Latest blog by Andrea Donsky, co-founder of NaturallySavvy.com. Read more...

Parenting FAQ

  • I Have a Child Who Doesn't Eat. Help!

    Lilian Presti

    Q: Having a child who doesn't eat can be both frustrating and worrisome for a parent. What should I do? A: You are right to seek help before the problem results in a health issue for your child.There are many reasons for a child not having an appetite. One of the most common is a vitamin/mineral deficiency. The following nutrient deficiencies can be related to appetite loss: Iron B-Vitami...

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  • What Should Breastfeeding Mothers Eat?

    Lilian Presti

    Q: Hi. I am breastfeeding my son still, and he is almost six months old. I am planning to breastfeed him as long as he wants to up to the age of two, however, I have a fast metabolism, am fairly thin and dont have a humongous appetite to eat 500 more calories a day. Piper though, is a big boy and demands the breast a lot. Some days, I am feeling wiped out because I feel like he has drained everyth...

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  • What are the most common allergies for children?

    Naturally Savvy

    Q: What are the most common allergies for children? A: The top food allergens for kids are dairy, wheat, nuts, eggs, fish and seafood, soy, corn, chocolate, and mushrooms.

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  • Is a rash a sign of a food allergy?

    Naturally Savvy

    Q: My 8 month old developed a rash. Is that a sign of a food allergy? A: It very well could be. Record everything the child ate in the previous 48 hours and keep the journal handy to refer to if the rash reappears. If you are able to identify a trigger, remove the food from their diet and do not reintroduce it for another 6 months.

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  • What can I do to help reduce colic?

    Naturally Savvy

    Q: What can I do to help reduce colic?  A: The first thing to do if the mother is breastfeeding is to remove any possible food allergens from the mom's diet such as dairy, wheat, nuts, eggs, soy, and chocolate. Pay attention to see if symptoms subside. Also, the mom should take Omega 3s, probiotics, and magnesium. With formula fed babies, it is a good idea to try switching formulas. Parents c...

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  • Should I feed my baby whole grain cereal?

    Naturally Savvy

    Q: Is there an advantage to starting with a whole grain cereal? A: Many parents would say yes. The advantage with starting with a whole grain cereal is that firstly, most are iron-fortified and this is important because a baby's iron stores start to become depleted at the 6-7 month point. In addition, cereals are often easier to introduce because their taste is much blander than fruit or vege...

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  • My 6 month old won't eat! Help!

    Naturally Savvy

    Q: What if my 6 month old is uninterested in food? A: Don't worry too much as many babies are not that interested initially. The main goal between 6 and 8 months is just to introduce them to food - not to get large quantities into their bodies. Most of their nutrition will still be derived from breast milk or formula.  Never put pressure on your baby to eat. Keep meal attempts stress-free eve...

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  • What are good foods to introduce first?

    Naturally Savvy

    Q: What are good foods to introduce first? A: You can start with either iron-fortified whole grain cereals or vegetables and fruits. Both of these categories of food are nutritionally equivalent. Some good cereals to start with are brown rice, barley and oats. Some vegetables or fruits to start with are mashed banana or avocado, pureed sweet potato, or cooked and pureed apples or pears. 

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  • At what age do I introduce solids to my baby?

    Naturally Savvy

    Q: At what age do I introduce solids to my baby? A: Recent recommendations encourage waiting until your baby is 6 months of age before introducing solids. By waiting the extra couple of months, the intestinal tract has time to mature and seal off so that it is better able to handle food. Studies have shown that the postponement of solids until an infant is 6 months old helps to prevent food allerg...

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  • How long should I breastfeed?

    Naturally Savvy

    Q: How long should I breastfeed? A: Duration of breastfeeding is a personal decision for each mother and tends to depend on many factors. However, new recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Canadian Pediatric Society are recommending that women breastfeed their babies until the age of 2 and beyond if they desire. The ideal minimum, encouraged by The American Academy of Pediatri...

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    CategoriesParenting FAQ