Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

What are the Most Common Childhood Injuries that Occur Today?

Did you know that thousands of children die per year from unintentional injuries?

While childhood deaths have been decreasing over the past decade, childhood injuries still occur with some frequency in all types of kids’ activities. Understandably, loving parents want to know how to help their kids avoid the risk of injury and death.

While you can’t eliminate all risks, you can decrease the likelihood of injuries happening to your children. Keep reading to learn how.

1. Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises

As kids are playing, they’re bound to pick up a few bumps and bruises along the way. Cuts, scrapes, and bruises are incredibly common childhood injuries, but they’re also the most likely to heal quickly and without incident.

The best way to minimize these kinds of childhood injuries is to child-proof your home.

Put outlet covers in all exposed outlets. Cover all sharp furniture corners with baby-safe padding. Get child-proof locks for your cabinet doors to decrease access to sharp kitchen objects.

2. Broken Bones

If you have a rough-and-tumble child, you’re likely to deal with at least one broken bone in their life.

At home, use gates and closed doors to block access to stairwells that could facilitate a fall. Make sure your child uses appropriate protective padding when playing sports or riding a bike. Encourage your child to take their time and think about safety before engaging in dangerous activities with their friends.

Unfortunately, even the best playground safety practices can’t keep your child from avoiding broken bones their entire life. Thankfully, children’s therapy is available at many physical therapy clinics. Professionals there can help your child recover from almost any common childhood injury.

3. Choking

When babies are teething, they’ll stick almost anything in their mouths. With specially-made teething toys, this presents no issue. With smaller objects, though, this can cause big trouble.

Never leave a child, especially an infant, unattended for more than a few seconds at a time. Additionally, make sure you’re only giving your child age-appropriate toys to play with. Save the small, bite-sized toys for when your child is school age and above.

Finally, always cut up their food into small enough pieces that it doesn’t present a choking hazard.

4. Impact Injuries

A little child had his hand bandaged so the wound would heal properly

Broken bones aren’t the only injury that can happen from a fall or impact. Concussions, breathing problems, and internal bleeding are just a few of the things that can happen to a child’s body after experiencing a major impact.

Again, you can avoid many at-home impact injuries by keeping your child attended to at all times. In contact sports, kids should always wear protective equipment and follow the instructions of their coaches.

If your child has experienced an impact and starts to develop symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or other signs of trauma, get them seen by a specialist as soon as possible.

Childhood Injuries: Decrease Their Impact

These are the most common childhood injuries you’re likely to come across during your parenting journey. Don’t worry! With a little foresight and planning, you can help your kids avoid the most serious consequences of these injuries and let them have fun while staying safe.

Looking for more parenting advice? Look through the other articles on the site for more tips!

6 Benefits of Summer Camp for Your Child

Around 20 million children attend a summer camp each year.

Summer camp is a great opportunity for kids to try something different. They can get away from their usual environment, and experience new things in a fun, friendly environment. You might be wondering if you should send your child to summer camp or not.

For 6 key reasons summer camp is a great idea for children, keep reading.

Building Independence

Some parents are hesitant to send their children to cummer camp as they’re worried about their child being away from them. This is actually one of the biggest benefits of summer camp.

It gives your child a chance to take on more responsibility, as they won’t be relying on you for everything. They might make some mistakes, but that’s often the best way to learn.

Developing Social Skills

Engaging with other children they’ve never met in various team-building activities will help them learn how to interact with others. These social interactions can have a big influence on children. Building relationships now will teach them the necessary social skills for later life.

A good school environment can also help a lot with this. Sending them to a school like Montessori School of Downtown can help them develop and grow with other children. Take a look at their website now for more information.

Discovering New Interests

There are plenty of activities your child will take part in while at summer camp that they’ve never tried before. By spending the summer learning new skills, they may leave with a newfound hobby that could shape their interests as they grow up.

It may even go as far as to guide their future career choices. By trying out different things early on, they can find out what they like and dislike.

A Break From Technology

These days, children spend a lot of time on game consoles, computers, tablets, etc., at home and in schools.

Summer camp is perfect for getting them away from all that technology for a while. There are plenty of physical and artistic activities for children, which is great for their social-emotional skills and can help them grow their respect for the planet.

Connecting With Positive Role Models

There are plenty of types of summer camps. If you want your child to spend time around people with specific interests or lifestyles, you can easily do this.

Whether your child is into music, outdoor activities, cheerleading, or whatever else, there are camps focused on these. Your child can spend time around people who have done their favorite activities for their whole lives, which is a perfect opportunity for your child to learn and grow.

Encourages Good Health

Some children don’t get as much physical activity as they should. This can be even more of a concern if you live in an urban area that doesn’t have much suitable outdoor space.

Summer camps are loaded with all kinds of physical activities, which can help your child develop and improve their health while still having fun.

Is Summer Camp Right for Your Child?

It may not be for everyone, but until your child gives summer camp a go, they won’t know what they’re missing out on. On top of all the benefits above, most children love summer camp simply because they have so much fun.

For more parenting articles, check out some of our other blog posts.

Smart Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy and Safe This Summer

With things as chaotic and unpredictable as they are right now, we all want to make sure that we are doing the right things to take care of our family. Here are a few tips every household needs to think about.

Work On A Budget

Sit down with your finances from the last few months to understand your spending habits. Account for every outgoing payment. Look for small cuts that you can make. Account for the rise in gas and energy prices. Factor in additional consumer cost rises. Identify big upcoming costs such as vacations. Plan your meals to save money on grocery shopping. Use your leftovers.

Get Good Legal Advice

Find a lawyer that you can trust to represent your family. Understand what you are entitled to in compensation following an injury. Look for a lawyer with demonstrable experience in getting settlements for family members. Find a local law business that understands the specifics in your city and state. Talk to Francis Firm if you are in Dallas Fort Worth and need a personal injury attorney.

Shop Healthy

Look for ways to improve your family’s diet. Swap red and processed meats for vegetarian options. Buy lean proteins such as fish and chicken if you are not ready to go vegan. Stock up on dried fruit and nuts instead of sugary or salty snacks. Find out what fresh fruit and vegetables are in season in your area. Learn to cook healthy recipes that your family enjoys eating. Stop ordering takeout food to improve your health and save money.

Compare Prices Where You Can

Look online to see if you are paying more on your bills than you should. Find out if you could get a sign-up bonus if you switch suppliers. Tell your current provider that you are considering switching to get a better deal. Remember that it may be better to stay on the service that you are currently on.

Make Exercise Fun

Create a fitness plan for your family this summer. Set realistic goals that you can all achieve. Set a time in the day that is dedicated to family exercise. Talk to your partner and children about the exercise activities they enjoy to make it fun. Find exercise routes near you that offer good scenery. Use fitness apps to track your progress. Sign up for local exercise groups.

Don’t Delay On Healthcare

Call your healthcare provider as soon as you think there is a problem. Stock up on medicines and health supplies that you know your family will need before anyone gets sick. Encourage good healthcare habits such as washing hands. Explain the risks that your children may be facing.

Here is A-Z You Need to Know About Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Is exercising in your daily routine? If so then you may have faced the pain in your body, as well as around the feet area. When the pain is around the plantar fascia there are chances that it extends from the feet to the above portions of the body such as the hip and back.

To avoid any kind of pain extending to the upper part of the body, the Plantar Fasciitis Insoles are the best kind of solutions for daily use. The feet swells reduce the pain when it is used. Plantar fasciitis is a kind of inflammation that occurs near the parts of the plantar fascia. It is part of the feet that is a thick band of strong tissues that form the bottom layer of the feet.

Overview of Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

So, what is Plantar Fasciitis, in simple words? It is simply a common foot condition where individuals feel immense pain while walking. This mainly happens due to the inflammation of tissues in the foot. This condition typically occurs due to overuse on hard surfaces such as concrete for long periods of time, running or jumping on hard surfaces, and standing for long periods of time.

This is where Plantar Fasciitis Insoles come into the picture; they can give relief to plantar fasciitis pain, providing arch support and cushion under the heel of your foot. They are made with a gel that is supposed to keep a shoe’s cushioning in place. Plantar Fasciitis Insoles can also be worn to help prevent and treat heel spurs and other foot problems caused by plantar fasciitis.

How Do Plantar Fasciitis Insoles Help?

Sneakers — Insoles are ready to be placed in sneakers

There are several ways that Plantar Fasciitis Insoles can be helpful. Apart from providing a customized shape and comfort to the legs, there are several ways that it supports the feet.

To consider the effectiveness of the insoles it is essential to check the different factors that benefit the athletes or runners.

There are several ways that Plantar Fasciitis Insoles can be helpful. Apart from providing a customized shape and comfort to the legs, there are some ways that it supports the feet. To consider the effectiveness of the insoles it is essential to check the different factors that benefit the athletes or runners.

1)Reduce Sudden Strains Or Shock

When running or carrying out any activity, the feet may face sudden strains or shock. The use of in source enables to provide stability to the feet arch. Therefore, it becomes easy for the body and the legs to maintain body balance. It reduces the chances of causing injuries to the feet. Due to the stability, the chances of inflammation in the joints can also be avoided.

2)Effective Support

The arch of the feet requires effective support. As the feet remain strong and free of pain it may enable the runners to perform better. Not only for runners or athletes but Plantar Fasciitis Insoles can benefit in proper movement of their body.

Plantar fasciitis is a common problem when people suffer from the pain of the Plantar fascia. Effective support enables the distribution of the excited pressure equally throughout the feet’ surface.

3)Provides Better Fit

Comfort is another important part of using support such as plantar fasciitis. It can make your shoes a better fit which improves comfort while walking or playing. The support is also used for Heels so that a person can walk off the debris and does not fall and stretch their knees.

Final Words

Last but not least, Plantar Fasciitis Insoles are affordable and easily available so buy as much as required.

What are Viable Public School Alternatives for my Child?

According to recent polls, only 73% of US parents were satisfied with their children’s quality of education in public schools. With that barely passing score, it’s no wonder that so many of them are now seeking public school alternatives!

Have you ever wondered if your little learner might be better off in a different environment?

If so, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn about different ways to help your kid learn and thrive outside of district schools.

Private Education

If you’re frustrated with the level of education that district schools offer, with an intense focus on standardized testing and little else, this is the perfect place to start your search for alternatives.

Private education options offer a more well-rounded curriculum with a greater focus on academic success. And, in many cases, a more supportive environment for creative kids.

If you think your child would thrive with more personalized attention, better-qualified educators, and an improved learning environment, you should look into the private school admissions process.

Charter Schools

If you aren’t entirely sold on private schooling but feel that your child’s current public school enrollment isn’t cutting it, charter schools might be your best bet.

These schools offer programs for k-12 students, with fewer requirements than public campuses. And, because they aren’t state or government-run, they don’t have to put the same focus on standardized testing. Simply put, they’re the happy medium between public and private education.

Boarding and Military Academies

Some families opt for homeschooling options to help educate challenging children or instill specific values. But, these alternatives lack socialization and can leave some kids feeling isolated.

Instead, consider a boarding or military education, where your child will live on campus surrounded by their peers.

These campuses often offer a more rigorous or structured education, with classes that focus on manners, life skills, and higher education. Depending on the campus you select, this could include preparation for a military career, religious education, and subjects that public school doesn’t offer.

Homeschooling

You know the old saying – if you want something done right, do it yourself.

There are few guarantees when it comes to your kid’s upbringing and education, especially if you aren’t around to see what and how they are learning. Homeschooling offers parents the highest level of control, from structure and schedule to exercise, curriculum, and more.

Homeschooling also allows parents to break away from some public school offerings that may not be in keeping with their religious, social, or political beliefs.

The Best Public School Alternatives

With this article as your guide, you’re ready to research a few different public school alternatives and decide which best suits your family.

Don’t forget to weigh a few pros and cons, including your child’s learning style, daily commute, other logistical challenges, and your household budget. And, be sure to tour every campus you’re considering before making a change.

Did you find this article informative? If so, don’t miss out on the rest of our homepage! We’ve got all the internet’s hottest tips on home, health, parenting, and much more!

5 Essential Baby Products for First-Time Parents

Did you know that close to 3.6 million babies are born each year in the United States of America? Parenting isn’t easy, and it is especially difficult when you’re a first-time parent trying to learn about all of the baby products that you need. The list is often daunting and a tad overwhelming, but getting natural baby products is essential for your newborn’s health.

Baby diapers and other reusable products for babies go a long way towards providing the care that your baby needs while also protecting the environment. If you’re unsure of which baby wipes to get or which baby hair products are the best then you’re in luck.

You’ve come to the right place to learn about the five essential baby products that new parents need. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Baby Clothes

Baby clothes are much more important than giving your newborn a sense of style. Babies have delicate skin and need clothing that won’t irritate it or cause a baby rash. You also need to make sure that you’re getting the right sizes when it comes to baby clothes in order for your child to be comfortable.

2. Diapers

You can’t mention babies without conjuring up images of diapers, so it shouldn’t be surprising that diapers are high on the list of baby products you’ll need. It is up to you to decide if you want to use disposable diapers or reusable diapers for your newborn.

Remember to also get a baby product like baby wipes to prevent skin irritation and rashes. If you want to use natural baby wipes rather than traditional baby wipes then you should check out this substitute for baby wipes.

3. Car Seat

A car seat is essential for transporting your baby with you to doctor’s appointments as well as running essential errands throughout the week. There are infant car seats as well as convertible car seats that you can choose from, so don’t be afraid to shop around for the best option.

4. Crib and Mattress

Another necessary item when it comes to baby products is the crib and mattress that your baby will sleep in. A crib is the best option for your child after they outgrow their bassinet since it gives them more room to sleep or play. Make sure you get a comfortable mattress for the crib as well.

5. Baby Bathtub

Giving a baby a bath is no easy task, but there are bathtubs designed especially for bathing your newborn. These tubs will make giving your baby a bath easier than you ever thought possible. They’re a must-have baby product for new parents.

Start Shopping for Baby Products Today

Getting the right baby products is a great way to provide the best care possible to your newborn after they arrive. Little things like a baby bathtub and baby hair products will make keeping your baby clean an easy task. You should also get a car seat and diapers for your newborn, and consider using natural baby products.

For more insightful and exciting articles, check out the rest of our blog posts!

Energy-Boosting Foods that all Super Moms Need in Their Lives

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet. Those sloppy kisses are worth all the beds made, meals cooked, and school runs. However, there’s no denying that being a mom can be exhausting too.

In addition to raising kids, most women are also contributing to the household income, cooking, cleaning, prepping, and everything in between. It takes health and energy to tick off all the items on the to-do list every day. With that being said, take a look at how to use organic greens powders with a range of foods for a natural boost of energy.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are another great boost for your body. They are full of fiber, potassium, and iron. The great thing about chia seeds is that you can add them to virtually anything without spoiling the texture or flavor.

For example, you could also add chia seeds to your leafy green smoothies and double up on energy-boosting foods. If you’d like to add the seeds to a meal, they’re perfect in a stir fry or you can add them to your bread. Chia seeds can also cleanse your body of impurities.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are rich in vitamins, including iron, calcium, and magnesium. They are one of the best ways to naturally boost your energy. In addition, they’re easy to add as a side to any meal.

For example, add a side of broccoli or cabbage to a juicy steak or sprinkle some spinach on your favorite pizza. Similarly, you can add leafy greens to any smoothie. The best way to do this is by making up your usual smoothie and then adding organic greens powders to the mix.

Goji Berries

As well as looking appealing, goji berries also taste delicious. These berries come with a wealth of natural benefits including improved vision, boosted energy and immune system, and boosted libido. You can add these berries to yogurt for breakfast which will give you a great start to the day.

Alternatively, these berries also go well mixed in a salad for a super lunch or you can add them to a smoothie. Why not try a berry smoothie packed with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, and a spoonful of green powders?

Salmon

When you need to stay alert during the day to make sure you nail the presentation while still having enough energy to get the kids to baseball, it’s important to get some protein in your diet. Salmon is one of the best energy-boosting foods and it is an excellent source of protein.

Fortunately, salmon is versatile when it comes to planning meals. You could take a salmon salad to work for lunch or make salmon fishcakes at home for the whole family.

Avocado

In recent years, many people have started to see the benefit of adding avocado to their diets. Avocado on toast for breakfast has become a new craze for good reason. Not only is it an excellent energy booster but it also boosts the immune system and helps to cleanse the gut.

This thick, smooth delight can be used in a variety of fruit salads, as a dip, or you can add it to your smoothie instead of yogurt as a thickener. Take a look at some recipes.

Green Tea

There are days when a warm drink is exactly what you need to calm the soul. Green tea has long been recommended for its mood-boosting properties. It’s ideal for making first thing in the morning and taking it with you in a travel mug on your commute to work.

You can also drink it cold with ice during the hotter months. If you use a teabag, be sure to drain it properly so you don’t miss out on any of the properties and antioxidants it offers.

Dark Chocolate

Yes, it is okay to give in to your chocolate cravings (especially when you’re tired). Dark chocolate is ideal for giving yourself the lift you need when you’re feeling energyless. Unlike other sugars, it won’t take you high and then bring you crashing down an hour later.

A few cubes of dark chocolate can act as an antioxidant and support good blood and oxygen flow through the body. This will ensure that you can function at your best level to fulfill all the roles you need to.

Other Ways to Increase Your Energy

There are many ways you can keep your energy levels up as you run around after your kids. Firstly, it’s important to keep drinking fluids to stay hydrated. It’s also vital that you get regular exercise, not only to keep yourself fit and healthy but it’s also a great opportunity to find some time for yourself and recharge your batteries.

Try and keep your stress levels to a minimum because stress is the number one factor that causes exhaustion. Another great thing you can do as a mother is learn to say no. It’s okay if you miss a social event or don’t take part in every school bake sale to save energy for higher priorities.

Similarly, be sure to get plenty of rest and at least seven hours of sleep each night.

Boost Your Energy With Organic Greens Powders

Organic greens powders make it so easy to get the energy you need when you need it. They’re available all year round so you don’t have to wait for leafy greens to be in season to energy the natural source of iron. Simply add the powder to your favorite smoothie and drink on the go to keep up with all that life has to throw at you.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not take a look at the rest?

Healthy Meal Planning for Busy Moms

We can’t stop hearing about the importance of healthy eating as if it’s the easiest and most convenient for everyone. Working a full-time job and being a parent at the same time, leaves little time for cooking, errands, and pastime. So, if you’ve been looking for handy tips on starting healthy meal planning, you’ve come to the right place. We have a few tips that will help you prepare yummy food for yourself and your kids, even with the busy schedule you have.

Get a meal planning app

Living in the age of technology comes with many advantages. One of them is the ability to download an app for almost any purpose. You can have your virtual meal planning assistant in the palm of your hand in only a few seconds of downloading the app from your mobile phone’s app store. Get various ideas for quick and healthy meals, learn about meal planning and incorporate the best ingredients into a meal, for optimal nutrition. You can have a shopping list in the app and keep the contents of your fridge and pantry there to create recipes for new healthy meals and easily add the missing ingredients to your shopping list.

Create a vision board

Pinterest is one of the best platforms for creating vision boards. Food is one of the most visited topics, and you will find a full spectrum of other people’s meal planning vision boards there. It will be a good starting point for you, allowing you to create your vision boards for future meal planning. Create several vision boards, one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for dinner. Have a separate board for meats, an individual one for veggies, and whatever else you think would be useful for you. Whenever you spot a convenient meal idea online or in the supermarket newsletter, screenshot it and make it a part of your vision board. Inspiration is all around you, so look carefully and use every chance to save ideas for the future.

Have healthy meals delivered to you

Sometimes, regardless of the effort that you put into trying to complete a task, the time isn’t on your side. If you think you won’t be able to make healthy meals in advance on your own, you can always count on online delivery services. Don’t worry, junk food isn’t the only food that you can have delivered to you. Now, you can easily have healthy home-cooked meals delivered to your doorstep in only a few clicks. Browse authentic homemade meals online and order enough meals for the entire family.

Look for inspiration online

Are you spending hours on social media scrolling through food posts? Well, instead of just scrolling, stop, look carefully, and start browsing. You will find many food bloggers who are experts in meal planning and healthy food prep. Use your online presence wisely to look for inspiration for your meal prep tactics. You can see tips like having a diary of meals that you’ll want to cook during a week. Cooking various meals one day and freezing them for future use is another option that can pop up.

Join a club

Busy mums are all around you, and you should all socialize and share your motherhood experiences. At support groups like that, you will be able to give tips to other mums and ask for help in return. Whether they’ve been more resourceful or have a knack for meal planning, you can learn all the tricks about meal planning from other mums. Having a calendar of various meals helps you keep up with meat intake and prevents you from eating too similar foods frequently. At a club, you can learn how to divide your meats and veggies equally to get as diverse a diet as possible.

Follow the 50% rule

The 50% rule will make your healthy eating so much easier. Namely, your plate should consist of 50% vegetables. The other 50% are divided between protein, such as lean meats, and carbs. Complex carbohydrates will be your best bet because they take longer to release glucose. Think squashes, quinoa, and brown rice as some of the best examples of complex carbohydrates that your body will love. If you realize you’ve made too much food, and it can withstand another few days in the fridge, store it as leftovers. Some foods like stew and minced meat that haven’t been cooked yet can go in the freezer for future use.

Final thoughts

Meal planning can be challenging when you’re a busy mum. However, all you need is a few tips like these to make every day filled with healthy meals easily enough. Read through them carefully and dedicate some time to making your meal schedule. Look for inspiration everywhere, and you will quickly get your ideas for new yummy meals everyone will enjoy.

5 Helpful Tips for Parenting a Child With Autism

1 in 44 American children will receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder this year. That means 1 in 44 new parents will be thrust into an unfamiliar world filled with therapy, IEPs, meetings, treatments, and paperwork. While it may sound stressful, parenting a child with Autism can be a joyful, affirming experience.

Even so, you can’t expect to be a master at autism care at the very beginning of your journey! As with any skill or passion, practice and patience make perfect (though “perfection” should never be your goal!). Sometimes all it takes are a few parenting tips to help you find the beauty in living with autism.

Are you ready to learn how to be a better parent to your autistic child? It’s not too late to become the parent you’re meant to be. Please keep reading to discover five of the tips that Autism parents wish they had at the start of their journey!

1. All Behavior Is Communication

Whether your child is verbal or nonverbal, they have something to say. Every human being communicates through behavior, and we’ve gotten good at reading it.

Our autistic children tend to march to the beat of their own drum, and don’t always notice or practice common social cues. Thus, they communicate discomfort or sadness in the only language they have. Often, this behavior can resemble meltdowns or tantrums.

Instead of getting frazzled, try to listen to what your child is telling you. Change the distressing environment, not your child!

2. Understand Ableism

Ableism is discrimination—and you don’t have to be a bad person to fall into its trap! Ableism can be as simple as believing that verbal communication is superior to non-verbal or alternative communication. These deep, unconscious biases can impact the way we view children with autism.

Take some time to confront your existing ableist attitudes and watch how your view of the world transforms.

3. Seek Out Community

No man is an island, including autistic children and their parents! Children with autism thrive when they engage in socialization with neurodiverse peers. Ask your child’s therapists and teachers for recommendations and then befriend the parents!

4. Don’t Be Afraid of Therapy

“Therapy” can be a scary word, but it’s a major game-changer for children with autism. ABA therapy techniques utilize assistive technology, rewards systems, and games to help your child engage with the world around them. Your child’s therapists will become compassionate resources for life!

5. Remember That No Parent Is Perfect

On days when you feel out to sea, remember that no parent is perfect—and that includes parents of neurotypical children! Everyone has good days and bad days, and all children come with unique challenges. If you care enough to seek out parenting advice, you are already doing an excellent job!

Parenting a Child With Autism… With Joy!

Parenting a child with autism is no easy task, but you can rise to the occasion! Even if you’ve been on this autism journey since you noticed the first signs of autism in your child, it’s never too late to work toward stronger and more compassionate parenting. Sometimes a slight shift in perspective can transform the way you view the world.

Are you seeking more posts that can help you find joy in family life? Check out the rest of the blog for more brilliant tips for families.

How to Thicken Baby Formula

Thickening baby formula can reduce the severity and frequency of regurgitation in infants. Parents of infants with persistent reflux, dysphagia, and aspiration may find that thickened formula helps manage these conditions.

Of course, you’ll always want to consult a doctor before changing your baby’s diet. If a doctor says your baby could benefit from a thickened formula, it would be safe to make the switch.

Here’s how to thicken baby formula safely.

What Not to Use

There’s one particular ingredient that parents shouldn’t use to thicken baby formula: flake cereal. This cereal will help thicken a baby formula that can reduce the severity or frequency of spit-up.

But the reason you don’t want to use cereal is that it can create a texture that causes issues. Flake cereal in baby formula can have a lumpy texture that makes it difficult for infants to swallow. It’s especially risky the younger a child is.

If the baby formula is too thick, it runs the risk of choking or aspiration. The risk is even more heightened for babies who have not developed the oral motor skills to swallow safely.

What to Use to Thicken Baby Formula

Luckily, you have a plethora of options of natural ingredients you can use to thicken baby formula. You can use rice cereal to help thicken baby formula. Unlike flake cereal, rice cereal will create a smooth texture that won’t increase the risk of aspiration or choking.

Other infant cereals like oatmeal and barley also make ideal thickeners for baby formula. When ground, oatmeal, and barley will also create the ideal smooth texture for thickening.

If you don’t want to use cereal, gelatin, guar gum, and carrageenan are great options. Starches like arrowroot, potato, tapioca, and cornstarch also make great thickeners. When it comes to these alternatives, be sure your baby does not have allergies before using them in a formula.

How to Thicken Baby Formula

You’ll want to start by blending your thickening agent thoroughly. The thickening agent should be the consistency of a fine powder to reduce any lumps in the baby formula.

Next, add your baby formula like this hipp organic baby formula to a bottle, cup, or bowl, and add 1½ teaspoons of the thickening agent for every ounce of formula.

Add the thickener slowly to reduce clumping and shake vigorously to ensure proper mixing. Give the mixture a few minutes to set up before checking the consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of water, formula, or milk.

Reduce Regurgitation in Infants

Mother and baby — Mother is holding a newborn baby

When infants have reflux, dysphagia, or aspiration, parents may worry about the health of their baby. It’s important to have your child seen by a doctor to evaluate the problem.

With these conditions, a doctor may suggest using a thickened baby formula. But it’s important for parents to learn how to thicken baby formula the right way to ensure a safe product for their baby.

Being a parent can be difficult at times. We have articles that have all the tips, tricks, and advice to help parents. Read more articles on our blog today!