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 Healthy foods and products for baby and pregnancy suggestions by pediatric experts
Date: March of Dimes Date: 06/16/08
Giving Your Baby a Healthy Start in Life
NEW YORK, N.Y., – Having a baby gives moms a whole new outlook on being eco-friendly. But choosing the best foods, clothing and
nontoxic products for pregnancy, babies and young children can be a source of anxiety for many women. Healthy foods and products for baby and pregnancy suggestions by pediatric experts
Experts
speaking today at a March of Dimes luncheon for reporters here, titled
“The Eco-Friendly Baby: Common Sense Guidelines for Mom,’’ helped
de-mystify the subject and provided tips to help moms become smart and
knowledgeable “green” consumers.
Alan
Greene, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and author of “Raising Baby Green: The
Earth Friendly Guide To Pregnancy, Childbirth and Baby Care’’; and Joel
Forman, MD, associate professor of Pediatrics and Community and
Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York,
answered some of the most frequently asked questions, including:
Is
organic food best for pregnant women? The most important consideration
for pregnant women and those thinking about becoming pregnant is
getting essential nutrients such as folic acid, calcium and a wide
variety of fruits, grains and vegetables in their diet. Dr. Greene
advises that women can reduce exposure to pesticides and other
contaminants by shopping wisely and choosing some organic products. He
believes it’s worth seeking out certain organic fruits and vegetables
such as apples, peaches and potatoes, as well as beef, milk and soy
products to avoid chemicals found in the conventional versions of those
items. He also urges women to cut back on processed foods.
What
about infant formulas and baby food? Dr. Forman says breastfeeding is
best for babies. When it’s time to switch to solid foods, Dr. Greene
says, go for organic whole grain cereals.
Are
some baby bottles safer than others? Recent studies show that plastics
made from certain chemicals (phthalates and bisphenol A or BPA) may
cause a risk to children’s health. Since research is still being done
on these chemicals, some parents have chosen to be cautious. Dr. Greene
says there are some things women can do:
Breastfeed their babies so they don’t have to use baby bottles;
Use baby bottles made of glass, polypropylene, or polyethylene;
Use baby products with labels that say they don’t contain BPA or phthalates.
What
about infant clothing and bedding? Actually the biggest problem new
parents have with baby clothes are that their infants grow so quickly
that they outgrow clothes before they’re even worn! So don’t buy too
many at once, or go green by seeking out hand-me-downs.
Dr.
Greene says a baby mattress made of organic materials is worth the
extra expense because the baby will lie so close to it everyday and
night for several years.
Which
are the safest health care products; laundry detergents, shampoos or
soaps? Organic shampoos have labels that are often misleading for
parents. As for soaps, any kind can irritate babies’ skin, so warm
water is usually just fine. There’s also no need to douse babies in
baby powder. Talc, in fact, is a known irritant for babies’ lungs.
What
is the best way to create a safe, eco-friendly nursery? Dr. Forman
advises families to avoid paints that contain high levels of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs). Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes are
now available from most major retailers.
Do
antibacterial wipes, soaps, and other products really fight germs? Our
experts say you don’t need antibacterial soaps and wipes. The excessive
use of antibacterial chemicals inhibits the development of our natural
resistance and can contribute to creating resistant bacteria.
The March of Dimes has a section on its Web site about how to create healthy environments for babies, at marchofdimes.com/green.
The
March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and
baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for
Babiessm, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by
preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the
latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or
nacersano.org.
www.HealthNewsDigest.com
Experts
speaking today at a March of Dimes luncheon for reporters here, titled
“The Eco-Friendly Baby: Common Sense Guidelines for Mom,’’ helped
de-mystify the subject and provided tips to help moms become smart and
knowledgeable “green” consumers.
Alan
Greene, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and author of “Raising Baby Green: The
Earth Friendly Guide To Pregnancy, Childbirth and Baby Care’’; and Joel
Forman, MD, associate professor of Pediatrics and Community and
Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York,
answered some of the most frequently asked questions, including:
Is
organic food best for pregnant women? The most important consideration
for pregnant women and those thinking about becoming pregnant is
getting essential nutrients such as folic acid, calcium and a wide
variety of fruits, grains and vegetables in their diet. Dr. Greene
advises that women can reduce exposure to pesticides and other
contaminants by shopping wisely and choosing some organic products. He
believes it’s worth seeking out certain organic fruits and vegetables
such as apples, peaches and potatoes, as well as beef, milk and soy
products to avoid chemicals found in the conventional versions of those
items. He also urges women to cut back on processed foods.
What
about infant formulas and baby food? Dr. Forman says breastfeeding is
best for babies. When it’s time to switch to solid foods, Dr. Greene
says, go for organic whole grain cereals.
Are
some baby bottles safer than others? Recent studies show that plastics
made from certain chemicals (phthalates and bisphenol A or BPA) may
cause a risk to children’s health. Since research is still being done
on these chemicals, some parents have chosen to be cautious. Dr. Greene
says there are some things women can do:
Breastfeed their babies so they don’t have to use baby bottles;
Use baby bottles made of glass, polypropylene, or polyethylene;
Use baby products with labels that say they don’t contain BPA or phthalates.
What
about infant clothing and bedding? Actually the biggest problem new
parents have with baby clothes are that their infants grow so quickly
that they outgrow clothes before they’re even worn! So don’t buy too
many at once, or go green by seeking out hand-me-downs.
Dr.
Greene says a baby mattress made of organic materials is worth the
extra expense because the baby will lie so close to it everyday and
night for several years.
Which
are the safest health care products; laundry detergents, shampoos or
soaps? Organic shampoos have labels that are often misleading for
parents. As for soaps, any kind can irritate babies’ skin, so warm
water is usually just fine. There’s also no need to douse babies in
baby powder. Talc, in fact, is a known irritant for babies’ lungs.
What
is the best way to create a safe, eco-friendly nursery? Dr. Forman
advises families to avoid paints that contain high levels of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs). Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes are
now available from most major retailers.
Do
antibacterial wipes, soaps, and other products really fight germs? Our
experts say you don’t need antibacterial soaps and wipes. The excessive
use of antibacterial chemicals inhibits the development of our natural
resistance and can contribute to creating resistant bacteria.
The March of Dimes has a section on its Web site about how to create healthy environments for babies, at marchofdimes.com/green.
The
March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and
baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for
Babiessm, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by
preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the
latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or
nacersano.org.
www.HealthNewsDigest.com
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