08 Aug
4-6 months (Stage 1), Feeding, Recipes, Weaning Zone

Butternut Squash and Pear Puree

Butternut squash offers a good supply of vitamin A, potassium and fiber; making it a wonderful and nutritious food to include in baby’s new diet. Pears are rich in essential antioxidants, plant compounds, and dietary fiber. They are fat free and cholesterol free. Pears could help weight loss and reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Butternut Squash and Pear are a good and healthy combination for your baby’s first foods.

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash (about 450g)
1 ripe, juicy pear

Instructions:
  • Peel the butternut squash, cut into two halves, remove the seeds and chop into pieces.
  • Steam for about 10-12 minutes.
  • Peel, core and chop the pear
  • Add it to the steaming butternut squash and continue to cook until the butternut squash is tender.
  • Puree in a blender.
  • Add water or baby milk for desired consistency.
Please Note
  • Store your pureed butternut squash and peer in an airtight plastic and freeze. We recommend using Moobi Food Pot or Moobi Freezer Tray, for best results.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • In the absence of a blender, Moobi Food Masher can be used to mash the steamed Butternut squash and pear.
What is baby acne?
17 Jul
4-6 months (Stage 1), Resources, Weaning Zone

IS Baby Acne Normal?

What is baby acne?

Baby acne is a common, usually temporary skin condition that develops on a baby’s face or body two to four (2-4) weeks after birth . It results in tiny red or white bumps or pimples, on the baby’s face (nose, forehead, cheeks) and upper back or neck. In almost all cases, the acne resolves on its own without treatment. Like acne in adults, baby acne usually appears as red or white bumps or pimples. White pustules or whiteheads may also develop, and reddish skin may surround the bumps.

Baby acne- also known as neonatal acne, occurs in about 20 percent of newborns. Baby acne is different from infantile acne in that open comedones, or blackheads, don’t usually appear in baby acne. In rare cases, it can leave scars without treatment.

What causes baby acne?

It’s not clear why baby acne Occurs, although, some researchers believe it’s caused by maternal or infant hormones.

What are the symptoms of baby acne?

  • Babies can develop acne anywhere on their face, but it’s most common on their cheeks. Some babies may also have acne on their upper back or neck.
  • Acne may become more pronounced if your baby is fussy or crying. Rough fabrics can irritate the acne, as can vomit or saliva that stays on the face.
  • Baby acne may occasionally be present at birth. But, in most cases it develops within two to four weeks after birth. And it may last for a few days or weeks, though some cases may last for several months.

How is baby acne treated?

Baby acne usually disappears without treatment.

Some babies have acne that lingers for months instead of weeks. To treat this stubborn form of baby acne, your baby’s pediatrician may prescribe a medicated cream or ointment that helps clear up the acne.

Don’t use OTC acne treatments, face washes, or lotions. Your baby’s skin is very sensitive at this young age. You might make the acne worse or cause additional skin irritation by using something that’s too strong.

Home treatments that help baby acne

While you wait for your baby’s acne to clear, there are things you can do to help keep the skin as healthy as possible.

1. Keep your baby’s face clean

Wash your baby’s face daily with warm water. Bath time is a great time to do this. You don’t even need to use anything but water, but if you want to, look for a mild soap or soap-free cleanser. Don’t hesitate to ask the pediatrician for recommendations. Don’t scrub hard or pinch the irritated areas.

2. Avoid harsh products

Products with retinoids, which are related to vitamin A, or erythromycin, are commonly used for adult acne. However, they aren’t usually recommended for babies.

Don’t use any scented soaps, bubble bath, or other types of soaps that contain excessive chemicals. Fragrance-free products are least likely to irritate your baby’s skin.

3. Skip the lotions

Lotions and creams may aggravate your baby’s skin and make the acne worse. Avoid lotions or oily face products.

4. Don’t scrub

Scrubbing the skin with a towel can further aggravate the skin. Instead, gently sweep a washcloth over the face in circular motions.

Once the cleanser is washed off, use a towel to pat your baby’s face dry.

5. Don’t squeeze

Avoid pinching or squeezing the acne. This will irritate your baby’s skin and may worsen the problem.

6. Be patient

Baby acne is typically harmless. It is not itchy or painful for your baby. It should quickly resolve on its own.

When should you see a doctor about baby acne?

  • There’s no treatment for baby acne, but you should still consult the pediatrician if you’re worried about it.
  • See a doctor right away if your baby’s acne results in blackheads, pus-filled bumps, or inflammation. Pain or discomfort should also prompt a visit to the doctor.
  • If your baby’s acne doesn’t clear up after several months of home treatment, see your baby’s doctor.

Please Note;

Baby acne itself does not recur, but it would be good to note that if your child gets acne again before puberty, they should see their doctor as this could be a sign of an underlying problem.

Underlying conditions
  • Certain rare conditions may be causing the acne not to respond to home treatment. These conditions include tumors, the adrenal disorder congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and other conditions related to the endocrine system.
  • If you have a baby girl who starts to show signs of hyperandrogenism, ask the doctor to check for underlying issues. Symptoms may include an overgrowth of facial hair or unusually oily skin.
TIME TO START WEANING
10 Jul
4-6 months (Stage 1), Weaning Zone

HOW YOU KNOW IT’S TIME TO START WEANING.

Starting too early or late have their side effect; therefore, It is very important to know the right time to start weaning. If your baby can coordinate their hands and eyes to guide objects to their mouth, they may be ready for solids.

As babies learns new skills like rolling over, sitting up and picking things, they’ll be using a lot more energy than usual; therefore, their appetite would start to grow. When they are ready to start weaning, your baby will show definite signs that they’re ready for more than milk. Babies grow differently, but knowing what to look out for makes it easier to provide the extra nourishment they need at the right time.

The Signs To Look Out For

  • Is your baby six (6) months old?
  • Coordinating hands, eyes and mouth – Can your baby grasp objects and put them in his/her mouth?
  • Is your baby able to swallow food? Babies who aren’t ready will push their food back out.
  • Can your baby sit up independently?
  • Does your baby actively watch you eat or try to take food from your plate?
  • Can your baby hold his/her head upright and move it from side to side?
  • Is your baby still hungry after breastfeeding?

If your baby is exhibits most or all of these signs, he/she is possibly ready to wean! wean!! wean!!!

Please note

  • Some signs may be mistaken for signs of weaning, like waking during the night or sucking fists, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are.
  • Increased appetite could either be a sign of weaning or a growth spurt. If your baby is experiencing growth spurts, extra breast milk or formula should meet their increased hunger as it will only be temporary and his/her appetite should return to normal quickly.
  • It is important not to confuse growth spurt with signs of weaning; as your baby’s digestive system might still not be ready to take in solids… If you feel your baby is ready to wean before six months, you should ask your doctor for some advice.

AVOCADO AND CARROT PURÉE RECIPE
10 Jul
4-6 months (Stage 1), Feeding, Recipes, Weaning Zone

AVOCADO AND CARROT PURÉE RECIPE

Avocado and carrot together make a lovely, creamy and sweet purée that babies love. This also makes a yummy sandwich spread for older babies and toddlers. This recipe is an excellent source of the essential fatty acids that your baby needs for healthy brain development and Vitamin C and A.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped.
  • 1/2 ripe avocado, scooped out of skin.

Instructions

  • Steam the carrot for about 20 minutes, until carrots are easily pierced with a fork.
  • Place the carrots and avocado in a food processor or blender and purée until smooth. You can also mash purée in Moobi Baby Food Masher.
  • Add breast milk, formula or a little of the cooking water, if necessary, to achieve desired consistency.
  • Store left over Purée in an air tight container and store in the freezer… we recommend storing in Moobi Food Pot or Moobi Freezer Tray for best storing results.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator over night.
Moobi Tales ~ Episode 2
26 Jun
4-6 months (Stage 1), Moobi Tales, Weaning Zone

Moobi Tales ~ Episode 2

As a mother, there’s that thing that “naturally” makes you want to stress when your baby is crying continuously… but sometimes, you get too exhausted to stress; just like Karin was. “Amira”!! she yelled to her nanny who responded immediately, as usual. “Why is Tutu crying again?” Madam, I think she’s hungry… Amira responded precisely. Oh no! Karin squealed. What’s the matter? Tega was curious, You don’t want to feed her? “Not so my love, my breasts hurt so much from feeding her and I just need a little break”. So she’ll wait for your break to be over before she eats or? Karin was about to respond when the doorbell interrupted.

I’ll get it, Tega said, picking up his suit case. “Just make sure my baby doesn’t die of hunger before I’m back” he gave her a kiss and left for work. She managed to drag herself out of bed and into the bathroom. She was about to start brushing her teeth when she heard voices from the living room. She quickly dropped her toothbrush and headed out, wondering who it could be. She felt relieved when she saw her sister… “Remi!!” she ran into her embrace and started ranting out her frustration before she even knew it. Wait! wait! wait! Remi had to cut her short, “I’m sorry you’re going through this, it’s a phase and it’ll pass before you even realize it. But I need your help please, I’m late to work and I need the kids to stay here for the day”.

Karin’s face turned sour… “Remi please I have enough on my plate with Tutu, I can’t add two whole toddlers to it”. It’s just for the day, Amira can take care of them. You know I wouldn’t be asking if my nanny hadn’t quit, Remi pleaded. Amira can’t even stop Tutu from crying if I don’t breastfeed her, Karin retorted, my breasts hurt so badly but I still have to breastfeed her again, I’m really just tired Remi. Why do you have to breastfeed her? Remi asked, curious. What else would she eat if I don’t breastfeed her? Karin returned. Have you ever heard of puree? Remi laughed. She’s barely seven(7) months old Karin, I want to breastfeed her enough so she doesn’t lack any necessary nutrient. Now Remi laughed even harder, Karin, at six(6) months, your baby is old enough to start weaning… in fact, it is necessary, if you don’t want her to lack any nutrient. Really? I don’t even know how to go about it, Karin looked confused.

Don’t worry, it’s not that hard, Remi reassured her. I would love to give you all the details now, but I’m late for work… but you can visit Moobi’s website. I found out about them on my way here. Their blog has enough information to put you through. They’ll tell you how to know when your baby is ready for solids and all the products that you need to start. They also have simple puree recipes that you can start with. You can even find relatable stories to read when you’re bored. See, I just helped you, now you have to help me”. They both laughed as Remi said goodbye to the kids and stormed out, while Karin went on to do her research.

Sweet Potato Puree Recipe.
26 Jun
4-6 months (Stage 1), Feeding, Recipes, Weaning Zone

Sweet Potato Puree Recipe.

The nutritional value and delicious taste of sweet potatoes make them another wonderful choice for a first food for babies. Sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin A and Beta-carotene, as well as potassium. sweet potatoes also contain a good amount of Vitamin E, calcium and folate. The fiber and antioxidants in sweet potatoes help to promote gut health. They also; have Cancer-Fighting Properties, support healthy vision, enhance brain function and support the immune system. Sweet potato is a good first food, because it’s a single ingredient puree, which is a building block for all other ingredients; which means that you can do sweet potato and a more bitter ingredient that your babies might not like on their own- like spinach.

The best way to cook Sweet potatoes.

Baking sweet potatoes is the best way to cook them, especially for baby food. It brings out their natural sweetness and good flavor while retaining the most nutrients. You may also peel, dice and then steam or boil sweet potatoes if you prefer.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 Sweet potato.
Baking Sweet Potatoes for Baby Food:
  • Wash and poke holes in sweet potato with fork.
  • Wrap sweet potatoes in tin foil (do not peel for baking/microwaving).
  • Place in a 400 degree oven and bake for 30-60 minutes or until soft
  • Remove the skin by slitting the sweet potato lengthwise.
  • When cooled, scoop out the “meat”.
  • Puree potatoes with a blender or mash, (we recommend using our Baby Food Masher).
  • Add baby’s milk, formula or water, for desired consistency.
Boiling/Steaming Sweet Potatoes for Baby Food:
  • Peel sweet potatoes and cut into small pieces.
  • Place the diced pieces into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover the potatoes.
  • “Steam” boil until tender, making sure to check on the water level.
  • Puree potatoes with a blender or mash, (we recommend using our Baby Food Masher).
  • Add baby’s milk, formula or left over water from steaming, for desired consistency.
Microwaving Sweet Potatoes: (we prefer to not use a microwave for cooking)
  • Wet Sweet Potatoes; (You can wrap sweet potatoes with microwave safe plastic wrap).
  • Poke holes in the wrap with a fork and microwave for 10 minutes or until done.
  • Remove skins by slitting the sweet potato lengthwise.
  • When cooled, scoop out the “meat”.
  • Puree potatoes with a blender or mash, (we recommend using our Baby Food Masher).
  • Add baby’s milk, formula or reserved water from steaming,as necessary, for desired consistency.

Sweet Potato Apple Mash 4-6 months +

  • Steam or bake apples and sweet potatoes together until tender.
  • Puree as needed, adding water, baby’s preferred milk or formula to thin if required.
  • You may also chop or dice for a finger food salad.
STORING
  • Put the potato puree in an air tight bowl (we suggest storing in our Moobi food pot or Moobi Freezer Tray) and into the freezer, to be frozen.
  • Sweet potato puree can be stored by freezing, for as long as two (2) months.
PLEASE NOTE:

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and Beta-carotene , which the body stores; therefore, excess consumption of sweet potatoes can make your skin and nails to appear a little orange.

Sweet Potato Puree Recipe.
05 Jun
4-6 months (Stage 1), Feeding, Weaning Zone

Wean! Wean!! Wean!!!

At different stages of life, humans require different things to grow. A baby starts off, relying solely on milk; but as time goes on, milk alone becomes insufficient and ineffective for the baby’s proper growth. At this point, the human body starts to require other types of food and relies less on breast milk; this is where weaning becomes necessary. Basically, Weaning is the process of gradually introducing an infant human or another mammal to what will be it’s adults diet- solids, while withdrawing the supply of it’s mothers milk.

Although, breast milk or formula milk provides nutrients needed for the first year, protects the digestive system and reduces the chances of infection, introducing well selected number of solid food helps your baby learn to eat and form healthy eating habits, develops the teeth and jaw; its also helps babies learn to identify colors, shapes, tastes and textures. The World Health Organization now recommends that weaning a baby should begin after they are six (6) months old. This is to enable the baby’s digestive system to get ready for solids, and to produce the necessary enzymes for digesting protein in foods.

Introducing solids before your baby’s system is ready, is the most common cause of infant food allergies and intolerance. Introducing solids later than necessary could result in your baby lacking sufficient provision of energy and essential nutrients required for growth; therefore, it is important to start weaning at the right time for your baby.

Not all babies will be ready to start weaning at the same time, it is your job as a parents to determine whether the time is right. This depends on the sign your baby exhibits, as babies are unique and different. If you’re not sure when it’s time, it is important to consult your baby’s GP or nutritional therapist to help in making the decision, because babies may also differ based on time and type of birth.

Contrary to belief, when weaning, the quantity of solid your baby eats should not be important. As babies gets used to eating and developing physically, the quantity that they eat would also increase. What is more important is getting your baby used to the idea of eating and exploring the senses of taste, smell as well as developing motor skills from spoon feeding or finger feeding. Therefore, it is important to involve a variety of texture and flavors. It is also important to enjoy the experience’don’t get cranky when your baby isn’t responding to this nutritional exercise… take time to understand your baby.

Everything You Need To Start Weaning.

MOOBI ALL IN ULTIMATE WEANING PACKAGE

Yes!!! We have everything you need to prepare and feed your baby in our store. click on the bundle to shop now. There are also more affordable bundles available for everyone. This bundle includes:

1x bib
2x moobi spoons
1x snack pot
1x suction bowl
1x suction plate
1x sippy cup
1x Freezer tray
1x Baby Food Masher
1x Measuring Set
1x storage pots
1x cooking utensils
1x food storage
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

When introducing your baby to solids, fruits and vegetables are the recommended foods to start with. There’s a wide variety of fruits and vegetables you can introduce to your babies, depending on their weaning stage; including Avocado, Apples, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Mangoes, Banana… etc

BLENDER AND STEAMER:

When preparing vegetables for your baby, the best way is to steam them because this locks in all of the nutrients that can be lost when boiling. After steaming, you will need to blend your fruits and vegetables to the desired puree consistency; depending on your baby’s weaning stage. You can also use a food masher in place of a blender sometimes.

HIGHCHAIR:

When feeding your baby, it is important that they’re seated in an upright position; to enable them swallow food properly and control chocking hazards. A comfortable highchair creates a more comfortable feeding environment for your baby.

SPLASH OR MESS MAT:

This can be placed under your baby’s high chair to avoid having food mess up the floor where your baby eats.

SAUCE PAN:

It is essential to have non sticky pans of different sizes, depending on the quantity of food you’re making for your baby.

PEELER:

This is a more comfortable alternative to a knife for peeling your baby’s food.

CHOPPING BOARD:

You can get these in different colors and sizes, for cutting different things.

FOOD STRAINER/SEIVE

This is very handy in draining unwanted liquid from fruits or vegetables.

Carrot Puree Recipe.
05 Jun
4-6 months (Stage 1), Feeding, Recipes

Carrot Puree Recipe.

Carrot puree is another good option for firsts solids introduced to a baby. carrots are delicious, highly nutritious and necessary in the development of a baby. Carrots are a good source of Fiber, potassium, Vitamin K, Carotene; which is a natural pigment that is used by the body to make Vitamin A. All these nutrients contained in carrots, aid to boost immunity, to boost skin health, to lower blood pressure. Carrots also help to maintain healthy cholesterol and boost heart rate, to ensure bowel regularity and help in digestion, and to boost the eye health.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sized carrots.

Directions

  • Peel the carrot and chop them into bits.
  • Put the carrots into a steamer, set over boiling water and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s tender. Another steaming method would be to put the carrots in a pan, add enough boiling water and cover with a lid. Then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until it is soft.
  • Drain the carrots,place in a blender and puree until it is very smooth.
  • You can add some of the cooking liquid or your baby’s usual milk to get desired consistency; depending on your baby.
  • Spoon some of the puree into your baby’s bowl and serve lukewarm.

Storing

  • Carrots can either be stored before or after pureeing.
  • Put the Carrot puree in an air tight bowl (we suggest storing in our Moobi food pot or Moobi Freezer Tray) and into the freezer, to be frozen.
  • Thaw in the fridge the night before use, or by putting the ice molds in a bowl, over hot water, on the counter to defrost.
  • Non-pureed carrot can be put in a bowl filled with clean water, covered with plastic wrap or it’s seal-able lead and then refrigerated. The water should be changed once a day.
  • To prevent condensation from forming, Wrap the carrots in a paper towel and place them in a bag in the refrigerator.
  • Perforated plastic bags can also be used.

Please Note:

  • Excess moisture causes carrots to rot.
  • Carrots are full of vitamins that are good for your health, but eating too many carrots can bring in too much beta-carotene to the body. Beta-Carotene is the molecule responsible for carrots bright orange hue and a precursor of Vitamin A. This can lead to excess blood carotene which can discolor the skin.
  • For best storing results, we highly recommend using our Moobi Food Pot and our Moobi Freezer Tray, as seen below.
Avocado Puree Recipe
22 May
4-6 months (Stage 1), Recipes

Avocado Puree Recipe

Avocado Puree, known for it’s creamy texture, is a perfect first food for babies being introduced to solid; Usually from 4 to 6 months. It is highly nutritious and usually the easiest to make. 1/5th of an avocado has only 50 calories, but about 20 vitamins and minerals including; Folate, Potassium, Iron, Fiber, Vitamin E…etc, which aid in regulation of blood, oxygen, and in building a stronger immune system. Avocado is also a great source of saturated fat, which is needed for proper brain and nervous system development.

Ingredients

  • 1 Organic Avocado

Directions

  • Cut a ripe avocado into two halves. Twist the halves apart and scoop out a few spoonfuls.
  • Mash the avocado on a bowl. (We recommend using our Moobi food masher for easier and more effective mashing).
  • Mix with your baby’s usual milk, formula or water for desired consistency.
  • Feed immediately.

Storing

Avocados oxidize (turn black) quickly, so its not a very convenient food to prepare in advance. But there are simply times when you need to; and for these times, we suggest using this storing method;

  • After the avocado has been mashed, scoop into an airtight container (we recommend using our Moobi Food Pot), cover properly and store in the freezer.
  • Thaw in the fridge the night before use, or by putting the ice molds in a bowl, over hot water, on the counter to defrost.
  • Once defrosted, mix with your baby’s usual milk, formula or water for desired consistency.
  • another option would be to dice your avocado after taking out the peel, put the cubes in an airtight storage bag (I recommend our Moobi Food Storage Bag) and freeze.

Please note:

  • Do not mix your puree with water, milk or formula before freezing, but instead, after thawing, right before you serve; because the ice from freezing melts into the mixture and affects the consistency.
  • You can also mix your puree with a little bit of lemon juice or lime juice before freezing, to help with the oxidation.
  • If puree is slightly brown, it is still good enough to be eaten, but if it is a darker brown or black… therefore, it is too oxidized and should be thrown out.
  • for more effective mashing and airtight storing, use our Moobi food masher and Moobi food pot, respectively.
Did you know, You could add other fruits to your Avocado Recipe? Here are some delicious options;
Banana-cado baby food:
  • Peel and de-pit an avocado.
  • Cut out the fleshy part in a bowl.
  • Add in a ripe banana.
  • Mash the two together and serve.
Creamy fruit mash:
  • Peel and de-pit an avocado.
  • Cut out the fleshy part in a bowl.
  • Add steamed pears or steamed apples.
  • mash together
  • Mix in a little amount of yogurt to give a smooth creamy texture.
  • Your creamy fruit mash is ready to serve.