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Think of Others This Thanksgiving by Helping a Child In Need
In our August 2002 issue, Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger posed with New York City children who have benefited from the work of Help USA and The Fresh Air Fund, charities supported by the designers. For more information on these organizations, visit www.helpusa.org and www.freshair.org. Check out the sites below for information on volunteer and contribution opportunities for 10 other worthy charities that serve the needs of children.
www.bbbsa.orgBig Brothers Big Sisters of America establishes one-on-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers and children who are generally from single-parent families.
www.booksforkidsfoundation.orgThe Books for Kids Foundation promotes literacy, especially among young and disadvantaged children, by donating books, creating libraries, and supporting reading-initiative programs.
www.childrensdefense.orgWith the mantra “Leave No Child Behind,” the Children’s Defense Fund seeks to provide all children with a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start, and a moral start in life, as well as to educate the nation about the needs of children
The Children’s Miracle Network raises funds for and awareness of 170 childrens hospitals throughout the United States.
www.drawbridge.orgAn expressive arts program for homeless children, Drawbridge offers weekly classes that stimulate creativity and enthusiasm as well as offer comfort and stability to those who participate.
www.gktw.orgA nonprofit resort for children with life-threatening diseases, Give Kids the World grants the wish of a trip to the amusement park attractions of Central Florida.
http://www.believeintomorrow.org/Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation provides families with critically ill children incredible hospital and respite housing services to allow them to rejuvenate and reconnect while in the midst of a medical crisis.
www.firstbook.orgFirst Book provides children from low-income families the opportunity to receive, own, and read their first new books.
www.wish.orgThe Make-a-Wish Foundation brightens the lives of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses by granting their requests to visit a special place, meet an admired person, receive a longed-for gift, or fulfill a secret fantasy.
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Burgundy/Ivory Shantung and Tulle Flower Petal Dress [LTH341B] $59.95 – Sale price $47.96
Baby Boy’s Tuxedo with Color Change Vest & Clip-on Bowtie [LT7540] $74.95 Sale price $59.96
White Sleeveless Gathered Taffeta Dress with Color Change Sash [BL131W] $62.95 Sale price $50.36
Baby Boy’s Tuxedo with Color Change Vest & Clip-on Necktie [LT7550] $82.95 Sale price $66.36
Red Sleeveless Flocked Tulle Dress w/ Glitter [LTC819R] : $58.95 Sale price $47.16
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Must-Know Germ Fighters
Our experts share their top tips for protecting your little one from bad bugs.
Germ Paranoia
Most new moms and dads are paranoid about germs. And rightly so: Babies — especially newborns — have yet to build up their immunity to the viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. Still, it’s impossible to shield your child from all the bugs out there — and you’d drive yourself nuts trying. “Parents should use common sense: Keep the house clean, keep their baby away from anyone who is obviously sick, and stay up-to-date on immunizations,” says Philip M. Tierno Jr., Ph.D., director of clinical microbiology at New York University Medical Center and author of The Secret Life of Germs. Read on for more sanitary (and sanity-saving) rules every parent should know.
Keep Baby Close to You
The biggest danger to babies is other people’s hands,” says Ken Haller, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, in Missouri. In fact, more than 80 percent of germs are transmitted by touch. Ask anyone who wants to hold your baby to first wash her hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Because telling strangers to wash their hands isn’t practical or polite, it may be easier to say, “I’m sorry, but my baby gets sick very easily, so I don’t like too many people touching him.”
Stay Clear of Crowded Places
Experts agree that it’s a good idea to limit where you take your baby during his first weeks. While a stroll in the park is fine, a trip to the mall is not. That’s because newborns can easily pick up a bug when exposed to large numbers of people in a confined space. To be safe, keep her away from crowded places — especially those with lots of kids — for the first four to six weeks.
Place Formula in the Fridge
To keep freshly prepared formula from spoiling, never leave it unrefrigerated for more than an hour. Just-pumped breast milk, however, can be kept at room temperature for up to six hours, according to La Leche League International. Why the difference? Breast milk is loaded with antibodies and other substances that help keep bacteria at bay.
Wash Your Baby’s Clothes Separately
“Since family members’ clothes — especially underwear — may contain contaminants that could wind up on your baby’s sensitive skin, it’s best to do her laundry separately,” says Philip M. Tierno Jr., Ph.D., director of clinical microbiology at New York University Medical Center and author of The Secret Life of Germs. It’s also smart to occasionally run an empty cycle of bleach and hot water to kill bacteria that may be lurking in the machine.
Be Smart About Sterilizing
If pacifiers and bottles are brand-new, boil them before their first use. After that, wash them in the dishwasher or in warm, soapy water. Should you sterilize water for formula? “If your water comes from a municipal supply, unboiled tap water is fine — it’s rigorously tested and monitored,” says Roy Benaroch, M.D., assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Emory University, in Atlanta. If your water comes from a well, have it tested for fecal contamination, nitrates, and heavy metals. Depending on the results, it may be best to boil it or even to use bottled water.
Throw Out Unfinished Milk or Formula
Whether you feed your baby breast milk or formula, throw out any leftovers as bacteria and digestive enzymes from a baby’s saliva can backwash into the bottle and cause contamination. The same goes for baby food: Bacteria from a used spoon can taint what’s in the jar. So if you’re not going to use the whole thing, put just the portion you’ll need in a bowl.
Healthy Snacks Kids (and Moms) Love
Kids love to snack, and you can sneak a lot of power into those mini meals; try our Super Smoothie with vanilla nonfat yogurt, banana, frozen strawberries, and OJ. Canned sweet potatoes boost our Yam and Jam Muffins. Berry Yogurt Pops add a helping of pears. Did we mention these snacks are good for moms, too? Yum!
Fruit Smoothie
Give them a superhero pick-me-up with this power food smoothie that’s high in vitamins, potassium, fiber, protein, and calcium.
- 1 container (8 ounces) vanilla-flavored nonfat yogurt
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 cup frozen strawberries or peaches
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Yam and Jam MuffinsCanned sweet potatoes are the secret ingredient in these sweet and spicy low-fat muffins kids will love.
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 of a 17-ounce can sweet potatoes, drained (about 1 cup)
- 1 beaten egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as plum, strawberry, peach, or apricot)
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 1 recipe Jam Icing (see recipe below)
2. In a large bowl combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. Make a well in center of flour mixture; set aside.
3. In another bowl mash the drained sweet potatoes with a fork. Stir in egg, milk, jam, and oil. Add sweet potato mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy).
4. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden and a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups. Cool slightly. Drizzle muffins with Jam Icing and, if desired, top with additional jam or preserves. Makes 12 muffins.
Jam Icing: In a small bowl stir together 3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon fruit jam or preserves (such as plum, strawberry, peach, or apricot), 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and enough milk (2 to 3 teaspoons) to make icing of drizzling consistency. Makes about 1/4 cup.
Bake: 18 minutes
Cool: 25 minutes
- 1 package (6- to 7-cup yield) plain microwave popcorn
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 to 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups potato sticks
- 1-1/2 cups peanuts or almonds
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit
2. Sprinkle popcorn with Parmesan cheese; toss gently to coat. Stir in potato sticks, peanuts, and dried fruit.
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Simple Homemade Baby Food
Homemade baby food is packed with powerful vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s cheaper (hello college fund)! You can make nutrient-packed meals for your little one from the items you’re likely already tossing into your shopping cart. All you need is a blender or food processor and a saucepan to start whipping up tasty, fresh meals tonight!
Think you don’t have time to whip up a nutritious, homemade meal for your very hungry baby? Even takeout queens will find these recipes — made with stuff you usually toss into your shopping cart — quick and easy to make. Added bonus: You’ll be happy to know that every bite is packed with many of the vitamins and minerals Baby needs and you’ll likely save money (hello, college fund!) by using fresh or frozen veggies instead of purchasing pricey premade purees.
To get started, all you’ll need is a food processor or blender and a saucepan. If your baby is just beginning to snack on solids, you’ll want these purees to be thin enough for her to swallow easily — you might need to add a teaspoon or two of water to get the right consistency. After he adapts to eating real food, he’ll be able to handle a thicker puree.
Baby’s Chicken and Apples
To get a smoother consistency for this protein- and-vitamin-rich combo, cut cooked chicken into small pieces before grinding. Make extra — you can freeze this recipe for up to one month.
Ingredients
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1 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast half
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1 medium (5 to 6 ounces) apple, peeled, cored and cut up
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2 teaspoons unsweetened apple juice
Directions1. In a small saucepan, cook chicken breast half in enough boiling water to cover for 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (internal temperature should be 170°F). Remove from saucepan; cool. Reserve the water the chicken was cooked in. Cut up cooked chicken into small pieces
2. Meanwhile, grind apple in a food mill or mini food processor with the apple juice until the consistency of applesauce; set aside.
3. Grind chicken in a food mill or mini food processor. Mix ground chicken and applesauce together. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons reserved cooking liquid for the consistency your child likes. Use within 1 day, or freeze up to 1 month.
To Freeze: Spoon finished food into ice cube trays. Cover with waxed paper and freeze until firm. When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To Serve: Heat thawed mixture to lukewarm in a small dish set in a pan of hot water. Stir before serving. Always sample a small bite to make sure the food is not too hot.
Asparagus and Broccoli Baby FoodPromote healthy growth and boost immunity for Baby with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, calcium, and folate, in every yummy spoonful
Ingredients
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1 cup cut asparagus pieces
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1 cup small broccoli florets
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
DirectionsCook asparagus and broccoli in boiling water until tender; drain. Place garlic and oil together in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Puree all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.
Chicken and Sweet Potato PureePerfect for babies who are at least 8 months old, this nutritious dinner is high in protein, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Plus it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
-
1 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast half
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1 large (12 ounces) sweet potato, peeled and cubed
Directions1. In a small saucepan, cook chicken breast half in enough boiling water to cover for 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (internal temperature should be 170°F). Remove from saucepan; cool.
2. In a medium saucepan, cook the sweet potato, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 20 to 25 minutes or until very tender. Drain sweet potatoes, reserving cooking liquid. Use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash potatoes.
3. Grind chicken in a food mill or mini food processor. Mix ground chicken and sweet potatoes together. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid or more for the consistency your child likes. Use within 1 day, or freeze up to 1 month.
To Freeze: Spoon finished food into ice cube trays. Cover with waxed paper and freeze until firm. When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To Serve: Heat thawed mixture to lukewarm in a small dish set in a pan of hot water. Stir before serving. Always sample a small bite to make sure the food is not too hot.
Baby’s First Applesauce
Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins, and have been studied for their benefits in lowering the risk of asthma — a perfect choice for one of Baby’s first foods
Ingredients
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2 cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
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2/3 cup water
Directions1. Place apples and water in a small saucepan. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until apples are very tender. Cool mixture. Puree mixture using a food mill, baby food grinder, blender, or small food processor. Use within 1 day, or freeze up to 1 month.
To Freeze: Spoon finished food into ice cube trays. Cover with waxed paper and freeze until firm. When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Apples and Peaches Baby FoodMake the most of in-season produce by freezing fruit, such as the peaches used in this recipe, to use later in the year. Your baby will still get the same nutritional benefits as she would if you used fresh fruit
Ingredients
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1 Golden Delicious apple
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1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
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1 cup frozen peaches (defrosted)
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2 teaspoons water
DirectionsPeel, core, and dice the apple, combine with 1/2 cup water in a saucepan, then bring to a boil over high heat; cook for 5 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then puree mixture until smooth. While apple is cooling, combine peaches and remaining 2 tablespoons water in a blender. Puree until smooth. Stir apples and peaches together and serve.
