Pumping: Pump 3-4 hours after you last nursed the baby. Wash your hands. Use clean equipment. Adjust the pump setting on low to start. Then, increase it to your comfort level. Wet the horn with water or a few drops of breast milk. Center your nipple in the horn, don’t let the nipple rub. Pull the plunger gently about half way out for the first … Continue reading How to Pump and Store Breast Milk
– Let them swap out the bottle for a new toy – Let them pick out their own sippy cup – Give them a regular cup like Mommy and Daddy – Offer milk in a cup instead of a bottle – Gradually replace each bottle with a cup, only replacing one bottle a week, until all bottles are sippy cup – Leave the nighttime bottle to last to … Continue reading Tips on Removing the Bottle
Breastfeeding is what is best for the baby, but it isn’t always 100% free. For some mothers it is as easy as taking out your breast and feeding your baby, but for some mothers it isn’t as easy or cheap. A mother comes home from the hospital with cracked dry and hard nipples; she may need cooling nipple pads to help relieve the pain. She … Continue reading Is Breastfeeding Really as Cheap as They Say?
Having trouble with children eating vegetables? Try blending squash/zucchini/carrots in with spaghetti sauce (use less water, add veggies after browning meat). Another Vegetable idea for carrots is to cut them with a crinkle cutter–makes children think they were made especially for them! Add a little Spice to your coffee! Try adding 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of cinnamon/nutmeg/vanilla directly into auto-drip coffee basket for some “spice-au-lait.” Save on gourmet coffee … Continue reading Kitchen Kapers
Pre-package formula into small ziplock bags, so it is ready to go. Keep a few extra packages in the diaper bag for those just in case times. For babies, pre-package a serving of oatmeal into small ziplock bags. Keep a few extra packages in the diaper bag for those just in case times, that way you have something to feed your baby besides a bottle. … Continue reading This Works for Me: Feeding your infant
Save time when baking cookies by making cookie bars. Pour cookie batter in an 11×17 inch pan. Bake and Slice! Fall vegetables like squash can be substituted for pumpkin in recipes. This is a good tasting way for children to eat veggies! Continue reading Kitchen Kapers
Why put healthy foods in lunch boxes? The foods children eat affect their performance at school. Healthy foods increases resistance to infections Eating foods low in granulated sugars and saturates fats helps children concentrate better in school. Natural carbohydrates give them energy. Protein and calcium are needed for bone and muscle growth. To fulfill all of these requirements, make everything you put in your child’s … Continue reading Healthy Lunches and Snacks
After washing lettuce, tear with hands rather than cutting with knife. Metal turns the adges of lettuce brown. To keep, wrap lettuce in a paper towel to absorb excess liquid then place in plastic bag. Cut- up fresh garden veggies such as carrots, cucumber, and beans and serve as a snack to children while they watch their favorite T.V. show/video. This keeps children from being … Continue reading Kitchen Kapers
For variety, make sandwiches using hamburger buns, hot dog buns or whole wheat bread. Include one chocolate “kiss”. Adds a little sweetness and lots of love. Make jello with lots of fresh fruits (add when jello is partially set.) Sen to school in thermos. Add fun stickers or holiday stickers to sandwich bags. Warm soup in the morning and send in a thermos. Add a … Continue reading Lunch Box Delights
When you get home from the grocery store with fresh fruit and vegetables, cut them up and store them in individual containers for easy to grab snacks. Fill up reusable water bottles and store in the refrigerator for easy to grab cold water. Keep a drawer, at children’s height, full of healthy snacks for them to grab when they want something to eat. This makes … Continue reading Kitchen Kapers
The Italian Grandmama's Guide with Angela DiCicco 