January 26th, 2010

Formula Facts

“Breast is best.”

“Save at least $2000 a year by breastfeeding”

You see these one-liners on everything; including infant formula!  Yet breastfeeding is not as easy as it seems.  It is especially hard for working moms.  According to the Centers For Disease Control, in 2005, only 33.1% of babies were still exclusively breastfeed by three months of age.  This is the age many moms have to go back to work. So if you are a Mom that had or will need to supplement with formula, or exclusively formula feed, it does need quick thinking because between bottles, nipples and formula, you are quickly thrust into a new world.

I know this world. I am a nursing mom that supplements with 5 ounces of formula a day.  With the range of formula options on the market, it is overwhelming.  You want to give your baby the best and all the product packages claim to be the best.  Yet, what if one formula maker took it a step further?  Not only claiming they were the best, but that the other formulas could harm your baby.  Would you believe them?  Many women did and the government got involved when a particular formula company took advantage.

On December 2, 2009, a federal court upheld a $13.5 million jury verdict against Mead Johnson & Co. (the makers of Enfamil LIPIL infant formula) for false advertising.  Mead Johnson & Co. claimed the Enfamil LIPIL infant formula offered better nutrition benefits compared to store-brand baby formula made by PBM Products LLC.  (PBM Products LLC makes store brand formula sold at Target, Walmart and other major retailers).

It stems from a 2008 Mead Johnson mailing to 1.6 million parents showing a clear picture of a yellow cartoon duck next to a blurry picture of the same duck. As alleged in the lawsuit, the mailing suggested the store brand blend of ingredients was inferior and would result in poor eye and brain development. Mead Johnson claimed “it may be tempting to try a less expensive store brand, but only Enfamil LIPIL is clinically proven to improve brain and eye development.”  According to PBM though, the PBM’s infant formulas have the same DHA and ARA nutrients at the same levels as Enfamil LIPIL.  

As reported in PBM’s December 2, 2009 press release, “This decision by a jury of the people confirms that Mead Johnson’s ads have been false in suggesting that there is a nutritional difference between our store-brand formula products and their products, when in fact the only major difference is price.”

Yikes!  I feel for those Moms that trusted.  What it shows though, is that we need better information about infant formula. Moms, Dads, and even grandparents, should start demanding more data and more disclosure in infant formula so we can make the best decision for our children.

Babies are expensive and often we do have to make decisions based on price; whether it is formula or a stroller, a high chair or crib.   Parents should not be made to feel guilty by large corporations for considering price.  Nor should parents have inferior products as seen in the slew of recent product recalls.  Having access to honest and unbiased opinions is key and there are resources available to help.  The book Baby Bargains, by Denise Fields, is a leading source, and Consumer Reports® is a popular site for independent reviews.

It is great that the false advertising by Mead Johnson & Co. has come to light, but I hope the powers-that-be continue to expose unfair practices and that parents take back control.

(Leave a comment on this post sharing a baby bargain tip and one lucky commenter will win a copy of Consumer Reports 2009 Best Baby Products guide.  Comments must be posted and approved by February 1, 2010. The winner will be selected using the sequential method via Random.org.  The winner will be contacted by February 4th and must provide a valid mailing address by February 6th.  Failure to do so will result in another drawing.)

(Picture by lieffcabraser.com)

Please note that by writing this post, I am eligible for a $25 gift card.  However, the article and opinions are my own.

CategoryHealth and Fitness | CommentComments Off

January 24th, 2010

Soda Shame

When I became pregnant, I immediately gave up my can-a-day soda habit. It was not easy! Since then, I just drink juice, milk, water and seltzer water for that carbonated pick-me up. There are times, however, that I crave something more than fizzy water.

Flavored carbonated water is an option, but often tastes just like water with an elusive hint of something fruity. (Emphasis on the elusive part). When I have the crave, I sneak in to the local convenience store feeling guilty and looking over my shoulder for the anti-soda police.

There is hope my fellow I-gave-up-soda-but-crave-it-anyway peeps.

I had the opportunity to attend a yoga event recently – hosted by Boston Mamas and sponsored by Steaz. Frankly, it was less about the opportunity to try Steaz® products and more about getting in a workout and getting out of the house, sans baby, for the afternoon.  Yet that changed the instant I got there.  (Though I was still excited to get out of the house.)

When I learned about the company, I was impressed: Fair trade, Fair price, Green, Organic and an American Based product.  Their website is the BEST I have seen.  The product?  Hands down, I have found my soda alternative.

Steaz® has a range of products: sparkling green tea, iced tea, and energy drinks.  I was able to try the Steaz Zero Calorie® – launched just a couple of months ago! So here are the facts: it is made with organic ingredients, sweetened with the all-natural stevia (so no calories or carbs) and contains 120 mg of natural tea antioxidants. It is available in four flavors – Raspberry, Orange, Blueberry Pomegranate and Black Cherry.  Like all Steaz products, the line is certified organic by Quality Assurance International as well as Fair Trade Certified® by TransFair USA. It’s sold in fully recyclable glass bottles and retails for around $4.99 for a four pack. The product can be found at Whole Foods®, Stop & Shop and other local stores.  (You can search for locations on their website to find retailers near you.)

The orange flavor is my favorite because it tastes like Sunkist®.  Not kinda-a sort-a tastes like Sunkist.  It really tastes like it.  Not a fan of the Raspberry though as, in my opinion, it seems to have a chemical aftertaste, but the blueberry pomegranate (that I happen to be sipping on right now) is my runner-up favorite.  I am looking forward to trying the Black Cherry.

So needless to say, I am so glad I went to the event as I would have missed the opportunity to find a great product. I don’t have to live in soda-shame anymore!

You could take my word for it.  (A good option.)  Or you can try it for free. (An even better option!)  For a limited time, Steaz has a great coupon on their website, so you can try a bottle for yourself!

So what are you waiting for?

CategoryHealth and Fitness | Comment1 Comment »

January 15th, 2010

Babysitter Dilemma

Recently, I was on a Mom Talk Radio Roundtable.  There were three of us on the call, with only seven minutes to chat, about the topic of finding a babysitter AND the challenges presented if the babysitter was a family member.  Needless to say, there was only time for me to share my worries and frustrations, and not enough time to share possible solutions.  (Note to MTR – give your guests more time…)

Anyway, since I was unable to get to the “hearty” stuff, I figured I would share it here:  The fears we have about babysitters today and what we can do about it.

We watch the news and read the paper and “the”caregiver horror stories. You know the ones.  So when it comes time to leave our child (especially for the first time) with a babysitter, every single report comes rushing back into our heads until we are basket cases.

Here are some factors to consider.

1. Don’t go cold turkey.

Plan to have your first outing local and short.  Stay in the neighborhood and make the trip two hours or less. Better yet, don’t go anywhere at all.  Stay at home and take a shower, make dinner uninterrupted, or workout, while the babysitter watches your child in your own home.

2. Keep it in the family.

Have a sister, brother or parent watch your child while you run some errands or take a nap. For some, this is an easier transition.

3. Don’t wait too long.

If you still have not had a date night with your partner and your child is three years old, you have waited too long.  Just like most things in life, the sooner we start, the easier it is.  Don’t wait until the first day of daycare!  Try going out before then to ease the transition.  Stay-at-home-moms should find time to get out in the early months without the baby.  Your baby probably will not notice you are gone.  (Wait until they are two years old though and they will notice!)

Once you have decided to head out without the stroller, who do you have watch your child?  It is not as easy these days.  I was 13 when I started babysitting.  I did not have CPR training or a background check. I did not even have a license to drive!  Yet, people trusted me with their kids.  Today, I am not sure the majority of us would have hired our ownselves back in the day. Times have changed – along with car seats, safety gates and cabinet locks too.

So in the world today, what can you do to find a reliable babysitter?  I honestly don’t know, but I can suggest ways to improve your chances of finding one.  When you do find one, you will be the envy of all your friends.

1. Ask for recommendations at your local church, synagogue, etc.

2. Ask for recommendations at your local high school or college. Specifically speak to a guidance counselor or related office.

3. Friends and neighbors are a source for references, so ask them.  (But you may have to bake them a lot of cookies to get them to talk.)

4. Look for sitters on Sittercity.com. Featured on national television and in major publication, this resource has close to 90% of their caregivers as babysitters, many with references and background checks.  Sittercity.com has babysitters located across the country and membership costs as little as $8 a month.  You can customize your babysitter search too: a 25 year old babysitter, fluent in French and can cook? Just type it in.

In addition to all the above, make sure you know what is it you want.  You may want a background check or maybe CPR certification is more important. You may want a college-aged babysitter or maybe a senior in high school is sufficient.  Whether it is a “stranger” or a family member, make sure you are clear on your expectations. Also make sure to leave relevant contact information so you can be reached when you are out.

Will there come a day you feel comfortable leaving your child for the day, night or (gasp) weekend?  Maybe. (I have my doubts).  But hopefully the above tips will enable you (and me) to at least walk out the door for a cup of coffee.

CategoryParenting Ideas and Advice | CommentComments Off

January 15th, 2010

Seeking Simplification

I just quit my job. Today. The one I have had for three years. I must be nuts, but I resigned to start my consulting business.  Doing so enables me to be home with my 12 week old son. Admirable from a Mommy point of view, but it comes with another set of life challenges.

The first challenge is that my employer wasn’t exactly thrilled to see me go. (Definitely flattering though.)  So I said I would consult for a couple of months to help in their transition. This is added to my second challenge, which is the client I agreed to help prepare for a conference.  The third challenge is balancing the first two with my blogging/twittering venture. Oh yeah, I did mention I have a 12 week old, right?  That would be the fourth challenge, along with the challenge of handling two toy poodles, who are currently protesting these changes by peeing on the carpet, and losing the 15 pounds of post-baby weight currently on my thighs. <Sigh>

So when I came across the Simplify My Life Sweepstakes asking Mom bloggers to blog how an HP Mini with Windows® 7 Starter could (1) simplify your everyday tasks, (2) work the way you want, and (3) make new things possible, it hit home.  I need all three.

It comes down to one word – Portability.  Portability is going to be key in my ability to workout, nurture a baby, manage a home and juggle three ‘jobs’ out of my house.

I need to be able to be in the nursery, kitchen, bedroom, basement or garage.

I need to be able to pull up that dinner recipe, while Skyping my father in Afghanistan, wearing my baby in his sling, as I get dog food out of the fridge.

I need to be able to write my blog while walking my dogs on the treadmill. (Yes, that is correct. The treadmill.  Hey, I live in New England in the winter!)

I need to nurse my son at 3 a.m. in the dark while typing up a report and responding to email.

All of this is not a nice to juggle, it is a must juggle.  Winning the HP Mini 110-1100 by Studio Tord Boontje PC with Windows 7 software, a 10.1″ LED backlit display, 1.17kg weight, 26.15 cm (L) x 17.2 cm (W) x 2.63 (min H) / 3.27 cm (max H) dimensions and powerful 3-Cell Lithium-ion battery, will enable me to meet those challenges.

The contest has ended.  To see the winners, visit www.mombloggersclub.com. Since one lucky commenter could also win a HP Mini, I would love to hear from other Moms. Leave a comment here on what challenges you face in simplifying your life and how would this innovative notebook help you? Contest ends at midnight Eastern Time on January 20, 2010, so post your comment before then.  The winner is selected randomly (Random.org) via the Simplify My Life Sweepstakes coordinators.

May luck, and eventual simplification, be with us.

(Note: Photos taken from the mombloggers club and notebook specifications taken from hp.com. To see a video of this outstanding product, or more in depth product reviews, visit mombloggersclub.com)

CategoryParenting Ideas and Advice | Comment25 Comments »

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