Prune Juice is one of the best-known constipation home remedies. Prune juice promotes regular bowel movements by the use of simple sugars which help draw fluids into the intestine. These fluids help soften your toddler’s stool and allow for healthy bowels.

Prunes consist of a water-soluble laxative principle. It is also a good source of iron and other factors useful in hemoglobin rebuilding during anaemia. Prune juice is therefore of distinct value in cases of low vitality and all disorders arising from constipation. Prunes are also a rich source of antioxidants, and are actually ranked as one of the highest fruits in antioxidant levels. It is also an excellent remedy for a sore throat taken either plain or mixed with a little honey.

Prune juice has been used for many years to treat constipation. There has been no evidence suggesting that prune juice damages the colon. This is why it is so highly recommended. If your toddler is suffering from constipation, feed him/her an ounce or two of prune juice twice a day.

]]> http://babynutritioncare.com/nutrition-for-toddler/introduce-prune-juice-to-your-toddler/feed/ 0 http://babynutritioncare.com/nutrition-for-baby/what-are-the-good-sources-of-iron-for-baby/ http://babynutritioncare.com/nutrition-for-baby/what-are-the-good-sources-of-iron-for-baby/#comments Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:32:44 +0000 Alan http://babynutritioncare.com/?p=22 Babies needs iron for proper growth and development of their entire bodies, in particular their rapidly growing brains. When babies are anemic, they may show delays in normal development. In this case, a baby is at a critical stage in intellectual and psychomotor development between nine and 24 months and it is very important to avoid iron deficiency at this critical stage. The long-term effects of iron deficiency are still being studied, but evidence indicates that the nutrient is important for developing a healthy brain. A lack of iron could lead to emotional and behavioral problems and lower IQs.

Iron is a mineral that makes up an important part of hemoglobin, the substance in blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron also carries oxygen in muscles, helping them function properly. Without an adequate amount of iron, the hemoglobin cannot carry enough oxygen to body tissues. The result is iron deficiency anemia with symptoms of tiredness and weakness. Infants who do not get enough iron can develop iron deficiency anaemia. This can cause a very serious illness called infant botulism.

Breast milk is the best source of iron for baby. There are sufficient quantities of iron in breast milk so that generally no supplementation of iron is necessary. However, at 4-6 months, the baby’s iron stores become depleted and the iron in breast milk will no longer be sufficient to prevent anemia.

In this case, iron fortified cereals provides the necessary iron levels in order to meet nutritional needs for baby aged six months and up. Most rice cereals provide the recommended daily amount of iron for your baby. According to a research, the low rates of iron deficiency anaemia in Canada and the USA are thought to be partly a result of the wide-spread use of commercially available iron fortified cereals

On the other hand, if you are not breastfeeding, provide your baby with iron-fortified formula milk. Your baby needs iron-fortified formula milk until his first birthday. Babies do not need solid foods until they are 6 months old.

From 6 months, iron-containing pulses (peas, beans, lentils), green leafy vegetables, meat, poultry and eggs can be introduced. Adding these foods daily will help babies get their necessary iron. The green leafy vegetables are also rich in vitamin C, in combination with a good iron source will help your baby’s body absorb more iron.