AAP Expands Guidelines For Infant Sleep Safety and SIDS Risk Reduction

On October 18th, 2011, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is providing new recommendations on a safe sleeping environment that can reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Three important additions to the recommendations include:

  • Breastfeeding is recommended and is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
  • Infants should be immunized. Evidence suggests that immunization reduces the risk of SIDS by 50 percent.
  • Bumper pads should not be used in cribs. There is no evidence that bumper pads prevent injuries, and there is a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment.

The report also includes the following recommendations:

  • Always place your baby on his or her back for every sleep time.
  • Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
  • The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).
  • Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads.
  • Wedges and positioners should not be used.
  • Pregnant woman should receive regular prenatal care.
  • Don’t smoke during pregnancy or after birth.
  • Breastfeeding is recommended.
  • Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
  • Avoid covering the infant’s head or overheating.
  • Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations.
  • Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development and minimize the occurrence of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads).

You can read the entire report by viewing this document.

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized by Bambi B Fit. 1 Comment

Get Moving With Baby Gear!

 

We are the jugglers, the multi-taskers of the Universe and we pride ourselves in that! We are Moms! The CEO’s & COO’s of the home!

We work around our kids nap schedules and do most when they go to sleep at night. As they get older our calenders are filed with play-dates, activities, & assignments….kids come first.  So when do you have time for you? Wash your hair, shower peacefully, workout!?!?

OK, shower peacefully? Not so sure that will happen anytime soon after having your baby. I still remember bringing the car seat into the bathroom so that I could shower!  But working out that I do remember not giving up. Most importantly I did it with my babies.

My favorite baby gear when my kids were infants & toddlers was the Baby Carrier. Not only was it great to enjoy being close with my baby, but it also allowed my hands and body to be free to do other things.

I would use my carrier for everything! Shopping, parks, vacations, long walks & exercising. Yes, for working out as well. Squats, lunges, step ups. All great exercises that can be done with your baby in the carrier.

Making sure your baby is secure, you are able to get in some nice leg and glute workouts. Oh and the belly laughter you will get out of your bundle of joy, priceless! Better yet you will be setting the ground work for exercising as a family early on and having fun!

Until next time…xoxo…B

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It affects us all. It doesn’t discriminate. Make it a point this month to remind ourselves & those around us the importance of conducting monthly self examinations.

Feel Your Boobies friends! :)

For more information of how you can help bring awareness to breast cancer visit Feel Your Boobies

Until next time…xoxo…B

When Eggs Can be Only for Coloring

 

You were just told your child has an egg allergy, now what?  Eggs are found in cakes, cookies, pancakes, waffles,  so many different types of the meals prepared daily.

This is exactly what happened to my cousin a few weeks back. Her one year old was just diagnosed with an allergic reaction to eggs.  Not many people, myself included, know much about this type of allergy. I am very much aware of peanut, milk, and seasonal/environmental allergies, but so much about eggs. As a health & fitness expert who eats and advises clients to eat eggs regularly, am frightened at the thought of not being able to enjoy its benefits.

It wasn’t until one of my oldest and dearest friends twin boys, who were also diagnosed with an egg allergy, that I was truly made aware of all the dangers around it.

In order to shed some light and educate myself in the process I did some research and came across a great site KidsHealth.org

What happens is the bodies immune system overreacts to the protein in the egg, and anytime an egg enters the body, the body thinks that these proteins are harmful invaders.  The body then releases chemicals to fight the invaders.  One chemical that I recognized is Histamine.

The respiratory system, gastrointestinal track, cardiovascular system, skin, all these can be effected by this chemical, causing wheezing, nausea, headaches, stomach aches, and hives, just to name a very scary few.

Unfortunately, there are so many kids today that are effected by many allergies. Quality of life is effected and the family as a whole is effected weather the other members have the allergy or not. For example, the Flu Shot. The vaccine is grown in the egg embryo and may contain small amounts of the egg protein. Please be sure to talk to your doctor about this!

What are some ways you help your child lead a “normal” life when he/she suffers from a food allergy?

What are some creative cooking alternatives you have implemented in your diet?

Would LOVE to hear!

xoxo….B

PS For more information on Egg Allergies visit here.

 

 

Daily Exercise for Fit Kids!

Do you exercise with your kids? Are you a “Fit” example? We all know kids will pick up our good habits as well as our bad. I pledge to do my best to implement  health & fitness into our daily routine and stick to the good habits!

Being a positive role model is what we should all strive for in raising our kids.  Practicing proper health & nutrition along with daily exercise & activity is one of the many factors a positive role model entails.

These are just a few of the exercises my kids practice daily.

The Basics….Stretch and alternate legs without letting go of the hands

Morning Salutation on a Bosu Ball!

Touching your toes daily increases flexibility….be careful not to strain yourself. Listen to your body!

Jump Rope & a Yoga Mat….a Perfect Cardio & Strength Training Balance

Make Health & Fitness a Family Affair!  What are some ways your kids exercise?

xoxo….B

 

 

Enjoy a Healthy Feast Hispanic Heritage Style

 

I love to eat & entertain which is one of the reasons I have made it my life’s journey to enjoy both without sacrificing or neglecting my health.  For me there is nothing worse than the feeling of having to watch what I eat while at a dinner party.

In the Latino culture we tend to fall into the ”not so healthy” meal trap, which is why I found it necessary to figure out ways to stay true to my roots without losing the flavor!

In my book “….Barbara por Atras” A Latin Woman’s Guide to Fitness I share some of my favorite Latino dishes just for you …except a little bit healthier. After all, all we want to do is lose the fat…never the culture!

Today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month I am going to share one of  those dishes…my fav,  compliments of my mom~ Gracias Mami! :)

Arroz con Pollo de Mami

Mami’s Chicken with Yellow Rice 

  • ½ cup EVOO
  • 6 Chicken Breasts cut into chunks
  • 2 Chopped Onions
  • 3 Minced Garlic cloves
  • 1 Large diced Green Pepper
  • 1 Can of Tomato sauce
  • 1 Can of Fancy Pimientos (morrones)
  • 1 Can of Petit Pois (sweet peas)
  • 3 Cups of long grain rice washed
  • 1 Can of Asparagus
  • 2 Packets of Sazon Goya con Azafran
  • 1 Cup of Dry White Wine
  • 2 Cups of Light Chicken Broth
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Dash of Cumin

Season the chicken with the garlic, salt and pepper.  Heat the oil in a large roaster or stock pot adding chicken so that it browns along with onion, pepper, cumin, sazon with azafran, bay leaves, tomato sauce, white cooking wine, and chicken broth.  Add the rice to the pot along with the liquid of the fancy pimientos, sweet peas, and asparagus. Cook everything over low heat until the grain of rice is open and tender.  Decorate your Arroz con Pollo with the pimientos, asparagus, and petit pois.

8 servings

Thinking outside the box is the key to healthy living. Implementing physical activity throughout the day and substituting healthier ingredients in traditional dishes will help you live a long & healthy life.

Until the next time…Enjoy the Journey! Make Health & Fitness a Family Affair!

xoxo….B

 

Threesome???

Not! I’m tired and cranky and not just because my seasonal allergies are kicking my butt this year. For some time now we have been getting a visitor almost every night and not one that I am happy to receive!

Am I the only parent out there expericning this? My 6 year old daughter comes into our bedroom right around 3am every night with hopes to sleep with us. Out of exhaustion & desperation to get some rest we give in. We fold and let her sleep with us. Well, she sleeps. I get kicked!! Although we own a king size bed we never planned for a family bed and its a plan that I will not give into.

This morning, after I caught myself ready to scream for no reason. Yes, lack of sleep causes us to act irrational. I resulted to bribery. After I had yet another sit down with my girl and discussed all the pros about sleeping all night in her room. How a restful nights sleep is important for her growth & health. How her nightlight and her stuffed animals/toys will keep her company. How Justin Beiber will protect her as his multiple posters are smiling over her.

A thought came to mind as I watched her I-Touch on her night table. APS!!  Sleep treat time! I reminded her of the App she wanted that cost “money” and I had said no to. I told her that if she slept all night in her bed she would get a sleep treat, an app! Well her eyes lit up and she promised to sleep in her bed all night tonight. Lets see how that goes.

I don’t like bribing my kids and offering rewards for doing things they should be, BUT like I tell all moms…hey, whatever works. I just hope this does!!

What have you all done to avoid an unwanted threesome? Would love to hear…

xoxo….B

What’s More Important…Your Baby or Your IPhone???

Appalling isn’t it? How can one even ask such a question? Of course my baby is!! I would do anything for my baby, my kids. Any good parent would.

Ok, now let me ask this question? How many out there own the latest tech gadget? IPhone, Mac, Thunderbolt, etc.  Did you even think twice before buying it? Did you have to have it the minute it came out? New rims for your car, new shoes for that outfit, new bag?  Every time a new “device” comes out the lines to the store are overwhelming, and people are running to get it before it sells out.

Why isn’t that the same when shopping for your baby’s safety and comfort?

Now too long ago I overheard someone inquiring about a new stroller for her one year old. When told it was a little over $200 she was alarmed and said “oh no! That’s too much for a stroller”  Ok, maybe she’s on a budget and simply cannot afford to put her baby in a stroller that costs $200. Shortly after I overheard that same lady discussing with her friend how she is getting the new IPhone as soon as it comes out. Hmmmm…..doesn’t the IPhone cost over $200? A true luxury & not a necessity?

To me purchasing the right stroller for my baby would take priority over a new phone. After all if your baby is going to be uncomfortable on that cheaper stroller, chances are he/she will be screaming so hard you won’t be able to hear a word, let alone hold a conversation on your new snazzy phone :)

The same goes with a car seat. So many parents penny pinch when it comes to true necessities for their baby. Cribs, Car Seats, Strollers. Three essentials that your baby will be using all the time during their early years. Three essentials that if purchased wisely will determine you &  your baby’s comfort & safety.  Yet so many rather blow their paycheck on a new phone, gadget, hot pair of shoes :)

Got you thinking? What’s more important to you? Would you get a used crib over a refurbished phone? Love to hear your comments….

Until the next time…Join us on the Journey.  Make Health & Fitness a Family Affair!

xoxo…..B

 

Wordless Wednesday!

And so they go…..Back to School!!   World be good to them! :)


Ok…Semi-Wordless Wednesday :)

One last thought….Parents as we send our children off to school once again, remember two very important words….”Inspire Greatness”  Its not all up to the school teachers, it is also our responsibility to do so as parents….the first teachers our children will ever know.

Until the next time…Join us on the Journey! Make Health & Fitness a Family Affair! :)

xoxo…B

Bragging Rights!!

This one is for you!! Show us your nursery & baby gear!!

We at Bambi B Fit are so proud you have allowed Bambi Baby Store to come into your home & your life. Now we want to show off and give you the bragging rights you so deserve. Send in your pics so that we can display with pride!

Our first is from Kristin Canaday Watkins!  Thank you Kristin! Enjoy your beautiful Nursery! All the Best wishes to you & your baby! :)

Sorelle Vista Furniture Set

Sorelle Vista Baby Crib

Gorgeous!! Love the pink & decor!! :)

Can’t wait to see more!! Makes me want to have another! :)

For more information on the Sorelle Vista Furniture collection and many more beautiful designs visit Bambi Baby Store.

Until the next time….Join us on the Journey! Make Health & Fitness a Family Affair!

xoxo….B