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    Choosing the best formula for your baby is complicated task for newly parents. We know that many of them is looking for the formula with perfect ingredients.  That’s why many parents wondered if soy is safe for their infants.

First, let us find out what soy is and how it can be used in infant formulas.

Soy is a vegetable product that is made from soybeans. In baby formulas, it can be used as:

• a protein source
• a fat source
• an emulsifier.

A protein source is needed for healthy growth of infants, that’s why all infant formulas should have it as an ingredient. For those babies who cannot take milk-based formulas or breastmilk (Galactosemia) you can give soy-based formulas which have soy protein isolate.

In many forms, soy provides vital minerals and nutrients. On the other hand, soy based formulas can change the baby’s normal hormonal development, because they have a high level of estrogen. The research is still ongoing, but due to AAP’s recommendations, soy based formulas should be given only when it is medically needed.

Soy Oil in baby formulas is used as a fat source, which is necessary for healthy development. This Oil is cheap and easy available. But you should know and remember that farmers use pesticide on soy crops and soybean processing can lead to the presence of trans fats, which are dangerous for the baby’s health.

Soy Oil as a natural emulsifier is called Soy Lecithin. It is a substance that allows the ‘stable emulsion’ of oil and water. It prevents the formula from separating.

 It’s impossible to avoid soy lecithin because many of daily products contain it (from candy bars to cookies).

Soy Lecithin used in some Hipp formulas is not like the soy which is used in American formulas. 

If you would like to avoid soy lecithin, try Holle Cow’s and Goat’s milk, Hipp Stage 1, Nanny Care and Loulouka.

Finding the right formula for your baby is not the only task for newly parents. They also need to know how to make and store it.

In this article, we will try to give you some basic advices so that you can easily cope with this task.

Remember, that it is very important to wash your hands well and to make sure that you use a clean area to prepare the baby formula. Next step is to clean and sterilize bottle and equipment (you can use special sterilizer or a pan of boiled water).

Dear parents, always check the expiry date before preparing the infant formula. You should read all instructions attentively and follow what is written on the formula container. Then you will know how much water and powder you need.

Before making the formula, boil water and make it colder.

Next step is to fill the sterilized bottle with the right amount of water. Then add the right number of scoops (use the only scoop that you have in a formula tin) into the bottle and make sure that the amount is level. Then shake the closed bottle well. Moreover, do not forget to put the powder on water. As well, check the formula temperature before feeding (put few drops of formula on your inner wrist).  It should be just warm, not hot.

If you need to warm the baby formula, you should put the bottle with a formula into a bowl of warm water or hold the bottle under warm running water. However, never use the microwave.

Every mom knows that fresh prepared formula is the best for their little babies. Nevertheless, sometimes you need to have it ready beforehand. So do not forget, that you can keep the prepared formula in a refrigerator within 24 hours. You can also give your baby ready to go formula, which you can keep in a fridge not more than 48 hours. All formulas should be stored in a refrigerator at temperature lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

All unopened infant formula containers should be stored in a dry, cool and indoor place. Do not store opened formulas in the refrigerator, keep them in cold, dry place with tight closed lid and use it within 1 month.

     Everyone has probably wondered which formula is better: goat’s milk or cow’s milk. Therefor we will try to explain you what is the major difference between these two types of infant formulas. Because finding the best organic baby formula has been task number 1 for newly parents.

     All baby formulas are very similar in their composition, because they are regulated by the same standards to ensure their safety and quality. There are some slight differences between cow’s milk formula and goat’s milk formula.

     Goat milk has more minerals and vitamins, while cow’s milk has more folic acid and B12 than goat milk. However, it doesn’t matter much for the formula because all infant formulas have the right balance of minerals and vitamins. It may give goat’s milk a slight benefit over cow’s milk because the nutrient in goat’s milk are easier to digest than in cow’s milk. We can also add that goat milk is less allergenic than cow’s milk. That’s why it is called hypoallergenic alternative to cow’s milk because it can less trigger the allergies and food sensitives that many children experience with cow’s milk.

     Cow’s milk infant formula and goat’s milk infant formula differs in ratio between whey and casein. It should be added that whey is a protein that digests quickly, while casein is a protein that digests slowly. Cow’s milk has the same whey to casein ratio as breastmilk. While goat milk has a very different ration than human breastmilk. It has much casein than whey.

     Lactose is a naturally-occurring sugar in different milk types as well as in breastmilk. Goat’s milk formula has more lactose than cow’s milk and falls in upper limit of normal range. As well both goat’s and cow’s milk have almost the same amount of fat. But the fat molecules in cow’s milk are larger than in goat’s milk. That could mean that goat’s milk is easier to digest.

     After checking all these factors, a goat’s milk formula may be a good option for babies who have trouble digesting a cow’s milk formula.

     Remember, that it’s very important to talk to your pediatrician before choosing the formula for your baby.

     That is a choice that only you can make.

Sleep regressions. Do you know what does it mean? Or maybe do you know when does it happen and how long does it last? In this article, we want to give you the answers to all questions about sleep regression.

Sleep regression is a period, usually about two to four weeks, when your baby won’t sleep and wake up often at night.

Sleep regression can happen at any time, since it’s linked to unpredictable factors like disruptions in routines, teething pain, travelling and other.

The first sleep regression often happens when your baby is about 4 months old, and others might occur in the future. Since it’s the first, the 4-month sleep regression is often the hardest for parents. At this age the cause of baby sleep problems can be teething pain or excitement of rolling over for the first time.

The second period can happen when your baby is 6 months old. By this age your baby can sleep all night but may wake up only for snuggles. At this time, we recommend you to test a sleep training method.

Sleep regression can also happen when your baby is 8-10 months old. At this stage, most babies are making great strides physically – learning to crawl or to pull up. There’s also a lot of brain development happening at this stage. That’s why you can get more night waking at this period. However, some babies don’t start this sleep regression until they turn 9 months old. There is nothing wrong with your baby if sleep was fine at 8 months old but not at 9 months old.

Sometime between 9 to 12 months, babies start standing up. At around the one-year, others their first step. Reaching big milestones can cause temporary sleep problems.

Toddlers also often go through sleep regressions at around 18 months and 24 months. In addition, remember that most toddlers really aren’t ready to transition to just one nap a day until about 15-18 months old.

Sleep regression is a normal part in babies life. In the meantime, following a bedtime routine and sleep schedule help to reduce sleep problems.

    Potty training is a big step for kids and their parents. Do you know the secret to the success? We know!You should be patience and you should know that it takes time.

    Every child is different, so do not compare your child with others. And remember that you can start potty training when your baby is between 18 months and 3 years. Start it with teaching your child words, which are needed for potty training such as wet, dry, wee and poo. Here are few steps, which helps you in potty training process:

• Choose a Potty for your child
• Watch for signs and guide your baby to the potty
• Wear your baby in such clothes that is easy to get off
• Demonstrate the potty training methods
• Choose the right time carefully
• Do not show your baby if you are disappointed
• Offer praise and reward
• Remember to teach proper hygiene

   Using a potty will be new to your child, so get them used to the idea step by step. Leave a potty where your child can see it and explain what it's for. Children learn by watching and copying. They also need to be able to sit on the potty and get up from it when they’re done, and follow your instructions.

   Potty training is often easier in warm weather because there is less clothing to remove. You may even let your child go without pants or a nappy some of the time. 

   Some children start using the toilet instead of the potty earlier than others. If you choose a toilet seat attachment make sure the toilet area is safe – keep household cleaners, deodorants and toiletries out of reach.

 Breastfeeding is a time for closeness and connection, no matter how old your baby is. If you decide to stop breastfeeding, there are ways to make it easier for you and your baby.

      Weaning is the process of stopping feeding your baby with breast milk.  Every mother and baby are different — there is no specific age when the weaning process should begin. The best way to do it without pain is to do it slowly.

However, if you need to stop breastfeeding quickly “cold turkey”, there are some things you can do to do it comfortably and with minimal risk:

• Offer your child only one breast per feed
• Wear a supportive bra
• Keep in mind that breastfeeding is more than just food for your
• Consider also talking to your doctor about offering your child formula

Breastfeeding difficulties, returning to work or school, going on holiday, your baby’s age are main reasons why moms want to stop breastfeeding.

You also need to change your feeding routine - include more foods and less breast milk so that your baby doesn't expect to breastfeed every time they eat.

Sometimes the mother is ready to stop breastfeeding, but the baby does not want. There are a lot of ways how to move your baby from breastfeeding to solid foods. If you have an older baby, you can try engaging them in an activity like playing games….But if the weaning process is not going smoothly, it’s okay to try again later. The important thing is to find a balance that meets the needs of you and your baby.

     HIPP, Holle and Loulouka are really the best European formulas. More and more American parents are buying it online from importers. They think it is healthier and better formulas for their babies than American. We can share many reasons why these products became so popular nowadays, but here are a few of the most important:

• European Formulas are like breastmilk

Many European Formulas contain whey, which make the formula taste close to breastmilk. European formulas contain less palm oil than American ones. In addition, few European formulas contain prebiotics and probiotics, which are in breastmilk.

• European Formulas are made from organic ingredients

The best European formulas such as HIPP, Loulouka, Holle are made with milk from biodynamic farms. That means that they are organic, free of pesticides. They use Demeter label on formulas.

• European Formulas Avoid certain ingredients

The European Commission regulates European formulas. It has strict standards for the ingredients in baby formulas. The EU does not allow using corn syrup, glucose, fructose, rice syrup, table sugar (sucrose) or carrageenan.The FDA regulates US formulas and they have some basic guidance for the ingredients that should be included in baby formula.

• European Formulas come in stages

In the US, “Infant Formula” means that this formula is made for infants from birth till 12 months. Europe separates all formulas at least in 2 stages, some 3 and even 4. Stage 1 is for babies from the birth to 6 months. And Stage 2 is for infants after solid foods (after 6 months). If you have chosen to try European Formula, you should know that it is very important to get the right stage for your baby.

If you’re using European formulas, we’d love to know which one, and how it’s working for your baby.

Baby Gas. Every Mom is so afraid of these two words. Crying baby, discomfort, the lack of sleep – and if your baby is suffering from it – it feels like something so much worse. Babies tend to pass gas more than 13 times each day. Do you think this is too much?

For you to know babies have many chances to swallow the air: when the baby is crying, eating or sucking a pacifier.

When your baby is burping, crying, getting fussy or she is having a hard tummy you should know that the air enters in your little one’s belly. In addition, if your baby make a noise or turn red, but usually she is happy – this is a sign that this is normal. You should know – when your baby grows, gas will not bother you.

Here are some tips that may help your baby to feel better:

• Burp your baby. In addition to belching after feedings, try giving your baby a gentle middle-feed to get rid of swallowed air before it goes to baby’s bowels. 
• Control the air. You should always check feeding position to cut back on the air he swallows. 
• Feed your baby before she is hungry. Moreover, not allow her to cry. The more your baby cries the more air she swallows and the more gas she has.
• Do body massage, encourage tummy time, ride a bicycle. All these activities as well as warm bath time can help your baby to get rid of extra gas.
• Check your diet if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your pediatrician about foods that may give your baby extra gas.
• Try baby gripe water or gas drops for infant’s gas. Never offer your baby it without asking your doctor.

In most cases, infant gas is normal and treatable. Nevertheless, if your baby has a fever, is very fussy or has bloody stools – contact your doctor.

The first tooth is really a big event in your baby’s life. It can be distressing, but there are few ways to make it easier for you little one. Every baby is different and you may have to try a few different things until you find something that works for your baby. You should get more information about teething and it will help your baby to go through it. Remember that teething can be painful, but is does not usually make baby sick.  

Here are few tips how to help your teething baby:

• Teething baby love to chew. Let your baby chew as much as she wants. Chewing is even more effective when the object is cold.
• Try a cold spoon, pacifier or refrigerated teething toy or ring.
• Massage baby’s gums. You can do it with your clean finger, wet toothbrush or teething toys.
• Cold drinks. For babies over 6 months you can give a cools water in cup.
• Cold food. You can give your baby some frozen fruits in a baby feeder mesh bag. You should keep an eye on your baby.
• Give more attention to your baby. Extra kisses and patience are what a teething baby need. Play more with your little ones – playing can distract them from any pain in their gums.
• Pain relief. If no mentioned tips work, you can check with your pediatrician which acetaminophen you can give your baby.
• Avoid teething necklaces. Most pediatricians are against them. They think they are dangerous.

Start brushing your baby’s teeth with toothpaste as soon as their first milk tooth break through. Moreover, monitor your baby’s teeth with doctor. It will help you and your baby to soothe each new tooth that pops out.