Controlled random examinations in preterm and term infants cited by the research paper, “Early origins of cardiovascular disease. Is there a unifying hypothesis?” by Lucas Singhal, proved that “early nutrition has a major impact on long-term health including cognitive function, bone health, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.”

Dr. Atul Singhal, a professor of Pediatric Nutrition and deputy director of the University College London, explained in a forum that the long-term growth and development of infants depended not just on the quantity of nourishment they receive but on the quality as well. He also heads the Clinical Trials and Cardiovascular Nutrition group at the MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Centre’s Institute of Child Health at University College London, which researched on “The Importance of Protein for Long-term Health.”

Although a high protein intake may improve and accelerate young infants’ growth, parents should focus on the quality of protein they feed their babies. “While a higher protein intake has short-term advantages for growth, adverse programming by high protein intake and faster growth suggest that the optimum nutrition of infants is more complex than simply ‘more is better,’” said Dr. Singhal.

Alpha protein or á-lactalbumin is beneficial to the overall health of infants. Unlike other whey-based proteins, alpha protein is easily digested by babies and lessens the possibility of vomiting, spitting up, or food intolerance of babies. This important protein helps improve the kidney function of babies and the absorption of essential minerals like zinc.

Alpha protein also enhances babies’ sleep patterns and appetites. It contains helpful amino acids with tryptophan which also enhance the disposition or mood of children. Children who are given alpha protein are healthier and stand to have more enduring health benefits.

To find out more about alpha protein and what in can do for your baby, ask your trusted pediatrician.

If you are an expectant mom, the one thing that you should make sure you do not take for granted is to show up for your pre natal appointments. This will at first will allow the mother to see the viability of the pregnancy and then later sonogram will be done to check if the baby is thriving as it should. The key is to get yourself a good Obstetrician.

An OB will prescribe a prenatal vitamin like – click here and a responsible mother should religiously take it every single day, until the doctor tells her to stop. This will ensure the health of the baby in the w

Developed through a partnership of baby experts – Pampers, the Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines (MCNAP) and Gymboree Play and Music, Pampers Yoga Stretchycise is a fun playtime routine that combines yoga moves with stretching which will help encourage the development of baby’s mind and body.

Participants were treated to a first-hand demonstration of these simple exercises that encourage baby movement and active play, which is essential for babies at this stage of their development. The first two years of life is when a child’s brain is growing fastest and before a child can speak, movement is the most important way for them to explore and learn about their social and physical environment and develop new skills.

“The Active Baby Stage is really a period for developmental achievement and intellectual growth. It’s a time of intense exploration of the environment as children attempt to find out how things work,” said MCNAP President Estelita Galutira.

This is further confirmed by the U.S. National Association of Sports and Physical Education who states that “current research confirms that the physical activity of infants and young children is an important component of early brain development and learning. Positive early movement experiences increase the infant’s chances of achieving full developmental potential throughout life.”

And one way to encourage movement is through the new Pampers Yoga Stretchycise. The series of exercises was inspired by baby yoga, which offers quality physical stimulation including flowing postures, holding, movement, touch, voice and deep relaxation.

“Baby Yoga is a great way to encourage active play which is important because at this stage, the pre-schoolers and below, their way of learning is to play. The Pampers Yoga Stretchycise helps encourage your baby’s development by maximizing body movement.” said baby yoga instructor, Maritoni Tordesillas.
Through the high quality attention they receive, yoga helps babies learn to interact with others and play actively, either with their parents or with other children in the classroom like environment. Physical benefits for the baby include helping his neural development, motor skills and balance aiding in digestion and giving him enough activity to sleep more deeply.

Baby yoga also has the added benefit of nurturing the bond between parents and their child and helping babies feel more relaxed and settled.

The event also celebrated the recent partnership of Gymboree Play and Music with Pampers, who will undertake a joint program this year to help promote active play for better baby development.

“Since Pampers’ mission has always been to help parents nurture their children’s development, we are very happy to have partnered with Gymboree Play & Music as they are the global leader when it comes to creating programs that help boost early childhood development,” said Pampers Brand Manager, Chad Sotelo.

“Together, we hope to give parents even more ways to enjoy an active lifestyle with their babies, such as the Pampers Yoga Stretchycise movements that we’ve shown you today, which you can do very easily with your child at home,“ he added.

Ann Tan, Gymboree Play & Music Managing Director shared, “We are very happy that the partnership between Gymboree and Pampers has finally materialized. This is a very important alliance because we share the same vision and commitment in providing the best channels for growth and development of babies, toddlers and little children.”

Gymboree offers age-appropriate classes to encourage active play for parents and their children, with especially designed equipment, bright foam and air pieces, a variety of props and trained teachers to create an environment that will stimulate a child’s physical, cognitive and social development. Parents interested to learn more can visit the Gymboree website at www.gymboree-ph.com

Meanwhile Pampers’ newest product – Pampers Active Baby – helps encourage movement through its unique stretchy side tapes that follows a baby’s body shape, allowing for a more comfortable fit so babies can play all day.

To learn more about Pampers Yoga Strechycise and Pampers Active Baby, parents can visit www.pampers.ph.

GIGA baby soap is our current favorite from their brand new line.  Ingredients are: Virgin Coconut Oil, Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Wheatgerm oil, Grapeseed oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Lavender Oil, Chamomile Oil, Sodium Silicate, TEDTA and BHT.

We have been GIGA users from 2005 and I love that this company provides consumers with the wiser organic option.

Keeping a dog in the house can actually be extra hassle, but if pet owners/ parents do not mind the bother, aside from having to buy dog supplies on a regular basis, periodic immunizations and grooming, parents should also make sure that your kid is not left alone with a dog. A child can have unpredictable behavior and the same with dogs. It is definitely a no-no to have dogs and cats with an infant.

Children and dogs can become best of friends through time. It is just important to follow simple precautions and guidelines to avoid accidents and danger.

What can be more delightful than Bizu’s Summer Sorbets and Yoga Cake to cool down the summer heat! This is what we were served with and a handful of other treats during the Bloggers Merienda 2 that was held in Bizu Patisserie and Café in Greenhills.

Bizu’s Summer Sorbets and Yoga Cake are probably two of the most innovative summer treats I have ever tried. The serving of Summer Sorbets consists of: Apple and Mint, Raspberry and Merlot, Passion Fruit and Mango, Lemon and Ginger and Lychee and Vanilla. The set is sold for P285. The sweet kicks you get from the fascinating play of each flavor in every concoction would just have you ask for more. My favorite from the Summer Sorbets collection is the Lychee and Vanilla. I would have delightfully finished a mugful without complaining, if I had the chance.

The passion fruits comes into serious sweet play in Bizu’s most recent masterpiece – The Yoga Cake. As a lover of yogurt, it is not difficult to fall in love with this treat. The complementing tastes of yogurt and custard,  topped with  passion fruits and the biscuits that hold the cake create a perfect blend for that ultimate summer indulgence. The Yoga Cake comes in three sizes: Personal – P165, Midi – P625 and Grande – P1,255. Make sure to spot and get a taste of the season’s finest: Bizu’s Summer Sorbets and Yoga Cake.

Alabang Towncenter
G/L Corte Delas Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
Tel. No.: 809-BIZU • 772-1917 • 772-1918

Greenbelt 2
G/L Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel. Nos.: 757-BIZU • 757-4749

Glorietta 4
3/L Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel. Nos.: 757-2086

Greenhills
The Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center
Tel. No.: 724-2498 • 726-2496

Taking some time to assess your body type is also a priority. Make sure you don’t rob the fun of dressing up by messing it up by getting a piece that does not flatter your body type. You might want to check my other blog KikayCorner.net to assess your body type and figure out from there if the kind of women’s lingerie or any dress for that matter, fits you.