2012年2月29日 星期三

Baby Mediterranean Dinner

Couscous is such a wonderful textured food for me.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and kept asking for more.  The little individual couscous is soft, easy to swallow and digest.  Mommies with this you would not need to worry about choking.

It's also very quick and easy to prepare.  All you need to do if buy a packet of couscous from the shop, use boiling water to soak and cover for 10 mins then its done.  How fast and quick is that.  

So my Mommy made me some couscous with tomato and onion gravy.  Almost forgot there was spinach in the gravy, but since it was slowed cooked I didn't taste the yucky spinach at all.

This is what I look like afterwards.



To all mommies, couscous you follow the packet so I won't go into on how to make it.  Below is how my mommy made the gravy.

Gravy Ingredients;
Tomato
Onion
Spinach
Garlic

Tomato is blanched and diced.
Blanching (for the mommies who don't know what it is) - slit a cross on the bottom of the tomato.  Then pour boiling water over the tomato so it is covered for 2 mins.  Then drain the boiling water and put the tomato in cold water, where you'll see that the tomato skin will automatically be peeling off.
Onion is best to be grated as you won't have to spend too much time trying to cook it till it is very soft.

You can use a little bit of oil to fry the garlic till you can smell it.  Afterwards add the tomato and onion fry till soft.  Then add spinach and a bit of water, then slow cook on low heat.  Once the water has thickened, then it is done.


Aloe and Me

You might want to ask what Aloe has to do with me?  Very simply it has lots to do with keeping me comfortable.  Summers here in South Africa is very hot and dry, so aloe is the only that keeps me soft and smooth.  


Aloe is very beneficial product, mommy puts is on me when I have a rash of any sort.  Then it goes away ^_^  It's light and natural so there is no worries of any allergic reactions.  Mommy uses 99% pure aloe gel on me.


Definitely recommend it to every mommy for their little ones and themselves.



2012年2月27日 星期一

Gourmet french baby breakfast

This morning my mommy made me some really yummy breakfast.  It was french toast with mashed avocado and pear.


It's really simple to make and only took my mommy 10 minutes in the morning. The texture and taste combination will leave your little one asking for more.  I know I did! This is definitely something for all working mommies out there.  I'm going to share this with you...

Ingredients:
Pear
1/4 Avocado
1 Slice bread 
1 Egg
25ml Formula (for babies under 12 months)

Pear Puree:
Steam or bake the pear till cooked.  Then peal and fine grate. This can be done in bulk and put in the freezer in an ice tray.  
TIP: Do not microwave in the morning to defrost, the pear will loose it's sweetness.  Rather take it out the night before to put in the fridge to defrost.

Avocado Puree:
Merely use a fork to mash.  
TIP: You can use the rest of the avocado as play/practice food for the baby later in the day.  In doing so, the avocado does not go to waste by going dark.

French Toast:
Beat one egg with 25ml of formula.  Cut the crust of the bread off and dip the bread into the egg.  Make sure that the toast absorbs all the egg so that when fried it will be soft on the inside.  

Take a small frying will a little amount of oil (this is so that it won't stick) on a small flame and fry till golden.  Once done, cut into small cubes for easy eating.
TIP: There is no need to add any sugar or salt, as baby will be able to taste all the unique taste of the egg and bread.

Nutritional facts:
Pears
Pears provide ample Vitamin C, fiber and is cholesterol-free. Vitamin C will help to fight off those nasty colds and flus.  Also helps to build strong muscles, blood vessels, bones and teeth.  Most of all helps to keep the little one regular.

Avocado
The fast calories in avocado are of the heart-healthy variety (no cholesterol, monounsaturated fat), but they do increase your calorie count.  So not too much in a day.  Avocados contains Omega 3 fatty acids and are free of sodium.  This type of fat are good for a developing baby.

Happy Cooking Mommies :)





2012年2月18日 星期六

Things that is a necessity and what is not

Before my arrival my mom started planning on the things that I may need.  As with many new parents, they bought into all the nice marketing campaigns of telling you that YOU DO NEED THIS!  So I'm going to de-myth what I really need.  


My mom chose breastfeeding, so obviously a breast pump is necessary.  This is usually an investment piece as it comes at a price.  Then there is obviously a monitor, which is also an investment piece.  The good news is of these two items is that most Medical Aids in South Africa will either cover the entire amount or partial.  It is recommended to all parents-to-be to check with your medical aid NOW!  They don't advertise this, thinking that all parents would go and read their fine print.


The nursery, this is usually my parents choice as it really does not make any difference to me on what the room looks like.  I have to say this though, is that it is really not necessary to pay an arm and a leg for a designer bedroom.  I will DESTROY it anyways...hahaha~
There are some tips I can give you though;
1. Changing table is nice but I will outgrow it in 3 months, so best is to get one of those small sized playmats to be a changing area.  So as I get older, it will be my distraction for parents to have that few minutes to clean my little cute bum bum.
2. Medium - Large playmats are good pieces to have as they are also portal.  Good place to keep me busy.
3. High Chair - this item is usually not needed until I can sit unsupported.  My mom got me a really cool one from Stokke.  I will be able to use it from birth to adulthood - amazing.  


A word on bottles, my mom first got me Dr. Browns bottle.  Yes they advertise that it helps with colic reduction, but it is a nightmare to wash, maintain and expensive.  So my mom decided to change to Pigeon, best thing ever.  Didn't cost as much, easy to maintain and also reduced colic (unlike Dr. Browns, Pigeon does not have that vent thing that comes with every bottle).  By the way, you really don't need to spend SO MUCH on an electric sterilizer.  All you need is a microwave version and it works just as well.  Plus with a microwave version, when I start solids, it can fit all kinds of things rather then just bottles.


There is one essential thing that is needed which no one will tell you is ALOE GEL.  Best thing ever, as it cools me in summer of my summer rash and takes care of various insect bites.  It also keeps my skin soft and smooth, since it is pure aloe there is no danger of allergy issues.  


So think before you buy, does your little angel need this or is it for YOU?  Very important question, as you wouldn't like your house to become a creche one day with all those fancy toys and things that is not needed.


I've attached a list just to help you get started on what you need in the beginning.  I need to remind you that it is just a guideline, you might not need everything for your little angel.



 
FOR THE HOSPITAL
Hospital - Infantasia Starter Pack Includes
Description Product Options
Starter Pack  1x 500g Bennetts Hyper Allergenic Aqueous Cream
1x 50g J&J Baby Powder
1x Box J&J Earbuds
1x Packet of Cotton Wool Balls
1x 200 ml Pigeon Shampoo
1x Packet of 28 Pampers Newborn Nappies
1x Packet of Pigeon Travel Wet Wipes
1x 100ml Petroleum Jelly
1x 150g  Bennetts Bum Cream
1x Box of Disposable Breast Pads
1x Pkt of 12 Carefix Maternity Pads
1x Surgical Spirit
1x Infantasia Bag
Hospital - Maternity Essentials
Carefix  Maternity Stretch Panties(After Birth) Size: 
Carefix Maternity Feeding Bra Size - Size: 38
Carefix Maternity Pads
Serenity Linen Savers - Each
Nuk Silicone Dummies No1  (0-6 Months) 2per pack
Purelan Purelan TM 100 7g Nipple Cream
Pigeon  Breast Pads 36's Premium
Carefix Feeding Sleep Shirt Size: L
Pampers Newborn 44's Disposable Nappies
Nappy Sacks 25's Travel Pack
Nappy Sacks 150's Travel Pack
Hospital - Toiletry Essentials
Pigeon
Pigeon  Wet Wipes 82's in Pack
Pigeon  Wet Wipes 82's in Pack with Hard Dispenser
Neomedic Cotton Ball 1000gms
Bennetts
Bennetts  Baby Bum Cream  150g
Bennetts Baby Aqueous Cream 550ml - Hypo Allergenic
Bennetts Baby Water Resistance Sunblock
Mattresses, Cushions, Cot Bumpers & Linen
Matress Compactum PVC Mattress - Made to size in White
Sleep EZ Breathe EZ Health Tex Cot Mattress
Sleep EZ Sleep EZ Curved Back & Side Wedge
Sleep EZ Breathe EZ Cot Lift Wedge
Sleep EZ Pram Lift Wedge for Crib
Sleep EZ Pillow
Sleep EZ Cot Bumper Inner
Sleep EZ health Tex Cot Sheets
Percale Cot Bumper Cotton Embroided - Not required if ordering linen set
Percale Cotton -  embroidered or plain and piped
  Nappy Stacker - Embroided
  Muslin Squares - Pack of 3
  Receiveing Blankets - 100% Brushed Cotton
  Duvet Inner - Pure Wool
  Wrappers Cotton Stretch - 100% Interlock Cotton
  Cuddle Wrap Baby Sense Shaped Wrapper for Swaddling
  Cellular Blankets Plain - 100% Cotton
  Cellular Blankets Plain - 100% Cotton - Embroidered
  Double Mink Blanket
Useful Bedroom Essentials
  Afterbath Towelling Nappies Incl. Towelling Cover
  Afterbath Cover Laminated Towelling
  Towelling Nappies Plain White - Pack of 4
AngelCare AngelCare 3 in 1 Monitor (confirm medical aid coverage)
Tiny Love Cot Toy Mobile
Tiny Love Cot Toy Double Sided Book
Around The House - Travelling
Leya Campcot, Incl Mosquito Net, Bassinette, Nightlight, Music
  Snugli
Breathe EZ Campcot Matress - Standard Size
Breathe EZ Health Tex Sheet for Standard Size Campcot
  Cot Lift Wedge
Sun Visors Pram Visor Protect a bub
  Vehicle Sox - Provide Make and model of Car
Graco Ultima Travel System
Around The House - Feeding
Dr Browns Feeding Bottles 120ml Wideneck
Avent Single Pack 260ml
Avent Twin Pack 260ml
Milk Storage System Via Milk Storage Cups 180ml
Milk Storage System Via Lids
Pigeon Bottle & Teat Brush
Pigeon Bottle Warmer
Snookums 6 Bottle Microwave Steriliser
  Sterilising Liquid
Pigeon Formula Dispenser
Useful Bathroom Essentials - Bath
  Shaped Bath on a Stand
Born Fabulous Towel Cuddledry
Petit Chic Plain White Hooded Towel
Useful Bathroom Essentials - Nice To Have
Safety First Bath Thermometer
Medicine Cabinet
  Magphos
  Saline Nose Drops
  Calpol
  Gripe Water
  Traumeel
Braun Thermometer
  Mercury Thermometer
  Digital Safety 1st Thermometer
  Medicine Dropper
Pigeon Nasal Aspirator
Useful
Carmen Hot Air 4 Litre Humidifier (can use Aeromatherapy)
Carmen Hot/Cold humidifier (can use Aeromatherapy oils)
Safety 1st Deluxe Grooming Set - New
Clothing
Baby Gros 100% InterlockCotton Newborn Baby Gros -  Green
Baby Gros 100% Interlock Cotton 0-3 Months Baby Gros -  Pink
Body Vest New Born Short Sleeve - White 
Body Vest 0-3 Months Short Sleeve - White
Long Sleeve Vest New Born Long Sleeve - White 
Long Sleeve Vest 0-3 months Long Sleeve - White 
Beanies 100% interlock cotton  
Socks Towelling
Jersey Pure Wool Jersey
Petit Chic Bibs (2's)