How to feed a newborn baby

There is no artificial equivalent to colostrum. Even if you’re not going to continue to breastfeed you will be giving your baby a great head-start if you put him to the breast in the first days (see What is colostrum and why is it important).

How to feed a newborn baby

Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t gulp down all that’s in the bottle. It’s perfectly normal for all babies, breast- or bottle-fed, not to take too much in their first 48 hours and they take a while to get into the swing of feeding. Like a breastfed baby, yours will let you know with a cry when he wants to be fed. Follow your baby’s lead and develop the supply and demand system explained on p.107, just as for a breastfed baby.

How to feed a newborn baby with a bottle

MAKING UP A POWDER FORMULA

Bottles of formula milk must be made up strictly in accordance with the proportions of powder to water recommended by the manufacturer or by your health visitor or doctor. It is best to make bottles when you need them, not to make up a batch of feeds in advance and store them.

1. Fill the bottle to the correct level with fresh tap water that has been boiled and left to cool for half an hour. Fill the scoop with milk powder and level it off.

2. Add the milk powder to the water. Make sure you add exactly the right number of scoops – no more and no less than the manufacturer recommends.

3. Put on the cap and teat. Shake the bottle until you’re sure that there are no lumps or residue and the mixture is smooth.

BOTTLE TEMPERATURE

Never keep warm milk in a vacuum flask and never leave a bottle standing overnight in a bottle warmer. This will only encourage any germs that are present to multiply. It is not safe. Never warm a bottle in a microwave. It can cause “hot spots” that can scald your baby.

• Testing temperature
  
  Test the temperature of the milk on your wrist before feeding the baby: it should be neither hot nor cold to the touch.


• Cooling a bottle
  
  If the bottle is too hot, put the bottle in a jug of cold water, or hold it under cold running water for a short while, then test again. Always leave the cap on the bottle covering the teat.

Bottle-Feeding Basics

•  Don’t heat your baby’s bottle in the microwave. As tempting as it may be to opt for the speedy route, the safest way to heat a bottle is in a pan of hot water. If you heat a bottle in a microwave oven, your baby’s mouth could be scalded by a “hot spot” of liquid.


• Use a baby-friendly feeding position. When it’s time to feed your baby, hold her in the cradle position (neck cradled in the crook of your arm with her head tilted back slightly). Hold her bottle up so that the nipple is full of liquid, which will minimize the amount of air that your baby swallows during a feeding. Burp your baby frequently during the early weeks to get rid of any air that your baby swallows during a feeding.


• Never prop a bottle. Not only does it pose a choking hazard, it deprives you and your baby of time that might otherwise be spent cuddling and getting to know one another.

The Best Breastfeeding Supplies

1. Baby Brezza Formula Pro One Step Food Maker

See Product Details : Baby Brezza Formula Pro One Step Food Maker

Say goodbye to the time and hassle of manually preparing baby’s bottles. Introducing Formula Pro, the revolutionary new way of preparing your baby’s formula bottles. The Formula Pro uses worldwide patent-pending technology to measure and mix water and powdered formula to the perfect temperature (about 98 degrees) and consistency. With the push of a button, you can prepare a bottle within seconds that has no air bubbles. The water and formula powder are stored in airtight compartments right in the machine, so it’s always ready for you when your baby gets hungry. The machine works with all bottle sizes and all formula brands and types. You can also choose the amount of formula you want to make: 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 ounces. The easiest way to prepare baby’s bottles is now right at your fingertips.

2. Dr. Brown’s Formula Mixing Pitcher

See Product Details : Dr. Brown’s Formula Mixing Pitcher

The formula mixing pitcher from Dr. Brown’s eases formula preparation by allowing up to 4 bottles to be mixed and stored at one time. This unique feature includes a mixing blade that quickly dissolves formula with no clumping, and an adjustable stopper that prohibits the mixing blade from lifting above the surface of the liquid as to keep air introduction to a minimum. This features a locking lid, soft grip handle, and ribbed pitcher spout offer comfort and convenience when pouring. It disassembles without difficulty for easy cleaning. This is compact in size, dishwasher safe and is BPA free.

3. Munchkin Formula Dispenser Combo Pack, Colors May Vary

See Product Details : Munchkin Formula Dispenser Combo Pack, Colors May Vary

The convenient combo pack comes with 1 single serve dispenser and 3 serving dispenser with rotating lid. Both have snap tight lids and easy pour spouts for fast and mess free preparation. So fill them up, stow them away and you’re ready to go. Each compartment in this holds an 8 ounce single serving. This contains lid snaps on and off for easy filling and cleaning.

• Ideal for use with all bottle and/or formula brands


• Single serve holds 8 ounce ideal for quick outings


• Each chamber of 3 section dispenser holds 8 ounce ideal for home or daycare


• They are BPA free


• Ideal for travel; Colors may vary, you may receive in one of the following colors: blue or pink

4. Prince Lionheart Versa Formula Mixer with Bonus Espresso Wand

See Product Details : Prince Lionheart Versa Formula Mixer with Bonus Espresso Wand

The Versa Formula Mixer is a dual purpose tool perfect for adults and kids with two interchangeable attachments in one: the first blends formula or other powdered drinks inside a bottle, while the other is perfect for frothing milk in coffee drinks. Easy to use and clean, this convenient gadget is a great addition to any kitchen or on-the-go lifestyle. Two AA batteries required.

How to feed a newborn baby

Infant Optics DXR-8 Best baby video monitor reviews

Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor: Best baby video monitor reviews

baby video monitor reviews: The best way to monitor the nanny’s behavior is to make unannounced visits. “Go back and say, ‘I forgot something’ or ‘I have a headache,"”And, at all times, the best thing you can do is trust your instincts. If you sense that something is wrong, don’t talk yourself out of it. Get to the bottom of the problem. New technology has arrived to keep babies safe like never before.

The following is Infant Optics DXR-8 baby video monitor reviews we carry to detect and protect your child.

Get more details: SEE HERE!!

The DXR-8 baby video monitor from Infant Optics is the first baby monitor with interchangeable lens technology, top rated best video baby monitors 2015 and has many features that make it one of the best baby monitors. It comes with an optical zoom lens (Three separate lens types, Normal, Wide Angle (sold separately) and Zoom) that performs a lot better than digital zoom (the video becomes pixelated).

Infant Optics DXR-8 baby video monitor reviews

The optical lens function is beneficial switching between several viewing modes. You need to manually replace the optical lens (wide angle lens requires to be purchased separately), but you should not need to keep switching once you have had the camera set in a position you have intended for the baby. The optical zoom makes the video very clear to look up close to your child at night.

The wide angle lens is very useful if you want to see the room in one screen without the need panning the camera left and right. Very easy to use in any lighting conditions. Great option if you want the flexibility to zoom in and out.

The pan tilt function is useful for bigger rooms that have multiple spots you need to monitor. Directional control of the panning/tilting characteristic is quiet and smooth. Audio sensitivity is high, and the range covers our 2-floor house. The zoom on this monitor beats all the monitors since it applies an optical lens piece to zoom the camera sight. It is super easy to set up, the pan/tilt/zoom gives you such a wide range of viewing and the extra camera lens is excellent for when our baby gets a little older and we need to see the whole room. The picture quality is good.

Infant Optics DXR-8 baby video monitor reviews

What it has extra however is the zoom lens function that works as advertised. It is included in the purchase, and you just change the lens piece to the zoom part and the screen zooms in.

The user-friendly baby monitor is very light in weight and features a 2.4GHz FHSS provides reliable transmission, clear, and built-in data encryption for added security. This is the new model from Infant Optics, and it is great for us so far. In a nutshell, it has pan and tilt and 3.5″ screen, similar to the Motorola monitor. The Infant Optics DXR-8 screen resolution is much better, and the night-time display is “day and night” compared to other observers.

The speaker and talk back feature are crystal clear and ideal for communication between child’s rooms while nursing. No more dropped signals, plus outstanding range and the transmission state. The retractable antenna provides 700′ range in unobstructed conditions.

This monitor has an accurate temperature reading. The temperature feature is very handy and helps me a lot since we have to have a space heater in kid’s room for comfortable. This monitor is easy to use, good WiFi range, remote left/right/up/down control, both for everyday functions and also to switch back and forth between kid’s rooms.

The remote control panning works as Quiet, smooth and discrete while you are remotely moving it so it will not disturb your sleeping baby, and the rest of the features work just as expected. The handheld unit has a nice big screen with a keypad to control the direction of the camera.

Infant Optics DXR-8 baby video monitor reviews

The build feature is excellent, and it is a reasonable price, alarm, good battery life (10 hours in power-saving mode, 6 hours with the display screen continuously on.), Sound Activated LEDs Mode (there is a LED volume indicator so you can “see” noise.), and charged from laptops or any USB outlets.

CONS

• Battery Charging light – It is pretty bright and is on when charging.


• The sound is not sensitive enough to get all her new sounds. It only shows on the sound sensor when she is crying.


• The sound is not very clear as well.


• Beeps once when the video goes out automatically or manually.

ACTUAL PATIENT TESTIMONIALS:

Infant Optics DXR-8 baby video monitor reviews

“Can’t live without this now! We used a sound monitor for our first child, and now with our second we wanted to be able to see and hear both the rooms. This monitor has a scan feature that cycles the two cameras every 10 seconds. I also really like the volume LED light so if you have the volume down, the bar of light will grab your attention to let you know something is happening in the room (such as a baby crying). We have one room with the wide angle lens, and the camera views the entire room without needing to pan left and right. This is rated the best one out there, but it does not come cheap.” By Marcus Shah

“This system works wonderfully, and I am most impressed with the range. The image quality is fabulous as well, and I am also jazzed about the wide angle lens (as I am a bit of a camera nerd). Excellent customer service as well (I am swapping my monitor that beeps when the screen goes off for a new one that doesn’t, free of charge). Highly recommended the unit, accessory, and company!”By Kate

Conclusion: Baby video monitors reviews

Excellent camera for our growing family. Being able to move the panoramic camera helps us a lot since our little one moves in baby sleep. Also being able to use the intercom function is the great bonus. This is the well-designed monitor with sound design elements. All in all, a great gift so far and we will not hesitate to get this for friends/family.

To find out more, Click Here.

Recommended Reading Aquaphor Baby Advanced Therapy Healing best baby diaper cream

Infant Optics DXR-8 Best baby video monitor reviews

12 days of Christmas gift ideas for kids: our gift ideas for babies (0-3 years)

12 days of Christmas gift ideas for kids: our gift ideas for babies (0-3 years)
12 days of Christmas gift ideas for kids: Lack of inspiration to spoil the little ones this Christmas? Among the many gifts received at birth and age restrictions that apply to most toys, find a Christmas gift idea for babies and young children is not always obvious.
This year, to please fail to ...
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12 days of Christmas gift ideas for kids: our gift ideas for babies (0-3 years)

Advice for new mom: Natural breastfeeding positions for newborns

Breastfeeding positions are a starting point to help you as you get used to nursing your baby. They are designed to help you and your child get into a reasonable position to nurse so that you are comfortable, and your child can get a good latch. They will hopefully help you to prevent pain and get breastfeeding off to a good start.

Once you and your baby have a breastfeeding relationship established, and the latch comes naturally, you will, for the most part, stop thinking about breastfeeding regarding which position to use. You might choose a position for a particular reason, but not typically at every feeding. In the meantime, here are some specific breastfeeding positions to try until you and your baby’s relationship reaches that point.

Advice for new mom: Natural breastfeeding positions for newborns

Natural breastfeeding positions for newborns

Sitting position

Make sure your arms and back are supported with pillows or cushions and you are relaxed. Use a pillow to raise your newborn to a comfortable level.

Lying position

This is good when you are tired or to keep your baby off a Caesarean incision. Lie on your side and lay your newborn alongside you so he can reach your lower breast.

Cradle hold

The cradle hold is the position that most people imagine when they think of breastfeeding. In a seated position, in a chair or bed, a mother has the baby’s head in the crook of her right arm, with the baby facing her right breast. The left hand is used to express breast milk if needed, to support the right arm, or to help mother remain comfortable with her cup of water, her book, or the television remote.

This position has some advantages in that it is recognizable. This fact can be a comfort to some mothers. It also allows you to see your baby and your breast fairly well. Moreover, having a hand free is a bonus.

Cross-Cradle Hold

The cross-cradle hold is a different take on the traditional cradle hold. In fact, unless you were paying close attention, you might not notice the subtle but significant difference. In the cross-cradle, the baby’s head is at the mother’s right breast, but the baby’s body is supported by the mother’s left arm. Her left hand is at the base of the baby’s neck, supporting it and helping to direct the baby gently.

The mother’s right hand is then free to help with breastfeeding or with whatever else she would like. Many moms feel more comfortable using this hold because the utilization of the other hand is helpful in getting baby to latch. Since your child’s head is not resting on the crook of your right arm, your child has a bit more mobility, which helps with the latch.

Football hold

The football hold is named for the position of the baby, under the arm. The child is placed face up, under the mother’s left arm, with the baby’s bottom up against the back of a couch or bed. If that is too deep, a pillow is placed between the baby and whatever the mother is leaning against. If the baby is long, the mother might want to bend the baby’s legs at the hips. The baby’s legs would go up along the mother’s back toward her armpit. The baby’s head would then rest on the mother’s left hand, while she uses her right hand to support her breast.

If you choose this position, you can use your left hand to adjust the depth at which your baby

is sitting back next to you. It helps if you rest your baby against your forearm, but this is not necessary.You might also need to brace your arm and the baby’s weight with something like a pillow under the baby. This prevents you from learning into your child. Leaning into a baby can cause back pain, neck pain, and soreness.

The football hold is often recommended after a cesarean birth. This is because your child will not be lying across your lower abdomen, where your incision is located. That being said, if this position does not appeal to you, you do not have to try it. Just know that it is one of many positions available to you and your baby.

Saddle hold

In this position, the baby sits facing his mother, straddling her leg, as a person sits in a saddle. The child sits straight up and nurses on the breast at the same side he is facing. The mother can support the child with either hand, using the remaining hand to help her chest, if needed.

The saddle hold is usually best for older babies, though sometimes a seat or straddle hold is best for a younger or smaller child. If your child suffers from reflux or has other oral difficulties, this might be a good hold to try. The younger the child, the more support you will need to give to achieve the optimal saddle hold position.

Semirecumbent

This post is comfortable. The mother only props a couple of pillows under her head and upper back and reclines backward. The baby is placed heart to heart and is allowed to decide which side to choose and how to nurse. Of course, the mother can guide the child if necessary. However, this will allow the child to lead when it comes to latch, helping only when needed.

The semirecumbent position is perfect for babies who are small, for mothers who have larger breasts that seem to overwhelm babies, for children who are having latch difficulties, or when forceful letdown or overactive milk ejection reflex is present.

Breastfeeding positions are as unique as you and your baby are unique. Every breastfeeding duo has a particular nursing position that works for them. The suggestions that breastfeeding professionals and other mothers might give you are great ways to get started. Just remember that as you and your baby learn to nurse, feel free to alter the positions and do what feels right for you both.

Advice for new mom: Natural breastfeeding positions for newborns

The Best sellers breast pump reviews

Expressing milk with a breast pump is excellent for stimulating milk production. Each breast produces more milk and it’s richer, creamier and more nutritious. All pumps work by suction, but some are manual and others electric. The operation varies from brand to brand so follow the manufacturer’s instructions. , see  5 Amazon Best Sellers in Breast Pump Reviews.

The Best sellers breast pump reviews

1.Medela Harmony Manual Breast pump reviews

“A single, manual breastpump designed for occasional time away from baby.”

The newest technology in an easy-to-use manual pump.Preferred by 9 out of 10 moms over other manual pumps.Lightweight and portable for on-the-go pumping.More milk in less time with 2-Phase Expression technology. Medela’s primary focus is breastfeeding – by helping moms to successfully breastfeed their babies and to do so for as long as they choose.

See Product Details : Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

2.Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast pump Starter Set-Model # 57081

• Made in USA or Imported


• Built in bottle holders to help prevent spills


• Can be plugged in or run on AA batteries


• 2 phase expression technology with one touch let down button


• Built-in bottle holders to help prevent spills


• 2-phase expression technology with one-touch let-down button

Pump in style advanced is a daily use breast pump designed for moms who pump several times a day.Includes tote bag with integrated motor unit, AC adaptor, battery pack, insulated cooler bag and ice pack, 5 ounce breast milk bottles, 24 mm breast shields, PersonalFit connectors, valves, tubing and instructions.The Medela Pump In Style Advanced Starter (model 57081) also has fully adjustable vacuum/speed setting to allow the user to customize the best pumping experience!

 

See Product Details : Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast pump Starter Set-Model # 57081

3. Philips Avent Manual Comfort breast pump reviews

The Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump has a unique design that enables a more relaxing and comfortable expressing position for easier milk flow. This BPA free manual pump is great for moms who want to pump either at home or on the go. It features a soft, textured massage cushion to help gently stimulate milk flow, an ergonomic handle you can operate with one hand, and a lightweight, compact design. Key Features: Allows you to sit comfortably upright while you pump.

The Philips AVENT Comfort Manual Breast Pump has a unique design that enables a more relaxing and comfortable expressing position for easier milk flow. This BPA free manual pump is great for moms who want to pump either at home or on the go. It features a soft, textured massage cushion to help gently stimulate milk flow, an ergonomic handle you can operate with one hand, and a lightweight, compact design.

See Product Details : Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump

4.Spectra Baby USA S2 Double/Single breast pump reviews, 3.3 Pound

The S2 boasts so many great features and is designed to truly meet the needs of moms wanting to feel confident that they have an effective, powerful breast pump to support supply while also incorporating features to make life a little easier. Like all Spectra pumps, the S2 is a closed system – a physical barrier between the milk and the pump ensures hygiene and motor performance. The S2 is intended to rival the Medela Symphony, and even surpass it with some of its innovative features designed to make life easier for moms.

The S2 is hospital grade – strong and efficient enough to support milk supply. With a maximum suction strength of 300mmHg and the ability to be used as a single or double pump. Completely flexible, touch button with the S2 pump’s digital controls.

These allow you to set the pumping program to the speed and rhythm most effective for your body. The pump will start in ‘massage mode’, a short, shallow mode designed to stimulate your body’s letdown reflex (start the milk flowing) just like how your baby tells your body to start milk flow. The pump will then switch to expression mode, a deeper, slower pattern of suction which mimics how your baby nurses when the milk is flowing. For women who find it hard to get a letdown when pumping, this feature really helps – switch back and forth as needed. The suction is also adjustable whether in let-down or expression mode.

Includes a timer and nightlight. This pump is also NEARLY silent… You can see on the picture that you can adjust both cycle (how often the pump ‘sucks’) and vacuum (the strength of the suction) easily, and the digital display allows you to see your program at a glance. If item has been opened and/or used it is non-returnable due to health and sanitation as these are considered single person use items. For product issues please contact the seller directly and you purchased pump from.

See Product Details :Spectra Baby USA S2 Double/Single Breast Pump, 3.3 Pound

5. Philips AVENT Double Electric Comfort breast pump reviews, 2015 Version

Philips AVENT comfort double electric breast pump helps you save time and lets your baby enjoy the benefits of breast milk. Unlike breast pumps that only operate properly when you lean forward, the Philips AVENT double electric breast pump allows you to sit comfortably upright as you pump because the pump’s angled neck lets milk flow naturally from breast to bottle.

The pump also has a unique, soft cushion with 5 massaging petals that help gently stimulate milk flow by mimicking your baby’s natural suckling patterns. The breast pump is simple to use, with only a few lightweight parts that are easily assembled. Parts are dishwasher safe and can be sterilized for easy cleaning. It includes the natural bottle and nipple for easier latch-on and transition between breast and bottle feeding. The Philips AVENT comfort double electric breast pump is backed by a 2-year warranty.

 

See Product Details :Philips AVENT Double Electric Comfort Breast Pump, 2015 Version

The Best sellers breast pump reviews

Head lice facts : How to recognize head lice?

Head lice facts : How to recognize head lice?
Head lice facts: Lice, what a nightmare! Just a child comes to school with and is panic throughout the property. Also, prevention is better in school if their child is a carrier and take steps to prevent it from sharing them with everyone.However, still, have to know how to spot them. This is ...
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Head lice facts : How to recognize head lice?

Easy dinner ideas for picky kids

One of the greatest problems with a picky eater tends to be main meals. You may be able to get your child to eat a snack or side item, but chowing down on a main meal seems like a distant dream. The dishes in this section may help your finicky eater be more interested in taking a bite out of his picky eating.

Easy dinner ideas for picky kids

Sauteed Hamburger with Zucchini and Squash

We love any sautéed food and for good reason. Sautéed foods simply have a different flavor than foods cooked in other ways. If you can introduce your selective eater to sautéed veggies, he’s more likely to eat them once he acquires the taste. This simple hamburger and veggie mix is one that you may have luck getting your kids to eat.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Yield: Seven 1⁄2-cup servings

1 teaspoon garlic1 pound hamburger meat

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Olive oil

1 medium yellow squash, finely sliced

Medium zucchini, finely sliced

Salt to taste

1.  In a medium saucepan, brown the hamburger meat. When the meat is near completion, add garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir well. Set aside.


2. Lightly oil the bottom of a frying pan with olive oil. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, and sauté the squash and zucchini until slightly brown.


3. In a serving dish, mix the meat with the veggies. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and toss well. Salt to taste and serve.

 

Picky Eater Spaghetti

Easy dinner ideas for picky kids

Kids often eat pasta dishes even when they reject every other food. So, as the parent of a picky eater, you can take advantage of that fact with this spaghetti. This recipe is easy to make and makes a lot of food, but it freezes well so you can easily keep it on hand.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Yield: Seven 1-cup servings

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon garlic salt

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Olive oil

4-ounce can mushrooms, sliced

1 carrot, thinly sliced

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced

26-ounce jar plain spaghetti sauce

1-pound box spaghetti, any variety, cooked

1.  In a medium saucepan, brown the hamburger meat. Drain the excess fat. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir well and set aside.


2. Lightly coat the bottom of a large frying pan with olive oil. Sauté the mushrooms, carrot, and zucchini together until they turn slightly brown, about 7 minutes.


3. Add the spaghetti sauce to the frying pan and stir. Add the hamburger meat. Stir well, and after the mixture is hot and bubbly, remove from the heat.


4.  In a large bowl, stir together the sauce mixture and the pasta. Serve.

Chicken Whips

This recipe combines chicken pieces, veggies, and mushroom soup in mashed potatoes for a delicious “pie.” Consider having your child help make this dish. Chicken Whips freeze well for later use.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Tools: Custard cups

Yield: 7 servings

Cooking spray

16-ounce package frozen mixed vegetables

2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed

10 1⁄2-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup

1⁄4 pound shredded American cheese (about 1⁄2 cup)

2 1⁄2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (can be instant)

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.


2. Spray the custard cups with nonstick cooking spray and place on a cookie sheet.


3. Prepare the mixed vegetables according to the package directions. Mix the veggies, chicken, soup, and cheese in a large bowl.


4. Spoon the mixture evenly into custard cups (about 3⁄4 cup per custard cup) and top with mashed potatoes (about 1⁄2 cup per custard cup).


5. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

 

Homemade Fish Sticks

Picky eaters often reduce themselves to eating only a few items, and fish sticks tend to be one of those items. You can replace the store-bought frozen box of fish sticks with this homemade, healthy version and feel good about your child’s fixation on them. (You can also freeze your healthy sticks for a quick meal later.)

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 8 to 10 minutes

Yield: 5 servings (2 fish sticks per serving)

1 1⁄3 pound fresh cod

1⁄3 cup whole milk

1⁄2 cup cornflakes

1⁄2 cup dry breadcrumbs

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Olive oil for cooking

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.


2. Cut the cod into strips, roughly 4 inches long by 1⁄2 inch thick. Soak the strips in the milk.


3. In a food processor, mix the cornflakes, breadcrumbs, and salt. Dump the processed mixture in a bowl, and roll the fish strips in the mixture.


4. Place strips on a lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until crispy and firm.

 

Hidden Treasure Mac and Cheese

Vegetables are one of the biggest problems with picky children — they tend to avoid those veggies like the plague! However, even the pickier children typically eat mac and cheese — and this recipe hides the veggies. Shhhh! Don’t tell!

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Yield: Six 1⁄2-cup servings

 

7 1⁄4-ounce box macaroni and cheese, any variety

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

1.  Cook the mac and cheese according to the package directions.


2. While the mac and cheese is cooking, cook the mixed vegetables on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook.


3. Stir mac and cheese and vegetables together and serve warm.

 

Breadsticks and Homemade Pizza Sauce

Children often like meals where they can dip their food. This quick recipe is sure to be a hit. You may also use this recipe to serve as a side dish to go along with any Italian meal.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Yield: Breadsticks: About 7 servings (2 sticks per serving); Sauce: Eight 1⁄4-cup servings

6-ounce can tomato paste

8-ounce can tomato sauce

1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano

1⁄4 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1⁄2 teaspoon garlic salt

1⁄4 cup grated, fresh Parmesan cheese

1⁄4 teaspoon minced fresh parsley

3 tablespoons butter

1 loaf French bread

1.  In a large saucepan, mix tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, brown sugar, minced garlic, garlic salt, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Heat the mixture on the stove until it’s warm. Set aside and serve as dip.


2. Melt the butter and brush it on the bread. Place the bread on a baking tray, and brown the French bread in a toaster oven. After the bread has browned, slice it into sticks.

Easy dinner ideas for picky kids