When I was pregnant with my first child, I experienced many new and strange things. Of course there was the usual strangeness of my body transforming as a small human took form inside of me. Fluctuating hormones had me craving bone broth and raw butter – two new foods for me at the time. Then the
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The Best Formula for Your Baby
Sometimes, babies need formula. So what is the best formula for your baby? Regardless of how adamantly you or I may suggest, persuade, or insist that breast milk is the best food for a newborn, the fact remains that about 25% of newborns in the U.S. are not breastfed and 64 % of children are
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Is Your Baby’s Blue Vein a Sugar Bug?
Both of my children were born with a faint blue vein on the bridge of their noses, and like any sufficiently paranoid mother, I would squint and study it trying to figure out what it could possibly be… a bruise, a birth mark, something else? For years in the Chinese medicine community I heard whisperings
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Is Formula Necessary For An Underweight Newborn?
If you’re about to supplement with formula because your newborn’s weight doesn’t meet chart guidelines or your pediatrician’s expectations, take a step back to consider the big picture first. First of all – and I apologize in advance that this statement will not be popular with many moms who bottle feed – formula is simply
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Breast Is Best? Not Always
I’m sure I will get a reaming for this from breastfeeding advocates, but I believe it’s worth pointing out that sometimes mamas simply need an alternative to just popping baby on the boob. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am a huge proponent of breastfeeding and I don’t recommend that moms read this and STOP
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Roseola Virus: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Sometimes kids catch weird germs. From hand foot and mouth disease to scabies, parents find themselves perplexed by the symptoms, worried by the diagnosis, and at a loss for what to do. Enter Holistic Squid – your source for to-the-point answers. This week we are featuring roseola virus, one of the common childhood illnesses that usually
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Natural Teething Remedies For Your Baby
From about 3-4 months old, your baby starts drooling and chewing on her hands. Teething? Everyone from Great-Aunt Tilly to the mailman is convinced that teeth are emerging, and whether they come soon or much, much later, those chompers are on their way out. Teething is commonly over-diagnosed and over-treated by parents. Although all babies
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Is Your Baby Ready? When to Start Solid Foods
Among advice-givers, opinions vary about when to start solid foods in a baby’s diet, and ultimately it’s up to parents to decide based on what will be best for their child’s nutrition and development. There are however a few guidelines that can help you make this decision. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most
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Baby Sleep Training vs Co-Sleeping: The Great Debate
The baby sleep training vs co-sleeping issue gets parents in a tizzy. From family beds to cry-it-out, sleep methods are a highly controversial topic among parents and professionals alike. Having tried both baby sleep training and attachment parenting, I’d like to share a holistic view on a good night’s sleep that has everyone’s best interests in mind.
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Infant Car Seat Safety: What’s Best For Your Baby?
Unfortunately, convenience and optimal wellness do not always go hand in hand. This is certainly the case with infant car seats, and it’s not something that most busy parents take the time to consider. Below is a letter I received from my friend and fellow mom, Gitta Sivander, after posting my New Baby Checklist. Thanks Gitta
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New Baby Checklist
I’m the first to admit, I’ve got a small obsession with organization. I also like things to look good and feel simple. So when it comes to the overwhelming and often intimidating world of baby gear, I needed a concise list of what I REALLY needed with an emphasis on ease, style, value, and eco and health-conscious
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Blocked Tear Duct Treatment for Babies: Natural Remedies
As a baby’s tear ducts develop, it isn’t uncommon to see a yellow, crusty discharge that accumulates in one or both eyes. While it isn’t pretty, it’s completely normal and not a cause for alarm. Most babies don’t cry real tears for at least a few weeks. Tear ducts are usually fully formed between two and
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