That's my husband's joke, actually. He likes to refer to Tzipora as "T-Mobile" when she's moving around. And she's been doing a lot of that lately! No, she can't really crawl yet, but she scootches in circles on her tummy, and sometimes she'll even scootch backwards a little bit. I remember that Dovid scootched backwards on his tummy before he started going forwards, so I know it's just another step in the right direction. She also has begun to launch herself out of her Bumbo seat. I had her on the floor in her Bumbo earlier today and she had nearly turned herself around trying to reach something that was also on the floor...until she actually tumbled out of the seat onto her stomach. It looked perfectly orchestrated, she didn't hurt herself at all (she literally went right onto her tummy from the seat), and she was only moderately surprised that she found herself on the floor all of a sudden. It was really funny, although now I have to keep a *very* good watch on her in that seat, even when it's on the floor.
During this Bumbo seat mishap, I also noticed that she's getting the idea of object permanence, since she was looking to retrieve something that had fallen behind her.
Tzipora has also been making some Baby-Led Weaning progress. She's definitely eating some solids, as noted by her new poo consistency which always has little bits of whatever she's eaten in them, and she's getting loads better at putting food from the tray into her mouth...even if it means bending her head all the way to the tray and shoveling it in. lol I just need to think of some more good soft foods for her to try, since she still doesn't have any teeth. Some of the ones we've tried are cooked carrots, sweet potato and spaghetti squash. Any ideas for me?
As for the twins, their newest milestone is sitting at the table for meals. They're still in their booster seats, but instead of eating off of their tray they now sit right up at the table and have plates! They did really well on their first try of this, and I am so proud of them. They really are growing up!
Showing posts with label Baby-Led Weaning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby-Led Weaning. Show all posts
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Friday, December 4, 2009
Eating & Swallowing
We have verification by two separate sources (Shmuel & Shifra) that the twins are actually swallowing food. How do you suppose this is verified? By seeing "things" in their poo, of course! :-) And according to Shifra, Dovid is not vomiting nearly as much as he was. We're also trying new and different things, such as asparagus and honey dew. (We haven't tried the honey dew yet...it's next on the list.) They've also had carrots, green beans, cucumber and lots of other stuff too. Yay!! I don't think they've cut down on their milk feeds at all, so I don't think they're actually swallowing much, but anything swallowed and digested (even partially) is a victory in my book. :-)
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Teeth
My children actually have teeth! Well, at least I can see that Chana is getting her two bottom middle ones...I have yet to see any from Dovid, but our au pair insists she sees some coming in on the upper row. Poor Chana has been miserable, and she's not going to sleep quietly like she used to. During the day it doesn't seem to be a problem, but as soon as you put her in the crib for nap or bedtime...well, her screams could wake the dead.
Even after the pediatrician INSISTED that I start pureeing the twins food so they'll learn how to swallow food, I am continuing to give them pieces. :-) According to Molly, who is my personal Baby-Led Weaning expert, swallowing mush and learning to chew and swallow food pieces are two totally different things. Giving them mush will not help them to learn about chewing and swallowing other foods. If they know how to dip (say a green bean into hummus), then you can have them do that or dip it for them so they get something that's supposed to be mushy. I've been doing that and they seem to like the hummus. But more importantly they CAN swallow it. They had some applesauce a few weeks ago in Rochester that didn't cause trouble either. It's a learning process. They have to figure out themselves that chewing is an essential part of eating solid food. Once they figure out how to chew it enough that it becomes mushier, they'll be able to swallow with no problem. And then swallowing bigger things shouldn't be an issue. Until then, I have to put up with Dovid's gagging/throwing up/coughing fits during meal time. Let me tell you, there's nothing scarier for me than meal time with him, but I have to pursue or the kid will be taking formula with him to college.
I don't know if Chana has actually gotten to the "swallowing" stage. I think she's still just exploring food, because she doesn't gag nearly as much as Dovid does, nor is she as into her food as he is. She'll put it in her mouth, but it doesn't stay there long. She'll get it! And it'll probably be easier for her when she does get into it, because she'll already have some teeth to bite with!
Molly also says that the pediatrician is overreacting about needing them to eat a ton and wean off of formula. At this point I do *not* need to worry about the twins solid food intake. This is why it's called BABY-Led Weaning and not Mommy-Led Weaning. The twins will figure it out when they are good and ready developmentally. Even if that's not until they're a year old, it's fine. They'll get it, and they'll be just fine.
Even after the pediatrician INSISTED that I start pureeing the twins food so they'll learn how to swallow food, I am continuing to give them pieces. :-) According to Molly, who is my personal Baby-Led Weaning expert, swallowing mush and learning to chew and swallow food pieces are two totally different things. Giving them mush will not help them to learn about chewing and swallowing other foods. If they know how to dip (say a green bean into hummus), then you can have them do that or dip it for them so they get something that's supposed to be mushy. I've been doing that and they seem to like the hummus. But more importantly they CAN swallow it. They had some applesauce a few weeks ago in Rochester that didn't cause trouble either. It's a learning process. They have to figure out themselves that chewing is an essential part of eating solid food. Once they figure out how to chew it enough that it becomes mushier, they'll be able to swallow with no problem. And then swallowing bigger things shouldn't be an issue. Until then, I have to put up with Dovid's gagging/throwing up/coughing fits during meal time. Let me tell you, there's nothing scarier for me than meal time with him, but I have to pursue or the kid will be taking formula with him to college.
I don't know if Chana has actually gotten to the "swallowing" stage. I think she's still just exploring food, because she doesn't gag nearly as much as Dovid does, nor is she as into her food as he is. She'll put it in her mouth, but it doesn't stay there long. She'll get it! And it'll probably be easier for her when she does get into it, because she'll already have some teeth to bite with!
Molly also says that the pediatrician is overreacting about needing them to eat a ton and wean off of formula. At this point I do *not* need to worry about the twins solid food intake. This is why it's called BABY-Led Weaning and not Mommy-Led Weaning. The twins will figure it out when they are good and ready developmentally. Even if that's not until they're a year old, it's fine. They'll get it, and they'll be just fine.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
He Crawls...Backwards
That's right, folks. Dovid likes to slither on his belly...backwards. It's funny cuz I'll find him in places other than where I set him down, and I see that he got there by scootching on his belly backwards. He puts his arms out and pushes himself. It's quite funny, actually, and he seems to be enjoying himself. Whatever works! It looks like I need to seriously start baby-proofing...
Dovid's been having a little trouble with the swallowing step of eating. He can pick things up and even chew a little bit, but he gags himself when he tries to swallow (even something really small). When he gags, he spits up milk. Poor kid. :-( He'll get it eventually, but it just pains me to watch him gag even though I know he's in no danger and he's not "choking."
Now then, I have to tell you how *awesome* I am at finding good deals. I knew I needed to buy new car seats for the twins, because they are rapidly growing out of the infant seats. Well, at least Chana is...hehe Anyway, I found the kind I wanted. It's called the Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat, which ranges from approx $160 to approx $180. I had been looking on Amazon, but I wasn't so happy with the color selection...or the price. I mean, I knew I was going to spend a lot, but spending almost $400 for two car seats was making me feel a bit queasy. lol Anyway, I finally found two colors that I adored...Lamont and Sophia. Lucky me, I happened to find them at a store that was selling the Lamont for $110 and the Sophia for $100. Then, I go and use my amazing coupon finding skills and get a 10% off coupon code for the seats. Throw in free shipping, and I just spent $189 for two car seats. Now, how awesome am I? :-) That's right...pretty darned awesome.
Dovid's been having a little trouble with the swallowing step of eating. He can pick things up and even chew a little bit, but he gags himself when he tries to swallow (even something really small). When he gags, he spits up milk. Poor kid. :-( He'll get it eventually, but it just pains me to watch him gag even though I know he's in no danger and he's not "choking."
Now then, I have to tell you how *awesome* I am at finding good deals. I knew I needed to buy new car seats for the twins, because they are rapidly growing out of the infant seats. Well, at least Chana is...hehe Anyway, I found the kind I wanted. It's called the Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat, which ranges from approx $160 to approx $180. I had been looking on Amazon, but I wasn't so happy with the color selection...or the price. I mean, I knew I was going to spend a lot, but spending almost $400 for two car seats was making me feel a bit queasy. lol Anyway, I finally found two colors that I adored...Lamont and Sophia. Lucky me, I happened to find them at a store that was selling the Lamont for $110 and the Sophia for $100. Then, I go and use my amazing coupon finding skills and get a 10% off coupon code for the seats. Throw in free shipping, and I just spent $189 for two car seats. Now, how awesome am I? :-) That's right...pretty darned awesome.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Success!!
Dovid finally got his first *real* taste of food today!!! First off, he was a total pro at picking up the pieces of sweet potato that Shifra had given him. These are the EXACT SAME sweet potatoes that I made for Shabbos...spices and everything, except we cut the round slices in half so it would be easier to pick up. He definitely was chewing it, and it looked like he tried to swallow but coughed a bit up. Until a few minutes ago Shifra wasn't 100% sure if he had actually swallowed any of it, but she changed his diaper he had an orange piece in his poo!!!! YAY!!! Go Dovid!!!
Chana wasn't interested in food earlier when Shifra was feeding them, but I gave her some just now with Dovid and as soon as I wasn't looking at her, she picked up a piece of sweet potato and started chewing. lol Luckily I have it all on tape:
In other news, I am *not* anemic!!!! My hemoglobin is 13.6 gm/dl and my hematocrit is 39.7%--both within the normal range! I was shocked...and asked the nurse if my results had been switched with someone else's. lol Seriously, I don't know if I've ever had normal hemoglobin ever...even before pregnancy. So, the nurse told me to keep up the good work and stay on my iron once a day. Wheeee!!! I rock!
Chana wasn't interested in food earlier when Shifra was feeding them, but I gave her some just now with Dovid and as soon as I wasn't looking at her, she picked up a piece of sweet potato and started chewing. lol Luckily I have it all on tape:
In other news, I am *not* anemic!!!! My hemoglobin is 13.6 gm/dl and my hematocrit is 39.7%--both within the normal range! I was shocked...and asked the nurse if my results had been switched with someone else's. lol Seriously, I don't know if I've ever had normal hemoglobin ever...even before pregnancy. So, the nurse told me to keep up the good work and stay on my iron once a day. Wheeee!!! I rock!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Urgh (Sorry, but I really need to vent...)
Preface: The twins' actual pediatrician called me today to talk about the appointment we had last week...
It drives me mad when the pediatricians at the twins' doctors office tell me that Baby-Led Weaning is not recommended, that I should start them on rice cereal pronto and not give finger foods until 8-9 months. Seriously...don't tell someone that something is bad until you've read about it and you *really* know what you're talking about. Otherwise it just pisses people off. Fine...you're a pediatrician and I get that. And you're worried about babies choking. Of course you are. So am I. But babies can choke on nearly anything--including RICE CEREAL! Especially if you put the spoon too far back into the baby's mouth... With BLW you have no fear of that because the babies are putting things into their own mouths...the FRONT of their mouths, because they can't reach the back and would have no idea how to do that anyway. Yes, I realize that Dovid will be able to go onto normal formula once he starts getting solid food, but honestly...my insurance is paying for his preemie formula (which he's doing great on) and it doesn't cover the regular stuff. Do I honestly want to have him on the regular stuff ($$'s coming out of my pocket) for any longer than I really have to??? Not a chance. Babies do *not* need to eat rice cereal. They do *not* need to eat mush at 6 months. Besides, do you really want your kids to eat stuff with a ton of preservatives? Not me.
Update: This is not meant to be an insult to anyone who feeds their baby with mushy baby food. It's the "norm" nowadays, and I support anyone who makes sure their baby gets fed *period*. :-) And I give big kudos to people who mush their own baby food. It's just as healthy as BLW, except in a different format.
What do I tell the pediatrician so that she'll listen to the fact that BLW is a GOOD option and something that she should be telling parents as an alternative to the recommendation for starting mushy stuff. Honestly...just because you're a doctor doesn't mean you know everything.
It drives me mad when the pediatricians at the twins' doctors office tell me that Baby-Led Weaning is not recommended, that I should start them on rice cereal pronto and not give finger foods until 8-9 months. Seriously...don't tell someone that something is bad until you've read about it and you *really* know what you're talking about. Otherwise it just pisses people off. Fine...you're a pediatrician and I get that. And you're worried about babies choking. Of course you are. So am I. But babies can choke on nearly anything--including RICE CEREAL! Especially if you put the spoon too far back into the baby's mouth... With BLW you have no fear of that because the babies are putting things into their own mouths...the FRONT of their mouths, because they can't reach the back and would have no idea how to do that anyway. Yes, I realize that Dovid will be able to go onto normal formula once he starts getting solid food, but honestly...my insurance is paying for his preemie formula (which he's doing great on) and it doesn't cover the regular stuff. Do I honestly want to have him on the regular stuff ($$'s coming out of my pocket) for any longer than I really have to??? Not a chance. Babies do *not* need to eat rice cereal. They do *not* need to eat mush at 6 months. Besides, do you really want your kids to eat stuff with a ton of preservatives? Not me.
Update: This is not meant to be an insult to anyone who feeds their baby with mushy baby food. It's the "norm" nowadays, and I support anyone who makes sure their baby gets fed *period*. :-) And I give big kudos to people who mush their own baby food. It's just as healthy as BLW, except in a different format.
What do I tell the pediatrician so that she'll listen to the fact that BLW is a GOOD option and something that she should be telling parents as an alternative to the recommendation for starting mushy stuff. Honestly...just because you're a doctor doesn't mean you know everything.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Baby-Led Weaning Question
fuentes from Life at 335 asked a great question in my comments, and I want to make sure it gets answered (for the both of us). :-)
She asks..."I gave Keelin banana pieces but when she picked it up she couldn't figure out where it went (it was in the palm of her hand), I think I made it too small. I am super worried about her choking, how big can you make the pieces????)"
I also experienced something like that, only it was more the fact that the banana pieces (when cut really thin like long french fries) broke apart and the twins had a really tough time picking up the broken pieces and getting them into their mouths. I would pick it up and hold it in my hand so that they had a better chance, but they still were having a tough time with it. I don't want to make the pieces *too* big around because of course I don't want them to choke on it, but then again, when Dovid finally got a piece into his mouth he was more licking it than anything else...and then spat it out cuz he had no idea what to do with it. lol Any thoughts??
She asks..."I gave Keelin banana pieces but when she picked it up she couldn't figure out where it went (it was in the palm of her hand), I think I made it too small. I am super worried about her choking, how big can you make the pieces????)"
I also experienced something like that, only it was more the fact that the banana pieces (when cut really thin like long french fries) broke apart and the twins had a really tough time picking up the broken pieces and getting them into their mouths. I would pick it up and hold it in my hand so that they had a better chance, but they still were having a tough time with it. I don't want to make the pieces *too* big around because of course I don't want them to choke on it, but then again, when Dovid finally got a piece into his mouth he was more licking it than anything else...and then spat it out cuz he had no idea what to do with it. lol Any thoughts??
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Not Interested
I tried giving the twins banana pieces (Baby-Led Weaning style) and they just were not interested. They wouldn't even look at the banana in front of them. They would look anywhere else but down...and they didn't even try to touch it or anything. It was quite disappointing, but I guess it just means we have to keep trying! Any tips, Molly??
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