Homemaking bread

We tried to introduce bread to YS, only to find that the bread sold in local supermarkets or chain bread shops all contains preservatives (as shown in the packages) and many many other additives.

Neither do we know any reliable local shops.

Food additives (in particular preservatives) can make children more susceptible to ADHD....Ascorbic acid (E300) as antioxidant and preservative may be OK, but not things like E927(a) (Azodicarbonamide), E282 (Calcium propionate), etc..

Finally we have decided to buy a bread machine. So, we can skip cow milk powder (allergen) (we use oat milk powder instead) and of course there is no more preservative problem and we can monitor the salt level too.

On that day ... at 8:00 am we brougt YS to the kitchen, and let him watch how we shaked the loaf of wholegrain rye bread out and sliced it. Then we offered him a little bread to see his reaction ... his first bread in his life ... his eyes were shining! We immediately put him in the highchair and ate together!

We have made our breads several times since then, and served them as breakfast. YS loved our breads so much that he kept on asking more of them, whether it's with butter, nut butter or just plain!

Nothing comparable to the joy of watching a baby eating and loving good food, esp when the food is home-made.

Re: Helping baby adjust to Mei tei wrap

Just like using the sling, I've found that my action has to be quick when using a mei tai, before DS becomes impatient.

I have used the sling since the 2nd month, and the MT since the 4th month. I am still using both.

To the contrary, DS likes the MT quite tight (snug fit). If it is too loose (e.g. so low that his bottom is below my tummy) he will fuss. Tightness seems to give him security. If it is too tight DS will let me know, so I am not afraid if I have squished him.

My trick: when DS starts to fuss, I make a few bounces and cheer him up. It usually works.

Re: Self feeding with drinking water?

We have given DS a sippy cup (with a hard spout, no valve, 2 ears) since the 4th month, because he resisted the bottle and DW was going back to work. He (tomorrow 9m) uses it very well since 6~7m (unaided)! I give him the cup after every meal or snack of solids to help clean the teeth and prevent constipation. He loves drinking just plain water (in fact, this is often a good way to prevent him from getting bored when sitting at the table)!

I think practice can make perfect.

Preloaded Chopsticks

DS (tomorrow 9m) never allows us to spoon-feed him since day 1 (6m) of starting solids. He is also not very keen on using a spoon. However, recently we've found that if I use a pair of chopsticks and hold some rice in front of him (and say, "Do you want rice?"), he wil grasp the chopstickes (while I am still holding them in position) and quickly (yes very quickly ) put the ends into his open mouth. In this way, he can feed himself 7~8 very small lumps of rice each lunch (total volume not exceeding one level tablespoon I think) before he stops.

I have restrained myself from putting the chopsticks directly into his mouth. If DS doesn't grasp the chopsticks himself and open his mouth for the rice, I will move the chopsticks away. I have also tried to tell him this is "rice" each time (though I don't know if he understands!). So far rice is the only food I've held for him in this way.

I guess it's because he knows that spoon is not our usual "cutlery", but chopsticks are (Ms. Rapley doesn't mention this cultural difference in her book :-).

So just as many people use preloaded spoons, I use "preloaded chopsticks". But, since I am holding them for him, do you think I am still violating the principle of BLW?

Re: why does she cry for DH??

After being a SAHD for a while I feel that the role can be no less socially isolated and unrecognized than many SAHM (well, at least there is no KellyDad forum :-). It can be very frustrating experience when things not go smooth. Too many frustrations can turn into anger. When I suggested DHs "be forgiving" in my first response, what I meant was not just "to their los", but also "to themselves".

Why does she cry for DH??

I am a SAHD. My DS (now 8 months) is also a high-need spirited (intense, sensitive and energetic) baby. I have never been successful to bottlefeed him (maybe I haven't tried enough), and he also resists spoon-feeding when now it is time for introducing solids. You may search my previous posts on this forum to know the difficulties I have encountered previously.

From day 1 I have shared parenting responsibilities with my DW, and I have become the main caregiver when my DW went back to work in the 5th month. I wear DS almost everyday for hours since his 2nd month, and DS naps excellently on my sling or mei tai (front-carry despite my thin chest). Despite the fact that DS should have developed a more solid relationship with me, when his mother went back to work I also experienced some very hard time: DS refused to co-sleep with me (when both of us were really really tired), and he could cry in my arms for an hour non-stopped until his mother returned. I felt very incompetent then.

However, I think this tough moment has passed. Although DW is still DS's primary subject of attachment (DS becomes very excited whenever his mother returns, something that I can only be jealous :-), he is now quite content with me, incl. carrying, eating together, playing, learning new skills, soothing for comfort and napping (co-sleeping) together. Today I just told my DW that I think DS fusses less when only I am with him! :-)

So my advice to your DH is: don't give up! Just take a deep breath, relax and be patient and forgiving and understanding. The difficult time will pass. At the moment, I will suggest him just continue to wear her often (and go out for a good walk everyday!), and be nurturing as much as he can (but don't take it too personal if she still resists - she needs time to adapt)- your DD will appreciate the difference your DH brings with him/to her eventually and he will enjoy the rewards then.

(Also, I have deliberately memorised a repertoire of children's songs and sing to my DS many times everyday, for fun, for transiting to specific activities and for soothing, and he likes this very much. I hope this helps!)