Solids

Well I am not sure why they call is "solids" when really it is just "mush"! Starting solid food - the fun and mess begins.

Getting Started:

• Start at around 6 months of age.  Starting earlier is not recommended by Pediatricians and introducing solids does not influence baby sleeping through the night - this comes with age.
• Start with easy to digest food - rice cereal or regular whole grain oatmeal mixed with breast milk or formula.  Solids are meant to complement milk so go slow - offer once a day to start and just tiny amounts.
• Give only once a day to start with - morning is best so you can observe carefully for any allergic reaction.
• Invest in a blender.  You can buy baby food but it is cheaper and healthier to make your own.
• Have a good high-chair and use the seat belt on it every time!
• Purchase a splat mat and bibs.
• Introduce one new food at a time and repeat for several days with that food to check for allergies.  If you are feeding multiple foods and your baby reacts, you won't know what caused it.

Good First Foods:

• Rice and oat cereals
• Banana
• Avocado
• Yams
• Sweet Potatoes

Good second foods:

• Other vegetables like - peas, beans, squash, carrots
• Fruits like - applesauce, peaches

Things to delay:

• Citrus fruits (9-12 months)
• Honey (after 12 months)
• Corn and Wheat (9-12 months)
• Diary products (after 9 months) / whole milk (after 12 months)
• Egg whites (after 12 months)

Ear Infections in kids

T'is the season for colds and ear infections.  Did you know the medical name for an ear infection is: acute otitis media?  Usually an ear infection occurs after a cold but it is generally not serious and there is no need to rush to the ER.

Treat with:

• Anesthetic ear drops (Auralgan), and 
• Ibuprofen or acetominophen. 

Sooth with:

•  Warm compresses

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a wait-and-see approach for the first 48 to 72 hours for anyone who is otherwise healthy and who is:

• Six months to 2 years of age with mild symptoms and an uncertain diagnosis
• More than 2 years old with mild symptoms or an uncertain diagnosis

New research is suggesting that 80% of uncomplicated ear infections will resolve within 4 to 7 days without antibiotics but if the pain is severe and you are worried, call your Pediatrician.