Stephanie's Babies & Toddlers Blog

Some comments on a recent post (and the related original article) about the AAP changing their guidelines about whole milk for children who are at risk of being (or becoming) overweight:

Hat said,

"I thought that the fat content of the cow's milk increased the concentration/availability of fat-soluble vitamin D, essential for bone growth in early years, not just a calorific issue. Is this right?"

Yes, for healthy children who have a varied diet, the fat in whole milk is needed for all the reasons that people have mentioned (fat-soluble vitamins, brain development, etc.) but the thinking is that kids who are already obese at 12 months, who have obesity in their families or who have high cholesterol... the risks inherent there are going to outweigh the benefits of the fat in milk. They have a study in hand that says that basically, it wasn't harmful to switch to reduced-fat milk and it reduced obesity and bad cholesterol. And again, like others have said, they are very likely getting fat from other sources.

I'm not going to make any sweeping assumptions about how doctors are treating infants who are overweight as I'm sure there's a lot of education about those other sources of fat and hopefully parents are listening to it and cutting trips to McDonald's and sugary snacks and drinks... however, I think that this change in guidelines, even though it only affects a certain population of babies, is missing the point.

1.19 billion in profits for McDonald's last quarter (I'm watching this right now on CNN, in fact) but I know that even though your pediatrician might say, hey, cut back on the McNuggets and Fries, the AAP is probably unlikely to ever come out like that. Not in any strongly worded way that would create change. Not against McDonald's or anything to do with the National Dairy Council (which may have something to do with why they are saying drink milk with less fat vs. drink less milk and eat these other things that have the right amounts of calcium and fats and whatnot) though I can't imagine why... Maybe it's the consipiracy theorist in me, but I'm just saying. :)

On the other hand, some argue that the amount of milk babies are drinking now is too much and that if you are careful in planning your child's meals you can get the right amounts of the right fats, the right vitamins, proteins, calcium, etc. Vegan and vegetarian babies thrive in many areas of the world (not considering the recent death of a vegan baby that was very well publicized and really gives vegan / vegetarian / Indian parents a bad rap. I can't think of any parents I've ever known or heard of giving their 6-week-old a diet of apple juice and soy milk, nor have I ever heard of parents with common sense thinking that 3.5 pounds indicates healthiness in a baby that young. So, put that isolated incident out of your mind when considering vegan or vegetarian kids who do thrive. Of course, most vegan / vegetarian parents keep nursing (or at least keep lactating) to meet their child's needs, too.

Like I said, though, a diet that meets all those needs and doesn't include milk takes some time and planning and I think that many parents don't feel like they have that. Getting 6 servings of milk then is a good way to meet those requirements. If you are already rushed, hitting the drive-thru and preparing a lot of meals that are mostly processed (and so you have less control over the fat content or lack of essential nutrients / vitamins) is also convenient and I think this is a growing issue that is trying to be addressed (albeit from behind rather than directly, perhaps?)

Mom2twins said,

"I am disappointed with Ms. Brown’s headline, 'Whole Milk for Weaned Babies is Out….' While those who actually read the article discover that this ONLY applies to babies who are at risk of being overweight and whose pediatricians reccomend a lower fat milk, others who only read headlines may be mislead. It is unfortunate that *the media* feel compelled to sensationalize headlines even when it comes to the health of our children."

I’m sorry you take offense at my headline. It’s not meant to be sensational at all. I don’t even consider this topic to be a big controversy (though underneath, it certainly can have some elements of that, but there was no malicious intent in my headline). You don’t need to read the related article to see that it’s about overweight children, however. In my first line I say very clearly:

"For babies who are at risk of being overweight"

and I go on to say:

"be sure to talk to your health care provider to see if your child fits the new guidelines. Several things are taken into account including family history, your child’s current weight and possible cholesterol screening."

I sincerely hope that parents are not making health decisions like this based on reading just a headline or even just one article. I truly do not want there to be any confusion about who these guidelines are for and I do not want every parent out there to summarily switch to reduced-fat milk at 12 months (or wean from breast milk for the sake of drinking cow's milk -- what would be the point of that?)

I also think that NJC summed it up very nicely saying:

"I wonder if they considered the amount of french fries kids today eat when they looked at the obesity rates. Maybe they should put a limit on them, too."

I know it's a more complicated issue than just fast food or fries vs. milk, but for me, I guess that's a seemingly obvious nutshell. Your thoughts?

Here are 25 bits of splendor I happened upon this last week that I found informative, funny, real or otherwise enjoyable that you might also enjoy checking out. Feel free to share your own finds, too...

On the Forum:

• It's Our Last Baby and I Can't Bring Myself to Take Down Her Crib
• Help! Mother-in-Law is Interfering with How We Raise Our Kids
• What Do I Do About 4-Year-Old Waking Every Night with Nightmares
• Name Five Great Things Happening in your Life Right Now
• Forum Members Discuss The Baby Borrowers

On Blogs:

• SPF Soy Sauce
• The Week by the Numbers: Beach Edition
• The Perils of Security
• Cherry Trees and a Baby's Perspective
• Cry it Out? Screw That. Or, "Sleep Training for Dummies"

Parenting News and Recalls:

• Angelina Jolie Gives Birth to Twins
• Baby's Smile Gives Mom a Natural High
• Two Years of Breastfeeding -- Is it Worth It?
• Doctors Use Botox to Treat Newborns
• Just Say No to Nuts During Pregnancy?

Around About.com:

• 10 Ways for Savvy Working Moms to Lower Their Child Care Costs
• All About Parenting Blog Carnival: DIY Day Camp Edition
• Choose the Perfect Baby Stroller
• Moving Pumped Milk from Fridge to Freezer is a No-No
• La Leche League Founder Edwina Froehlich Dies

Other Interesting Bits:

• Amanda Peet Causes a Stir, Calls Parents Who Don't Immunize "Parasites"
• 14 Lies Parents Need to Stop Telling Their Kids
• Cops Smash Car Windows to Save Newborn Baby Very Realistic Looking "Reborn Baby Doll" (via Boing Boing)
• Hand Picked Pumpkin: Customizable Baby Clothing with Adorable Patterns
• Help! My In-Laws Don't Like Their Grandchild

The next blog carnival is going to focus on ways that families can save money. If you've got a parenting blog and want to share what you're doing to stretch your dollar, let Single Parents Guide Jennifer Wolf know so you can be included.

More:

• What is a Blog Carnival?
• Blog Carnival Guidelines
• Future About.com Parenting Blog Carnival Dates

Past Carnivals:

• Road Trips with Kids
• Do-it-Yourself Day Camp for Kids

I have two words to describe episode three: train and wreck.

Can I just ask a question here, because I have no experience with this at all: Did any of you parents out there have a huge problem with poop? All the gagging and dry heaving and talk about how disgusting it is on this show is a surprise to me. Even as a teen babysitter I didn't gag over a child's poop or find it this offensive. Is that just me? Did it take others time to get used to this? It seemed pretty universal with these teens.

Something else that threw me about this episode was that almost every time a child fell asleep it was on the floor or some place other than a bed. I wanted so badly to just reach through the screen and tell them to at least get their toddlers in beds, darken the room, read a story (all of this preferably after a calm, soothing bath) and pat their backs. They just really were not sure what to do. Luke's mom -- I was feeling her pain. It was really hard to watch him cry that frustrated, over-exhausted cry.

In both of these episodes, I am glad that they are representing two important parts of parenting: multiple children and pets. I mean, in programming something like this it would be easy to have them just take care of one child, but they would miss out on that interesting dynamic that another child adds. My son's Dad and Stepmom have a toddler, thus giving my son the wonderful experience of having a sibling. She sent me an email this week about getting a break while Dad took both the kids to dinner and said, "I'm going to dinner with a friend, so I'll miss out on all of the 'stop touching me; no you stop touching me' fun!" Isn't that the truth? Siblings can have the tightest bonds but they also know how to get under each others' skin like no one else. And pets -- that could be easily overlooked, too. But, wow. Kids + snakes + iguanas + hermit crabs + rats + dogs + birds = some of parenting's finest moments.

If you missed these episodes, it's not too late to catch up. NBC has the first two episodes of The Baby Borrowers online.

For babies who are at risk of being overweight, the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending 2 percent milk from 12 months to 2 years of age and then a switch to 1 percent milk at 2 years. According to a Finnish study, there were no ill effects in babies given 1 1/2 percent milk and there were even health benefits such as lower cholesterol for boys and less obesity for girls.

Before you make the switch, be sure to talk to your health care provider to see if your child fits the new guidelines. Several things are taken into account including family history, your child's current weight and possible cholesterol screening. Babies still need fat, of course, but the concern is that many babies are getting enough fat from other sources, so the saturated fat from milk moves their consumption past the point that is considered necessary and healthy.

A reader writes:

"My toddler has a relatively new habit of sticking his hand in his diaper and often playing with his penis. I don't want to tell him not to touch but I do wish he'd do it less. One forum I read suggested it's a sign of autism, but I'm not sure how or why. Is this normal? And should I just ignore it?"

First, rule out any medical issues like a dermatological condition, fungal infection or other illness. Look for obvious outward symptoms such as pain, problems urinating, flaky skin in the area, redness, swelling, bleeding or skin discoloration that wasn't there before. If any of those symptoms are present then see your health care provider immediately. This alone could resolve the issue.

Barring any medical problems, however, I would say that this is completely normal behavior not to worry about. There could still be some underlying issues, though. Since you are sending me this in July, I'm wondering if you have noticed it since summer started?

Read more of this answer or leave a comment below to share your own experiences with this issue.

Here are 25 shining rays of light I happened upon this last week that I found informative, funny, real or otherwise enjoyable that you might also enjoy checking out. Feel free to share your own finds, too...

On the Babies and Toddlers Forum:

• Help Wanted from Those with Experience Pumping Exclusively
• Mom Needs Alternatives to Sugary First Birthday Cake
• Is a Dyson Vacuum Worth the Money?
• Which Detergent Do You Use to Wash Baby Clothes and Diapers?
• Does Anyone Have Experience with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in an Infant?

On Parenting Blogs:

• Cloth Swim Diapers
• Punk Rock Mommy's Last Blog after Losing Her Battle with Breast Cancer
• Why is it a Crime to Have Just One Child by Choice?
• Use a Suction Cup Sponge Holder to Collect Sippy Cup Parts
• "I Saved $1923.89 Using Cloth Diapers!"

Parenting News and Recalls:

• Second Twin Dies After Heparin Overdose in Texas Hospital
• Study Says Fussy Babies More Likely to Become Liars and Bullies. New Zealand Super Nanny Says "Rubbish!"
• Youth Bed Toy Chests Sold at Costco Recalled (After 22-Month-Old Died from Entrapment / Strangulation)
• Lip Gloss and Jewelry Sets Sold at Walmart Recalled (Lead)
• Children's Necklace Sold with Ballerina Book Recalled (Lead)

Here at About.com:

• Guy-Friendly Diaper Bags
• Find Books Online for Free
• Six Steps to Getting a Flexible Work Schedule for Working Moms
• Salmonella Outbreak Update (1,017 People Affected)
• How to Choose a Coming Home Outfit for Baby

Other Interesting Bits:

• Getting Rid of Disposable Wipes of all Types
• A Watch that Tells Your Toddler when to Potty
• Stop Using Plastic Sandwich Baggies with These Reusable Wraps
• Heelarious: High-Heeled Shoes for Babies (via Thingamababy)
• Slide Show: Products Celebs Use to Pamper Their Babies

My son had the sweetest, buttery breath when he was breastfeeding. Some time around two years of age, however, his nose would become stuffy from allergies and he could knock me over with the bad breath that resulted. At the time, I didn't realize how common this is. But it's true-- even toddlers can have bad breath. Luckily for everyone involved, it's usually a very easy problem to treat.

Related: Proper Toothbrushing Tips

Some may say you're spoiling your baby, but chances are, that's just not true. Follow these tips to build a healthy, strong attachment that will pave the way to a secure and independent child.

I missed the second episode of The Baby Borrowers when it aired and I got caught up in July 4th festivities, but how I do love my DVR. I just finished watching, and I have to say I'm really liking this show. It really touched me to see the parents and the way they communicated with the teens about needing to take time to grow up and how they remember what it was like to be going through times like these.

And like I said before, I suspected that there would be some teens that would shine through this part of it and I'm glad all those moments didn't land on the cutting room floor. I do believe there is some foreshadowing at play, though. I don't think it's going to be smooth sailing all the way through for Kelly (if her pregnant days say anything about how she handles herself emotionally) and as much as I hate to admit it, I think Alicea might find her time to shine, too. Some parents may enjoy every moment of every age that their kids go through, but I think there are more than a few of us who can admit that certain ages were not as fun as others. (There's a reason some call them the terrible twos, even though that's my favorite age. The Fours, on the other hand, were quite trying times for this mama!) So perhaps Alicea will get along better with toddlers or teens or maybe the pep talk from her mom will give her a boost.

In my last post about the show, I got comments that have both approved and disapproved of the parents allowing their babies to be borrowed, including this very strong comment from Laura Markham:

"Producers of this show may justify it by claiming they’re teaching birth control, but let’s be clear: NBC is after ratings. Having teens work in a daycare center for two weeks would have accomplished the same agenda.

And the parents of these babies and toddlers? They should be prosecuted."

Women's Issues Guide Linda Lowen also reacted to the borrowing aspect, saying on her blog:

"One mom looks at the camera and explains that she's participating because she was a teen mother herself, and she knows she missed out on life opportunities and wants to help other teens not make that mistake.

Give this woman a gold star. She's a bigger person than I am, because there's no way that I'd ever loan my child out to this show."

But then she got a chance to interview Julie Sullivan, one of the moms from the show and she admitted that she was wrong about her first impressions of the parents leaving their kids after hearing what Julie had to say. I found that hearing what she had to say about the behind-the-scenes workings of the show shed some light on the situation:

"My son had been psychologically tested before being included....He was very capable of being away from mom and dad for a time, and it in no way was distressing for him or we would have stepped in immediately. There was a psychologist on set watching all the babies, and we did talk to him to ask questions when needed."

There's always two sides to a story and of course, with all the editing that goes on in reality shows, what we see isn't ever the full story. Makes you wonder why they ever started calling them reality shows.

Read more of Linda's interview with Baby Borrowers mom Julie Sullivan...