggerated, unpredictable and inexplicable behaviour in children in this age group is most often associated with normal developmental stages, explains Associate Professor Jill Sewell, deputy director of the Centre for Community Child Health at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital.
By about 12 months of age, for example, your toddler may become upset - or even hysterical - every time you're out of his sight. Known as 'separation anxiety', this behavioural phenomenon appears when your children begin developing a concept of memory. For most it's a transitory phase generally lasting several weeks or no longer than a few months. But some will experience persistent or particularly strong separation anxiety for which parents may need professional help.
Into your child's second year he'll also begin to exert his own authority and realise he has some autonomy. Couple this perception with the ability to say the word 'no' and understand its meaning, and by the time he's turned two you're likely to have experienced his first temper tantrum.
Parents should neither overreact nor give in to this behaviour, because there's a risk that it can later transform into attention seeking. Or it can escalate into a problem and control between parents and children. So, remain first but fair and be reassured that the tantrum phase is usually short-lived and rarely extends beyond the third birthday.
The time to get worried about any of these routine behavioural 'milestones' is when they occur outside the normal development phase you'd expect to see them.
For example, they start much earlier, or are much stronger, or persist for very much longer than we'd normally expect, explain Prof Sewell.
She stressed, however, that parents with concerns about their children's behaviour should have them checked out. It would be usual to start with a GP so that any health issues could first be ruled out. Pain form ear infection or constipation, for example, can cause unpredictable behaviour.
And while persistent irritability may be a normal part of some children's temperaments, it can also be a sign of food intolerance. This is different from a food allergy, which normally produces very clear symptoms. Food intolerance is more difficult to diagnose and not particularly common, but it can be responsible for a child being relentlessly grumpy.
Occasionally, children have serious behavioural problems that can be ultimately traced to conditions such as autism or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Medical professionals will not attempt to diagnose ADHD in the under-twos, although there can be signs from this age- including consistently higher than average activity levels- that it may be a condition worth watching out for in later childhood.
Prof Sewell says, "You can't expect young children to have a long concentration span, but if they really can't stay focused on anything, you do wonder about how are going to be later on."
Professionals will certainly attempt to diagnose autism - now recognised as a "spectrum" it's much harder and often those children aren't diagnosed until four years later," says Prof Sewell.
In the under-twos, autism might be suggested in children who tend to require a rigid routine and become upset if that is broken. Other warning signs in toddlers can include a lack of affection or the development of rigid, repetitive play patterns.
Professionals also talk about problems with "shared attention', a capability that normally begins to develop during babyhood. From early in their second year, most children will look to where a parent is pointing and understand that they are being shown something. Children on the autism spectrum are particularly slow to develop this capacity for shared attention. Slow development, or inappropriate use, of language are also worth investigating during the second year because these too can be early indicators of autism.
Prof Sewell says that less than 10% of young children have major behavioural anomalies that will need professional attention. "But if parents are concerned about their child at any stage it's much better to talk (to a health profession) about it than to worry, even if it turns out to be part of a normal developmental process," she stresses. "If you're worried all the time, it is harder to parent naturally."
Source :McGhee (2009) Problem Child?, Coles Baby : Winter 2009, Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd
Image adapted from Problem Child Movie poster
22 May 2009
First Aid
Curiosity in children is beautiful to watch, but in an unguarded moment it can also land your cherub in serious trouble. If any emergency does arise, every second counts and knowing how to administer infant first aid until further help arrives gives your child the best chance of recovery.
What to do if your child ...
Has been burnt or scalded
Remove the child's clothing (only if it's not stuck to the skin). Cool the burnt area with running cold tap water. Cover with loose, non-sticky dressing such as plastic wrap.
Has swallowed poison
Take the container of whatever the child has swallowed and call the National Poisons Information Centre for advice.
Is choking
If the child is breathing, check the mouth for any object and remove it. If the child is not breathing call 000 then check the mouth for objects and give five back blows. If breathing doesn't commence, start CPR.
Prevention and Preparation
The best way of preventing an accident is to be aware of the common dangers children might encounter and be vigilant. Simple preventative measures include :
* Never leaving a child unsupervised around water.
* Fencing the pool
* Storing medications and household chemicals out of children's reach.
* Installing child-resistant locks on cupboards.
* Placing guards and screens in front of heaters and and open fires.
Further every house should have a well stocked first aid kit kept in a safe place.
Source : Burke (2009), Safety First, Coles Baby: winter 2009, James Newsman Australia
picture image adapted from metropolismon
What to do if your child ...
Has been burnt or scalded
Remove the child's clothing (only if it's not stuck to the skin). Cool the burnt area with running cold tap water. Cover with loose, non-sticky dressing such as plastic wrap.
Has swallowed poison
Take the container of whatever the child has swallowed and call the National Poisons Information Centre for advice.
Is choking
If the child is breathing, check the mouth for any object and remove it. If the child is not breathing call 000 then check the mouth for objects and give five back blows. If breathing doesn't commence, start CPR.
Prevention and Preparation
The best way of preventing an accident is to be aware of the common dangers children might encounter and be vigilant. Simple preventative measures include :
* Never leaving a child unsupervised around water.
* Fencing the pool
* Storing medications and household chemicals out of children's reach.
* Installing child-resistant locks on cupboards.
* Placing guards and screens in front of heaters and and open fires.
Further every house should have a well stocked first aid kit kept in a safe place.
Source : Burke (2009), Safety First, Coles Baby: winter 2009, James Newsman Australia
picture image adapted from metropolismon
15 May 2009
Eczema and Cradle Cap
What is Eczema?
A skin irritation that appears as patches of dry, red, scaly skin which may become moist. It usually appears on baby's face, behind the ears, around their neck, behind their knees and on the inside of elbows.
What causes or aggravates eczema?
* It can run in families
* Certain foods may provoke attacks in infants.
* Rough, scratchy tight clothes, woollens and synthetics.
* Frequent use of strong soap for bathing or washing clothes.
* Perfumed creams and lotions.
* Dust
* Overheating
What to do about it
Dress baby in light, soft, loose, smooth cotton clothes - don't overdress.
Use lukewarm water in the bath.
Avoid soaps and cleansing lotions - use sorbolene and glycerine cream for soap at bath time and change time.
Put mittens or socks on baby's hands to stop them scratching.
Wash baby's clothes in pure soap - don't use fabric softeners or wool mix.
When putting baby on the floor to play, place on a cotton sheet, not the carpet.
Regularly vacuum the house.
Avoid dairy foods, eggs, fish, wheat, peanuts and citrus fruit.
What is Cradle Cap?
A build up of natural oils and dry scaly skin, which can form a yellow/brown crust on baby's head, eyebrows or behind the ears.
What to do?
To remove the crusts, massage sorbolene and glycerine cream into the affected area 2-3 times a day. Leave on overnight, and wash off at bath time the next day, using a face washer - or gently brush to stimulate the scalp, and lift off the softened crusts (don't pick off with your nails). Do this every day until it clears.
How to prevent it
Every day, wash and massage baby's scalp and gently brush their head, even if they don't have much hair.
Source : Children's panadol
A skin irritation that appears as patches of dry, red, scaly skin which may become moist. It usually appears on baby's face, behind the ears, around their neck, behind their knees and on the inside of elbows.
What causes or aggravates eczema?
* It can run in families
* Certain foods may provoke attacks in infants.
* Rough, scratchy tight clothes, woollens and synthetics.
* Frequent use of strong soap for bathing or washing clothes.
* Perfumed creams and lotions.
* Dust
* Overheating
What to do about it
Dress baby in light, soft, loose, smooth cotton clothes - don't overdress.
Use lukewarm water in the bath.
Avoid soaps and cleansing lotions - use sorbolene and glycerine cream for soap at bath time and change time.
Put mittens or socks on baby's hands to stop them scratching.
Wash baby's clothes in pure soap - don't use fabric softeners or wool mix.
When putting baby on the floor to play, place on a cotton sheet, not the carpet.
Regularly vacuum the house.
Avoid dairy foods, eggs, fish, wheat, peanuts and citrus fruit.
What is Cradle Cap?
A build up of natural oils and dry scaly skin, which can form a yellow/brown crust on baby's head, eyebrows or behind the ears.
What to do?
To remove the crusts, massage sorbolene and glycerine cream into the affected area 2-3 times a day. Leave on overnight, and wash off at bath time the next day, using a face washer - or gently brush to stimulate the scalp, and lift off the softened crusts (don't pick off with your nails). Do this every day until it clears.
How to prevent it
Every day, wash and massage baby's scalp and gently brush their head, even if they don't have much hair.
Source : Children's panadol
Skin Care and Nappy Rash
Baby skin is very sensitive. It is not necessary to use shampoos, powders, oils, baby solutions, baby soaps or baby wipes. Some products may contain perfumes and other ingredients that may irritate your baby's skin.Simple is best. All you need is:
* water
* sorbolene and glycerine cream
* zinc and castor oil cream (choose a brand which is thick and gooey)
Handy Hint - buy a small plastic squeeze bottle with flip top or nozzle from the supermarket. Mix up a solution of water water and two teaspoons of sorbolene and glycerine cream. Use this tissues to clean baby's bottom. Do not store - it needs to be made daily.
Preventing / managing nappy rash
Change baby's nappy at least after each feed.
Wash baby's bottom with the sorbolene solution every time you change the nappy, several times a day. (but don't leave baby unattended on the change table).
Apple a thick layer of zinc and castor oil cream a few times a day, especially before long sleeps - or
at every nappy change if baby's bottom is slightly red. (if this doesn't improve then see your Child Health Nurse)
When using cloth nappies. Soak nappy in nappy cleansing solutions, tip off the excess solution and put them in the washing machine on a long cycle. (hot if possible). Do not add any soap powder or softener.
When using disposable nappies: use good quality nappies - cheaper ones may irritate the skin.
Skin care tip
Use sorbolene and glycerube for bathing, instead of soap: wet baby's skin with warm water, take a dollop of cream on your hands, and gently massage over baby's body. Rinse off in the bath and pat dry.
Source : Children's Panadol
Banana Custard
Ingredients :
1/2 cup breast milk / formula
1 small ripe banana, mashed
a few drop of lemon juice
a few drops of vanilla essence
2 tsp custard powder
Method:
Mix breast milk/formula, custard powder, water and vanilla together in a microwave-proof bowl.
Place in microwave, cook on high power for 2 minutes stirring halfway.
Cool custard.
Mash banana with a little lemon juice.
Stir through custard and serve immediately.
Source : Toomey, S (2009), 26 Weeks and Beyond: The yummy scrummy in your tummy cookbook, Wyeth Nutrition
1/2 cup breast milk / formula
1 small ripe banana, mashed
a few drop of lemon juice
a few drops of vanilla essence
2 tsp custard powder
Method:
Mix breast milk/formula, custard powder, water and vanilla together in a microwave-proof bowl.
Place in microwave, cook on high power for 2 minutes stirring halfway.
Cool custard.
Mash banana with a little lemon juice.
Stir through custard and serve immediately.
Source : Toomey, S (2009), 26 Weeks and Beyond: The yummy scrummy in your tummy cookbook, Wyeth Nutrition
03 May 2009
Mini Quiche Lorraines
Prep time : 10 mins
Cooking time : 15-20 mins
Makes : 12
Ingredients :
2 sheets frozen ready rolled shortcrust pastry, thawed
1 tomato, chopped
60g grated cheddar cheese
40g chopped ham or bacon
1 spring onion, finely chopped
125ml milk
1 egg
Method:
Preheat the oven to 200'C
Cut the pastry into 12 round until a 8cm cutter.
Line the 12 shallow patty pans or mini muffin tins with the pastry.
Mix together the tomato, cheese, ham and spring onion and spoon the mixture into the pastry cases.
Whisk together the milk and egg.
Pour enough into each pastry case to cover the filling.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins, or until the filling is set and golden.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Source : Fallow, C & Kingham, K (2005) Baby & Toddler Food, Murdoch Books Pty Ltd
Cooking time : 15-20 mins
Makes : 12
Ingredients :
2 sheets frozen ready rolled shortcrust pastry, thawed
1 tomato, chopped
60g grated cheddar cheese
40g chopped ham or bacon
1 spring onion, finely chopped
125ml milk
1 egg
Method:
Preheat the oven to 200'C
Cut the pastry into 12 round until a 8cm cutter.
Line the 12 shallow patty pans or mini muffin tins with the pastry.
Mix together the tomato, cheese, ham and spring onion and spoon the mixture into the pastry cases.
Whisk together the milk and egg.
Pour enough into each pastry case to cover the filling.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins, or until the filling is set and golden.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Source : Fallow, C & Kingham, K (2005) Baby & Toddler Food, Murdoch Books Pty Ltd
Chicken & Mushroom Spirals
Prep time : 10 mins
Cooking time : 20 mins
Serves : 4
Ingredients :
1 tablespoon olive oil
20g unsalted butter
2 slices rindless bacon, cut into thin strips
2 garlic cloves, crushed
250g mushrooms, sliced
125ml dry white wine
185ml cream (whipping)
4 spring onions (scallions) chopped
1 tablespoon plain flour
2 large cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
500g spiral pasta
50g grated parmesan cheese
Method:
Heat the oil and butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat.
Add the bacon, garlic and mushrooms and cook for 2 mins.
Add the wine and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
Add the cream and spring onions, and bring to the boil.
Combine the flour and 60ml water until smooth.
Add to the pan and stir over the heat until the mixture boils and thickens.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 min.
Fold through the chicken and cook for 1 min to heat through.
Season with freshly ground black pepper.
Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water, following the packet direction.
Drain, add the pasta to the sauce and toss to mix.
Sprinkle with parmesan.
Serve with a green salad.
Source : Fallow, C & Kingham, K (2005) Baby & Toddler Food, Murdoch Books Pty Ltd
Cooking time : 20 mins
Serves : 4
Ingredients :
1 tablespoon olive oil
20g unsalted butter
2 slices rindless bacon, cut into thin strips
2 garlic cloves, crushed
250g mushrooms, sliced
125ml dry white wine
185ml cream (whipping)
4 spring onions (scallions) chopped
1 tablespoon plain flour
2 large cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
500g spiral pasta
50g grated parmesan cheese
Method:
Heat the oil and butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat.
Add the bacon, garlic and mushrooms and cook for 2 mins.
Add the wine and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
Add the cream and spring onions, and bring to the boil.
Combine the flour and 60ml water until smooth.
Add to the pan and stir over the heat until the mixture boils and thickens.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 min.
Fold through the chicken and cook for 1 min to heat through.
Season with freshly ground black pepper.
Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water, following the packet direction.
Drain, add the pasta to the sauce and toss to mix.
Sprinkle with parmesan.
Serve with a green salad.
Source : Fallow, C & Kingham, K (2005) Baby & Toddler Food, Murdoch Books Pty Ltd
Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni
Prep time : 45 mins
Cooking time : 1 hour
Serves : 4
Ingredients:
Filling
20g unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3 bunches English spinach
300g ricotta
1 tablespoon oregano
Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
440g tinned peeled whole tomatoes
125ml tomato based pasta sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
375 fresh lasagne
70g grated mozzarella cheese
50g finely grated parmesan cheese
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180'C
To make the filling, melt the butter in a pan and add the onion and garlic.
Cook for 3-5 mins, or until the onion softens.
Trim and finely shred the spinach, add it to the pan and cook for 5 mins or until wilted and the moisture has evaporated.
Remove from the heat.
Once cooled, combine with the ricotta and oregano in a food processor or blender.
Process until smooth and season.
To make the suace, heat the oil in a pan, add the onion and garlic and cook over low heat for 8-10 mins.
Add the rest of the sauce ingredients.
Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 mins or until the sauce is thickens.
Cut the lasagne sheet into twelve 12cm squares.
Lightly grease a 2 litre overproof dish.
Spread one-third of the sauce over the base, then spoon 1.5 tablespoons of the spinach mixture onto one side of each square of lasagne, leaving a 5mm border.
Roll up the pasta to cover the filling and place in the dish seam side down.
Repeat will all the sheets, spacing the cannelloni evenly in the dish.
Spoon over the remaining sauce and sprinkle with the cheese.
Bake for 30-35 mins or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Allow to stand for 5 mins before serving.
Source : Fallow, C & Kingham, K (2005) Baby & Toddler Food, Murdoch Books Pty Ltd
Cooking time : 1 hour
Serves : 4
Ingredients:
Filling
20g unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3 bunches English spinach
300g ricotta
1 tablespoon oregano
Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
440g tinned peeled whole tomatoes
125ml tomato based pasta sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
375 fresh lasagne
70g grated mozzarella cheese
50g finely grated parmesan cheese
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180'C
To make the filling, melt the butter in a pan and add the onion and garlic.
Cook for 3-5 mins, or until the onion softens.
Trim and finely shred the spinach, add it to the pan and cook for 5 mins or until wilted and the moisture has evaporated.
Remove from the heat.
Once cooled, combine with the ricotta and oregano in a food processor or blender.
Process until smooth and season.
To make the suace, heat the oil in a pan, add the onion and garlic and cook over low heat for 8-10 mins.
Add the rest of the sauce ingredients.
Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 mins or until the sauce is thickens.
Cut the lasagne sheet into twelve 12cm squares.
Lightly grease a 2 litre overproof dish.
Spread one-third of the sauce over the base, then spoon 1.5 tablespoons of the spinach mixture onto one side of each square of lasagne, leaving a 5mm border.
Roll up the pasta to cover the filling and place in the dish seam side down.
Repeat will all the sheets, spacing the cannelloni evenly in the dish.
Spoon over the remaining sauce and sprinkle with the cheese.
Bake for 30-35 mins or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Allow to stand for 5 mins before serving.
Source : Fallow, C & Kingham, K (2005) Baby & Toddler Food, Murdoch Books Pty Ltd
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