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Why Some Parents Have Made The Switch To Infant Goat Milk Formula

goat milk, baby milk , switching from formula

Goat milk formulas are emerging on the scene in a big way. While less common than the standard cow’s milk-based preparations, you can now find goat’s milk formulas in supermarkets and online storefronts around the world. More people are exploring this interesting new option for infant nutrition and the formula industry is taking notice.

Looking at the benefits of infant goat milk formula, it is not hard to see why many parents are making the switch to this nutrient-dense alternative. However, for those new to the world of alternative formulas, or infant formulas in general, this trend might seem a bit confusing. While you should always be looking for the best nutrition options for your child, knowing about the available options is just as important.

To provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision, let’s look at some of the specific reasons why some parents are making the switch to goat milk formula.

 

Distinct Nutritional Profile

While cow’s milk does contain a complete and balanced nutritional profile, goat’s milk is more suitable for some infants due to its own distinct blend and balance of ingredients. For example, goat’s milk contains many vitamins and minerals in greater concentrations than cow’s milk. For those infants who struggle with deficiencies of these substances, it might be worthwhile to switch up the conventional cow’s milk blend once in a while, or permanently, for a goat’s milk formula.

These substances include selenium, vitamin A, and niacin, all essential building blocks for growing infants and toddlers. These minerals and vitamins boost brain development and keep your child’s immune system in top shape. Goat’s milk preparations also contain thirty per cent more magnesium than cow’s milk preparations. Vitamin C is also much more prevalent in goat’s milk formula than in cow’s milk formula.

When it comes to balance, goat’s milk formulas may not be as ideal as cow’s milk preparations. However, thanks to the wonders of modern chemistry, goat’s milk formulas are usually fortified with extra amounts of the minerals and nutrients that it lacks. These include iron and vitamin B12.

goat milk for babies

Build Gut Health

Gut health is an increasingly popular topic for new parents. Medical science has established a robust connection between healthy gut flora and positive well-being. These benefits carry over into physical resilience as well as mental health and mood.

Incredibly, goat’s milk formulas are an abundant source of pre and probiotics. These are essential substances that bolster the gut flora in the human body. If you want your child to have a robust immune system that will enable them to fight off pathogens and beat major diseases before they develop, then you might try starting them on goat’s milk formula right away.

goat milk for babies

Ideal For Sensitive Stomachs

The digestive system of your young child is still developing. Many babies and toddlers find that cow’s milk formulas are too difficult to digest and cause them pain and stomach discomfort. In some cases, this can also be caused by lactose intolerance.

Goat’s milk is a great solution to this problem. Though it also contains lactose, it is much less prevalent than in cow’s milk. Goat’s milk formulas are primarily composed of casein, which is much easier to digest than lactose. It is worth trying out if your infant is struggling with a standard formula.

 

Ask Your Doctor Before Making A Decision

With any changes to your infant’s diet, make sure to consult a physician. They will be able to direct you as to what your child needs to thrive and whether the product you have chosen is right for your child.

baby, goat's milk
This is a collaborative post. The ideas and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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Best Classic & Retro Toys For Kids

Social media feeds are filled with posts from desperate parents looking for the latest toy fad their kids have to have, and is impossible to find. Why not go the other direction and take a stroll down memory lane? The very same toys you and the generations before you enjoyed, continue to delight kids today! Let’s take a look at some of the best classic toys.

blocks, toys

You might think of shopping Amazon for the season’s hottest toys, but they also have a large inventory of the top classic toys. Who can forget the appeal of Mr. Potato Head?

Mr. Potato Head

I still remember where I got mine, and how it was one of my favorite toys. The spud is still a hot potato today. Today there are larger sets, a wife, kids and even Marvel Potato Head sets that add to the staying power of this creative toy.

Marvel Potato Head

 

For little ones who are just starting to walk the Fisher Price Corn Popper with it’s popping balls and fun sounds entertain and encourage walking, as well as counting and visual tracking. This classic has been a hit with toddlers for years.

The Chatter Telephone was introduced by Fisher Price in 1961. The ringing rotary dial and friendly interactive design make it the ultimate pretend play toy decades later. I remember my Chatter Telephone that I had as a child, and it was a favorite of mine. My kids had their own and loved it just as much as I did. With eyes that roll up and down, it is funny to think we had an Eye Phone way before Apple was even a company.

fisher price chatter telephone

The Fisher Price Music Box Record Player was another favorite of my childhood, and one my children love as well. This iconic, musical toy has been a hit since it was introduced in 1971. Record player includes 5 playable records and is a great take-a-long toy thanks to the convenient handle.

fisher price record player

The next toy was one of my absolute favorites, I loved it so much I still have mine! My kids were big fans of the Pull-A-Tune Xylophone as much as their mother. With two ways to make music, this is a budding musicians delight. Tap the color bars with the attached mallet or pull it to hear a happy tune.

fisher price xylophone

What child does not love blocks? Amazon has so many different kind of blocks to choose from but one kind that I remember fondly as a child and my kids love today are the wooden ABC blocks.

Browsing Amazon , I found so many classic toys that are as perfect today as they were decades ago. Who didn’t love playing with the Magic Screen Etch A Sketch growing up? Today’s kids will enjoy it just as much!

etch a sketch

The Spirograph Deluxe Design Set is still going strong. First introduced in 1965, the distinctive wheels and rings of the Spirograph cleverly combine the principles of art and mathematics in a way that has inspired and captivated generations.

spirograph deluxe design set

Monopoly is definitely a board game classic! The appeal of building a fortune buying, selling and trading the world’s most favorite properties never goes out of style!

Another toy standing the test of time is LEGO Building Bricks. These creative building blocks let kids design and build whatever their imagination desires.

Lego Classic Blocks

Play-Doh is another creative toy that has kept generations of kids entertained. There are more fun accessories than ever before! Who can forget the thrill and then smell of opening a brand new can of Play-Doh?

Amazingly Barbie, looks as youthful today as when she was introduced in 1959. No matter her real age, the iconic doll shows no signs of slowing down or retiring.

Barbie Do

My kids love wagons, let’s face it, most kids do. A wagon has so many uses and really seems to be a childhood favorite of many. What child would not want to find the Classic Radio Flyer Red Wagon under the tree on Christmas morning?

radio flyer wagon

Let’s not forget the classic baby doll. While there are many dolls that do all sorts of things, the classic baby doll has lasting appeal for kids.

Classic Baby Doll

There is a reason these toys are as popular today as when they were introduced. They have staying power that lasts long after the tree and the decorations have been put away.


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Baby Code! Board Book Set Giveaway

Do you know Baby Code? If not, you can learn with this set of four new adorable board books. The Baby Code! board books by Sandra Horning are illustrated by Melissa Crowton.

Perfect for the littlest hands, the BABY CODE! board books show the youngest readers that coding is all around them, and how they can take part in it. Making use of experiences common in a baby’s world, like holding a teddy bear or playing with an electric train, these charming board books full of bright, colorful illustrations are the perfect introduction to coding in many different forms.

The first book, BABY CODE! introduces coding in relation to everyday objects like a dog or phone, while BABY CODE! ART, BABY CODE! MUSIC, and BABY CODE! PLAY tie in the earliest experiences—like hearing a melody or playing on a swing. The sweet board books also feature real code, encouraging parents and children alike to be actively involved in technology from the very youngest

These books are so cute and fun to read to little ones. You don’t need to fear ripped pages from overzealous little hands, because the sturdy board book pages stand up to even not-so-gentle babies and toddlers. Great to take along in a diaper bag to entertain while eating out or traveling.

Giveaway:

Penguin Young Readers is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own Baby Code! Set of Board Books! Thank you To Penguin Young Readers for the review set and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to U.S. Residents.

Baby Code! Board Book Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Discover A Better Baby Wedge Pillow and Save 20%

New parents have so much to cope with, especially first time parents. Going from none to one or maybe even 2 or 3, in the event of multiples, is a huge adjustment. Things can be tough, but when the baby also has reflux, it can be scary for parents and uncomfortable for baby.

If you have a baby with reflux or one that dramatically spits-up, you might find some relief with the DaffaDoot Baby Reflux Wedge Pillow. This wedge shaped pillow is made to gently elevate baby’s head and torso, which helps to alleviate discomfort due to frequent stomach acid or spitting-up. We all know a happy baby equals happy parents.

What Makes The DaffaDoot Reflux Wedge Pillow Better:

Many baby pillow wedges are foldable, which means that they are actually made of two smaller wedge shaped pieces held together with a cover. In other words, the pillow has a split and can gap under baby.

Foldable wedge pillows are marketed as “convenient to store”, but what good is that when that feature degrades its performance? It is much better to have a wedge that focuses on performance, instead of easy storage.

In addition, foldable wedges are more likely to shift around due to their 2-piece design. The DaffaDoot wedge is a single, stable, correctly sized pillow with a non-skid bottom and a hypoallergenic, waterproof casing. The zipper is at the back of the wedge (to keep it well away from baby) and DaffaDoot’s foam is the perfect firmness (not too soft, not too hard).

The pillow meets and exceeds federal safety regulations. These regulations dictate that the wedge must extend the entire width of the crib mattress (27″). Anything else is not snug enough. DaffaDoot uses an eco-friendly zippered bag to package their wedge. This  bag can be used to store your wedge down the road, or as a blanket bag today.

About DaffaDoot:

DaffaDoot is all about family values, and they are on a mission to improve the lives of everyone they can reach. Founded by a Mother/Daughter team, they proudly donate their time and money to numerous organizations supporting pregnant moms-to-be, new parents, battered women, and school age children. They are insanely committed to providing the best customer service on the planet and delivering only the highest quality products available.

Mommy Ramblings’ readers can get a 20% discount on all orders using the Promo Code HWBLFYLE when purchasing the Wedge Pillow or DaffaDoot’s Auto Seat Protector or Car Mirror on Amazon.

Let me know what you think of DaffaDoot’s baby products


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“Guess How Much I Love You” Baby Milestones Gift Set #Giveaway

I don’t believe it is a secret that we are a book loving family.  I love reading aloud to my kids. I love it so much, I even read to them in utero. There are some books that have never lost their appeal from my oldest to my youngest, they are timeless classics like, Guess How Much I Love You. 

The love expressed between Big and Little Nutbrown Hare, is one that parents know well. The book is so sweet, and I have loved sharing it with my children over the years.

I think it makes the perfect baby shower gift and this time of year it is a great pick for baby’s first Easter. What could be better?

Believe it or not, it does get better, because it is available in an adorable gift set called Baby Milestone Moments. This super sweet gift set pairs a Guess How Much I Love You  board book with a set of beautifully designed milestone cards!

How cute is this set? Reading Guess How Much I Love You with a little one is always a memory in the making. Now, the enchanting art of this perennial family classic can play a unique part in remembering  baby’s first months and years. Parents and caregivers can capture special moments by taking photos of their child with the appropriate milestone cards. 

Giveaway

Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Two lucky blog readers will win their own Guess How Much I Love You, Baby Milestone Moments Board Book & Card Set! Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review set and for sponsoring this special giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

Guess How Much I Love You, Baby Milestone Moments: Board Book & Cards Gift Set Giveaway Rules:

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If you are interested in receiving a set for review and/or giveaway, please respond to this e-mail by 2/1.

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Classic Heirloom Style for Babies & Toddlers For 100 Years and Counting

They say good taste never goes out of style. I have always loved dressing my babies and toddlers in classic, smocked clothing. One name that has been my go to brand is, Feltman Brothers. They have been around for 100 years and counting for good reason.

Their clothing is quality made, I still have some of the Friedknit and smocked outfits and dresses from my oldest children, and they still look great. They make the kind of heirloom clothing, that can be passed down from one generation to the next, with hand embroidery and smocking that is beyond beautiful.

The timeless style is a favorite to wear for portraits and photographers, even hobby photographers, like myself, love taking photos of children wearing their clothing. I loved dressing up my kids in their smocked dresses, smocked shortalls, sailor suits and more. Nothing has changed, they are still my favorite brand for beautiful children’s clothing, that creates those picture perfect memories.

This year’s holiday collection is white and wonderful. I especially love the Short Sleeve Holiday Pearl Flower Bishop Dress. The dress features hand embroidered flowers and leaves all over the dress, on the cuffs, collar and hem.

The smocking features flowers, pearls and bullions in traditional holiday colors. Dreamy feather stitching lines the neck of the dress and is in a beautiful scalloped design along the bottom. This dress is everything you would expect from Feltman Brothers, the quality is second to none.

Bonnets seem so hard to find these days and it is a shame because they look so beautiful on baby girls. At Feltman Brothers you can find the Holiday Smocked Bonnet that is available in a range of sizes up to 24 months.

For little boys their holiday creepers, Bobby Suits and longalls are reminiscent of yesteryear and look absolutely adorable with hand smocking and embroidery.

How cute is the Tree Bubble Romper for baby girls? I just love this look with its beautiful hand embroidery and smocking.

The Holiday Knit Longall will keep even the newest babies, looking festive and keep them warm.

If you love dressing babies and toddlers in heirloom clothing, you need to check out Feltman Brothers. They have clothing for all occasions and even have an outlet shop on their website where you can score some good deals on their quality designs. Let me know if you love their clothing as much as I do.

 


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“Love You Always” Blog Tour & Picture Book #Giveaway

One of the most important messages for a child to understand, is that no matter what, they cannot lose the love of their family. It does not matter if they are angry, mad, sad or downright bad, their parents love is unconditional.

Eileen Spinelli’s new picture book, Love You Always does just that. Actually, it takes it a step further and shows how grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, cousin and friend will also love them unconditionally.

This book has a dedication page where you can write the child’s name and a message, making it a perfect gift for a new baby. As a bedtime story, this book is wonderful for lulling them to sleep with a tale of never ending love. It makes them feel secure and of course, loved.

We have a special treat, you can enter below to win a copy of this heartwarming book.

Giveaway:

Worthy Publishing is sponsoring this giveaway. One lucky Mommy Ramblings’ reader will win Love You Always Picture Book ! Thank you Worth Publishing for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Love You Always Picture Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Share Your Photo #Fail with MAM #Giveaway

As a hobby photographer and mother of five, I have had more than my share of  photo sessions that have turned out less than stellar. Let’s be honest, they were total photo fails. You get this picture in your head, buy the perfect props, have everything set up, and then, the kids are tired, cranky or just not in the mood. We have all been there! Why not shed some humor on those moments to make us all feel better.

What does your funniest photo #fail look like? Does your child have their fingers up their nose, are they crying hysterically, did they spit up all over their picture-perfect outfit?

Share For A Chance To Win

If you have hilarious photo fails, you can share them with MAM and they will select three winners for their funniest #fail photo contest. Each winner will win a $100 prepaid card and a $100 pack of MAM goodies.

So, dig through those photos and enter HERE!  The Sweepstakes begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on 9/8/17 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT on 9/29/17 (the “Entry Period”). Here is one of my #Fails, even the dog was unimpressed.

Giveaway

Today is your lucky day because not only can you enter to win in MAM’s Photo #Fail Contest, you can enter right here to win a $30 Assortment of MAM Products. Thank you to MAM for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents in the contiguous 48 states. Good Luck!!!

MAM $30 Assortment of Products Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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God Our Maker Board Books Blog Tour & #Giveaway #BabyBibleBooks #WorthyKidsIdeals

I have always loved reading to my kids, I loved it so much, I read to them in utero. It is so much fun to share colorful board books with even our youngest babies. It really tunes them into the love of reading as well as being a special time to share together.

Author, Gary Bower, fell in love with picture books at an early age on his mother’s lap. As he grew, he entertained himself writing his own stories, jokes, poems and skits. As an adult, his years of professional and volunteer experience ministering to children and teens, combined with thousands of story nights with his twelve children, have helped him polish his storytelling skills.

Gary’s board books, “God Paints The World” and “God Loves The World” are delightful books to read with children and they are sturdy to hold up to little hands. These books introduce even the littlest ones to God’s love and the beauty in the world he created. They make a beautiful gift to give to a new baby, Christening gift or baby shower gift.

About the Books:

God Paints the World takes children on a tour of God’s colorful creation. Each spread groups nature’s animals and objects by color, such as yellow dandelions, a shining sun, and chirping finches; and brown squirrels, trees, and crunchy nuts. Parents will love this early concept board book that teaches little ones about colors and the God who created them.

God Loves the World teaches little ones that God’s children are very diverse, and very, very, loved. Regardless of their shapes and sizes, colors and ages, interests and abilities—God cares for and loves each of his wonderfully unique children. Parents and little ones will love the book’s bright illustrations and inclusive message: “God loves all so very much!”

Giveaway:

Worthy Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win both of these books! Thank you to Worthy Publishing for the review books and for sponsoring this inspirational giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US Residents in the contiguous 48 states.

God Paints The World and God Loves The World Board Book Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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The Struggle Is Real: Overcoming the Obstacle of Infertility

This is a sponsored guest post and does not necessarily represent the views of Mommy Ramblings.

Many couples assume that when they are ready to start a family, getting pregnant will be easy. In fact, most put more focus on preventing a pregnancy before they are ready. So, when the time comes to start trying, it can be an unpleasant surprise if the pregnancy tests continuously come up negative. You may try different remedies and still get the same disappointing result.

But if you begin to think that you may not be able to get pregnant on your own, and have your suspicions confirmed by a doctor, you’ll find you still have donation options that can help you achieve your dream of parenthood.

Let’s take a closer look at infertility and how donor eggs can help.

The Struggle with Infertility

There’s an entire spectrum of emotion that comes with the news that you’re unlikely to conceive a baby naturally. Like any loss, a loss of fertility comes with stages of grief that include shock, depression, and anger. It’s completely normal to wonder, ‘why me?’ and to feel alone, isolated, and like you have failed at something. There’s the strain it can put on your relationship and the unspeakable questions of blame. It’s important to work through all of these feelings and to have open, honest discussions with your partner and possibly even a therapist.

The reality is that infertility is not uncommon. In fact, after age 30, the average woman’s chances of getting pregnant declines quite rapidly, and by age 40 she has only a 5% chance of pregnancy per cycle – that’s 15% less than the average 30-year-old. While you might feel frustrated at the prospect of undertaking an alternative conception method – and undergoing invasive procedures – you can feel reassured that, thanks to significant advances to fertility medicine over the past few decades, you can greatly raise your chances for success. Egg donation in particular accounts for over 8000 babies born in the USA every year.

Using Donor Eggs as a Solution

When is egg donation commonly looked to as a solution? A few common scenarios include intended mothers over the age of 40 who are having problems conceiving naturally, women who have had repeat miscarriages due to unviable eggs, premature ovarian failure, women who have gone through cancer treatment, or women who carry a genetic disease that they would rather not pass on to a child.

How it Works

  •         The first step is to browse through the available donors at a donor bank and to choose the one that is the best fit for you.
  •         If you opt for fresh donor eggs, you will be required to take fertility supplements to sync your menstrual cycle with that of the donor.
  •         Once you’re in sync or if you opt for frozen eggs, estrogen supplements are provided to thicken the lining of the uterus in order to maximize the                       chances of implantation.
  •         If you chose frozen eggs, the egg will be thawed.
  •         The egg will then be fertilized with a partner’s or donor’s sperm.
  •         The embryo that develops is implanted into your uterus.
  •         After implantation, you will return after about two weeks to take a pregnancy test.
  •         On each cycle, there is roughly a 50/50 chance that pregnancy will occur. If it does, post implantation check-ups are standard and your pregnancy will           be monitored closely.

Are Donor Eggs Right for You?

Choosing to use donor eggs to get pregnant is a big decision. It is one that may enable you to bring the child you and your partner desire into the world. However, there are other important factors to consider, such as having a child with genetic material from another person and how that information will be shared with the child. Many face anxiety about what their friends or family will think. All of these considerations should be weighed and talked about to decide if this route is the right one for your situation.

At the end of the day, donor eggs do give those who are struggling with infertility a potential road to parenthood.


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